Skandamata

Skandamata, whose name translates to 'mother of Skanda,' is a revered form of the Hindu goddess Mahadevi. She is primarily known and worshipped as the maternal figure to the war god Kartikeya, who is also referred to as Skanda. As the fifth of the Navadurga, a group of nine distinct forms of the goddess, Skandamata holds a significant place in Hindu devotional practices, particularly during the Navaratri festival where she is venerated on the fifth day.

Iconography and Legend

Skandamata is typically depicted with four arms and three eyes. Her iconography often includes holding the infant form of her son, Skanda, on her lap, while one hand displays the fear-dispelling gesture known as abhayamudra. Her remaining two hands are usually shown holding lotus flowers, symbolizing purity and spiritual growth. She is often portrayed as light-complexioned and is sometimes referred to as Padamasani, meaning 'one who is seated on a lotus,' due to her common depiction on this divine flower. Her mount is a lion, representing strength and courage.

The legends surrounding Skandamata often connect to the birth and upbringing of Skanda. According to texts like the Shiva Purana, the birth of Skanda was a divine intervention to combat the asura Taraka. Following events involving Shiva, Parvati took on the nurturing role, breastfeeding and raising the infant Skanda, thereby embodying the divine maternal aspect that defines Skandamata. It is in this nurturing capacity that she is celebrated and invoked by devotees.