शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥
Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini॥
On the fifth Navratra, Mother Durga is worshipped as Mother (Mata) of Skanda (or Lord Kartikeya), hence her name, Skanda-mata. Her son is a great warrior who leads the army of gods in their war against the demons. Worshipping the fifth facet of Mother Divine automatically pleases Lord Kartikeya (or Skanda).
The idol/ image of four-armed Skandamata holds infant Skanda in her lap with one hand and poses vardaan mudra with another. Rest of her hands carries one lotus each and thus She does not brandish any weapon. She has three eyes and a dazzling complexion. Her seat of choice is actually a Lotus, though She is often depicted astride a lion.
The female energy and potent force that She owns Vishudhhi Chakra (or throat Chakra) that reigns over one’s communication and ingenuity.
Goddess Skandmata’s story is quite an interesting one. Legend says that Tarkasur, a great demon, once pleased Lord Brahma with his great devotion and tough penance. He asked Lord Brahma to shower his blessings and make him immortal. However, Lord Brahma denied, saying no one can escape death. But Tarkasur acted smart and asked for a boon that no one accept the son of Lord Shiva can kill him, since he thought Lord Shiva would never get married.
Tarkasur started tormenting the people on the earth. Fearing his strength would cause destructions, the devatas requested Lord Shiva to get married. Lord shiva then married Goddess Parvati and their child, Lord Kartikeya/Skand Kumar, brought an end to Tarkasur and also became the commander in chief of the devtas in the war against the demons. Thus Goddess Skandmata’s story is a symbol of the mother-son relationship.
