Today’s Navaratri Worship: Skanda Mata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya

Skanda Mata, the fifth incarnation of Navadurga, is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri.

Because Goddess Parvati is the mother of Kartikeya (Lord Skanda), she is revered as ‘Skanda Mata.’ She is depicted with four arms, holding a six-faced infant in her lap. Her right and left upper hands are both holding a lotus flower.

It is believed that when one worships Skanda Mata, one also worships Lord Skanda in her lap, and thus receives grace and blessings from both divinities. Goddess Skanda Mata bestows power, prosperity, and true wisdom on her devotees.

Skanda Mata treats her devotees like children, bestowing strength and power on them and eliminating barriers in their path. Her blessings bestow limitless peace, resolve dilemmas, and provide devotees with a higher level of consciousness.