5. Skandamata

Dhyana Mantra

सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया। शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥

May the glorious Devi Skandamata, who is ever seated on a lion-throne with both hands resting on a lotus, always be auspicious.

The fifth form of Mother Durga is known by the name Skandamata. Lord Skanda is also known by the name 'Kumara Kartikeya'. He became the commander of the gods in the famous war between the devas and asuras. In the puranas his glory is described, calling him Kumara and Shaktidhara. His mount is the peacock; hence he is also called Mayuravahana.

Because she is the mother of this Lord Skanda, this fifth form of Mother Durga is known by the name Skandamata. Her worship is performed on the fifth day of Navaratri puja. On this day the seeker's mind is established in the 'Vishuddha' chakra. In her image, Lord Skanda sits as a child in her lap. Devi Skandamatusvarupini has four arms. With the upper arm on her right side she holds Lord Skanda in her lap, and the lower arm on her right side, which is raised upward, holds a lotus flower. The upper arm on her left side is in the varada mudra (the boon-giving gesture), and the lower arm, which is raised upward, also holds a lotus flower. Her complexion is entirely white. She is seated on a lotus seat; for this very reason she is also called Padmasana Devi. The lion is also her mount.

The great importance of the fifth day of Navaratri worship is described in the scriptures. The mind of the seeker established in this chakra has all its outer activities and mental modifications dissolved. He is advancing toward the pure-consciousness form. His mind, freed from all worldly, material and illusory bonds, becomes wholly absorbed in the form of Padmasana Mother Skandamata. At this time the seeker should advance in worship with complete care. He should keep all his meditative faculties concentrated and move forward on the path of practice.

By Mother Skandamata's worship all the devotee's wishes are fulfilled. Even in this mortal world he begins to experience supreme peace and happiness. The door of liberation (moksha) becomes easily available to him of itself. By Skandamata's worship, the worship of the child-form Lord Skanda also happens of itself. This special quality is obtained by her alone; therefore the seeker should pay special attention to Skandamata's worship. Because she is the presiding deity of the solar system, her worshipper becomes endowed with extraordinary brilliance and radiance. An extraordinary halo always spreads around him invisibly. This halo constantly maintains his welfare.

Therefore we should try to come to the Mother's refuge, keeping the mind pure and single-pointed. There is no better means than this to become free of the sorrows of this terrible ocean of worldly existence and to make the path of moksha easy.