On the fifth day of Navratri devotees worship Maa Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya. Her name is a blend of two powerful words: ‘Skanda,’ which refers to Kartikeya, and ‘Mata,’ meaning mother. The story of Skandamata is also the story of Parvati’s devotion, her trials, and the eventual birth of a warrior destined to save the universe.

The Union of Parvati and Shiva: A Cosmic Reawakening

After the self-immolation of Sati, Shiva retreated from the world, immersing himself in deep penance, disconnected from everything. His absence from the universe left a void, and the gods grew increasingly anxious. At the same time, two powerful demons, Surapadman and Tarakasura, roamed the universe unchecked, encouraged by a boon that made them unstoppable—except for the offspring of Shiva and Parvati.

Fearing the rise of these demons, the gods turned to Lord Vishnu for help. Vishnu reminded them of their mistakes, especially the fateful event of Daksha’s Yajna, which triggered Sati’s death and Shiva’s retreat. While Vishnu himself could offer no direct solution, hope emerged in the form of Parvati, the reincarnation of Sati.

Narada Muni visited Parvati and told her she was destined to reunite with Shiva, but it would require immense penance. With unshakable determination, Parvati embarked on a long and severe tapasya, her devotion and love for Shiva.

Finally, after thousands of years of penance, the cosmic forces aligned, and the two were reunited in a powerful union to bring forth their divine son—Kartikeya.

The Birth of Lord Kartikeya

The birth of Kartikeya was no ordinary event. When Shiva and Parvati came together, a blinding seed of radiant energy was born. This seed was so powerful that even the Lord Agni could not withstand its brilliance. Agni, entrusted with the seed, sought help from the goddess Ganga, and together they nurtured it. But in the end, it was Parvati, taking the form of water herself, who carried the seed, knowing that only she had the strength to bear its power.

From this seed was born Kartikeya, a child with six radiant faces, each one brimming with divine power. He was raised by six mothers, known as the ‘Krittikas,’ from whom he took the name Kartikeya. In South India, he is also revered as Lord Murugan.

Kartikeya was not just a warrior; he was a seeker of knowledge. As a child, he approached Brahma, to learn the meaning of the sacred syllable ‘Om.’ Dissatisfied with Brahma’s lengthy explanation, Kartikeya turned to his father, Shiva, who provided an even more detailed interpretation. But Kartikeya, with his profound intellect, understood the meaning of ‘Om’ on his own and shared its significance with the world in 12 crore verses—a testament to his boundless wisdom.

The Mother of a Mighty God

Maa Skandamata is depicted as a nurturing and fierce protector. She rides a lion, symbolizing strength and courage, and is seated on a lotus, which represents purity and divinity. She has four arms: in one, she lovingly carries baby Kartikeya; in two others, she holds lotuses; and in the fourth, she blesses her devotees. Skandamata embodies the strength of a mother, whose love and power are intertwined.

It is believed that by worshipping Skandamata, devotees also receive the blessings of Kartikeya himself. As the mother of such a powerful deity, Skandamata offers protection, guidance, and fearlessness to those who seek her blessings. Her devotees are inspired to face their challenges with the same strength and wisdom that she and her divine son represent.

A Day of Reverence and Empowerment

On this fifth day of Navratri, devotees offer their prayers to Maa Skandamata, seeking her divine blessings for strength, protection, and the courage to overcome obstacles. Skandamata's story reminds us of the immense power of a mother’s love, the resilience of devotion, and the unstoppable force of divine energy. By worshipping her, we invoke not only her strength but also the blessings of Kartikeya, the fierce protector of the cosmos.

Her compassionate yet fierce aura fills the hearts of devotees, giving them the power to conquer negativity and rise above challenges. As we celebrate her on this auspicious day, we honour the divine motherhood and the unbreakable bond between Skandamata and Kartikeya, a bond that safeguards the universe and brings peace to her followers.