In this form, Durga is four-armed and rides on a lion. She carries a lotus, a kamandalu and a bell. Her one hand is in a blessing posture.
Skanda Mata is the fifth manifestation of Goddess Durga. She is worshipped on the fifth day of the Navaratri. Her son Kartikeya is also called Skanda. So, she is called Skandamaata or the Mother of Skanda.
Lord Skanda can be seen in her lap. She possesses four arms out of which two hold the lotus flowers. One of her hands is always in the boon-conferring gesture and with the other, she holds her son Skanda in her lap. Her complexion is white and she is seated on the lotus. So, she is also called the Goddess with a lotus seat. The Lion is also her vehicle.
Skandamaata who possesses the brilliance of the sun fulfills all the desires of her devotees. He, who is selflessly devoted to her, attains all the achievements and treasures of life. The worship of Skandamaata purifies the heart of a devotee. While worshiping her, the devotee should have absolute control over his senses and mind. He should free himself from worldly bondage and worship her with a single-pointed devotion. Her worship is twice blessed. When the devotee worships her, Lord Skanda, her son in her lap is automatically worshipped. Thus the devotee happens to enjoy the grace of Skandamaataa along with the grace of Lord Skanda.
If a devotee worships her devoid of selfishness, the Mother blesses them with power and prosperity. The devotees who worship Skandamaata shine with divine splendor. Her worship is ultimately conducive to salvation.
Mantras for Skandamaata Devi
Om Devi Skandmatayayi Namah (108 recitation of this mantra)
Sinhaasangataam Nityam Padmaanchit Kardwayaa | Shubhdaastu Sadaa Devi Skandmata Yashaswini ||
This means, Skandmata, who rides on Lion with Kartikeya, holds lotus in her two hands and Varmudra in one hand, be propitious to me.
Skandmaata takes care of a devotee as her own child. Devotees must worship Skandamaata specifically if they have many obstacles in life. Skandmaata then takes care of the devotee as her own child and removes all his obstacles.
