स्कन्दमाता
Navdurga
Skandamata is the fifth form of Durga — 'the mother of Skanda (Kartikeya)'. She holds the infant Skanda in her lap, representing the combination of motherly love and divine warrior strength. Her worship is on Day 5 of Navratri. Day 5 is associated with the colour grey (or yellow). Devotees offer bananas and pray for the blessings of children and family happiness. Worship of Skandamata is considered equivalent to worshipping both Kartikeya and Devi together.
Four arms — two holding lotuses, one blessing, and one cradling the infant Skanda (Kartikeya) in her lap. Seated on a lion. Fair complexion, wearing a red saree.
ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः ॥
सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माञ्चितकरद्वया । शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी ॥
Part of the Navdurga collection