NAVRATRI DAY 5: Skandamata, The symbol of Motherhood

Devi Skandamata symbolizes motherhood and is the mother of the six schools of knowledge i.e. Vaisheshika, Purva Mimamsa, Uttara Mimamsa, Mimamsa, Sankhya and Vedanta

She is also the mother of the six limbs of vedas i.e. siksha (pronunciation), Chhanda (metrics),Vyakarana (grammar), Nirukta (entomology) , Jyotisha (astrology) and Kalpa (rituals).

Lord Kartikeya is also called Skanda. He is a combination of Shiva  Tattva that represents blissful calm and disengaged from action and the Devi Tattva which represents activity in the creation. 

Devi is the confluence of Iccha Shakti (power of intention), Jnana Shakti (power of knowledge) and Kriya Shakti (power of righteous action) . Thus when the Shiva Tattva is combined with Devi Tattva, Skanda emerges.

Skanda Mata represents the Kriyatmak Jnana or Knowledge driven by right action.The knowledge which we use practically in our daily world that helps us attain a defined goal.  Thus Skanda  represents coming together of knowledge and right action in our life.

It is an extension of the Devi Tattva.The actions you perform for daily living or when faced with difficult situations or choices which are based on knowledge is an example of the manifestation of Skanda Tattva.

Thus, the Devi inspires one to nurture relationships,  seek knowledge and wisdom and harness inner strength to achieve desired goals.