5th Goddess of the Navratri

The great Goddess, Mother Durga, is said to have 9 aspects, which are the 9 Goddesses. Today the 5th aspect, Skandamata, is worshipped, according to Hindu scripture. Let this day of the Goddess remind you that you are supported by the strength of a lion or Universal Energy, which is all powerful. You are perfectly balanced, a lotus in each hand. You are the ocean, calm and serene. You carry the small child of your own self in your arms, so be kind, compassionate, and loving with yourself. Teach yourself how to love yourself. Let go of all false concepts of love--the dictionary definitions that you, yourself, create--and open to discovering what love really is. Give up being a dictionary, creating definitions that become expectations that keep you in bondage. Submerge yourself in meditation constantly with every breath, in every moment of your life, and let yourself move upward, towards the highest chakra, and then beyond, towards the Light of all wisdom, love, and compassion. (see picture and read more...)
This mother Goddess has four arms. She holds her son in her right upper arm and a lotus flower in her lower right hand which is slightly raised upward. Her left upper arm is in the boon granting gesture and in the left lower hand which is raised, she again supports a lotus. The hue of her body is brilliantly bright, and She is seated on a lotus flower. Her vehicle is a lion!


The mind of the aspirant on this day is in the Vishuddha or Throat Chakra, located at the thyroid. When completely submerged in the meditation of Mother Skandamata, it is said that all one's actions, internal as well as external, completely stop and the mind becomes calm, like an ocean with no waves, advancing upwards towards the state of pure consciousness.

Come back tomorrow for a look at the 6th Goddess and how to apply this worship to our lives as spiritual students.