Inspiring Lessons From Navratri : Day 5 :: Maa Skandmaata || By Anupama Vaidya
As we transition through the learnings of the four days of Navratri, we enter the vibrant and divine energy of the 5th day, traditionally referred to as Lalita Panchami. These teachings and experiences from the previous 4 days infuse us with the strength and insight to elevate our celebrations with renewed enthusiasm and a deeper sense of purpose. This progression from purity, humility, courage, creation to the Day 5 marks a transformative journey through Navratri, where we continue to evolve and embrace the divine energies that guide us.
As per Hindu mythology, the demon Tarkasur received a boon from Lord Brahma, stating that he could only be slain by the son of Lord Shiva. Tarkasur was confident that Lord Shiva, being an ascetic, would never marry. However to Tarkasur’s dismay, Lord Shiva got married to the Goddess Parvati, they had a son named Kumar Kartikeya, born from a fiery seed, and also known as Skanda, meaning “effusing” in Sanskrit. As a result, Parvati, came to be known as Skandmata. The seed emitted such radiance that Lord Agni was entrusted with its care. However, he found the brilliance unbearable and sought assistance from Ganga. Parvati took the form of water because she knew that only she could carry the seed. Kartikeya was nurtured by 6 mothers known as Krittikas, all under the supervision of Parvati. He exhibited great power and possessed extensive wisdom, ultimately using his unique abilities to slay the demon Tarkasur.
Skanda mata’s love and care helped Lord Kartikeya defeat the demon
Tarkasura. Therefore, Skandmata is worshipped during Navratri. She is the
mother of a powerful and gifted child who restored peace and harmony among us.
Goddess Skandamata rides a ferocious lion (defining royalty; that
implies fulfilling our basic instinct needs while not forgetting our humanity
and operate within our boundaries) and is depicted with 4 hands – In one she
carries the six-faced baby Kartikeya in the second and third lotus flowers
(symbolising detachment from worldly desires, purity, enlightenment, and
spiritual awakening) and fourth hand is in the Abhaya Mudra to bless. A
crescent moon of Lord Shiva can also be found on her forehead. She is also
known as Goddess Padmasana cause of her sitting posture on the lotus flower.
Several lessons that we carry from Maa Skandamata
- Give our best and do everything with love and devotion, our devotion, sincerity and love help us excel in what we do as well as achieve a sense of satisfaction in what we do.
- Her learnings to remain connected with each other just like a mother is connected to a child and understands the unsaid with the responsibilities to be fulfilled. So profound a learning of empathy at alpha level, sensing what is required without it being stated and taking actions in direction towards protecting the larger good.
- Seated in a state of meditation, Maa Skandamata teaches us the importance of being calm and composed and how the meditation is an essential part of our life.
- Being connected with oneself, reflection on what we are doing, the direction we are moving in – the Practise of stillness and meditation, providing us that space to do so. Helps us to think, efficiently plan, strategize and execute new ideas.
- This also helps connect the soul and the mind to experience peace that gives a calmness to free ourselves from the anxieties that could be a hurdle to our path of success.
- The quality to endure is depicted by Maa Skandamata as she endures the fiery seed to raise the supremely energetic child.
- Taking control of our own decisions as we are the ones who know and understand our needs, comforts, risks we can take and our own limitations.
- Important to gain adequate knowledge and providing direction to the right path in one’s life
Comments
Post a Comment