Skandamata Mata: The Fierce and Protective Mother of Skanda

Krishna - Indian mythological god. All Hindus or anyone who came across Hinduism must have listened the name once their life.
Shree Krishna was the 8th Avatar of The Almighty Lord Vishnu. Apart from being a god Krishna is also a spiritual leader who guided Arjuna in the epic battle of Mahabharata, Lord Krishna is known to be a mischievous kid as he used to stole butter from his mother and distribute among his friends. He educated everyone about devotion, dedication and love.

The Holy Bhagavad Gita is a book of learning that Krishna gave to Arjuna in his path of battle against evil. These are collected into 700 Verses each verse you can relate with your life. Whatever problem you are facing in life you can find the answer in The Geeta.

Let's have a look at 5 Learning you can take away from Shree Krishna's Life .

1. Consider your Karma (Duty) as top priority
   Shree Krishna says :
   कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन |
   मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि
   
   Image-Courtsey : Google Images
   Which means Do your duty and do not wish for fruitful outcomes, Enjoy the journey itself.
   In our day to day life we face these situations where we overthink a scenario and forget to enjoy the process.
   We should just focus on our duty and do our best, rest all become best. What is destined for us will come to us if we are on right path.
   
   
2. Everything happens because of some reason
   Nothing in this world is happening without any context, there is always a reason behind everything that is happening with or around us. We need to look for the greater cause and move on with life.
   
   
3. Control your Rage
   Anger leads to clouding of judgment, which results in bewilderment of the memory. When the memory is bewildered, the intellect gets destroyed; and when the intellect is destroyed, one is ruined.Anger affects you capability of judgement; in turn memory and intellect. Without intellect, a decision making gets affected. One who can control his anger is capable of controlling others.
   
   
4. Never Give up what you love
   
   Image-Courtsey : Google Images
   Ever wondered why among all other gods only Krishna used a musical instrument - a flute. Because, that's a way of educating others to follow their passion.
   Lord Krishna, with a country to rule, a war to fight, demons to conquer and through various other commitments, still managed to inculcate the music he loved into his life. He never let his passion for music take a back seat on account of his commitments. He enjoyed playing his flute, mesmerizing those around him with lively tunes.
   
   
5. Be a Feminist when required
   
   Image-Courtsey : Google Images
   Remember how Krishna stood for Draupadi when the Kauravas tried to violate her?
   Draupadi was stripped off her clothes and humiliated in front of the entire court. Her own husbands thought of her as a property they have lost in a game and didn’t move a muscle to protest. It was Krishna who stepped into the scene and presented her with a saree.
   You must stand up and revolt whenever you see women being objectified, used as commodities or being violated.
   The lesson is, it was not because he wanted to impress Draupadi. He acted so as to defend a woman’s dignity. He was acknowledged for his active involvement in defending women’s rights and that’s probably why he continues to reside in the hearts of women till date.
   
   
   
   

Maa Katyayani is one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, who is worshipped during the auspicious occasion of Navratri. Navratri is a nine-day festival celebrated in the Hindu religion, which is dedicated to worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga. The festival usually falls in the months of September or October, according to the Hindu calendar.

Maa Katyayani is believed to be the warrior goddess who rides a lion and is worshipped as the epitome of courage, power, and strength. The goddess is depicted with four arms, holding a sword, a lotus, and a mudra that symbolizes blessings and protection. She is often adorned with red clothes, and her complexion is said to be golden.

According to Hindu mythology, Maa Katyayani was born to a sage named Katyayan, who was an ardent devotee of Goddess Durga. As per the legend, the sage performed rigorous penance to please the goddess, and in return, she appeared before him in the form of his daughter. She is also believed to have manifested to slay the demon Mahishasura.

The story of Maa Katyayani goes back to the time when the demon Mahishasura had defeated the gods and taken control of the universe. The gods, unable to defeat the demon, approached Lord Vishnu for help, who advised them to seek the help of Goddess Parvati. Parvati, in response to their plea, took the form of Maa Katyayani to fight Mahishasura.

Maa Katyayani is depicted as a fierce warrior goddess, riding a lion and carrying weapons such as a sword, trident, and lotus. She is also known as the goddess of love and devotion, as she is believed to help devotees in finding their soulmates and overcome obstacles in their love lives.

During Navratri, devotees perform puja (worship) of Maa Katyayani, offering her flowers, fruits, and sweets. They also recite her mantras and sing hymns in her praise. It is believed that worshipping Maa Katyayani during Navratri helps in removing obstacles and achieving success in life.

Apart from Navratri, Maa Katyayani is also worshiped on Tuesdays and Fridays, as these are considered auspicious days for her worship. Devotees fast and offer prayers to Maa Katyayani on these days, seeking her blessings for a happy and prosperous life.

The worship of Maa Katyayani is believed to grant courage, strength, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Devotees offer prayers, perform rituals, and observe fasts during the nine-day festival of Navratri. They also offer flowers, sweets, and other items to the goddess and seek her blessings.

Maa Katyayani is also associated with the Manipura Chakra, which is believed to be the center of willpower and self-esteem. The worship of Maa Katyayani is said to activate this chakra, which in turn helps in developing self-confidence and the ability to make decisions

In conclusion, Maa Katyayani is a powerful and revered goddess in Hindu mythology, worshipped for her strength, courage, and love. Her devotees seek her blessings for success in all aspects of life, including love, marriage, and career. Her worship during Navratri and on auspicious days is believed to bring happiness, prosperity, and fulfillment to one's life.

Skandamata is a Hindu goddess who is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri, a nine-day Hindu festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Skandamata is the mother of Skanda or Kartikeya, the Hindu god of war, and is a form of Goddess Durga.

Skandamata is depicted as a four-armed goddess, holding a lotus flower and a bell in her upper hands, while her lower hands are in the Abhaya Mudra (gesture of fearlessness) and the Varada Mudra (gesture of granting boons). She rides on a lion, which represents power and courage. and her complexion is golden, signifying prosperity.

According to Hindu mythology, Skandamata was born to Lord Vishnu as his daughter in the form of Shakti. She married Lord Shiva and gave birth to Lord Skanda. Skandamata is considered to be a benevolent and compassionate goddess who blesses her devotees with courage, strength, and success. She is also known for her maternal love and protection.

Worshipping Skandamata during Navratri is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to one's life. Devotees offer her flowers, fruits, sweets, and other offerings to seek her blessings. Reciting Skandamata's mantra, "Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah," is also considered auspicious and helps in attaining spiritual and material benefits.

Skandamata is a symbol of motherhood and represents the divine feminine energy in Hinduism. She reminds us of the importance of maternal love and protection in our lives. By worshipping Skandamata, we can connect with our inner strength and overcome our fears and obstacles.

Skandamata is considered a very powerful goddess, and her worship is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to her devotees. It is said that worshipping Skandamata on the fifth day of Navratri can help overcome all kinds of difficulties and obstacles in life.

To perform Skandamata puja, devotees usually clean their homes and decorate their puja rooms with flowers and rangolis. They offer lotus flowers, fruits, and sweets to the goddess and chant mantras and hymns in her praise. 

Skandamata is also associated with the Svadhisthana chakra, which is located at the base of the spine and is associated with emotions, creativity, and sensuality. It is believed that meditating on Skandamata and focusing on this chakra can help balance emotions and improve creativity.

In addition to her role as a mother and protector, Skandamata is also believed to have the power to destroy negative energy and protect her devotees from harm. It is said that worshipping her with devotion and faith can help them overcome all kinds of obstacles and lead to success in all areas of life.

The significance of Skandamata can be traced back to ancient Hindu texts such as the Devi Mahatmya, which describes the various forms of the goddess Durga. Skandamata is also mentioned in the Skanda Purana, which is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya.

In conclusion, Skandamata is an important deity in Hindu mythology and is worshipped with great devotion and reverence during the Navratri festival. She is a symbol of motherhood and represents the power of love, compassion, and protection. By worshipping Skandamata, we can gain her blessings and guidance in our lives.