By Ranjan Kumar Amritnidhi, Delhi

“Yaa Devi Sarva Bhuteshi Shakti Roopena Samasthita
Namastasyai- Namastasyai -Namastasya -Namo Namah ”

“Sarbamangalmangleya Shive sarbath sadhike
Sharanyam trambake Gauri Narayani nomo stute.”

Today is fifth day of Sharadiya Durga Puja and Navratri.
There are nine forms of Goddess Durga Shailputri,Brahmcharini,
Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Kushmanda, Skand Mata, Kaalratri,Mahagauri,Katyayini and Sidhidatri.The nine different forms of Devi are worshiped over the nine days.These are the most popular forms under which she is worshiped.

Skanda Mata is the 5th one among the nine aspects of Goddess Mother Durga.

Lord Kartikeya is also known as Skanda. As Goddess Durga is his mother, she is referred to as Skanda Mata. She is a deity of fire with four arms. She holds her son Skanda with the top right hand and lotus in her lower hand. The top left hand is positioned in a blessing gesture or Abhaya Mudra. She is fair complexioned, seated on a lotus and so also referred to as Padmasana. Her blessings can make a fool into a Scholar.

Let’s pray Goddess Mother Durga and Goddess Skanda Mata for Good Luck,Fervor,Courage,Wisdom,Knowledge,Success and Happiness.