In the sacred cave of Maa Vaishno Devi Dham, after receiving the blessings of Maa Kushmanda, devotees are blessed with the radiant vision of Maa Skandamata. This divine idol, measuring about 6.11 feet in height, 6.9 feet in width, and 3.1 feet in diameter, fills the entire cave with a heavenly glow. With gentle lighting and natural decorations, the idol shines with such brilliance that devotees feel as if the Mother herself is radiating the light of the Sun, showering blessings on all who bow at her feet.
Maa Skandamata is depicted with four arms and three eyes. In two hands she holds lotus flowers, while one hand grants fearlessness (abhaya mudra) and the other offers boons (varada mudra). On her lap she lovingly carries her son, Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), the commander of the divine army in the battle between gods and demons. For this reason, she is known as "Skandamata" – the Mother of Skanda.
The word Skanda refers to Lord Kartikeya (also known as Kumar, Murugan, Shanmukha, and Suvel), and Mata means mother. Thus, Skandamata means "the Mother of Lord Kartikeya."
The fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Maa Skandamata. It is believed that her grace transforms ignorance into wisdom. The great poet Kalidasa composed his immortal works Raghuvansh and Meghdoot by the blessings of Maa Skandamata.
Maa Skandamata's favorite color is white. Hence, devotees often wear white clothes while worshipping her. Praying to this form of the Goddess blesses the devotee with courage, peace, wisdom, and liberation (moksha).
Just one glimpse of her idol in the cave fills the heart with divine energy, and the devotee feels safe under the loving shelter of the Divine Mother.
Jai Maa Skandamata!
