Symbolism
Skandamātā is four-armed, three-eyed, and rides on a lion. One of her hands is in the fear-dispelling Abhayamudra position while the other is used to hold the infant form of her son Skanda on her lap. Her remaining two lower hands are typically shown holding lotus flowers. She is light complexioned, and as she is often pictured seated on a lotus, she is sometimes referred to as ''Padamasani''.Significance
Regularly known as "The Goddess of Fire" and believed to reward devotees with salvation, power, prosperity, treasures, wisdom (even if illiterate), and the fulfilment of all of their desires, Skandamātā possesses the brilliance of the sun. Selfless devotees are blessed with power, prosperity, and the attainment of all the achievements and treasures of life. Twice blessed and ultimately conducive to salvation, the worship of Skandamātā purifies the hearts of devotees (who consequentially shine with divine splendour) and automatically entails the worship of her son Skanda alongside her. Thus, devotees enjoy the grace of both Skandamātā and Skanda. While worshiping her, devotees should have absolute control over their senses and mind, free themselves from worldly bondage, and worship her with single-pointed devotion.Prayers
Mantra
ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नम: Oṃ Devī Skandamātāyai Namaḥ सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माञ्चित करद्वया। शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥ या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥ Simhasanagata Nityam Padmashrita Karadvaya। Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvinim॥ Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Skandamata Rupena Samsthita। Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥Dhyan Mantra
सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया. शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी. Sinhasangatanityampadmashritakaradvaya, ShubhadastusadadeviskandamatayashswinimReferences
*''Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend'' () by Anna Dhallapiccola {{authority control Hindu goddesses Navadurgas Mother goddesses Childhood goddesses