'Devi Aadi Shakti's names with meanings' - Page 104

Skanda Mata

The mother of Skanda( Kartikeya)

In this form Durga is four-armed and rides on a lion. She carries a lotus, a kamandalu and a bell. Her one hand is in blessing posture.

Skandamaataa is the fifth manifestion of Goddess Durga. She is worshipped on the fifth day of the Navaraatri. Her son Karttikeya is also called Skanda. So, she is called Skandamata or the Mother of Skanda.

Lord Skanda can be seen in her lap. She possesses four arms out of which two hold the lotus flowers. One of her hands is always in the boon-conferring gesture and with the other she holds her son Skanda in her lap. Her complexion is white and she is seated on the lotus.

Mahagauri Devi is worshipped on the eighth day of the Navaratri. This manifestation of hers is very placid and serene. All the sins of the devotees are burnt to ashes by her adoration and worship. She possesses invincible powers and bestows merits on her devotees. She destroys all the distresses of her devotees and blesses them with all kinds of merits and virtues.

She is the sixth manifestation of nava durgas.

The world-renowned sage Kaatyaayana was born in the dynasty of sage Kaatya. He was an excellent devotee of Goddess Durga and performed an austere penance for many years to propitiate her. Being delighted by his devotion, Goddess Durga appeared before him and asked him to demand the desired boon. Thereupon the great Sage Kaatyaayana demanded that she should be born as a daughter to him. Goddess Durga granted his wish.

When the atrocities committed by Mashisha, the wicked demon, became intolerable on the Earth, Goddess Durga's sixth manifestation appeared as a daughter to sage Kaatyaayana. She came to be known as Kaatyaayani' as she was the daughter of Sage Kaatyaayana.