Introduction
The fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Skandamata, the motherly form of Durga who carries her son, Skanda (also known as Kartikeya), on her lap. She is worshiped as the embodiment of love, compassion, and motherhood. Her blessings bring peace, prosperity, and protection to her devotees.
At Sai Seva Sangh, a charitable organization in Hyderabad devoted to free education for orphan girls, Skandamata’s qualities resonate deeply with our mission. Just as she nurtures her child with love and care, our institution provides holistic and value-based education in a motherly environment for underprivileged and orphan girls.
Mythological Background
In Hindu mythology, Skandamata is depicted seated on a lotus, holding her son Skanda in one hand and a lotus in the other, while two of her hands bless devotees. Her mount is a lion, symbolizing courage, while her lotus seat represents purity.
Skanda, her son, is the commander of the divine army, but as a child in his mother’s lap, he reflects innocence and dependence. Skandamata’s worship assures protection from harm, peace in the household, and maternal blessings for children.
Her story reminds us of the eternal power of a mother’s love — strong, nurturing, and protective.
Symbolism and Qualities
Skandamata represents:
Motherhood: The ultimate symbol of care, protection, and unconditional love.
Compassion: Blessing her devotees like her own children.
Strength with Tenderness: Though seated with her child, she also rides a lion, showing that mothers combine gentleness with power.
For our orphan girls’ residential school in Hyderabad, Skandamata’s qualities are mirrored in the environment we strive to create — a safe and nurturing space where every girl feels the warmth of motherly guidance even when away from her family.
Educational and Subject Connection
Skandamata’s form connects to education in many ways:
Value of Compassion: Just as she blesses her devotees with love, our NGO for women’s empowerment teaches students to show empathy, kindness, and respect for one another.
Motherly Care in Education: For children staying in our free residential facility for girls, teachers, wardens, and mentors play the role of mother figures, ensuring care along with education.
Science and Biology Link: Her nurturing qualities can be tied to lessons about motherhood, care, and the importance of family bonds in human growth.
Holistic Development: Skandamata reminds us that education must go beyond academics to include emotional support, life skills training, and character building.
Lessons for Students and Educators
For students:
Respect the role of caregivers and teachers who nurture and protect them.
Show compassion and kindness towards peers, building a culture of sisterhood in school and hostel life.
Understand that true strength lies in caring for others, not just in individual achievements.
For educators and mentors:
Act as motherly guides to children, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds.
Balance discipline with affection, creating a safe environment for growth.
Encourage education with skill development along with emotional support, helping students become strong, independent, and compassionate citizens.
Closing Reflection
On Day 5 of Navratri, we honor Goddess Skandamata, who represents the protective and nurturing power of motherhood. Her image reminds us that love and compassion are as powerful as courage and strength.
At Sai Seva Sangh, a non-profit organization for girls, we reflect her values by offering free residential education for orphan girls in Hyderabad. Beyond academics, we provide health, nutrition, and skill training for underprivileged girls, ensuring that they feel supported and cared for like daughters in a family.
“A mother’s love is the first school of compassion.”
May Skandamata Devi bless all our students with nurturing care, may she inspire teachers to guide with affection, and may she remind us that compassion is the foundation of true education.
