Skand Mata Aarti - Benefits, special occasion and when to recite

Skand Mata is a Hindu goddess worshipped during the auspicious festival of Navratri. She is considered the fifth form of Goddess Durga and is revered on the fifth day of Navratri. Skand Mata is depicted riding a ferocious lion, holding her infant son, Kartikeya (Skanda), in her lap. The name "Skand Mata" is derived from "Skanda," another name for Kartikeya, and "Mata," which means mother.

Aarti

॥ Aarti Devi Skandamata Ji Ki ॥

Jai Teri Ho Skanda Mata।
Panchavan Nama Tumhara Aata॥

Sabake Mana Ki Janana Hari।
Jaga Janani Sabaki Mahatari॥

Teri Jota Jalata Rahun Main।
Haradama Tujhe Dhyata Rahu Main॥

Kai Namo Se Tujhe Pukara।
Mujhe Eka Hai Tera Sahara॥

Kahi Pahadon Para Hai Dera।
Kai Shaharon Mein Tera Basera॥

Hara Mandira Mein Tere Najare।
Guna Gaye Tere Bhakta Pyare॥

Bhakti Apani Mujhe Dila Do।
Shakti Meri Bigadi Bana Do॥

Indra Adi Devata Mila Sare।
Kare Pukara Tumhare Dware॥

Dushta Daitya Jaba Chadha Kara Aae।
Tu Hi Khanda Hatha Uthae॥

Dason Ko Sada Bachane Ayi।
Bhakta Ki Asa Pujane Ayi॥

Benefits

1. Invokes blessings of protection, courage, and maternal care.
2. Fosters a deeper spiritual connection with the divine feminine energy.
3. Brings peace, prosperity, and fulfillment of desires into one's life.
4. Offers guidance and strength during challenges and difficulties.

Special occasion and when to sing

1. Navratri Festival: Skand Mata Aarti is traditionally sung during the auspicious festival of Navratri, specifically on the fifth day, also known as Panchami. Navratri celebrates the triumph of good over evil and honors the divine feminine energy. Singing the Aarti during Navratri invokes the blessings of Skand Mata for strength, protection, and prosperity.
2. Regular Worship: Devotees may also sing Skand Mata Aarti as part of their regular worship practices. This can be done daily, especially during morning or evening prayers, to seek the goddess's blessings for guidance, courage, and maternal care.
3. Special Occasions: Skand Mata Aarti can be sung during special occasions such as festivals dedicated to the goddess or during family celebrations. It serves as a way to honor Skand Mata's presence and seek her blessings for the occasion, whether it's a wedding, housewarming, or any other significant event.
4. Personal Devotion: Individuals may choose to sing Skand Mata Aarti during moments of personal devotion and reflection. This can be done whenever one feels the need for spiritual guidance, protection, or strength from the goddess.
5. Community Gatherings: Skand Mata Aarti is often sung during community gatherings, satsangs, or religious events dedicated to Goddess Durga or Navratri celebrations. It fosters a sense of unity and devotion among devotees, collectively seeking the blessings of Skand Mata for the well-being of all.

Overall, Skand Mata Aarti can be sung on various occasions to express devotion, seek blessings, and strengthen the connection with the divine feminine energy embodied by the goddess.