It is always great to have some protective power over and around us, whether it be the physical roof of our home, the people and pets who surround us as we step out everyday, the bonds of our family and friends, or the faith we have in any powers within and beyond. The goddesses people pray to on the fifth day are Skandamata (northern India) and Vaishnavi (in the south). And both of them have that common quality of being fierce protectors in their own way.

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The Great Protective Power of Skandamata and Vaishnavi

Goddess Vaishnavi

Goddess Vaishnavi is one of the seven Matrikas, or mother goddesses, in Hindu tradition. She is the Shakti (divine energy) of Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe, and represents the qualities of strength, protection, and preservation.

Who is Goddess Vaishnavi?

Vaishnavi rides Garuda (a mythological bird), signifying her swift ability to act in times of need. In her hands, she holds Vishnu’s divine symbols—the conch, discus (chakra), mace, and lotus—representing her powers to protect and sustain the universe.

Her association with Lord Vishnu highlights her ability to preserve life, maintain order, and grant protection to her devotees. As a goddess of both strength and compassion, she offers refuge to those who seek her, protecting them from harm and helping them navigate life’s challenges.

Devotees worship Vaishnavi to seek her blessings for health, safety, and the protection of their families and homes.

Goddess Skandamata

Goddess Skandamata is the fifth form of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the fifth day of Navaratri. She is the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), the god of war, and represents a nurturing and protective aspect of the Divine Mother.

Who is Goddess Skandamata?

Skandamata sits on a lion, symbolizing her courage and power. She holds her son, Lord Skanda, in her lap, emphasizing her role as the divine nurturer. Two hands hold lotus flowers while of the other two, one is holding her infant son, and the other is in the fear-dispelling Abhayamudra position. Her serene and compassionate expression conveys her willingness to protect her devotees and bestow them with wisdom and prosperity.

Her name means “Mother of Skanda,” and devotees consider her the goddess of motherly love and protection. She grants blessings of knowledge, power, and happiness to her followers, shielding them from harm and helping them achieve success. With her infant on her lap, devotees seeking her blessings are twice-blessed – from mother and son!

Online Sources/References/Further Reading

• Skandamata on Wikipedia/Sadhana/Sanskriti
• Vaishnavi from Wikipedia/Manishjaishree/Hindupad

Related Reads and More

• The color of the day five of Navratri: white; and the lentil of the day: a variety, literally. Kadamba sundal is the flavor of the day. One meaning of the word ‘kadamba’ is a garland of an assortment of flowers, and this sundal’s name derives from that meaning! Super nutritious and delish too
• Skandamata: Guardian of the Devotees by Swati Bisht 
• These books of Skanda (Kartikeya):
  • The Amar Chitra Katha version – Karttikeya (my review here)
  • Kartikeya and His Battle with the Soul Stealer  by Usha Narayan (My review in this  IG post)
• And here is that first peek at my golu this year, a mini-three-step one on the side of the main golu featuring Goddess Kali (Durga) on the first step, Meenakshi (green), Lakshmi (in the middle), and Saraswathi (white/holding the veena musical instrument) on the second step, and miscellanous dolls on the third/bottom step

And Now, the End of this Post

Dear reader, I hope you are enjoying this detour into Indian mythology, especially the feminine power aspect of them. What are the protective powers around you, that you are thankful for?