Worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri, Goddess Skandmata is the incarnation of Shakti (Parvati) in the phase of motherhood. Skandmata has four arms, she is carried by a lion and sits on a lotus. Holding a lotus in two of her hands, she carries Lord Kartikeya with the third hand and blesses all her devotees with the fourth. Lord Kartikeya, the first child of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, was also referred to as Skanda. As a result, Goddess Parvati is referred to as Skandmata, which is another name for Kartikeya or Skanda's mother.

Skandmata is the nurturer of Kartikeya, who was the commander-in-chief of the army of gods. Kartikey was the one who killed Tarkasur (the demon), since Tarkasur had a boon that no other god but only the child of Lord Shiva could eliminate him. Kartikeya was born out of the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s energy. Her worship is blessed twice. Her son, Lord Skanda, who is seated on her lap, is instantaneously worshipped by the devotee. As a result, the devotee is able to experience both Lord Skanda's and Skandmata's grace.

This aspect of Shakti represents her form as a caregiver, a peaceful entity in her maternal energy. The blooming lotus flowers she holds in two of her hands symbolise womanhood. The absence of weapons in this incarnation is indicative of the softness a mother holds in her spirit.