Shashthi mata is also called Shanmukhi.
Harshacharita mentions Shashthi mata to be the mother of a born child which means Shashthi mata protects one child and bestows life. Shashthi Mata protects children and blesses expectant mothers who pray to her. She bestows children to women who please her.
She is depicted on one cat and feeds one infant.
Various mentions and associations of Shanmukhi:
- She is connected to Lord Kartikeya. Padma Purana mentions Shashthi Mata to be Lord Kartikeya’s wife.
- 3–5th-century texts Yajnavalkya Smriti mentions Shashthi mata to be the foster mother of Lord Kartikeya.
- Padma Purana mentions Shashthi mata to be child of Lord Indra
- She is Lord Brahma child within Brahma Vaivarta Purana.
