Navratri Day 5 is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the motherly form of Goddess Durga who carries Lord Skanda (Kartikeya) on her lap and blesses her devotees with peace, protection, and prosperity.
On the fifth day of Navratri, worship is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Maa Skandamata, providing love and compassion. Maa Skandamata is renowned as the mother of Lord Kartikeya, also referred to as Skanda. In this form, the goddess represents motherhood, love, and compassion. Her devotees believe that worshipping her brings protection, wisdom, prosperity, and peace to their families.
Significance of Maa Skandamata
Maa Skandamata symbolizes purity, strength, and selfless devotion. A motherly goddess, she is portrayed holding Lord Skanda in her lap and is caring for her followers in the same manner—equally and devotedly. For families, she stands as a single point of unity, motherhood, and warmth, establishing a loving and strong foundation. She leads families and individuals through love and compassion, while at the same time exhibiting courage and fortitude.
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Iconography, Color, and Mantra
Maa Skandamata is noted for riding on a lion; this reflects her courage and strength. She holds four arms—two arms that hold lotuses, one hand that holds her son Skanda, and a fourth hand raised in the Abhaya Mudra, which dispenses fearlessness and blessings of protection.
The color for this day is yellow, though it can be accompanied by white. Yellow is deemed auspicious because it represents purity, calmness, and one’s spirit in peace. Devotees normally wear yellow garments or dress in yellow for worship, while also providing yellow flowers in worship.
The main mantra dedicated to her is
“ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥” (Om Devi Skandamatāyai Namah)
Other important verses recited include
“सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रित करद्वया। शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥”
“या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥”
On this day, the repetition of these mantras is thought to purify one’s mind and bestow blessings from the goddess.
Pujas Vidhi on Day 5
The day starts with devotees getting up early in the morning, bathing, and putting on new clothes. The best option is for the attire to be yellow in color. The worship area is cleaned and washed with Gangajal. An idol or image of Maa Skandamata is placed on a clean area. The idol is adorned with flowers.
The offerings include fruits, bananas, coconuts, honey, dry fruits, and sweets. Yellow lotuses are particularly considered the most sacred for her puja. Worshippers light diyas and incense sticks, recite prayers, and chant mantras—often 51 or 108 times. People also will take the time to read the Durga Chalisa or chapters of Durga Saptashati. The puja process concludes with the aarti and sharing of prasad among all family members.
In many homes, kumkum, betel leaves, and paan are also part of the ritual. At all times during the worship, the act of performing the puja is doused in calmness, and the subject is often neglected as simply a form of a mother who protects her children.
Why Navratri Day 5 Is Important
Worshiping Maa Skandamata on the fifth day of Navratri is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and strength. Those blessed will not have fear or grief in their lives, while at the same time, they will have happiness and strength. Just as she nurtures her son, Skanda, she will also nurture her devotees through hard times, while also instilling confidence.
This day has spiritual meaning as well as encouraging purity of heart and clarity of mind. By worshipping Maa Skandamata, devotees are reminded of her qualities of compassion, love, and togetherness.
