The fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda). She is worshipped as the symbol of motherhood, compassion, and divine strength. Devotees believe that worshipping her not only blesses them with prosperity and wisdom but also fulfills their heartfelt desires.
Mythological Significance of Maa Skandamata
According to Kalidasa’s epic poem Kumarasambhava, the gods once prayed earnestly for the birth of a divine warrior who could destroy the powerful demons Tārakāsura, Surapadma, and Siṁhamukha, who were terrorizing the universe. Answering their prayers, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati gave birth to Skanda (Kartikeya), the commander of the celestial army.
Since Maa Skandamata is the mother of Skanda, her worship on the fifth day of Navratri is deeply symbolic. She represents the nurturing strength of motherhood, while also embodying the divine force that protects the world from evil. Devotees believe that invoking her blessings not only brings peace and prosperity but also grants the courage to overcome life’s biggest challenges.
Maa Skandamata rides a lion, holds Lord Skanda (Kartikeya) in her lap, and has four arms — making her appearance both graceful and powerful.
Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Rituals)
Wake up early, take a holy bath, wear clean or yellow clothes, and take a vow (sankalp) to perform the puja with devotion.
Worship the kalash (symbol of prosperity and energy) placed on the first day of Navratri.
Place the idol or picture of Maa Skandamata on a clean altar, decorate with flowers, kumkum, and yellow cloth. Or just worship the Kalas and do the Durga Saptasati Path.
Light a ghee diya and incense sticks to purify the surroundings.
Perform Abhishek of the goddess with water, milk, honey, ghee, and sugar.
Recite Maa Skandamata mantras and stotras with devotion.
Offer her favorite prasad (fruits, sweets, and milk-based delicacies).
Conclude the puja with aarti and prayers, seeking blessings for good health, protection, and prosperity.
Mantras of Maa Skandamata
Main Mantra:
ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः ॥
(Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah)
Dhyana Mantra:
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Stotra (Navratri Path):
सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया।
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥
Offerings & Bhog for Day 5
Maa Skandamata loves bananas, and devotees especially offer them on this day. Other offerings include:
- Banana (main fruit offering)
- Halwa, Puri, and Kheer
- Milk and milk-based sweets (especially pedas)
- Yellow flowers
- Panchamrit (mixture of milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee)
Offering bananas to Maa Skandamata is believed to bless devotees with good health, children, and prosperity.
Significance of Day 5 Worship
- Maa Skandamata grants wisdom, strength, and salvation.
- She removes sorrows and obstacles from the lives of her devotees.
- Childless couples often worship her with full devotion, seeking blessings of progeny.
- She bestows peace, wealth, and protection from negative forces.
