The fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the benevolent and powerful mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), the commander of the celestial army. Revered for her nurturing essence and divine grace, Skandamata is the fifth form of Goddess Durga. She signifies the strength of a mother and the infinite power that lies in maternal love and protection. On this day, devotees worship her to attain peace, wisdom, and prosperity, while also seeking her blessings for their children and family.
Let’s delve into the legend, symbolism, rituals, mantras, and spiritual significance of Navratri Day 5 – the day of Skandamata.
The name Skandamata is derived from two words: Skanda, another name for her son Kartikeya, and Mata, meaning mother. According to Hindu mythology, when demons led by Tarakasura wreaked havoc in the heavens and defeated the Devas, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati gave birth to Skanda (Kartikeya) to annihilate the demon. It is believed that only Shiva’s son could kill Tarakasura, who had been granted a boon that made him invincible to all but Shiva’s child.
Maa Skandamata is thus celebrated as the warrior mother who raised her divine son to destroy evil and protect righteousness. In iconography, she is seen holding young Skanda in her lap, radiating calm and divine light.
Iconography and Symbolism
Maa Skandamata is usually depicted with four arms, riding a lion, symbolizing courage and power. She holds lotus flowers in two of her hands, carries Skanda (Kartikeya) in one arm, and blesses her devotees with the remaining hand. Her complexion shines like the sun, earning her the title “Padmasana Devi”, as she is often shown seated on a lotus, signifying purity and spiritual awakening.
The presence of her son in her lap highlights her dual role as nurturer and protector, embodying both motherly affection and divine strength.
Puja Vidhi (Worship Rituals)
On the fifth day of Navratri, devotees wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes—ideally in white or yellow, the colors associated with purity and wisdom.
Here is the step-by-step puja vidhi for Maa Skandamata:
- Ghatasthapana and Kalash Puja: Continue with the Kalash puja initiated on Day 1.
- Dhyana (Meditation): Begin with meditation, chanting mantras to invite Maa Skandamata into your home and heart.
- Offerings: Offer fresh lotus flowers, bananas, sweets, kumkum, haldi, chandan, and rice grains. Yellow or white sweets are especially auspicious today.
- Lighting Diya and Incense: Light a ghee diya and incense sticks to purify the space.
- Mantra Japa: Recite the mantra dedicated to Maa Skandamata (given below).
- Aarti and Bhajans: Perform aarti and sing devotional songs in praise of the goddess.
Fasting is also observed by many devotees on this day. Fruits, milk, and sattvic food are typically consumed after the puja.
- Ghatasthapana and Kalash Puja: Continue with the Kalash puja initiated on Day 1.
Mantra for Maa Skandamata
Chanting her mantra brings clarity of thought, inner strength, and divine protection:
“ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥
Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah॥”
You may also recite her Dhyana Mantra:
“सिंहासना स्थिता नित्यं पद्माश्रित करद्वया।
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥”
This invokes her presence and grants the devotee peace, knowledge, and liberation from sorrow.
Spiritual Significance of Day 5
Maa Skandamata represents Vishuddha Chakra (throat chakra), the center of communication and purification. Worshipping her activates this chakra, enabling clarity in speech, better expression, and spiritual refinement.
Her maternal form emphasizes that the power of a mother is boundless—not only does she nurture life, but she also empowers it to fight injustice and darkness. She teaches us that true strength lies in compassion, and wisdom is nurtured through devotion and discipline.
Those who seek harmony in family life, success for their children, or relief from mental distress often pray to Maa Skandamata for guidance and healing.
Auspicious Color for Day 5
The color of the day is Yellow (or White, in some traditions). Yellow symbolizes happiness, divine light, and spiritual knowledge. Devotees are encouraged to wear yellow attire during the puja and use yellow-colored offerings like bananas or turmeric.
Maa Skandamata’s Blessings
Worshipping Maa Skandamata brings forth several boons:
- Intellectual Growth: Ideal for students and seekers of knowledge.
- Parental Blessings: Enhances harmony between mother and child.
- Protection from Negativity: Grants safety, peace, and fearlessness.
Spiritual Elevation: Leads one toward self-realization and detachment from worldly pain.
Celebrations Across India
While all nine forms of Durga are worshipped across India, Maa Skandamata is especially venerated in Northern India, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, where Kartikeya also holds a special place in local legends. In South India, though Kartikeya is more commonly known as Murugan, devotees also honor the motherly essence of Skandamata during Navratri.
Temples dedicated to Maa Durga or Skanda witness large gatherings and special pujas, and devotional music and dance continue to be an integral part of the celebrations.
Final Thoughts
Maa Skandamata, the nurturing yet powerful goddess, reminds us that the divine mother is always watching, guiding, and protecting. Her worship on Navratri Day 5 opens our hearts to compassion, discipline, and divine wisdom. Just as she raised Lord Skanda to become a mighty warrior, she raises within us the ability to conquer our own inner demons—with love and courage.
As you offer your prayers on this sacred day, may Maa Skandamata bless your home with peace, prosperity, and spiritual insight.