Shardiya Navratri Day 5: Maa Skandamata's Origins, Significance, Puja Vidhi, and Mantras!

Shardiya Navratri Day 5: Maa Skandamata's Origins, Significance, Puja Vidhi, and Mantras!

Navratri Day 5: All You Need to Know About Devi Skandamata—The Motherly Goddess Who Grants Salvation

The fifth day of Shardiya Navratri is dedicated to Devi Skandamata, the fifth manifestation of Goddess Durga. She is revered as the mother of Lord Kartikeya, also known as Skanda, and her worship on this day symbolizes the divine and unconditional love of a mother. Devotees believe that worshipping this form of the Goddess grants them wisdom, prosperity, and the power to overcome all worldly obstacles.


The Legend and Origin of Maa Skandamata

According to ancient legends, Maa Skandamata is the purest and most compassionate form of Goddess Durga. Her name comes from her identity as the mother of Lord Skanda, the God of war. It is said that when the demon Tarakasura was wreaking havoc, only a child born of Lord Shiva could defeat him. Devi Parvati gave birth to Skanda, and in this motherly form, she is worshipped as Skandamata, the bestower of power and love.


Depiction and Symbolism

Maa Skandamata is a divine symbol of motherhood and purity. Her depiction is filled with serenity and grace:

  • Four Arms: She is shown with four arms. In two of her hands, she holds lotuses, which symbolize her purity and compassion. One hand is in the Abhaya Mudra (blessing pose), and the other holds her son Skanda on her lap.

  • The Lion: She is seated on a lion, which represents her fearless power and her ability to protect her devotees. Despite her fierce mount, her expression is always calm and serene, embodying the perfect balance of power and grace.

  • The Child: The presence of her son, Skanda, on her lap signifies her boundless love and her ability to grant salvation to those who worship her with a pure heart.


Significance and Blessings

Worshipping Devi Skandamata on the fifth day of Navratri is considered highly auspicious. Her blessings are believed to:

  • Grant Salvation: She helps her devotees achieve salvation and a pure state of mind.

  • Bestow Prosperity: Her grace brings wisdom, prosperity, and abundance to one's life.

  • Protect from Evil: She is a fierce protector, shielding her children from all forms of evil and negative energy.

  • Offer Motherly Love: She showers her devotees with the same love she has for her son, Skanda.


Puja Vidhi (How to Worship Maa Skandamata)

To receive the blessings of Maa Skandamata, follow these steps for the puja on the fifth day of Navratri:

  1. Cleanse and Prepare: Start the day with a purifying bath and wear clean clothes. The auspicious color for Navratri Day 5 is Green, symbolizing rejuvenation, growth, harmony, fertility, and new beginnings. Devotees wear green to honor Goddess Skandamata, seeking blessings for peace and abundance in life.

  2. Installation: Place a picture or idol of Maa Skandamata on your altar.

  3. Offerings: Offer her favorite fruit, bananas, along with yellow flowers.

  4. Recite Mantras: Begin the puja by chanting her mantras with complete devotion.

  5. Aarti: Conclude the puja by performing her Aarti with a lighted lamp and incense.


Mantras, Stotram, Stuti & Aarti

Reciting these sacred texts with devotion is the most powerful way to connect with Maa Skandamata's divine energy.

Mantra

ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥ (Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah)

Stuti

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥ (Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Skandamatayai Rupena Samsthita | Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah ||)

Stotram

नमामि स्कन्दमातरं, शूलं हस्तं, भयनाशम्। सर्वदेवता सेव्यं, शान्तं, रूपं, मनोहरम्॥ (Namami Skandamataram, Shulam Hastam,, Bhaynasham. Sarvadevata Sevyam, Shantam, Roopam, Manoharam ||)

Aarti

जय तेरी हो स्कन्द माता, तेरी कृपा से हो हर काम पूरा। (Jay Teri Ho Skanda Mata, Teri Kripa Se Ho Har Kaam Pura.)


Favourite Bhog (Food) and Flowers

Maa Skandamata is believed to be very fond of bananas. Devotees should offer bananas and yellow flowers to seek her blessings. The color yellow also holds special significance on this day.

May Maa Skandamata bless you and your family with her divine love, wisdom, and strength on this sacred day. 

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