This year, we celebrate Navratri from October 15th to the 24th. Navratri, a nine-day festival, is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga or Shakti in her various forms. On the fifth day of Navratri, we venerate Goddess Skandamata. It is believed that when Goddess Durga became the mother of God Skanda, she assumed the divine avatar of Goddess Skandamata. This form of Goddess Durga is associated with the planet Mercury, also known as Budha.
In Sanskrit, the term ‘Skanda’ signifies ‘fair.’ The word ‘Skanda’ is associated with God Kartikeya, and ‘Mata’ means mother. Hence, she is revered as the mother of God Kartikeya or Skanda. Worship of this incarnation of Maa Durga is believed to bestow achievement, prosperity, and a contented life.
Significance and History of Maa Skandamata
Goddess Skandamata possesses four arms, resembling Goddess Durga. She rides a lion and holds a lotus in one hand, a chime in another, a favoring gesture in the third, and God Skanda seated on her lap in the fourth. She is seated on a lotus, which is why she is also known as Goddess Padmasana.
Goddess Skandamata blesses her devotees with power, treasures, prosperity, wisdom, and salvation. To receive her blessings, one must have a pure heart and complete devotion to her. According to the Skanda Purana, the birth of God Skanda is described. Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva’s energies merged in a divine form during their meditation. When Lord Indra learned about the impending birth of the child from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, he instigated Lord Agni to steal the divine energy. It was foretold that the child born from this energy would slay the demon Tarakasur.
Upon hearing this, Goddess Parvati turned Lord Agni to ash, making him burn continuously. She decreed that anyone who attempted to approach Agni would suffer the same fate.
It is believed that worshiping her blesses devotees with salvation, control over prosperity, and treasures. Like a loving mother, she favors her devotees with control and success.
The significance of the fifth day of Navratri is for Goddess Skandamata, who has four hands, with one hand holding infant Kartikeya. This avatar of motherhood is renowned for her kindness, compassion, and love for others. Devotees worship this form to dispel negative thoughts and attain health, wealth, and prosperity.
Navratri 2023, Fifth Day Puja Vidhi and Rituals
Goddess Parvati is also known as Goddess Skandamata after becoming the mother of Lord Kartikeya or Skanda. Worshiping Skandamata bestows the blessings of Lord Kartikeya, the God of war. On this day, offer yellow flowers, Ganga water, kumkum, ghee, and a special offering of bananas. Devotees use a shallow clay vessel as the base, adding three layers of soil and Sapta/Dhanya seeds. Sprinkle a little water to moisten it. A Kalasha filled with Ganga water and betel nut, a few coins, Akshat, and Durva grass is placed at the base of the Kalasha, and five mango leaves are positioned on the neck of the Kalasha, covered by a coconut.
Maa Skandamata Mantra and Prathana
“Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah”
“Yaa Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Skandamata Rupe Samsthita, Namah tatsaye Namah tatsaye namo namah.”
Conclusion
Worshiping Skandamata on the fifth day of Navratri helps purify the mind and body, usher in good luck and fortune, and bless devotees with peace, prosperity, and happiness. Seeking the blessings of the divine mother on this day aids in overcoming life’s obstacles and challenges.