Day 5 of Durga Puja (or Navratri) is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Skandamata, the fifth form of Goddess Durga. Skandamata, meaning “Mother of Skanda (Kartikeya),” is revered as the divine mother who embodies maternal love, compassion, and strength. She is depicted seated on a lotus, holding her son Kartikeya (Skanda) on her lap, riding a lion. This day symbolizes the nurturing and protective qualities of motherhood and the spiritual elevation associated with the throat chakra (Vishuddha Chakra), which she governs.
Significance of Day 5 Durga Puja and Goddess Skandamata
On the fifth day, devotees honor Maa Skandamata to seek blessings for wisdom, prosperity, and peace. She is believed to bless her devotees with happiness and fulfillment, removing obstacles and granting mental calmness. Worship of Skandamata is associated with purity, spiritual awakening, and the nurturing power of the mother who protects her children and grants liberation (moksha). Devotees also receive the combined blessings of Lord Kartikeya, the commander of the celestial army and her son.
Worshipping Skandamata is believed to bring positive energy to family life, promote harmony, and grant strength to overcome challenges. She is also linked to the planet Mercury (Budha), which governs intelligence, communication, and wisdom.
The Story Behind Skandamata
The story of Skandamata is intertwined with the birth of Lord Kartikeya. After goddess Sati’s self-immolation, Lord Shiva withdrew into deep meditation, slowing the birth of his son who was destined to defeat the demon Tarakasura. Goddess Parvati (Sati’s reincarnation) performed intense penance and married Shiva, finally giving birth to Kartikeya. Skanda grew up to be the divine warrior who defeated Tarakasura, restoring peace. Parvati, as a mother, came to be worshipped as Skandamata.
Rituals and Celebration on Day 5
Devotees begin the day with a holy bath and wear green clothes symbolizing growth and harmony. They place the idol or image of Skandamata, light diyas, and offer flowers, fruits (especially bananas), sweets, and other traditional bhog (food offerings). Mantras are chanted, including the powerful Skandamata mantra:
“ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं स्कन्दमातायै नमः”
(Om Aim Hreem Kleem Skandamatayai Namah)
Devotees recite hymns from Durga Saptashati and perform aarti. The worship is a celebration of maternal strength and unconditional love, often accompanied by prayers for children and knowledge. The day is marked by feasts and community bonding.
Important Points to Remember
- Day 5 Navratri honors Maa Skandamata, mother of Lord Kartikeya.
- Green is the auspicious color for this day.
- Worshipping Skandamata grants wisdom, prosperity, protection from negativity, mental peace, and fulfillment of wishes.
- Recitation of the Skandamata mantra is believed to remove fears and obstacles.
- The goddess symbolizes the nurturing mother archetype and spiritual purity.
- Devotees pray for family harmony, children’s wellbeing, and spiritual growth.
This powerful day in Durga Puja is both a spiritual and joyous occasion celebrating the divine mother in her most loving and protective form, inspiring devotees toward peace, strength, and enlightenment. On this day, devotees seek her blessings for peace, prosperity, clarity, and the removal of stress and suffering. She is depicted seated on a lion with her son Kartikeya on her lap, holding lotus flowers in her hands. Worshipping Maa Skandamata is believed to bring happiness, spiritual growth, and wish fulfillment.
The celebration involves special rituals like wearing green clothes symbolizing harmony and renewal, offering garlands, vermilion, fruits, sweets, and reciting mantras from Durga Saptashati. Devotees perform aarti and offer bhog before breaking their fast. The story behind Maa Skandamata highlights her role as the embodiment of nurturing love and strength, who blessed her son Kartikeya to defeat the demon Tarkasur, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
This day of Durga Puja beautifully exemplifies the power of motherhood and devotion. It invites everyone to connect with their inner strength, seek blessings for joy, and celebrate the divine feminine energy that protects and nurtures.