🌸Worship of Maa Skandamata – The Divine Mother of Skanda

Navratri, the nine-night festival of Goddess Durga, is one of the most significant Hindu celebrations observed across India and around the world. Each of the nine days is dedicated to a unique form of Goddess Durga, known as the Navadurga. Devotees honor her with great devotion, fasting, rituals, and cultural festivities.

On the fifth day of Navratri 2025, devotees worship Maa Skandamata, the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya). She is revered as a symbol of maternal love, wisdom, and courage. Worshipping her on this auspicious day brings peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.

This article provides a complete guide on Maa Skandamata, her significance, puja rituals, story, and the importance of Navratri Day 5 (27 September 2025).

🌺 Who is Maa Skandamata?

The name Skandamata is derived from two words: Skanda, another name for Lord Kartikeya, and Mata, which means mother. She is worshipped as the nurturing mother of Skanda, the commander of the divine army who defeated the demon Tarakasura.

Appearance of Maa Skandamata:

• Maa Skandamata is shown with four arms.

• She carries baby Skanda (Kartikeya) in her lap.

• Her two upper hands hold lotus flowers, symbolizing purity and divinity.

• One hand is in the Abhaya Mudra (gesture of blessing and protection).

• She rides a lion, which represents strength and fearlessness.

• Often, she is depicted sitting on a lotus, earning her the name Padmasana.

Her form reflects both a nurturing mother and a fierce protector, embodying love and power together.

🌿 Significance of Worshipping Maa Skandamata

Worshipping Maa Skandamata on the 5th day of Navratri is believed to bring divine blessings:

• Wisdom & Knowledge: She grants intelligence, clarity, and spiritual growth.

• Prosperity: Her blessings remove financial struggles and bring abundance.

• Motherly Protection: Devotees are shielded from negative energies.

• Children’s Well-Being: She ensures the health, safety, and success of children.

• Liberation (Moksha): Worshipping her leads devotees closer to salvation and freedom from worldly attachments.

📅 Day 5 of Navratri 2025: Date and Puja Timings

• Date: Saturday, 27th September 2025

• Navratri Day: 5th Day

• Goddess Worshipped: Maa Skandamata

• Navratri Color of the Day: Green (symbol of growth, harmony, and positivity)

• Best Time for Puja: Early morning during Brahma Muhurat, Abhijit Muhurat, or evening Sandhya Kal

📖 The Story of Maa Skandamata

The legend of Maa Skandamata is closely tied to the story of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya).

• The demon Tarakasura was granted a boon that only Lord Shiva’s son could defeat him.

• To fulfill this, Kartikeya (Skanda) was born to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

• Maa Parvati took the form of Skandamata, nurturing and guiding her son.

• Later, Lord Skanda led the army of the gods and killed Tarakasura, restoring peace in the universe.

Thus, Maa Skandamata is worshipped as the eternal symbol of motherhood, love, and strength.

🙏 Rituals to Worship Maa Skandamata

On the 5th day of Navratri, devotees perform special puja rituals to honor Maa Skandamata:

1. Morning Preparations

   • Take a holy bath and wear green attire.

   • Place Maa Skandamata’s idol or picture on a clean altar.

2. Offerings (Samagri)

   • Offer green-colored fruits, flowers, and sweets.

   • White lotus flowers are considered highly auspicious.

   • Light diyas (lamps), incense sticks, and camphor.

3. Mantra Chanting
   Recite Maa Skandamata’s mantra with devotion:
   “ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः”
   (Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah)

4. Naivedya (Prasad)

   • Devotees prepare jaggery sweets or kheer as offerings.

5. Aarti

   • Perform aarti in the evening with bells and conch sounds, seeking her blessings for family peace and prosperity.

🌟 Benefits of Worshipping Maa Skandamata

• Attains peace and harmony in family life.

• Blessings of wisdom, prosperity, and success.

• Ensures safety and long life of children.

• Removes obstacles, fear, and negativity.

• Helps in achieving moksha and spiritual progress.

🕉 Symbolism of Maa Skandamata

• Lotus Seat: Spiritual awakening and purity.

• Lion as Vehicle: Strength and courage.

• Kartikeya in Lap: Nurturing mother and protector of righteousness.

• Green Color: Growth, prosperity, harmony, and fertility.

🎉 Celebrations of Navratri Day 5

• Temple Decorations: Temples are adorned with green flowers and lights.

• Bhajans & Kirtans: Devotees sing devotional songs in praise of the Goddess.

• Fasting: Many observe fasts, consuming fruits, milk, and simple food.

• Garba & Dandiya: In Gujarat and other states, cultural celebrations continue with joy and devotion.

🧘 Spiritual Importance of Day 5

The 5th day of Navratri is linked to the Vishuddhi Chakra (Throat Chakra). Worshipping Maa Skandamata helps devotees awaken this chakra, leading to better communication, truthfulness, and spiritual clarity.

🌼 Conclusion

The 5th day of Navratri 2025, dedicated to Maa Skandamata, will be celebrated on Saturday, 27 September 2025. She represents divine motherhood, wisdom, and strength. Worshipping her with devotion on this day brings harmony, prosperity, and spiritual progress.

Her blessings not only protect devotees but also guide them toward the ultimate goal of life – Moksha (liberation).

As you celebrate this Navratri, wear green, chant her mantras, and pray with a pure heart to invite Maa Skandamata’s blessings into your life.