Fifth Navratri Day: Worship of Maa Skandamata
On September 12, 2025, the spiritual journey of Navratri reaches its midpoint, and devotees dedicate their prayers to the fifth form of Goddess Durga, Maa Skandamata. This form is a powerful and tender representation of the divine mother, a testament to the purest form of love and nurturing. The name Skandamata is a combination of two words: Skanda, which is another name for Lord Kartikeya, the commander of the gods, and Mata, which means mother. Her worship on this day is particularly significant as it honors the immense and protective love of a mother, an energy that is both gentle and fiercely powerful.
The Story and Appearance of Goddess Skandamata
The legend of Goddess Skandamata is deeply intertwined with the story of the demon Tarakasura, who, due to a divine boon, could only be killed by a son of Lord Shiva. As a result, the gods prayed to Lord Shiva to marry Goddess Parvati so a savior could be born. From their union, a powerful son, Lord Skanda (also known as Kartikeya or Murugan), was born. He was destined to be the commander-in-chief of the divine army and to lead them to victory against the formidable Tarakasura. As his mother, Goddess Parvati, in her form as Skandamata, nurtured him and prepared him for his divine purpose. She is revered as the embodiment of maternal love, a love that is not only gentle but also provides the strength and wisdom needed to face life's greatest battles.
Goddess Skandamata is depicted in a truly divine and captivating form. She is portrayed with four hands. In her upper two hands, she holds beautiful lotus flowers, symbols of purity and detachment. In her lower right hand, she holds her son, Lord Skanda, in his infant form, symbolizing the deep bond between a mother and her child. Her lower left hand is in the Abhaya Mudra, a gesture of fearlessness and protection, assuring her devotees that she will always shield them from harm. She rides a magnificent lion, a symbol of immense courage and strength. Her complexion is Shubhra, meaning pure white, which signifies her untainted nature and the purity of her maternal love.
The Symbolism of Her Divine Attributes
Each element of Goddess Skandamata's form holds a profound spiritual meaning, offering valuable lessons to her devotees:
- The Mother and Child: The central and most significant aspect of her form is the presence of her son, Lord Skanda, in her lap. This symbolizes that true power lies in nurturing and protecting. It is a powerful reminder that the most divine and selfless form of love is a mother’s love. By worshipping her, devotees are also indirectly worshipping Lord Skanda, thus receiving a twofold blessing.
- The Lion: While her form is gentle and nurturing, her mount, the lion, represents her fierce and protective nature. A mother's love can be gentle, but when her child is in danger, she can become a formidable force. The lion symbolizes this protective ferocity, assuring her devotees that she will fearlessly fight any negative energy or evil force that threatens them.
- The Lotus Flowers: The lotus, a flower that grows in muddy water but remains pristine, symbolizes her purity and her ability to remain untouched by the imperfections of the world. It teaches devotees to cultivate a similar purity of heart and mind, even while living in a world full of challenges and distractions.
- The Abhaya Mudra: Her blessing hand symbolizes her role as a giver of courage and fearlessness. She promises her devotees that if they surrender to her with a pure heart, she will protect them from all harm and grant them the courage to face any life obstacle.
The Significance of Worship on the Fifth Day
The worship of Goddess Skandamata on the fifth day of Navratri marks a crucial turning point in the nine-day festival. It is the midpoint, a point where the focus shifts from a journey of spiritual discipline to receiving the nurturing and protective blessings of the divine mother.
1. Bestower of Paternal and Maternal Blessings
Worshipping Goddess Skandamata is believed to be exceptionally beneficial for parents and those who wish to have children. Her blessings are sought for the well-being, health, and prosperity of children. She is also revered as the one who fulfills the desires of her devotees, especially those related to family life and happiness.
2. Giver of Wisdom and Salvation
It is believed that by worshiping her, devotees are cleansed of all their sins and are blessed with the wisdom that leads to salvation. Her worship opens the doors to spiritual knowledge and helps one attain a state of peace and enlightenment. Because she holds Lord Skanda, who represents wisdom and bravery, her worship also grants these qualities to her followers.
3. Overcoming Obstacles
Her fierce protective nature ensures that all obstacles and enemies, both physical and spiritual, are vanquished. She provides the courage and strength needed to overcome life's challenges, both seen and unseen.
Rituals and Puja Vidhi for the Fifth Day
To properly worship Goddess Skandamata, devotees follow a set of specific rituals with a pure heart and a focused mind. The color for the day is yellow, which symbolizes joy, warmth, and energy.
1. Preparation and Ghatasthapana
The devotee should wake up early, take a purifying bath, and wear clean yellow clothes. The puja altar, where the Kalash (pot) was placed on the first day, should be cleaned and decorated with fresh flowers, especially yellow jasmine, as this is her favorite.
2. The Puja (Worship)
The worship begins with offering prayers to the goddess’s idol or picture. Devotees offer yellow flowers, fruits, and sweets. The most significant offering on this day is a banana, which is a key part of the puja. The banana is offered as a symbol of the nourishing and fulfilling nature of a mother’s love.
3. Mantra Chanting
Chanting the sacred mantras is an essential part of the puja. The primary mantra for Goddess Skandamata is:
ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥ (Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah)
Another powerful mantra to seek her blessings is:
सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रित करद्वया। शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥ (Simhasangata Nityam Padmasrita Karadvaya. Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini)
This mantra praises her divine form, her seat on the lion, and her lotus-holding hands, and asks her to always bestow auspiciousness and fame.
4. Special Food Offerings
The food offerings on this day are simple and pure. A special dish of Kheer (a sweet rice pudding) and bananas is made and offered to the goddess. It is believed that offering kheer and bananas pleases her and brings her blessings for the well-being of the family. Other sattvic foods, like halwa and puri, can also be offered.
The Navdurga Progression and Final Thoughts
The worship of Goddess Skandamata fits perfectly into the spiritual progression of the Navratri festival:
- Day 1 (Goddess Shailputri): The foundation of the spiritual journey, symbolizing the raw strength and stability of nature.
- Day 2 (Goddess Brahmacharini): Bestows the discipline and penance needed to overcome worldly distractions.
- Day 3 (Goddess Chandraghanta): Grants the courage and harmony to face life’s challenges.
- Day 4 (Goddess Kushmanda): Represents the creative energy and the manifestation of the cosmos.
- Day 5 (Goddess Skandamata): The culmination of this spiritual journey, where the spiritual seeker is now ready to receive the nurturing and protective love of the divine mother.
The worship of Goddess Skandamata is a profound reminder that we are all her children, and her love is a powerful and protective force that guides us through life’s journey. By surrendering to her divine maternal love, we can find peace, courage, and the wisdom to achieve both worldly success and spiritual liberation. Her blessings are sought to bring forth a life filled with joy, prosperity, and the boundless love of a mother.
0 Comments