ॐ Navratri: The Nine Forms of Goddess Durga – Day 5 Worshipping Maa Skandmata (2024)
ॐ The Nine Forms of Goddess Durga – Day 5 Worshipping Maa Skandmata (2024)
On the fifth day of Navratri, devotees honour Maa Skandmata, the nurturing mother of Lord Kartikeya. She bestows wisdom, prosperity, and strength upon her followers. Known for her gentle yet powerful nature, worshipping her on this day helps remove obstacles and brings peace. Key rituals include offering yellow flowers, chanting mantras, fasting, and performing Kumari Puja.
This divine form of Goddess Durga Maa Skandmata is seated on a lion, symbolizing courage and strength, with her son Skanda sitting on her lap, reflecting her dual nature as both a nurturing mother and a fierce protector.
On the fifth day of Navratri, devotees across the world worship Maa Skandmata, the fifth manifestation of Goddess Durga. As the mother of Lord Skanda (also known as Kartikeya), she embodies maternal love, nurturing, and the power to guide her devotees to salvation. Revered for her calm demeanour and divine grace, Maa Skandmata is believed to bestow wisdom, prosperity, and success while removing obstacles from the lives of her devotees. Her calm demeanour is a reminder of the strength that lies in gentleness, and her blessings are thought to resolve even the most challenging obstacles in life.
Worshipping Maa Skandmata on the fifth day of Navratri is a time-honoured tradition that is thought to purify the heart and awaken spiritual consciousness. As devotees offer their prayers and bhog (food offerings) with love and devotion, they seek her blessings for inner peace, happiness, and a fulfilling life.
On the fifth day of Navratri, devotees offer prayers, chant her mantras, and present her with yellow flowers, which are symbolic of joy and intellect. Fasting on this day and performing Kumari Puja further amplifies the spiritual benefits of her worship. Maa Skandmata blesses her followers with immense strength, enabling them to face life's adversities with patience, love, and wisdom.
Muhurat for fifth pooja of Navratri: Date & Time for Maa Skandmata Puja
According to the Vedic calendar, the auspicious time (Shubh Muhurat) to perform the Maa Skandamata Puja is from 11:40 AM to 12:30 PM. This period is considered most favourable to seek the blessings of the goddess for prosperity, well-being, and the protection of one's family.
Additionally, the Panchami Tithi—the fifth lunar day—will remain in effect until 12:04 PM. Devotees are encouraged to complete their rituals during this time to maximize the spiritual benefits of the puja.
Who is Maa Skandmata? The Goddess of Nurturing Power
Maa Skandmata, worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri, is the embodiment of motherhood and nurturing energy. She is the mother of Lord Skanda, also known as Kartikeya, the commander of the divine army. Her name, "Skandmata," signifies her role as the mother (Mata) of Skanda, who is revered as a warrior god. This divine form of Goddess Durga represents the maternal aspect of the divine and her boundless love and care for all beings.
Maa Skandmata is often depicted seated on a lion, symbolizing courage and strength, with her son Skanda sitting on her lap. This image reflects her dual nature as both a nurturing mother and a fierce protector. She holds a lotus in one of her hands, symbolizing purity and spiritual growth, while her serene expression represents the calm that comes from inner strength.
A divine scene depicting Goddess Maa Skandmata seated on a lion, holding her son Lord Skanda on her lap, surrounded by families and devotees worshipping her.
- Role: Nurturer, Protector
- Depiction: Seated on a lion, holding Lord Skanda, with a lotus in her hand
- Blessings: Wisdom, Prosperity, Spiritual Enlightenment, Overcoming Challenges
- Colour: Yellow (associated with intellect and energy)
Rituals and Traditions for Worshipping on Day 5 of Navratri: Worship Maa Skandmata
Devotees observe several traditional rituals to worship Maa Skandmata on this auspicious day. These rituals are an important way to connect with the divine and seek blessings for a prosperous and peaceful life.
Rituals to Follow:
- Ghatasthapana: The sacred Kalash that was established on the first day of Navratri is worshipped on the fifth day. Offer flowers, fruits, and water to the Kalash.
- Durga Saptashati Recitation: Reciting verses from the Durga Saptashati (a collection of 700 verses in praise of Goddess Durga) is considered extremely auspicious.
- Skandmata Idol Worship: Place an idol or image of Maa Skandmata on a clean altar, decorated with yellow flowers (a favourite colour of the goddess), and offer prayers.
- Kumari Puja: Young girls are worshipped as the embodiment of the goddess. Devotees offer them sweets, food, and gifts.
- Fasting: Many devotees observe fast on the fifth day of Navratri, consuming only fruits or special Navratri dishes.
- Aarti and Mantra Japa: Perform Aarti while reciting the mantras and prayers. Light camphor and incense sticks during the Aarti.
- Shodashopachara Puja: Perform the 16-step worship process, including offerings of water, food, clothes, and flowers.
- Conclude with Aarti: Recite the Aarti and distribute the Bhog as Prasad to family and friends.
Pooja Vidhi for Navratri Day Five: Worshiping Maa Skandmata
To perform the puja of Maa Skandmata, follow these steps with devotion and care:
- Cleanse the Puja Area: Before starting the puja, clean the area where the worship will take place and place a clean cloth on the altar.
- Place the Idol or Image: Place the idol or image of Maa Skandmata on the altar, decorated with flowers and offerings.
- Offer Water (Achaman): Offer water to the goddess to purify the surroundings.
- Light Diya and Incense: Light a ghee or oil diya and incense sticks to purify the atmosphere.
- Offer Flowers and Prasad: Present fresh flowers, especially yellow flowers, and prasad, including bananas, kheer, and halwa.
- Chant the Skandmata Mantra: Recite the mantra for Maa Skandmata with devotion and faith.
- Perform Aarti: Conclude the worship with an Aarti dedicated to Maa Skandmata.
Navratri Day 5: Mantras for Maa Skandmata Pujan
Chanting the mantra for Maa Skandmata is an essential part of her worship. It is believed that by reciting this mantra with devotion, devotees invoke the goddess's blessings for success, health, and prosperity.
Key Mantra for Worship:
"सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया |
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी"
(Simhasanagata Nityam Padmashritakaradvaya |
Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandmata Yashaswini)
This mantra calls upon the Goddess to bestow success, health, and good fortune and can be chanted during the puja to invite divine energy and blessings into your life.
Navratri Day 5: Aarti of Maa Skandmata
Singing the Aarti of Maa Skandmata is an integral part of her worship.
Here is the full Aarti to sing with devotion:
Jai Skandmata Aarti:
Jai Skandmata Jai Jai Ma,
Jai Skandmata Jai Jai Ma,
Teri Jyoti Hai Jag Mein Jagi,
Sab Mein Hai Tu Samai Ma.
Tera Maan Hai Balak Mein Ma,
Tu Hi Jag Ko Palanewali Ma,
Teri Mahima Aparampar Hai,
Jai Skandmata Jai Jai Ma.
Tu Hi Hai Jag Ki Adhishthatri,
Jag Ko Tu Hi Paalan Haari,
Jai Ho Teri Mata Rani,
Jag Ko Tu Hi Hai Paalewali.
Tumhein Jo Bhakti Bhav Se Gaye,
Sarv Sukhon Ko Paa Jaaye,
Jai Skandmata Jai Jai Ma,
Jai Skandmata Jai Jai Ma.
Puja Samagri for Worshiping Maa Skandmata
To worship Maa Skandmata, ensure you have the following puja samagri (items):
- Clean cloth for the altar
- Idol or picture of Maa Skandmata
- Ghee or oil diya
- Incense sticks
- Yellow flowers (her favourite colour)
- Fruits (especially bananas)
- Panchamrit
- Prasad (Kheer, Halwa)
- Sandalwood paste
- Kumkum (vermillion)
- Rice grains (Akshat)
- Durga Saptashati book for recitation
Food Offerings Bhog (Prasad) for Maa Skandmata
Devotees prepare specific offerings as prasad for Maa Skandmata. It is believed that she favours bananas, which symbolize nourishment and purity. Offering these to the goddess during the puja is considered highly auspicious.
Traditional Offerings Include:
- Bananas: The primary offering as it is believed to be her favourite.
- Panchamrit: A sacred mixture of milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, and sugar.
- Kheer: A sweet rice pudding made from milk and sugar, often prepared as a prasad for the goddess.
- Halwa: A sweet dish made from semolina (sooji) or wheat flour, cooked in ghee and sugar.
After the puja, these offerings are distributed as Prasad among family members and friends, symbolizing the blessings of Maa Skandmata goddess.
Navratri 2024 Day 5: Significance of Day 5 Colour: Yellow
On Navratri 2024 Day 5, the auspicious colour is yellow, symbolizing joy, wisdom, and energy. This vibrant colour is closely associated with Maa Skandmata, who blesses her devotees with intellect and prosperity. Wearing yellow on this day and offering yellow flowers in the puja is believed to attract positive energy, clarity of thought, and inner peace. Yellow, representing the life-giving energy of the sun, enhances the spiritual significance of Day 5, aligning with the nurturing and empowering qualities of the goddess.
Spiritual Significance of Worshiping Maa Skandmata
Maa Skandmata holds immense significance in Hindu mythology. Maa Skandmata symbolizes the deep bond between a mother and her child, as seen in her depiction where she holds her son, Lord Skanda, in her lap. This act not only portrays her as the mother of the warrior god but also signifies her protective and nurturing role toward all her devotees. Her lion mount symbolizes courage and strength, while the lotus in her hand signifies purity, beauty, and devotion. Devotees believe that by worshipping her, they are blessed with wisdom, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
The name Skandmata comes from the Sanskrit words "Skanda," meaning Kartikeya, and "Mata," meaning mother. This highlights her role as the mother of Skanda and the maternal aspect of her divinity.
Maa Skandmata and Her Connection to Lord Kartikeya: A Deeper Look into the Mythology
Maa Skandmata, revered as the fifth form of Goddess Durga during Navratri, holds a significant place in Hindu mythology. She is the mother of Lord Kartikeya, also known as Skanda or Murugan, who is a warrior deity. Her name, "Skandmata," translates to "Mother of Skanda," symbolizing her maternal aspect and her close bond with her son.
According to the Skanda Purana, when the gods were tormented by the demon Tarakasura, they sought the help of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It was foretold that only the son of Lord Shiva could defeat the powerful demon. Thus, Kartikeya was born, and under the care of Maa Skandmata, he grew into a powerful warrior. When the time came, Kartikeya, riding his peacock mount, led the celestial army to victory over Tarakasura.
Why Yellow Flowers Are Sacred to Maa Skandmata?
During the worship of Maa Skandmata on the fifth day of Navratri, offering yellow flowers holds special significance. Yellow is traditionally associated with purity, positivity, and divine energy. In Hinduism, the colour yellow is symbolic of wisdom and intellect, which aligns with the qualities Maa Skandmata bestows upon her devotees.
Yellow flowers, especially marigolds and lotus, are often used in the puja rituals dedicated to her. The lotus, in particular, holds spiritual meaning as Maa Skandmata is often depicted holding a lotus in one of her hands, symbolizing purity, spiritual awakening, and divine beauty. The act of offering yellow flowers is believed to invoke Maa Skandmata's blessings for clarity of thought, inner peace, and spiritual growth.
Moreover, yellow is also the colour of the sun, representing life-giving energy and prosperity. By offering yellow flowers, devotees not only express their devotion but also seek prosperity and well-being in their lives.
Importance of Kumari Puja on Navratri Day 5: Why Worshipping Young Girls Is Auspicious
One of the key rituals observed during Navratri, especially on the fifth day dedicated to Maa Skandmata, is the Kumari Puja. This practice involves worshipping young pre-pubescent girls, known as Kumaris, who are considered to be manifestations of the goddess herself. According to Hindu tradition, the Kumari represents the pure, untapped energy of the feminine divine, known as Shakti.
Kumari Puja symbolizes the reverence for the girl child and her inherent divinity. On Day 5 of Navratri, when Skandmata is worshipped, this ritual takes on added significance. Maa Skandmata, as the mother figure, embodies the nurturing aspect of femininity, and by worshipping young girls, devotees honour this divine maternal force.
Conclusion
On this fifth day of Navratri, may Maa Skandmata’s blessings bring immense joy, prosperity, and peace into your life. Her maternal love and divine grace are believed to remove obstacles and bring peace to your life. Her worship is not only a path toward spiritual growth but also a means to invoke maternal love, care, and wisdom in our own lives. As you sing her aarti, offer your devotion, and follow the rituals, may her divine grace remove all obstacles from your path.
" May Maa Skandmata bless your Navratri celebrations in 2024 with harmony, strength, and wisdom! "
~ Team Baidhyanath.Org
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