Love and Protection – Maa Skandmata Puja
Navratri celebrates nine forms of Maa Durga, each on a different day. The fifth day of Sharadiya Navratri is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the divine mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), the commander of the celestial army. She is revered for her boundless motherly love, compassion, and protective nature. Worshipping Maa Skandmata on this day blesses devotees with strength, wisdom, and prosperity, while also instilling peace and harmony within families.
Date and Colour of the Day— Navratri Day 5 (Goddess Maa Skandamata)
- Date: Thursday, 15th October 2026 (Panchami)
- Goddess Worshipped: Maa Skandmata— Mother of Lord Kartikeya and bestower of love and compassion.
- Colour of the Day 5: Yellow— representing radiance, power and brightness.
- Mata Skandmata Puja: Wear Yellow colored clothes on Thursday – fifth day of Navratri and worship Maa Skandamata and celebrate the day with a sense of unparalleled optimism and joy. This warm color makes the person cheerful and adds radiance to the day.
Who Is Maa Skandmata?
Maa Skandmata is the fifth manifestation of Goddess Durga, named after her son, Skanda (Kartikeya). Depicted seated gracefully on a lion, she carries baby Skanda in her lap, embodying the image of a divine mother who protects and nurtures all creation. With four hands, she holds two lotuses, maintains the Abhaya Mudra (gesture of granting fearlessness), and carries her beloved son.
Her form radiates a golden aura, representing warmth, affection, and divine grace. Skandmata is believed to look upon all devotees as her children, showering them with unconditional love and care.
Significance of Day 5 of Navratri
The fifth day of Navratri holds deep spiritual meaning as it celebrates the qualities of motherhood, compassion, and divine protection embodied by Maa Skandmata. This day symbolizes the harmonious union of strength and wisdom, blessing devotees with prosperity, peace, and happiness. It inspires individuals to lead a life rooted in devotion, purity, and humility, while also reminding them of the boundless and selfless love that a mother represents.
Importance of Worshipping Maa Skandmata
Worshipping Maa Skandmata is considered highly auspicious as she grants blessings of spiritual wisdom and worldly prosperity. She destroys the sorrows of her devotees and fills their lives with positivity and harmony. Her worship also strengthens family bonds, brings peace to the household, and removes obstacles in the path of success. Those who worship Maa Skandmata with devotion are said to receive her motherly protection and divine guidance in all aspects of life.
Rituals of Navratri Day 5 for Love and Compassion
- Begin the day with a holy bath and wear green-colored attire.
- Place the idol or image of Maa Skandmata on a clean altar.
- Offer fresh flowers, especially marigold and lotus, along with fruits and sweets.
- Light a ghee lamp and recite Durga Saptashati or Skandmata stotras.
- Chant her mantras with devotion.
- Offer bhog such as bananas and distribute among family and devotees.
Mantras of Navratri Day 5 That Resonate
Dhyana Mantra
सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया।
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥
Meaning:
Maa Skandmata, seated on a lion and holding lotuses in her hands, blesses her devotees with prosperity and success.
Main Mantra
ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥
Beej Mantra
ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे॥
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Why Day 5 of Navratri is Important for You
Worshipping Maa Skandamata on Day 5:
- Blesses devotees with wisdom, strength, and prosperity.
- Worshipping her helps in removing worries and protecting family life.
- A day to connect with the nurturing energy of the Goddess.
- Brings peace, harmony, and stability in family life.
- Invokes courage, wisdom, and prosperity.
- Inspires qualities of compassion, humility, and selfless love.
- Encourages devotees to face challenges with divine protection and strength.
Modern-Day Celebrations and Spiritual Teachings
- Modern Celebrations: Devotees wear green attire, perform special pujas, and visit Durga temples to offer prayers to Maa Skandmata. Community gatherings, kirtans, and cultural programs also form an integral part of the celebrations. In many households, families come together to recite mantras and share prasad, reinforcing unity and love.
- Spiritual Teachings: Maa Skandmata represents unconditional love and protective strength. She teaches that compassion and humility are the true strengths of a devotee. Her form inspires us to nurture others, remain fearless in the face of difficulties, and seek spiritual enlightenment while balancing worldly responsibilities.
A Call to Motherly Love and Protection
Navratri Day 5 is a celebration of divine motherhood, compassion, and wisdom. Worshipping Maa Skandmata fills life with positivity, strength, and prosperity, while also blessing families with peace and harmony. Her loving energy reminds us that a mother’s devotion is the most powerful force of protection and guidance in the universe.