Day 5: Worship Maa Skandamata
On day 5 of Chaitra Navratri devotees worship ‘Goddess Skanda Mata’, who is another form of Goddess Durga.
The word “Skanda” means Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati, and “mata” means mother. Maa Skandamata is therefore regarded as the mother of Lord Kartikeya or Skanda, who is also known as Murugan or Subramanya in different parts of India.
In Hindu mythology, Skandamata is depicted as having four arms, holding her son Skanda or Kartikeya in her lap, and riding a lion. She is also occasionally shown with a bell or a lotus blossom. She is regarded as the ideal mother and embodies maternal love.
Significance during Chaitra Navratri
Skandamata worshippers seek Skandamata’s blessings for safety, wealth, and success in their endeavors. Her devotees are said to receive knowledge, insight, and enlightenment from her.
Skandamata is linked to the heart chakra as well, which stands for love, compassion, and understanding. Therefore, it is believed that worshipping Skandamata opens the heart chakra and promotes emotional harmony and balance in one’s life. Overall, Skandamata worship and the fifth day of Chaitra Navratri are noteworthy because they symbolize maternal love, bravery, and blessings of safety and wealth.
Follow this Puja Vidhi
A portrait or idol of Maa Skandamata, which should be cleansed with Gangajal before to the puja, is all that is required to hold a puja for the goddess during Chaitra Navratri. A banana or other fruit can be offered to the goddess along with six cardamoms during the puja, in addition to offerings like Gandham, Pushpam, Deepam, Sugandham, and Naivedyam. Skandamata must be worshipped during the auspicious Brahma Muhurta in the morning, which calls for bathing, dressing in clean garments, and presenting the goddess with flowers and bhog. Although banana prasad is frequently served, Batashe’s Prasad can be utilised as a substitute if necessary.
Chant this ‘Mantra’
Oṃ Devī Skandamātāyai Namaḥ
Simhasanagata Nityam Padmanchita Karadvaya।
Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Skandamata Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥
