5th Day of Navratri - Goddess Skandamata

On the fifth day of Navratri, devotees worship Goddess Skandamata, the fifth form of Navdurga. She is revered as the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya)

Goddess Skandamata (Navratri Day 5): Story, Significance, Puja Vidhi, Fasting Recipes & More

On the fifth day of Navratri, devotees worship Goddess Skandamata, the fifth form of Navdurga. She is revered as the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), the commander-in-chief of the divine army and the god of war. The name Skandamata is derived from:

• Skanda – Lord Kartikeya

• Mata – Mother

Thus, Skandamata means the “mother of Skanda.” She represents motherhood, compassion, and the protective energy of the divine mother.

Skandamata is depicted carrying her son Skanda on her lap, symbolizing her role as a nurturing mother as well as a fierce protector. Worshipping her on Day 5 of Navratri is believed to grant wisdom, prosperity, salvation (moksha), and blessings for children.

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Mythological Background of Goddess Skandamata

1. Birth of Lord Skanda

According to Hindu mythology, the gods were once troubled by the demon Tarakasura, who was granted a boon that only the son of Lord Shiva could defeat him. However, Lord Shiva was deep in meditation and uninterested in worldly matters.

To restore balance, the gods sought help from Goddess Parvati. She performed intense penance and, through divine intervention, gave birth to Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), who later became the general of the celestial army and defeated Tarakasura.

Thus, Parvati in the form of Skandamata is worshipped as the mother of this great warrior deity.

2. The Symbol of Motherhood and Protection

• Skandamata is often shown seated gracefully on a lion, carrying her infant son in her lap.

• She symbolizes the dual role of a mother: gentle and nurturing yet fearless and protective.

• She represents the idea that a mother’s love is the greatest source of strength in the universe.

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Iconography of Goddess Skandamata

• Complexion: Radiant and glowing like the sun.

• Mount (Vahana): Lion, symbolizing strength, courage, and fearlessness.

• Posture: She holds young Lord Skanda (Kartikeya) in her lap.

• Hands (Four arms):

  • Two hands hold lotus flowers.

  • One hand carries her son Skanda.

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

• Expression: Calm, compassionate, and filled with motherly affection.

This iconography highlights her role as a divine mother who nurtures and protects all creation.

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Spiritual Significance of Worshipping Skandamata

1. Grants Moksha (Liberation) – She is called Moksha Dayini because her worship leads to salvation.

2. Symbol of Maternal Love – Her blessings nurture devotees just like a mother nurtures her children.

3. Bestows Wisdom & Prosperity – Worshippers gain clarity of mind, knowledge, and wealth.

4. Blessings for Children – Childless couples pray to her for progeny, while mothers seek her blessings for their children’s safety.

5. Heart Chakra Connection – Skandamata governs the Vishuddha (Throat Chakra), linked to communication, truth, and purity.

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Day 5 Navratri Rituals (Skandamata Puja Vidhi)

Morning Preparations

• Devotees wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes.

• The color of the day is yellow, representing energy, happiness, and prosperity.

• The idol or picture of Goddess Skandamata is placed on the altar.

Main Puja Vidhi

1. Light a lamp with ghee or mustard oil.

2. Offer yellow flowers, bananas, and sweets to the goddess.

3. Chant her mantras and meditate on her motherly form.

4. Offer water, milk, and fruits to Lord Skanda as well, since he is always depicted with his mother.

5. Perform aarti with deep devotion.

Mantras and Prayers

🌸 Mool Mantra:
“ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः”
(Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah)

🌸 Stotra (from Durga Saptashati):
“सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया।
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥”

Meaning:
“I bow to Goddess Skandamata, seated on a lion and holding lotuses in her hands. May she bless me with prosperity, joy, and wisdom.”

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Navratri Fasting on Day 5

Rules of Fasting

• Avoid grains, onion, garlic, and processed foods.

• Include fruits, milk, dry fruits, and sattvik meals.

• Rock salt (sendha namak) is used instead of regular salt.

Special Fasting Foods for Day 5

1. Banana Halwa – Sweet made with mashed bananas, ghee, sugar, and dry fruits.

2. Sabudana Khichdi – Tapioca pearls cooked with potatoes and peanuts.

3. Kuttu Poori – Buckwheat flour puris served with curd or aloo sabzi.

4. Rajgira Ladoo – Puffed amaranth seeds mixed with jaggery.

5. Mango Lassi – A refreshing drink made from curd and ripe mango pulp.

Bananas and yellow foods are especially considered auspicious on this day.

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Regional Celebrations of Skandamata Puja

• North India (Uttar Pradesh, Himachal, Delhi): Devotees worship Skandamata with yellow flowers and bananas, followed by community bhajans and kirtans.

• Maharashtra & Gujarat: The fifth day is marked by Garba and Dandiya Raas, where people dress in yellow outfits.

• West Bengal: Durga idols begin to depict the goddess in her maternal form, emphasizing her nurturing energy.

• South India: Families celebrate Navratri Golu, and Day 5 displays often show themes of motherhood and divine love.

• Nepal: Skandamata is worshipped during Dashain as a protector of families and children.

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Cultural Importance of Goddess Skandamata

1. Celebration of Motherhood – She represents the selfless love, sacrifice, and protection of mothers.

2. Symbol of Strength in Nurturing – Her form shows that true power lies in compassion.

3. Family Harmony – Her worship brings peace, unity, and prosperity in households.

4. Inspiration for Women – She is celebrated as an empowering role model for mothers who balance nurturing with resilience.

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Modern-Day Observance

• Many devotees wear yellow clothes and decorate their homes with yellow flowers.

• Skandamata is worshipped online via temple live-streams for devotees worldwide.

• Families perform kanya puja (worship of young girls) as a symbol of divine feminine power.

• Social organizations dedicate this day to women empowerment and child welfare drives, reflecting the goddess’s protective role.

• In urban areas, cultural programs showcase the theme of divine motherhood through music and dance.

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Life Lessons from Goddess Skandamata

1. Nurture with Love – Just as Skandamata nurtures Skanda, we too should care for our families and communities.

2. Strength in Compassion – True power comes not from aggression but from patience and compassion.

3. Balance Between Family and Duty – She inspires us to balance personal responsibilities with higher goals.

4. Sacrifice and Protection – A mother’s protective instinct is the strongest shield in the world.

5. Divine Mother Energy – By invoking her blessings, we connect with the universal energy of motherhood.

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Conclusion

The fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Skandamata, the embodiment of divine motherhood and nurturing strength. She carries her son Skanda on her lap, symbolizing love, protection, and selfless devotion.

Her worship on this day brings wisdom, prosperity, salvation, and blessings for children. She reminds us that compassion and maternal love are the greatest strengths of humanity.

In the Navratri journey, worshipping Skandamata marks a transition from the creation energy of Kushmanda (Day 4) to the nurturing, protective energy of motherhood (Day 5).

By seeking her blessings, devotees not only honor the divine feminine but also embrace the universal truth that motherhood is both gentle and powerful, compassionate and fearless.