On the fifth day of Chaitra Navratri 2025, devotees across India come together to worship Maa Skandmata, a compassionate and nurturing form of Goddess Durga. This auspicious day holds special significance, as it coincides with the Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga, a celestial alignment believed to bring success and prosperity to those who seek divine blessings. Maa Skandmata, revered as the mother of Lord Kartikeya (also known as Skanda), symbolizes wisdom, motherly love, and the ultimate source of knowledge. Her presence is often depicted with a luminous aura, seated on a lotus or lion, cradling her son in her arms.
For centuries, devotees have observed this day with great reverence, believing that praying to Maa Skandmata enhances intellect and grants wisdom. It is also widely believed that childless couples who worship her with unwavering devotion are blessed with offspring. The rituals performed on this day reflect a deep sense of faith and spiritual connection.
The sacred rituals of Maa Skandmata’s worship commence in the early hours of the morning. Devotees purify themselves and their surroundings before beginning the prayers. Offerings such as yellow flowers, bananas, saffron-infused kheer, and other sweet delicacies are made, as it is believed that Maa Skandmata favors yellow-colored items. Additionally, some devotees offer cardamom as prasad, seeking enhanced intellect and clarity of thought. The chanting of the Skandmata mantra, “Brim Skandajananyai Namah,” is performed with great devotion, believed to bestow peace and prosperity upon worshippers.
Maa Skandmata is often associated with guiding her devotees toward enlightenment and righteousness. Her form, with multiple hands holding lotus flowers and her divine child, signifies her boundless compassion and protective nature. She is regarded as the deity of the solar system, radiating divine light that dispels darkness and ignorance. Her worship is not only a means to seek blessings for prosperity but also a path to inner peace and spiritual fulfillment.
During this sacred observance, devotees also perform the Aarti dedicated to Maa Skandmata. The rhythmic chanting of hymns and the glow of diyas create an atmosphere of devotion and serenity. The heartfelt verses of the Aarti, praising the benevolence of the goddess, echo in temples and homes, reinforcing the faith of worshippers. It is a moment where devotees feel an intimate connection with the divine, seeking guidance and protection in their lives.
The significance of this day extends beyond religious rituals. It is a time for self-reflection, gratitude, and embracing the values of compassion and wisdom that Maa Skandmata embodies. The teachings associated with her worship encourage individuals to lead a righteous life, nurture kindness in their hearts, and seek knowledge that benefits not just themselves but society as a whole.
As the Navratri celebrations continue, each day brings devotees closer to the divine, offering opportunities for spiritual awakening and renewal. The worship of Maa Skandmata is a reminder of the nurturing love of a mother and the immense power of faith. With prayers and devotion, worshippers find solace in the belief that the goddess will guide them toward success, happiness, and fulfillment in all aspects of life.
