Navratri 2024 Day 5: Celebrating Maa Skandamata
Navratri’s fifth day falls on October 7, 2024, and is dedicated to the fifth form of Maa Durga, known as Maa Skandamata. She symbolizes a nurturing and motherly form, representing unconditional love and divine care. Let’s explore the significance of this auspicious day and the worship of Goddess Skandamata.
The Importance of Day 5 in Navratri 2024
Navratri is a deeply spiritual time for devotees, marked by nine days of devotion, celebration, and reverence for Maa Durga’s different forms. On the fifth day, worshippers honor Maa Skandamata, the mother of Skanda (Lord Kartikeya), the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This day holds special importance as devotees seek the blessings of Maa Skandamata for happiness, protection, and spiritual fulfillment.
Who is Skandamata?
Maa Skandamata is revered as the mother of Lord Kartikeya, also called Skanda. She is depicted with four hands, holding baby Kartikeya, who has six faces, in her lap. Her other two hands hold lotus flowers, and she rides a lion, symbolizing strength and courage. Known for her boundless compassion and divine powers, devotees who worship her with pure devotion are blessed with peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
Meditation and Spiritual Practice on Day 5 of Navratri
The fifth day of Navratri is considered auspicious for starting meditation and other spiritual practices. Maa Skandamata is associated with the Vishuddh Chakra (throat chakra), which purifies thoughts and emotions. Worshipping her today helps devotees eliminate suffering, gain clarity, and deepen their spiritual journey.
The Story of Maa Skandamata
According to Hindu scriptures, the demon Tarkasur once sought immortality from Lord Brahma. Brahma denied his request but granted him the boon that only the son of Lord Shiva could kill him, thinking this would make him nearly invincible, as Lord Shiva was detached from worldly matters and unlikely to marry. However, destiny intervened when Goddess Parvati, the reincarnation of Sati, married Lord Shiva, and their son, Lord Kartikeya, was born. With his extraordinary strength and skills, Lord Kartikeya was appointed as the commander of the gods and eventually defeated Tarkasur, restoring balance in the universe. Since then, Maa Parvati has been venerated as Skandamata, the mother of Skanda.
Navratri 2024 Day 5: Puja Vidhi
1. Begin your day by cleaning your house and puja area.
2. Dress in fresh, clean clothes to start the worship rituals.
3. Sprinkle gangajal around your home to invite positive energy.
4. Light a diya with pure ghee in front of the deity and offer vermillion, paan, elaichi, supari, and two laung to the goddess.
5. Recite Skandamata’s mantra and other prayers from the Durga Saptashati.
6. Perform the Durga Saptashati Path and recite Durga Chalisa.
7. Offer bhog prasad to the goddess and perform the aarti before breaking the fast.
Mantra for Worshipping Skandamata:
Simhasanagata Nityam Padmanchita Karadvaya..!
Shubhada Tu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini..!!
Goddess Skandamata Stuti:
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Skandamata Rupena Samsthita..!
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah..!!
By honoring Maa Skandamata on this sacred day, devotees invite her divine blessings for peace, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment.
