On the 5th day of Navratri, devotees honor Goddess Skandamata—the mother of Lord Kartikeya. She is worshipped to seek her divine blessings for strength, clarity, and relief from life’s troubles.
Day 5 Significance
- Maa Skandamata is considered a compassionate motherly form of Maa Durga, symbolizing maternal love, protection and spiritual upliftment.
- She is believed to relieve her worshippers from worries, distractions, and negativity, helping them find mental peace and focus.
- According to mythology, this day also celebrates Lord Kartikeya’s victory over the demon Tarkasur, fulfilling divine prophecy.
Navratri Day 5 Color
The sacred color for this day is green. Devotees dress in green and offer green flowers, leaves, and decorative items to Maa Skandamata as part of their worship.
🕉️ Story Behind Maa Skandamata
- Legend says the demon Tarkasur received a boon making him nearly immortal and terrorized the universe.
- To end his reign, Lord Kartikeya—son of Shiva and Parvati—was born and appointed commander of the gods.
- Kartikeya eventually defeated Tarkasur, and Parvati (in her role as Skandamata) became known by this name, honoring her as the divine mother.
(This mythology underlines her role as both a nurturer and warrior-mother.)
🔮 Remedies & Wishes
- Couples wishing to have a child may offer food, clothes, or sweets to young girls on this day.
- Observing the Durga Saptashati (chanting or reciting) is also considered auspicious for wish fulfillment.
- Performing puja (ritual worship) and havan (fire ritual) at home can invite her blessings.
🧘 Puja Procedure (Puja Vidhi)
- Begin your day with a purifying bath and wear fresh, clean clothes.
- Set up the shrine or idol of Maa Skandamata.
- Light a diya (lamp) and place a garland or flowers on the image.
- Offer vermilion (kumkum), sandal paste, incense, and other devotional items.
- Present five types of fruits, sweets, paan, supari, cardamom (elaichi), cloves (laung).
- Recite mantras from the Durga Saptashati or other sacred texts.
- Perform aarti (waving of the lamp) in the evening.
- After aarti, offer bhog (prasad) to the deity and share it with family before finishing the fast.
🌸 Mantra & Stuti (Praise)
- Skandamata Mantra:
Simhasanagata Nityam Padmanchita Karadvaya, Shubhada Tu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini - Stuti (Hymn to the Goddess):
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Skandamata Rupena Samsthita, Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah
