Celebrating the Divine Mother: Worshiping Maa Skandamata on Navratri's Fifth Day:

On the fifth day of Navratri, devotees turn their prayers to Maa Skandamata, the fifth and deeply compassionate form of Goddess Durga. This day is special because it honors the goddess in her powerful role as a mother, radiating unconditional love and protective energy.

Who is Maa Skandamata?

Maa Skandamata is the mother of Lord Kartikeya, who is also known as Skanda.That's how she gets her name: "Skanda" and "Mata" (mother). She is often pictured riding a majestic lion, holding the infant Kartikeya in her lap In her four arms, she holds lotus flowers, while one hand is always raised in the Abhaya Mudra, a gesture of blessing and fearlessness.Because she is often depicted seated on a lotus, she is also known as Padmasana Devi.

Worshipping her is believed to bring a double blessing—the grace of the Divine Mother and the blessings of Lord Kartikeya as well. Her worship is said to grant wisdom, prosperity, and protection from harm. For those seeking children, praying to Maa Skandamata is considered especially fruitful.

How to Worship Maa Skandamata

The rituals for the fifth day are simple but performed with a pure heart.

Begin Early: It's best to wake up early, during the Brahma Muhurta, take a bath, and wear clean clothes. The auspicious color for this day is green, which symbolizes growth, harmony, and new beginnings.
Set up the Altar: Place the idol or picture of Maa Skandamata on a clean altar. You can decorate it with fresh flowers, especially red ones, which are said to be her favorite. Light a ghee lamp and incense sticks to create a serene atmosphere.
Offerings (Bhog): The traditional offering for Maa Skandamata is bananas, as they are considered her favorite fruit. You can also offer sweets made from bananas or a simple kheer (rice pudding). Offering five different types of fruits is also a common practice
Chant the Mantras: Chanting her mantras is a powerful way to connect with her divine energy. The simplest and most common mantra is:
- “Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah”
  A prayer or Prarthana is also recited:
- “Simhasanagata Nityam Padmanchita Karadvaya, Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini”
Perform Aarti: Conclude the puja by singing the Aarti of the Goddess, offering the light from the lamp to her. After the puja, the bhog is shared among family members as prasad.

The Heart of the Matter

Worshipping Maa Skandamata is about celebrating the gentle, nurturing, and yet fiercely protective love of a mother. It's a reminder that even the most powerful force in the universe has a soft, compassionate heart. By praying to her, devotees seek not just worldly blessings but also the inner strength, wisdom, and clarity to navigate life's challenges with courage and grace.