Navratri is a time for celebrating the divine feminine energy, and on the fifth day of this auspicious festival, devotees worship Maa Skandamata. She is the fifth form of Maa Durga, and her devotion is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and strength to those who worship her with dedication. Maa Skandamata’s blessings help devotees remove negative energies, leading to the fulfillment of desires and success in various endeavors. Performing her worship is also considered a step towards attaining Moksha.
Maa Skandamata, who is the mother of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda), is revered for her nurturing and protective qualities. Let’s explore the details of Maa Skandamata’s worship, the rituals, her favorite offerings, colors, flowers, and mantras.
The Appearance of Maa Skandamata
Maa Skandamata is often depicted riding a lion, with four hands symbolizing various divine attributes. In her lap sits Lord Kartikeya in his infant form. In her right hand, she holds her son, Lord Skanda, and in her left lower hand, she holds a lotus flower. The upper left hand is in a blessing posture (Varada Mudra), and the right lower hand also holds a lotus flower. Her posture represents both strength and grace, and the presence of her son signifies the nurturing love she bestows on her devotees.
How to Worship Maa Skandamata
To worship Maa Skandamata, devotees should first wake up early, preferably before sunrise, and take a bath to purify themselves. Afterward, they should wear clean clothes and set up a clean altar for Maa Skandamata. The idol or image of Maa Skandamata should be bathed with Gangajal, which symbolizes purity and sacredness. After that, offer kumkum (vermilion), roli (red thread), flowers, fruits, sweets, betel leaves, cloves, cardamom, and other offerings. Light a lamp and incense in front of the deity, followed by chanting her mantras and singing her aarti.
Maa Skandamata’s Favorite Offerings
On the fifth day of Navratri, it is customary to offer bananas as prasad to Maa Skandamata. This could be in the form of banana kheer, banana sweets, or banana halwa. The offering of these preparations is believed to please Maa Skandamata and bring blessings. Additionally, you can offer fruits, sweets, mishri (crystal sugar), and kheer as part of the offering.
Colors for Worship
Each day of Navratri is associated with a specific color, and for the fifth day, yellow and white are considered auspicious colors. It is believed that wearing yellow or white clothes while performing the worship enhances the connection with Maa Skandamata and brings positive energy. These colors also represent purity and wisdom, which are important qualities associated with the Goddess.
Flowers for Worship
Maa Skandamata is especially fond of lotus flowers, which are symbolic of purity, beauty, and spiritual awakening. The lotus is often associated with various deities in Hindu mythology, and as Maa Skandamata is depicted sitting on a lotus, it is considered highly auspicious to offer her this flower. Additionally, you can also offer red roses and hibiscus flowers as part of your worship to please Maa Skandamata.
Mantras for Maa Skandamata Worship
Chanting mantras during the worship of Maa Skandamata helps in invoking her blessings and seeking her protection. Here are some key mantras for the occasion:
Simple Beej Mantra
ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं स्कन्दमातायै नमः
Meditation Mantra
सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया।
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥
Stuti Mantra
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Maa Skandamata Aarti
Chanting the aarti of Maa Skandamata is an essential part of her worship. The aarti praises her divine attributes and seeks her blessings for prosperity, protection, and success. Below is the aarti dedicated to Maa Skandamata:
Aarti of Maa Skandamata:
जय तेरी हो स्कंद माता,
पांचवां नाम तुम्हारा आता।
सब के मन की आस पुराती,
तेरी महिमा सब जग गाता।
कही पहाड़ों पर है डेरा,
कई शहरों में तेरा बसेरा।
हर मंदिर में तेरे नजारे,
गुण गाए तेरे भक्त प्यारे।
भक्ति अपनी हमें दिला दो,
शक्ति मेरी बिगड़ी बना दो।
इंद्र आदि देवता मिल सारे,
करे पुकार तुम्हारे द्वारे।
दुष्ट दैत्य जब चढ़ कर आए,
तू ही खंडा हाथ उठाए।
दासों को सदा बचाने आई,
भक्त की आस पुजाने आई।
स्कंदमाता जी की आरती जो कोई गावे,
कहत शिवानंद स्वामी, मनवांछित फल पावे।
जय तेरी हो स्कंद माता,
पांचवां नाम तुम्हारा आता।
Significance of Worshipping Maa Skandamata
Maa Skandamata represents a combination of strength, nurturing, and compassion. Her worship not only provides physical and emotional well-being but also leads the devotee on a spiritual journey towards liberation. As the mother of Lord Kartikeya, she embodies the qualities of a protective and loving mother who guides her children to victory over adversities. Her blessings are said to bring harmony, prosperity, and a sense of safety in the lives of those who seek her grace.
On this day of Navratri, when Maa Skandamata is worshipped with devotion, it is believed that negative energies are removed, and the devotee’s life is filled with positivity. Performing her puja with full dedication can bring success in all aspects of life, including career, family, and personal growth. It is also said to help devotees overcome obstacles and lead them toward the path of righteousness.
Navratri’s fifth day, dedicated to the worship of Maa Skandamata, offers an opportunity for spiritual growth and divine blessings. The rituals of the day, including the offering of bananas, the wearing of yellow or white, and the chanting of her sacred mantras, help in connecting with the divine energy of the Goddess. Maa Skandamata’s worship brings peace, prosperity, and a deep sense of protection to all those who seek her blessings with sincerity.
