The fifth form of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri, is Maa Skandamata. As the mother of Lord Skanda or Kartikeya, Goddess Skandamata embodies motherly love, protection, and the nurturing power of a mother for her child. Devotees worship this form of the Goddess to seek her blessings for prosperity, spiritual growth, and well-being. Here is a comprehensive guide on Maa Skandamata's worship, rituals, mantras, and their significance during Navratri 2024.
Navratri Day 5: Story Behind Maa Skandamata
Maa Skandamata is revered as the mother of Lord Skanda, also known as Kartikeya, the warrior god and commander of the divine forces. According to legends, when Goddess Parvati became the mother of Lord Skanda, she acquired the name Skandamata. This divine form signifies a mother’s power to love, protect, and nurture her child. It is believed that by worshipping Maa Skandamata, devotees also receive the blessings of Lord Kartikeya.
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Navratri Day 5: Maa Skandamata Puja Rituals
On the sixth day of Navratri, devotees perform the following rituals to honour Maa Skandamata:
- Wake up early, take a holy bath, and wear clean clothes (preferably white).
- Place a picture or idol of Maa Skandamata on a clean altar decorated with fresh flowers.
- Offer white flowers, fruits, and sweets like kheer (rice pudding).
- Chant her mantras and recite the Skandamata Stotra to invoke her blessings.
- Perform the Aarti and meditate in front of the deity, seeking her protection and blessings.
Navratri Day 5: Significance of Worshipping Maa Skandamata
Devotees who offer prayers to Maa Skandamata are believed to receive wisdom, peace, and prosperity. She governs the planet Budha (Mercury) and helps devotees purify their thoughts and intellect. Skandamata, often depicted sitting on a lotus flower, is also known as Goddess Padmasana.
Navratri Day 5: Iconography and Appearance
Maa Skandamata is depicted riding a ferocious lion with four hands. She holds baby Murugan (Lord Kartikeya) in her lap. She carries lotus flowers in her upper two hands, and her lower right hand is in the Abhaya Mudra, a gesture that dispels fear and offers protection. Her radiant white complexion signifies purity, peace, and tranquility.
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Navratri Day 5: Favourite Offerings
Maa Skandamata’s favourite offerings include red-coloured flowers like hibiscus, white-coloured sweets, and seasonal fruits. Devotees also light incense sticks and lamps to spread positive energy and purify the surroundings.
Navratri Day 5: Mantras for Maa Skandamata
Chanting the following mantras can help invoke the blessings of Maa Skandamata:
Navratri Day 5: Beej Mantra
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ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah॥ |
Navratri Day 5: Prarthana Mantra
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सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माञ्चित करद्वया।शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥Simhasanagata Nityam Padmanchita Karadvaya।Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini॥ |
Navratri Day 5: Stuti
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या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Skandamata Rupena Samsthita।Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥ |
Benefits of Worshipping Maa Skandamata
Devotees who worship Maa Skandamata are believed to be blessed with strength, courage, and wisdom. She helps her devotees overcome obstacles and paves the way for success. Being the mother of the divine warrior, she also protects her devotees from evil and ensures their well-being. Offering prayers to Maa Skandamata is considered equivalent to worshipping Lord Kartikeya, thus amplifying the auspicious benefits.
On the fifth day of Navratri 2024, seek the divine blessings of Maa Skandamata for spiritual growth, protection, and prosperity. Her motherly love and nurturing power offer devotees immense strength and wisdom. Let us all offer our prayers and meditate upon her divine form to achieve peace and inner joy during this auspicious time.
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