Navratri is a Hindu festival that is celebrated for nine nights and ten days every year. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different avatar of the Goddess Durga. On Navratri day 5, people worship Goddess Skanda Mata, who is considered an avatar of Maa Durga. In this article, we will discuss the significance, puja vidhi, and other aspects of the fifth day of Navratri.
Significance of Worshipping Skanda Mata
Skanda Mata is a divine goddess who is revered in Hinduism as the mother of Lord Kartikeya, also known as the god of war. The goddess is depicted riding on a lion, holding a lotus flower, a bell, and her infant son Kartikeya in her different hands, while keeping one hand in the Abhaya Mudra, which is a gesture of blessing and protection. It is believed that worshipping Skanda Mata on the fifth day of Navratri, wearing yellow or white, can bring immense peace, prosperity, and happiness in the lives of her devotees. She is considered to be a powerful deity who can bless her followers with strength, intelligence, and success in their endeavors.
Legend of Skanda Mata
According to the ancient Hindu mythology, the demon Tarakasur was granted a boon by Lord Brahma which stated that only the son of Lord Shiva could put an end to him. After Tarakasur started to torment the people on earth, the gods implored Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati to get married and have a child who would vanquish Tarakasur. Lord Kartikeya, the valiant son of Shiva and Parvati, eventually defeated Tarakasur, and peace was reinstated on earth. As Skanda Mata is the mother of Lord Kartikeya, she is venerated for her significant role in bringing peace and prosperity to the world.
Puja Vidhi
To worship Skanda Mata, you need to place her picture or idol on a chauki or the place of worship and purify it with Gangajal. Then, perform the puja and offer her gandham, pushpam, deepam, sugandham, and naivedyam. It is recommended to offer her banana or any other fruit and six cardamoms during the puja. Distribute it as prasad later. You can also chant the following mantras while performing the puja:
- Oṃ Devī Skandamātāyai Namaḥ
- Simhasanagata Nityam Padmanchita Karadvaya। Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini॥
- Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Skandamata Rupena Samsthita। Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥
Other Aspects of Navratri Day 5
- Colour: Green is considered the colour of the day, which symbolizes nature, growth, and energy.
- Bhog: Skanda Mata is offered bananas as bhog. Some devotees also prepare different delicacies with bananas to please the Goddess.
- Shubh Muhurat: The auspicious Brahma Muhurat will be from 4:37 AM to 5:25 AM, whereas the Amrit Kalam will appear from 6:18 PM to 7:51 PM. Vijaya Muhurt on the other hand will be occurring between 2:10 PM and 2:58 PM.
Conclusion
The fifth day, known as Panchami, is dedicated to the worship of Skanda Mata, who is believed to be the mother of Lord Kartikeya, the god of war. She is depicted as riding a lion and holding a lotus flower, a bell, and baby Kartikeya in her different hands while keeping one hand in Abhaya Mudra to bless her devotees. Skanda Mata is known to bless her devotees with power, prosperity, and intelligence, and people believe that worshipping her on this day can bring peace, prosperity, and happiness in their lives. The puja vidhi involves offering the goddess with flowers, Gangajal, kumkum, and ghee, and chanting the mantra “Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah” with complete devotion can help one seek her divine blessings and attain success in life. The legend of Skanda Mata reminds us of the importance of motherly love and the power of a mother’s blessings, and by worshipping her with complete faith and devotion, we can attain her blessings and lead a happy and prosperous life.
To read more about Navratri click here: https://shreevedic.com/guide-to-chaitra-navratri-festival-durga/
