Navratri, the 9 nights of navratri devoted to the goddess Durga, is a time of profound devotion, fasting and celebration. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different form of the goddess and on the fifth day of Navratri, we celebrate Maa Skandama the mother of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda). This festival blog will take you on a spiritual journey into the significance of the 5th day of Navratri and how to seek blessings from Skandamata in this festival of chaitra navratri.
The Divine Goddess: Maa Skandamata
Maa Skandamata is the mother of Lord Kartikeya also known as Skanda or Murugan. She is depicted holding her son murugan kartikeya in her lap riding a ferocious lion. Her name is derived from two words “Skanda” which means Kartikeya and “Mata” which means mother. Maa Skandamata is a symbol of motherly love, protection and strength.
Significance of the 5th Day of Navratri
The 5th day of durga puja is significant as it represents the stage of motherhood and fertility. Skandamata is the epitome of a mother’s boundless love and dedication to her child. Devotees seek her blessings for the well-being of their children and family.
Read More: DAY 4 OF NAVRATRI: HONORING GODDESS KUSHMANDA
Rituals and Prayers
On the navratri 5th day puja vidhi devotees wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath. They wear clean clothes and prepare to offer their prayers to Maa Skandamata. The fast (vrat) on this day is observed with complete devotion.
Navratri 5th day puja vidhi (Worship Procedure)
1. Cleanliness: Before starting the puja one should ensure physical and mental purity.
2. Altar Setup: Place a picture or idol of Maa Skandama on a clean platform.
3. Mantra Chanting: Chant the following mantra to invoke Maa Skandamata’s blessings:
– “ॐ देवी स्कंदमातायै नमः” (Om Devi Skandamata Yai Namah)
4. Offerings: Offer flowers, fruits and sweets to the goddess.
5. Aarti: Perform aarti with a ghee lamp and camphor.
6. Prayers: Recite the Durga Chalisa and other prayers dedicated to Maa Skandamata.
7. Distribution of Prasad: After the puja, distribute prasad among family members and friends.
Read More: Navratri 2023 Significance and Meaning
The Auspicious Colors
Each is associated with a specific color and on the 5th day the color is gray. Devotees believe that wearing the recommended color brings them closer to the blessings of the deity.
Seek Blessings with Mantras
Reciting mantras dedicated to Maa Skandamata is a powerful way to seek her blessings. The following mantra is widely chanted:
“सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया। शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कंदमाता यशस्विनी।”
(Simhasanagata nityam padmashritakaradvaya। Shubhadastu sada devi skandamata yashasvini।।)
This mantra praises Skandamata as the one who sits on a lion and holds two lotus-like hands bestowing blessings and fame upon her devotees.
Conclusion:
The 5th day of Navratri dedicated to Maa Skandamata is a time to seek her divine blessings especially for the well-being and prosperity of children. With prayers, fasting and rituals devotees celebrate the motherly love and strength represented by Skandamata making it a significant and cherished day during the festive season. May Skandamata shower her blessings upon all her devotees during this auspicious time.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the lion in Maa Skandamata’s depiction?
– The lion symbolizes courage, strength and fearlessness qualities that Maa Skandamata bestows upon her devotees.
2. Can men observe the fast on the navratri 5th day dedicated to Maa Skandamata?
– Yes, both men and women can observe the fast and seek blessings from Maa Skandamata.
3. Are there any specific dishes prepared for the 5th day of Navratri fasting?
– While the fasting rules can vary, people often prepare dishes using ingredients like sabudana (tapioca pearls) and singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour).
4. Is there a specific time to perform the puja on the 5th day of Navratri?
– Devotees usually perform the puja during the daytime with morning hours being considered particularly auspicious.
5. How can one connect with the divine energy of Maa Skandamata on this day?
– Devotees can connect with Maa Skandamata through meditation chanting her mantras and maintaining a pure heart filled with love and devotion.
