Navratri 5th Day: The fifth day of Shardiya Navratri 2024 is dedicated to the worship of Maa Skandamata, the fifth form of Goddess Durga. This day holds special significance for devotees seeking blessings for their children and overall prosperity. Let’s dive into the details of Maa Skandamata’s Puja Vidhi, Mantras, Aarti, and the significance of this day.

Date and Time for Maa Skandamata Puja

In 2024, the fifth day of Navratri falls on October 12, 2024 (Saturday). According to the Vedic calendar, the auspicious time (shubh muhurat) to perform the Maa Skandamata Puja is from 11:40 AM to 12:30 PM.

Maa Skandamata’s Appearance and Symbolism

Maa Skandamata is depicted as riding a lion and holding her child, Skanda (Lord Kartikeya), in her lap. With her four arms, she carries lotus flowers, a bell, and a protective hand. She is seated on a lotus, symbolizing her purity and wisdom, which is why she is also called Padmasana Devi. Her grace bestows peace, intelligence, and joy upon her devotees.

Puja Vidhi for Maa Skandamata (Step-by-Step Ritual)

1. Begin the day with a bath and wear clean white clothes, as this color is favored by Maa Skandamata.
2. Place an idol or image of Maa Skandamata on a clean platform. Purify the area with Ganga water.
3. Fill a pot with water and place some coins inside. Position the Kalash on the altar.
4. Perform the invocation using kumkum and roli, and offer fruits like bananas as bhog.
5. Light incense and lamps. Offer flowers, and chant the Maa Skandamata mantra to seek her blessings.
6. The banana is considered auspicious as an offering to Maa Skandamata, symbolizing nourishment and purity.
7. End the puja by singing the Maa Skandamata Aarti, followed by distributing prasad.

Maa Skandamata Puja Mantra

Chanting the mantra during the puja helps in invoking divine blessings:

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Skandamata Rupena Sansthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah

Simhasanagata Nityam Padmanchita Karadvaya
Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashaswini


Maa Skandamata Aarti

Here is a simple aarti to offer your devotion to Maa Skandamata:


Jai teri ho Skandamata
Paanchwa naam tumhara aata
Sab ke mann ki jaanan haari
Jag Janani sab ki Mahtari

Teri jyot jalata rahu mein
Hardam tumhe dhyata rahu main
Kai naamon se tujhe pukara
Mujhe ek hai tera sahara

Kahin pahadon par hai dera
Kai shehron mein tera basera
Har mandir mein tere nazare
Gun gaaye tere bhagat pyare

Bhakti apni mujhe dila do
Shakti meri bigdi bana do
Indra adi devta mil saare
Kare pukar tumhare dwaare

Dusht daitya jab chadh kar aaye
Tum hi khanda haath uthaaye
Daason ko sada bachane aayi
Chaman ki aas pujaane aayi

Jai teri ho Skandamata

Significance of Maa Skandamata’s Worship

Maa Skandamata blesses her devotees with wisdom, strength, and happiness. It is believed that those longing for children or facing obstacles in parenthood should worship her with complete faith. Along with fulfilling the desires of her devotees, Maa Skandamata ensures peace and prosperity in the family. Her blessings are known to bring growth in intellect and spiritual well-being.

Performing the Skandamata puja on the fifth day of Navratri aligns the mind and body to higher energy levels, allowing individuals to experience clarity and divine wisdom.