Maa Skandamata Navratri Day 5: Mantra, Puja Vidhi, Bhog, Aarti

Skandamata is the fifth form of Hindu Goddess Parvati. Her name comes from Skanda, an alternate name for the war God Kartikeya, and Mata, which means mother. As one of the Navadurga, the worship of Skandamata takes place on the fifth day of Navaratri. Her abode is in Vishuddha chakra.

Day 5 Navratri

Skandamata Mata / Panchami

On Panchami, Goddess Skandamata rules over Budha (the Mercury planet). She is revered because it is believed that she is fierce and admiring.

History

Being grappled with fear and dismay due to the war waged on the Gods(devas) by the demons (asuras) being led by Surapadman and Tarakasura, they approached Lord Vishnu for help. Solely the offspring of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati could place an end to the havoc. After undergoing severe penance, Devi Chandraghanta is married to Lord Shiva. The fiery seed rising from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s energy required nurturing. The warmth from the seed was unendurable for Lord Agni to hold, therefore was given to Ganga to carry it to the Saravana Lake.

Goddess Parvati takes the form of the water body to nurture the fiery seed of Kartikeya, who is born with the choicest of blessings from Gods. He grows up to be a handsome, intelligent, and powerful youth to lead the army as commander-in-chief to defeat the asuras. Ma Skandamata is thus worshipped as the mother of a supremely precocious child - Kartikeya.

The rituals

The ritual of worshipping maa Skandamata starts with placing her on a chowki or table. Cleanse her with gomutra or gangajal. In a clay/silver or bronze pot, fill water and place a coconut on it. Now place lord Ganesha, Varun, Navah Graha, Shodash Matrika(16 goddesses) and apply Sapt Ghrit Matrika, (7 sindoor bindis). Now chant the aartis dedicated to maa Skandamata. Then worship Shiva and Brahma after the chant.

Skandamata Mata Bhog

Goddess Skandmata is worshiped on the fifth day. Worshiping her fulfills all the wishes of the devotees. It is said that offering banana naivedya on the fifth day of Navratri keeps the body healthy. On this day, the mother should offer bananas and also donate bananas.

Temple Of Maa Skandamata

Skandamata Durga Temple is located at J.6/33, Jaitpura in Varanasi.

Color of 5th Navratri

White

Since the color white symbolizes peace and harmony, it holds a lot of importance in one's life. The white color needs to Day 5 of Navratri. By wearing this color, the devotee will be blessed with a feeling of security, happiness, and purity of thought in their life.

Maa Skandamata Mantra

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां स्कंदमाता रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।।

सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया।

शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥

Maa Skandamata Aarti

जय तेरी हो स्कंदमाता
पांचवा नाम तुम्हारा आता

सब के मन की जानन हारी
जग जननी सब की महतारी

तेरी ज्योत जलाता रहूं मैं
हरदम तुम्हें ध्याता रहूं मैं

कई नामों से तुझे पुकारा
मुझे एक है तेरा सहारा

कही पहाड़ों पर हैं डेरा
कई शहरों में तेरा बसेरा

हर मंदिर में तेरे नजारे
गुण गाये तेरे भगत प्यारे

भगति अपनी मुझे दिला दो
शक्ति मेरी बिगड़ी बना दो

इंद्र आदी देवता मिल सारे
करे पुकार तुम्हारे द्वारे

दुष्ट दत्य जब चढ़ कर आएं
तुम ही खंडा हाथ उठाएं

दासो को सदा बचाने आई
‘चमन’ की आस पुजाने आई