Honoring Maa Skandamata on Day 5 of Navratri 2024
Navratri is a sacred Hindu festival celebrated with immense devotion and fervor. The fifth day of this auspicious nine-day festival is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the fifth manifestation of Goddess Durga. Maa Skandamata is worshipped for her boundless love, divine strength, and protective nature. She is also revered as the mother of Lord Kartikeya (also known as Skanda). Her blessings are sought by devotees to purify their minds, relieve them of worldly tensions, and fill their lives with peace and prosperity.
In this article, we will delve into the significance, story, and rituals (Puja Vidhi) associated with Maa Skandamata, along with the powerful mantras to chant on the fifth day of Navratri 2024.
Who is Maa Skandamata? The Divine Mother of Lord Kartikeya
Maa Skandamata is the mother of Lord Kartikeya, the commander-in-chief of the gods. Her name is a combination of two words: "Skanda," which refers to Lord Kartikeya, and "Mata," meaning mother. She is depicted as a compassionate and protective mother, seated on a lion with her child Kartikeya in her lap.
Maa Skandamata is represented with four hands. She holds lotus flowers in her two upper hands, while her one right hand blesses devotees, and her left hand carries her divine son, Lord Kartikeya. Her divine appearance symbolizes motherly compassion, courage, and strength. She rides a fierce lion, representing Dharma (righteousness) and valor.
Significance of Worshipping Maa Skandamata
Maa Skandamata governs the Vishuddha Chakra (Throat Chakra), which is associated with communication, purity, and truth. Worshipping her on the fifth day of Navratri helps devotees cleanse their thoughts, eliminate negative energies, and achieve spiritual growth. By meditating on the Vishuddha Chakra, one can attain clarity in speech, thoughts, and actions.
Devotees worship Maa Skandamata on the fifth day of Navratri to seek relief from anxiety, stress, and other mental disturbances. Her blessings are believed to bring inner peace, courage, and success in all endeavors. She also grants the boon of progeny and protects her devotees from harm.
The Story of Maa Skandamata’s Divine Compassion
The story of Maa Skandamata is closely associated with the birth of Lord Kartikeya and his battle with the demon Tarkasur. According to Hindu mythology, Tarkasur, after years of penance, received a boon from Lord Brahma that only the son of Lord Shiva could kill him. Believing that Lord Shiva would never marry, Tarkasur considered himself invincible and began to cause havoc in the universe.
Meanwhile, Goddess Parvati, the incarnation of Sati, married Lord Shiva after performing severe penance. Lord Kartikeya was born to them as their son, destined to end the tyranny of Tarkasur. When Kartikeya grew up, he led the army of the gods and defeated the demon Tarkasur, restoring peace and harmony in the universe.
As a result, Goddess Parvati is glorified as Maa Skandamata, the mother of the mighty warrior Lord Kartikeya. She symbolizes the purest form of motherly love, protecting her devotees like a mother cares for her children.
Puja Vidhi for Maa Skandamata on Navratri 2024 Day 5
Performing the correct rituals (Puja Vidhi) for Maa Skandamata with devotion can help attract her divine blessings. Here’s a step-by-step guide for the Puja Vidhi on the fifth day of Navratri 2024:
- Early Morning Rituals: Begin the day by taking a bath early in the morning. Wear clean and pure clothes, preferably white, as it symbolizes purity and peace.
- Kalash Sthapna (Installation of Sacred Pot): Place a Kalash (sacred pot) filled with water in the Puja area. Decorate it with mango leaves and place a coconut on top.
- Invoke Maa Skandamata: Light a ghee lamp and incense sticks. Offer lotus flowers, fruits, and sweets to the Goddess. Place an image or idol of Maa Skandamata in the center of the Puja space.
- Chant Mantras: Recite Maa Skandamata’s mantras with devotion. Meditate on her form and pray for mental peace, prosperity, and happiness.
- Offer Bhog Prasad: Prepare Bhog (food offering) like halwa, kheer, or any sweet dish. Offer it to the Goddess and then distribute it as Prasad among family members.
- Perform Aarti: Conclude the Puja by performing Aarti with a lit camphor, singing devotional hymns dedicated to Maa Skandamata.
- Recite Durga Saptashati Path: Chant the Durga Saptashati Path and Durga Chalisa to invoke her blessings and protection.
Puja Samagri (Items Required for Puja)
- Desi Ghee (clarified butter)
- Incense Sticks
- Fresh Flowers or Garland
- Kumkum (vermilion)
- Shringaar items (beauty items)
- Ganga Jal (holy water)
- Betel Leaves (Paan)
- Supari (Betel Nuts)
- Cloves (Laung)
- Cardamom (Elaichi)
Mantras to Chant for Maa Skandamata’s Blessings
Chanting Maa Skandamata’s mantras with dedication helps invoke her divine energy and seek her grace. Here are some powerful mantras to chant on the fifth day of Navratri:
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सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माञ्चित करद्वया। शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥
Simhasanagata Nityam Padmanchita Karadvaya, Shubhada Tu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini
Translation: “I bow to Maa Skandamata, who is seated on a lion and holds her child Kartikeya in her lap. O Divine Mother, please bestow your blessings and prosperity upon me.”
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या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।।
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Skandamata Rupen Sansthita Namastasyay Namastasyay Namastasyay Namo Namah
Translation: “I offer my salutations to Goddess Skandamata, who resides in all beings as the divine mother.”
Benefits of Worshipping Maa Skandamata
Worshipping Maa Skandamata on the fifth day of Navratri brings several benefits:
- Cleanses Negative Thoughts: Her worship helps purify the mind and cleanse negative energies.
- Grants Peace and Prosperity: Maa Skandamata blesses her devotees with peace, prosperity, and happiness.
- Promotes Mental Clarity: Her blessings help in overcoming anxiety, depression, and other mental disturbances.
- Motherly Protection: She provides protection like a caring mother, shielding her devotees from harm.
Conclusion: Seek the Divine Blessings of Maa Skandamata on Navratri Day 5
The fifth day of Navratri 2024, dedicated to Maa Skandamata, is a day to seek purity, mental peace, and divine protection. By performing the rituals with sincerity and chanting her mantras, devotees can attract positivity and joy into their lives. May Maa Skandamata’s divine grace bring happiness, health, and prosperity to you and your family during this Navratri.
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