Navratri Day 5 (March 23, 2026): Maa Skandamata Puja, Meaning, Rituals & the Quiet Power of Nurturing Energy
Discover the deeper meaning of Maa Skandamata and simple rituals for peace, stability, and emotional balance.
Who is Maa Skandamata?
Maa Skandamata is the fifth form of Goddess Durga, worshipped on Day 5 of Navratri. As the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), the commander of the gods, she symbolizes protective, nurturing, and fierce maternal love. She is revered for blessing devotees with wisdom, prosperity, and peace, ruling the Vishuddha.
A mind without nurturing becomes restless. A mind with only nurturing becomes passive. Skandamata balances both.
Puja Vidhi
- Wake up early and take a bath
- Wear yellow or light-colored clothes
- Offer yellow flowers and bananas
- Light a diya (lamp) with ghee
- Chant the mantra:
“Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah” (108 times if possible) - Sit quietly for a few minutes after the puja
Navratri Day 5 2026 - Need to know:
- Date: March 23, 2026
- Tithi: Panchami
- Goddess: Maa Skandamata
- Navratri Day 5 Colour: Yellow
- Best Time for Puja: Morning hours (after sunrise)
Key Highlights of Maa Skandamata.
- The Boon of Tarakasura: The demon Tarakasura obtained a boon from Lord Brahma that he could only be killed by a son of Lord Shiva.
- Birth of Skanda: Shiva, having withdrawn into deep meditation after Sati's sacrifice, was persuaded to marry Parvati (Maa Skandamata) so that a son could be born to end Tarakasura’s reign.
- The Mother's Role: Parvati gave birth to Skanda (Kartikeya), and as the mother nurturing the warrior who destroyed Tarakasura, she is revered as Skandamata.
- Divine Form: She is depicted riding a lion, holding a lotus, and nursing Kartikeya in her lap.
- Blessings: Worshipping her is believed to grant children, wisdom, and prosperity to devotees.
Skandamata Aarti
Jai Teri Ho Skandmata,
Paanchwa Naam Tumhara Aata.
Sabke Man Ki Jaanan Hari,
Jag Janani Sabki Mahtari.
Teri Jot Jalata Rahu Main,
Hardam Tujhe Dhyata Rahu Mai.
Kai Naamo Se Tujhe Pukara,
Mujhe Ek Hai Tera Sahara.
Kahi Pahado Par Hai Dera,
Kai Shahron Me Tera Basera.
Har Mandir Me Tere Najare,
Gun Gaaye Tere Bhakt Pyare.