On the fifth day of Navratri, wearing white is a lovely way to pay tribute to Mata Skandamata. (Image: Shutterstock)
Day 5 is devoted to Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya and another manifestation of Goddess Durga.
The vibrant nine-day festival celebrating Goddess Durga began on October 3 and will continue until Saturday, October 12. The festival is marked by fasting, overnight celebrations and cultural gatherings, such as garba. Each of the nine days is dedicated to different forms of Goddess Durga, also known as “Aadishakti.” This event exemplifies dedication and a sense of community, with devotees engaging in various rites and customs to honour the goddess in all her manifestations. The celebrations culminate on the tenth day with Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami), a significant occasion representing the victory of good over evil.
Navratri 2024 Day 5: Worshipping Mata Skandamata
Like all the previous days of Navratri, Day 5 is devoted to Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya and another manifestation of Goddess Durga. Worshipping Maa Skandamata is said to bring favours from her son, Lord Kartikeya, as she carries him along.
Mata Skandmata is commonly believed to represent the Devi with four hands, holding baby Kartikeya on her lap. She appears to be riding a lion. Maa Skandamata bestows wealth, wisdom and salvation upon her followers.
There is immense significance in worshipping Skandamata on the fifth day of Navratri. It is said that those who worship Skandamata will receive power, prosperity and salvation. Even the ignorant can receive wisdom from her. Individuals who give selflessly to her succeed in life and amass wealth.
Navratri 2024 Day 4 Colour WHITE: What It Symbolises
On the fifth day of Navratri, wearing white is a lovely way to pay tribute to Mata Skandamata. The colour white is often associated with innocence and purity. Wear white on Monday to feel secure and at peace within and to become worthy of the Goddess’ graces.
Puja Vidhi for Mata Skandamata on Day 5
- Bathing, wearing clean clothes and offering bhog to the goddess are all required as part of the ritual.
- To perform the puja, all you need is a picture or idol of the goddess that has been cleansed with Gangajal.
- Deepam, sacred water, flowers and food (Prasad) should be given as offerings.
- You can offer the goddess a banana or other fruit, as well as six cardamoms.
- During the puja, it is advisable to recite the Skandamata mantra – Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah.
Shubh Muhurat for Navratri Day 5
According to Drik Panchang, here are the auspicious muhurats for the day 5 of Navratri:
Brahma Muhurat
- Start Time: 4:39 AM
- End Time: 5:28 AM
Abhijit Muhurat
- Start Time: 11:45 AM
- End Time: 12:32 PM
Pratah Sandhya
- Start Time: 5:04 AM
- End Time: 6:17 AM
Amrit Kalam
- Start Time: 3:03 PM
- End Time: 4:48 PM
Vijaya Muhurta
- Start Time: 2:06 PM
- End Time: 2:52 PM
Bhog to Offer Mata Skandamata on Navratri Day 5
In order to ask Mata Skandamata for her blessings on prosperity and power, devotees present her with bananas as prasad on the fifth day of Navratri. Along with it, they make a variety of banana sweets in praise of Goddess Skanda Mata. According to historians, the banana is Goddess Skandmata’s favourite fruit.
