On the fifth day of Sharad Navratri, the worship of Maa Skandmata, the fifth form of Maa Durga, holds special significance. Devotion, prayers, and devotional singing on this day bring the joy of progeny, mental peace, and spiritual advancement. Yellow color and offerings of bananas are considered dear to the Mother, bringing positivity and prosperity into life.
Shardiya Navratri: Maa Skandmata Worship Method: On the fifth day of Sharad Navratri, September 27, 2025, devotees across the country will duly worship Maa Skandmata, the fifth form of Maa Durga. On this day, prayers will be held in homes and temples from Brahma Muhurta in the morning until evening. Devotees will offer yellow color and bananas to the Mother. Religious belief holds that this not only brings the joy of progeny and mental peace but also spiritual advancement and the destruction of negative forces, thereby fostering positivity and prosperity in life.
Form and Significance of Maa Skandmata
Maa Skandmata is the fifth form of Goddess Durga. She is also known as Padmasana Devi because she is seated on a lotus flower. Lord Skand resides in the lap of the Mother, symbolizing motherhood and compassion. Maa Skandmata's vehicle is a lion, which represents strength and courage. Among her four arms, Lord Skand is seated in one, two hands hold lotus flowers, and one hand is always in the Abhayamudra (gesture of fearlessness). This mudra blesses devotees with fearlessness, protection, and the warmth of motherhood.
Religious scholars state that worshipping Maa Skandmata brings the joy of progeny and peace and happiness in the family. Additionally, devotees achieve spiritual progress and knowledge. This form of the Mother is believed to remove negative energy and obstacles.
Worship Method
Knowing the correct way to worship Maa Skandmata is very important on the fifth day of Navratri. The following methods are adopted for this:
- Bath and Purification: Wake up before sunrise, take a bath, and wear clean clothes. Keep the worship area clean and sacred.
- Installation of Idol or Picture: Install an idol or picture of Maa Skandmata in the home altar or temple. Bathe it with Gangajal and perform Shodashopachara Puja (16-step worship).
- Offering Flowers and Akshat: Offer lotus flowers, incense, lamps, and Naivedya (food offerings) to the Mother.
- Mantra Chanting: Chant the mantra "Om Devi Skandamataiyai Namah" at least 108 times.
- Aarti and Recitation: Perform Aarti of Maa Skandmata and recite Durga Saptashati or Devi Kavach.
Favorite Offerings and Color
Yellow color is especially dear to Maa Skandmata. Therefore, wearing yellow clothes on this day is considered auspicious. Offering bananas as Naivedya during worship is also considered highly beneficial. Additionally, saffron-infused kheer (rice pudding), yellow sweets, and halwa can also be offered to the Mother. Doing so brings health, splendor, and prosperity into the lives of devotees.
Panchami Puja Timings
This year, in 2025, the auspicious timings for Panchami Puja are as follows:
- Brahma Muhurta: From 4:36 AM to 5:24 AM
- Morning Sandhya Puja: From 5:00 AM to 6:12 AM
- Abhijit Muhurta: From 11:48 AM to 12:36 PM
- Evening Sandhya Puja: From 6:30 PM to 7:42 PM
It is believed that performing worship during these times brings special benefits to devotees.
Spiritual Significance of Worship
Worshipping Maa Skandmata is not just a ritualistic ceremony but also a means to bring positive changes in life. It instills confidence and courage in devotees. According to religious scholars, performing Panchami Puja destroys life's difficulties and obstacles. Devotees believe that by the Mother's grace, negative forces are dispelled, and happiness, peace, and prosperity enter life.
Devotees' Faith
Religious guru Pandit Kamlapati Tripathi explains that Maa Skandmata is extremely affectionate and compassionate towards her devotees. Worship performed with faith and devotion towards her brings positive changes in the devotee's life. Devotees believe that worship performed on this day not only leads to the joy of progeny but also spiritual advancement and liberation (moksha).
Social and Collective Devotion
On the occasion of Navratri, Panchami Puja programs are organized in temples and community centers. Devotees collectively perform bhajans (devotional songs), aarti, and mantra chanting for Maa Skandmata. This not only strengthens religious faith but also provides an experience of collective devotion. This event particularly serves as a means to connect children and youth with traditional devotional songs.
Interest Among Children and the Younger Generation
In today's digital age, youth and children are also taking interest in Maa Skandmata's bhajans. These bhajans are taught to children in schools and religious institutions. Their simple and effective lyrics are easily remembered by children. Recorded versions of these bhajans are also available on online platforms like YouTube and music apps, further increasing their popularity.
Folk Tunes and Music
Maa Skandmata's bhajan is connected with folk tunes. Instruments like dholak, harmonium, and manjira are used in it. Due to the simple and melodious tune of the bhajan, devotees instantly feel a connection to it. Many singers have recorded it in their voices, making it available in various styles and reaching people of all age groups.
Benefits of Worship
- Joy of Progeny: Worship of Mata Skandmata brings the joy of having children.
- Spiritual Advancement: Devotees attain mental peace, knowledge, and spiritual benefits.
- Destruction of Negative Energy: Worship removes negative energy and obstacles from life.
- Positivity and Prosperity: Regular worship brings positivity, splendor, and happiness and prosperity into life.
Message of Panchami Puja
Maa Skandmata gives devotees the message that life itself is a struggle, and one must strive hard to achieve success. With the Mother's grace and blessings, facing life's difficulties becomes easier.
