The fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the fifth form of Goddess Durga. In 2026, Shardiya Navratri Day 5 falls on Thursday, October 15. Maa Skandamata is worshipped as the mother of Lord Kartikeya, also known as Skanda. Her form represents a mother's love, compassion, protection and strength..Devotees worship Maa Skandamata to seek blessings for family well-being, wisdom, peace and prosperity. Here's everything you need to know about her story, puja vidhi, mantra, bhog and a simple fasting recipe for Navratri Day 5..
Who Is Maa Skandamata?
The name Skandamata means “Mother of Skanda,” another name for Lord Kartikeya, the son of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. When Goddess Parvati became the mother of Skanda, she came to be worshipped as Skandamata..Maa Skandamata is commonly depicted with four arms, holding lotus flowers and carrying infant Kartikeya in her lap. She is often shown seated on a lotus or riding a lion. Because of her lotus association, she is also known as Padmasana Devi..Her form reminds devotees of the strength and tenderness of motherhood. According to Hindu religious beliefs, worshipping Maa Skandamata brings peace, courage and spiritual growth..
Maa Skandamata Puja Vidhi for Navratri Day 5
You can perform a simple puja at home by following these steps:
1. Take a bath: Wake up, bathe and wear clean clothes. Yellow is commonly associated with the fifth day, although colour traditions may vary by region.
2. Prepare the puja space: Clean the area and place Maa Skandamata's picture or idol on a clean platform.
3. Light a diya: Light a ghee or oil lamp and incense, following your family's usual worship practice.
4. Offer flowers and akshat: Present fresh flowers, roli, kumkum, rice grains and water.
5. Offer bhog: Offer bananas, kheer or another sattvik homemade preparation.
6. Chant the mantra: Recite Maa Skandamata's mantra with devotion. You may repeat it 11 or 108 times if that is part of your practice.
7. Read a prayer: Recite the Durga Chalisa, a suitable stuti or your family's preferred devotional text.
8. Perform aarti: Conclude the puja with Maa Durga's aarti and distribute the prasad among family members.
Follow your household's traditions for kalash worship and fasting. The rituals do not need to be elaborate; sincere devotion is central to the practice.
Maa Skandamata Mantra
ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥
Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah..
Devotees chant this mantra while praying for the goddess's blessings, family well-being and inner strength.
What Bhog Is Offered to Maa Skandamata?
Bananas are traditionally offered to Maa Skandamata. Devotees may also prepare kheer, milk-based sweets, fresh fruits or other sattvik dishes according to their family customs..Prepare the offering in a clean kitchen and offer it before distributing it as prasad. There is no need to prepare an expensive or complicated dish.
Maa Skandamata Aarti
Devotees commonly perform Maa Skandamata's aarti using a ghee diya or camphor, while singing a traditional Skandamata aarti or the familiar Maa Durga aarti, Jai Ambe Gauri. You can follow the version traditionally sung in your family or temple..Conclude the prayer by seeking Maa's blessings for peace, strength and the well-being of your loved ones..
