Devotees Pay Homage to Skandamata on the Fifth Day of Navratri

On the auspicious occasion of Navratri, devotees across the country are offering prayers to the fifth manifestation of Goddess Durga, Devi Skandamata. Known as the mother of Lord Kartikeya (also referred to as Skanda), Skandamata is revered as the goddess who grants her devotees peace, prosperity, and salvation. Her blessings are believed to bring comfort and divine protection, and on this sacred day, devotees seek her divine grace with fervent devotion.

The Significance of Skandamata

As the fifth form of Goddess Durga, Skandamata holds a special place in Hindu mythology. She is depicted seated on a lotus, holding baby Skanda on her lap, and is often referred to as the “Lotus Goddess”. Her four arms hold two lotus flowers, with one hand granting blessings and another holding her son, Lord Skanda. It is believed that worshipping Skandamata not only brings material well-being but also opens the path to moksha (liberation).

Devotees, on this day of Navratri, invoke her blessings with prayers, fasting, and special rituals. In temples across the country, the atmosphere is charged with the chanting of sacred hymns and mantras, with devotees offering flowers, fruits, and sweets to honor her.

Navratri Celebrations Across India

Navratri is a nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her different forms. Each day is marked by the worship of a specific form of the goddess, and on the fifth day, Devi Skandamata is honored. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in different parts of the country, with temples adorned with flowers, lights, and elaborate decorations.

In many regions, special pujas and rituals are performed to seek the goddess’s blessings for health, wealth, and happiness. The devotees believe that worshipping Skandamata helps them overcome the obstacles in their lives and brings them closer to divine knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. The fifth day of Navratri is considered particularly auspicious for those seeking happiness and well-being for their family.

Prayers for Universal Welfare

This year, as the country celebrates Navratri, many are offering prayers for the well-being of humanity. With the ongoing challenges faced by people globally, devotees are turning to the divine mother for strength, courage, and protection. Skandamata, the “giver of happiness and salvation,” is believed to be a symbol of compassion and love, and her blessings are invoked for universal welfare.

In temples dedicated to Skandamata, the hymns and chants echo the deep faith of her devotees: (At the feet of Devi Skandamata, who brings happiness and salvation, we bow in reverence. May her blessings ensure the well-being of all).

As the Navratri festival continues, the day dedicated to Skandamata serves as a reminder of the goddess’s nurturing and protective nature. Devotees pray for her blessings to bring peace and prosperity to their homes, hoping that her divine grace will remove obstacles and guide them toward a life of contentment and spiritual fulfillment.