Day 5|October 15, 2026

Goddess Skandamata

The fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Skandamata, the supreme embodiment of maternal love and compassion. Skanda is another name for Lord Kartikeya (the God of War), and Mata means “Mother.” Thus, she is worshipped as the Mother of Skanda. Worshipping her on Day 5 is incredibly unique because it yields a dual blessing: by worshipping the mother, the devotee automatically receives the blessings of Lord Skanda, who sits on her lap. She brings salvation, power, prosperity, and the ultimate protective love of a mother to her devotees.

A Famous Tale of the Goddess

The legend of Skandamata is tied to the survival of the gods. A terrifying demon named Tarakasura performed intense penance and asked Lord Brahma for immortality. When Brahma refused, Tarakasura cleverly asked for a boon that he could only be killed by the son of Lord Shiva. Because Shiva was a supreme ascetic who had detached himself from the world after the death of Sati, the demon believed he was practically immortal.

Tarakasura began tormenting the universe, driving the gods out of heaven. The desperate gods prayed to Goddess Parvati to help them. Through her immense penance (as Brahmacharini), she married Shiva. Their divine union produced Lord Skanda (Kartikeya). Endowed with the combined supreme power of Shiva and Parvati, Skanda was chosen as the commander-in-chief of the gods and successfully destroyed Tarakasura. When Goddess Parvati holds her victorious son in her lap, she is revered as the fiercely protective and endlessly loving Skandamata.

Iconography & Symbolism

Goddess Skandamata is a vision of motherly warmth combined with majestic power.

The Mount (Vahana)

She rides a fierce Lion, symbolizing that even the most protective, gentle mother commands absolute power and fearlessness when defending her children.

The Four Arms

She has four arms. Her top two hands hold pristine Lotus flowers.

The Protective Posture

Her bottom right hand lovingly holds the infant Lord Skanda in her lap. Her bottom left hand is raised in the Abhaya Mudra (granting blessings and dispelling all fears).

Padmasani

Although she rides a lion, she is often depicted sitting on a fully bloomed lotus. Because of this, she is also known as Goddess Padmasani.

Astrological & Chakra Connections

Ruling Planet: Mercury (Budha)

Goddess Skandamata governs the planet Mercury. Worshipping her brings immense wisdom, sharp intellect, and clear communication. It is a powerful remedy for those seeking academic success or looking to clear Budha Dosha (which causes confusion and nervous ailments).

Chakra Connection: Vishuddha (Throat Chakra)

On the fifth day, the devotee's spiritual energy rises to the Vishuddha Chakra, located at the throat. Meditating on this center purifies the mind, clears away negative thoughts, and grants the power of truthful, commanding, and compassionate speech.

How to Do the Puja

Auspicious Color of the Day: Yellow

(Because Day 5 falls on a Thursday in 2026, wearing Yellow aligns perfectly with the spiritual energy of the day, invoking unparalleled optimism, joy, and the blessings of Jupiter).

Favorite Flower

Yellow Roses or Yellow Lotus.

Special Bhog (Offering)

Bananas. Offering fresh bananas to Goddess Skandamata is highly auspicious and is believed to bless the devotee with robust physical health and protect them from severe ailments.

Step-by-Step Ritual:

Take an early bath and wear bright yellow clothing.

Cleanse the altar and offer fresh water to the Kalash.

Offer yellow flowers, kumkum, and sandalwood paste to the idol of the Goddess.

Present the Bhog of fresh bananas (and perhaps a yellow sweet like Besan Ladoo).

Sit calmly, focus on your throat center, and chant her mantras, feeling the unconditional love of the Divine Mother.

Perform the Aarti to close the puja.

Special Milestones: The Midpoint of Transformation

Day 5 marks the exact midpoint of the Navratri festival. By this day, the devotee's mind is typically cleansed of the initial restless distractions of the material world. The Khetri (barley grass) will now be a vibrant, prominent green. It is said that by Day 5, the Goddess fully accepts the devotee as her own child, placing them under her direct, maternal protection for the remainder of the spiritual journey.

Sacred Mantras

Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah

(ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः)

(Chant this 108 times for maternal protection and intellectual growth).

The Chant (Japa)

Simhasanagata Nityam Padmanchita Karadvaya | Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini ||

“May the illustrious Goddess Skandamata, who eternally rides a lion and holds lotus flowers in her two hands, always bring auspiciousness and blessings to my life.”

The Dhyana Mantra (Meditation)