Fifth Day of Navratri: Skandmata Devi

Day 5 of the Holy Navratri has a lot to offer. The Fifth Day of this auspicious and pious time is devoted to Skandmata Devi. Skandmata devi is considered to be the Mother and Chief Warrior of the Gods Army, the Skanda. She is considered to be the Goddess of Fire and is the Mother of Skanda, sired after a successful matrimonial alliance with Lord Shiva. Her portrait has been described as the Goddess with Three Eyes and Four Hands, at times seated on a Lotus and at times seated on a Lion. It is widely said that with the blessings of Mother Skandmata, even a moron can become the enlightened one blessed with all the worldly knowledge.

“Om Nityaya Namah” and “Om Hreeng Mahadurgaya Namah” are the two mantras chanted while remembering the Goddess. A lot of items are offered while paying homage to the Goddess such as fragrant flowers, fruits, gems and clothing. It is said that those who pray to the Divine Mother with all their hearts are those blessed ones whose dreams come true. The Mother is said to bless all her devotees praying with their hearts and souls with the wealth they need to lead a comfortable life.

The Puja starts in the wee hours of the morning with the portrait of the Goddess being decorated with good clothing and expensive embellishments. A diverse range of sweets are offered to her, along with other items and cash. The Priest starts off with his chants and people lose themselves in the quest to enlighten themselves by remembering the Mother who has the onus of taking care of millions of her loyal and faithful devotees. The day is for those devout worshippers believing blindly in the Mother and knowing that Good karma and the path of righteousness will do them well.