Navratri 2023 Day 5 : Maa Skandamata

The fifth day of Navratri, dedicated to Goddess Skanda Mata, is celebrated with fasting and prayers. She is the mother of Lord Kartikeya and Lord Ganesha, represented with four hands and a white complexion. Devotees who worship her with devotion are relieved from negative thoughts and stress Yellow is the color associated with Skanda Mata, and offerin of yellow clothes and flowers are made.

Navartri 2023 Day 5: Story

Navaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated over nine nights and ten days, honoring the divine feminine energy, often personified as the goddess Durga. Each day of Navaratri is dedicated to a different form of the goddess. On the fifth day, the goddess is worshipped in the form of Skandamata.

In a small village nestled amidst the rolling hills of India, there lived a devoted priest named Rajesh. He was known for his unwavering devotion to the goddess and his unmatched dedication to the traditions of Navaratri. Rajesh had been conducting the Navaratri celebrations in his village for many years, and they had always been a grand affair.

On the fifth day of Navaratri, the villagers gathered at the temple dedicated to Skandamata. The idol of the goddess was adorned with colorful flowers, and the aroma of incense filled the air. Rajesh, dressed in traditional attire, conducted the rituals with utmost devotion, leading the congregation in prayer and song.

Amidst the villagers, there lived a young girl named Maya. She had recently moved to the village with her parents and was in awe of the grandeur of the Navaratri celebrations. Her eyes sparkled with fascination as she watched the rituals, and she longed to be a part of them.

As the days of Navaratri passed, Maya couldn't contain her excitement. She decided to approach Rajesh, the priest, and ask for his blessings to participate in the festivities. She found him by the temple one evening, just as the sun was setting.

With a humble bow, Maya said, "Panditji, I am new to this village, and I have never seen such beautiful celebrations before. I wish to be a part of it, to offer my devotion to the goddess. Will you please guide me?"

Rajesh, with a warm smile, replied, "My child, your enthusiasm is a blessing in itself. I would be honored to have you participate. But remember, devotion comes from the heart. It doesn't matter how grand or simple your offerings are; what matters is your sincerity."

Maya's eyes shone with gratitude as she nodded. She began to assist in the preparations, learning the hymns and rituals. With each passing day, her dedication grew, and she felt a profound connection to the goddess Skandamata.

On the fifth day of Navaratri, as the village gathered again to celebrate, Maya was given the honor of performing an aarti, the ceremonial offering of light, to the goddess. Her heart filled with joy as she held the lamp in her hand and circled it in front of the deity. The entire village watched in awe, and it was a moment filled with divine grace.

As the days of Navaratri continued, the villagers saw a transformation in Maya. Her devotion and sincerity touched the hearts of everyone. She became an inspiration, reminding them that Navaratri was not about grandeur but about a pure heart filled with devotion.

At the end of Navaratri, as the goddess Skandamata was bid farewell with great pomp and splendor, Rajesh said to Maya, "You have shown us the true meaning of devotion, my child. You have made this Navaratri unforgettable."

Maya's eyes filled with tears as she realized that it wasn't the grandeur of the celebrations but the purity of her heart that had made her journey through Navaratri so special. She had discovered the essence of devotion, and her story would be shared in the village for generations to come as a reminder of what truly mattered during the festival of Navaratri - a sincere heart filled with love and devotion to the divine.

Navratri 2023 Day 5: Colour

The vibrant colour yellow is dedicated to Goddess Skanda Mata and female devotees must offer yellow colour clothes and flower to the Goddess

Skandamata Mantra:

Simhasanagata Nityam Padmanchita Karadvaya

Shubhada Tu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini

Goddess Skandamata Stuti:

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Skandamata Rupena Samsthita

Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah