On the 5th day of Navratri, Maa Skandmata is worshiped with deep devotion. As the mother of Lord Skanda (another name for Kartikeya), she symbolizes maternal love and courage, providing blessings of power, wisdom, and prosperity. Let's explore the significance of Maa Skandmata, the rituals observed during her worship, and the divine story associated with her, along with a sacred aarti.
Who is Maa Skandmata, and why is she worshiped on the 5th day of Navratri?
Maa Skandmata is the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), the commander of the divine army. Her name combines Skanda, meaning Kartikeya, and Mata, meaning mother, symbolizing her protective and nurturing nature. She is known to bless her devotees with strength, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment. It is believed that worshiping her also invokes the blessings of her son, Lord Kartikeya, granting dual protection and grace to her followers.
Depicted with four arms, Maa Skandmata carries Lord Skanda in her lap while holding lotus flowers and riding a lion. Her seated position on a lotus gives her the title Goddess with a lotus seat. She embodies both the fierce protection of a mother and the calm grace of a nurturer.
What is the significance of the 5th day of Navratri?
The 5th day of Navratri, also known as Panchami, marks the day when devotees turn to Maa Skandmata for her blessings. This day is significant because it represents the nurturing aspect of the Divine Mother. By worshiping Maa Skandmata, devotees seek her maternal care, wisdom, and strength to overcome challenges and attain peace.
As the goddess associated with fire, her worship on this day signifies the purification of the mind, body, and soul, burning away negativity and ignorance.
What are the key rituals of Maa Skandmata's worship?
Performing Maa Skandmata's puja on the 5th day of Navratri involves simple yet meaningful rituals. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Preparation: Clean the place of worship and sprinkle it with ganga jal (holy water). Place Maa Skandmata’s idol or picture on a raised surface, along with a brass or sand pot with a coconut on top, symbolizing purity and prosperity.
Kalash Sthapana: Establish a Kalash (sacred pot) and place images of Lord Ganesha, Navagraha (the nine planets), and other deities nearby.
Offerings: Devotees offer flowers, fruits, milk, sindoor, roli, and clothes to Maa Skandmata. Jewelry and other adornments can also be used to beautify her idol.
Aarti and Mantra Chanting: Conclude the puja by performing aarti and chanting the following mantra to seek her blessings:
This mantra invokes the goddess’s divine grace and protection, helping devotees gain wisdom, power, and prosperity.
Prasad Distribution: After the puja, distribute prasad (sacred offerings) among family members and neighbors.
Aarti of Maa Skandmata
A sacred aarti is performed at the end of Maa Skandmata’s puja to honor her divine energy. Here is the traditional aarti:
"Jai Ambe Skandmata Jai Jai,
Jagat Palanharini Jai Jai.
Sinhasan Pe Virajti Mata,
Skanda Putra Ko Godh Bithata.
Lotus Asan Dhari Khilate,
Bhakton Ke Dukh Door Kare.
Jai Ambe Skandmata Jai Jai.*
Sukh Sampatti Aur Sab Vidya,
Sab Ko De Shubh Aashirwad.
Gyaan Ki Devi Maa Tujhse,
Mannav Yeh Karta Aradhana."*
This aarti praises Maa Skandmata as the divine mother who blesses her devotees with knowledge, happiness, and prosperity, while also protecting them from harm.
The Divine Story of Maa Skandmata
According to ancient Hindu scriptures, Maa Skandmata played a significant role in the birth of Lord Kartikeya. After the demon Tarakasura was granted a boon that only Lord Shiva’s son could defeat him, the gods sought the birth of a powerful son who could conquer the demon. Maa Parvati, as Skandmata, gave birth to Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), who later led the divine army to defeat Tarakasura and restore peace.
This divine connection between the mother and son exemplifies the power of love and protection. By worshiping Maa Skandmata, devotees honor this sacred bond and receive blessings of protection, peace, and wisdom.
Why is Maa Skandmata's worship important?
Worshiping Maa Skandmata is considered highly beneficial for mental and spiritual growth. Her maternal blessings provide strength and courage to overcome life’s obstacles, much like the fierce protection of a mother for her child. Maa Skandmata also grants wisdom to even the most illiterate, empowering her devotees with knowledge and success.
Her association with the lion represents courage, and her nurturing nature signifies a harmonious balance of love and strength, making her worship essential for those seeking both protection and inner peace.
Conclusion
The 5th day of Navratri, dedicated to Maa Skandmata, is a day of honoring the nurturing and protective nature of the Divine Mother. Through her worship, devotees not only receive her blessings but also those of her powerful son, Lord Kartikeya. Her aarti, divine story, and rituals form a vital part of Navratri’s spiritual practices, guiding devotees toward wisdom, strength, and peace.
May Maa Skandmata’s divine grace protect and empower all who worship her, lighting the path to knowledge, prosperity, and salvation.
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