Shardiya Navratri Day 5: Maa Skandamata Puja Vidhi, Auspicious Muhurat, Mantras, Bhog, and Aarti

The fifth day of Sharad Navratri is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the fifth form of Goddess Durga. Revered as an embodiment of pure maternal love, affection, and wisdom, she is also known by names such as Vidyavahini, Maheshwari, and Gauri. Worshiping Maa Skandamata is believed to enhance intellect, grant knowledge, ensure the well-being and blessing of children, and bring prosperity to the household.

Significance of Maa Skandamata

According to Hindu scriptures, Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, gave birth to Lord Kartikeya, who is also known as Skanda. As the divine mother of Lord Skanda, this manifestation of Goddess Durga came to be known as Skandamata. Holding baby Skanda in her lap, she symbolizes protective motherly energy.

Iconography and Form

Maa Skandamata is depicted with four arms, seated majestically on a lion. She cradles child Kartikeya with one hand while holding lotus flowers in her two upper hands. Her fourth hand is held in the Abhaya Mudra (gesture of granting fearlessness and boons). She possesses a radiant, sun-like glow. Offering a symbolic bow and arrow during her puja is also considered auspicious.

Puja Vidhi (Ritual Steps)

1. Morning Preparation: Wake up during Brahma Muhurat, take a ritual bath, and clean the puja area.
2. Altar Setup: Spread a clean red or yellow cloth over a wooden platform (chauki) and place the idol or image of Maa Skandamata.
3. Offerings: Offer yellow flowers, sandalwood paste, kumkum, akshat (unbroken rice), cloves, cardamom, betel leaf (paan), and supari.
4. Incense and Lamp: Light an incense stick (dhoop) along with a pure ghee lamp (diya) and camphor.
5. Chanting and Aarti: Chant the prescribed mantras, recite the Durga Saptashati or Durga Chalisa, and perform the aarti.
6. Kshama Prarthana: Conclude the ceremony by seeking forgiveness for any intentional or unintentional omissions during the ritual.

Auspicious Muhurat Timings (Day 5)

• Brahma Muhurat: 04:51 AM to 05:39 AM
• Abhijit Muhurat: 11:49 AM to 12:35 PM
• Godhuli Muhurat: 05:47 PM to 06:11 PM
• Amrit Kaal: 08:58 PM to 10:45 PM

Favourable Colour and Sacred Offering (Bhog)

• Favoured Colour: Yellow (and white). Wearing yellow attire and offering yellow flowers to the goddess is considered deeply auspicious, as yellow represents peace, warmth, and positivity.
• Preferred Bhog: Offer bananas or banana-based sweets (such as kheer, halwa, or prasad) to invoke her divine blessings.

Sacred Mantras

• Mool Mantra:

Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah

• Beej Mantra:

Om Aim Hreem Kleem Skandamatayai Namah

• Prarthana Shloka:

Simhasanagata Nityam Padmashritakaradvaya |

Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini ||

• Stuti Mantra:

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Skandamata Rupena Samsthita |

Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah ||

Maa Skandamata Aarti

Jai Teri Ho Skanda Mata, Panchva Naam Tumhara Aata.

Sab Ke Man Ki Janan Hari, Jag Janani Sab Ki Mahtari.

Teri Jyot Jalata Rahun Main, Hardam Tumhein Dhyata Rahun Main.

Kai Naamon Se Tujhe Pukara, Mujhe Ek Hai Tera Sahara.

Kahi Pahadon Par Hai Dera, Kai Shahron Mein Tera Basera.

Har Mandir Mein Tere Nazare, Gun Gaye Tere Bhagat Pyare.

Bhakti Apni Mujhe Dila Do, Shakti Meri Bigdi Bana Do.

Indra Aadi Devta Mil Saare, Kare Pukaar Tumhare Dware.

Dusht Daitya Jab Chadh Kar Aaye, Tum Hi Khanda Haath Uthaye.

Daso Ko Sada Bachane Aayi, Chaman Ki Aas Pujane Aayi.

Forgiveness Prayer (Kshama Prarthana)

Aparadha Sahasrani Kriyante Aharnisham Maya |

Daso Ayam Iti Mam Matva Kshamasva Parameshvari ||