Navratri Day 5: Maa Skandamata – The Nurturer of Courage

Navratri is an Indian festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, who is worshipped in nine forms. Today, we will describe her fifth form: Skandmata.

In this manifestation, the Goddess is depicted riding a lion and holding her son Skand, who is also known as Kartikeya or Murugan. 

Her other two hands hold lotuses, and the fourth hand indicates a gesture of Abhay mudra. Know more about her in this blog, which outlines how to worship her on the fifth day of Navratri, which falls on 27 September 2025.

Why is Skandamata worshipped on 5th day

Maa Skandmata is the mother of Lord Kartikeya, who is also called Lord Murugan.The fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to her.

Her serene face symbolises motherly love and compassion, while her calm and gentle expression reveals her nurturing nature.

Devotees who worship her on this day are believed to be blessed with courage, confidence, wisdom, and salvation.

Mythological fact about Skandmata

There is a mythological fact that narrates the story of Skandmata that revolves around the sacrifice of Goddess Sati. Disturbed by it, Lord Shiva went into deep meditation. 

During those times, the two demons, Tarkasur and Surapadman, created havoc among the devas. The demons received the boons from Lord Brahma that no other entity could kill them except Shiva's son. Worried by this, devas requested Narada to help them.

Listening to their request, the sage went to Parvati and convinced her to perform a penance to wake up Shiva and marry him.

Pleased by devotion, Shiva accepted her as his consort. From their divine union, a seed was manifested that was later preserved by Ganga and Lake Sarvana.

After being touched by Parvati, the seed turned into a womb, and that led to the birth of six-headed Kartikeya.

Trained in divine weapons, Kartikeya fought with the two demons and killed them. Since then, Goddess Parvati earned the name of Skandmata. 

Another name is Padmasana. Being a symbol of motherhood, women find her worship fruitful for child blessings.

Day 5 Navratri colors and its reason

On the fifth day of Navratri, devotees are encouraged to wear white clothing, as this colour is associated with Goddess Skandmata. Wearing white on this day is believed to cleanse the soul and mind. Apart from white, other colours are also preferred on this day. One is yellow, which symbolises happiness, positivity, and cheerfulness. Another is green, which represents new beginnings, nature, fertility, peace, and growth.

Navratri day 5 puja method

• On the fifth day of Navratri, you can worship Maa Skandmata and seek blessings for your children by offering her kheer, yellow flowers, and bananas.
• Additionally, you should recite her mantra, "Om Devi Skandmatayai Namah."
• When performing this ritual, ensure that the environment is clean.
• Wear clean clothes, light lamps, and meditate on Goddess to receive her blessings for your well-being.

Fasting rules

• When fasting on the fifth day of Navratri, you must follow certain rules. These are
• Refrain from eating spicy food, non-vegetarian dishes, and items containing onion or garlic.
• Avoid conflicts within the family and remain calm throughout the day.
• Recite the mantras dedicated to Skandmata and read scriptures about her.

Conclusion

Maa Skandmata is the presiding Goddess of the fifth day of the Navratri festival. Fasting on this day is believed to enhance spiritual energy, nurture motherly qualities, and promote peace among family members. In this blog, we have mentioned the significance of the colour white, which is associated with the Goddess. Keeping all these facts in mind, devotees will understand how to perform the puja together with their families.

*This article is based on the facts described in religious texts and scriptures. Our aim is not to hurt any religion or belief, but simply to share cultural and religious knowledge.