Summary:
Navratri 2024 Day 5 is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, celebrated on October 10. Devotees across India perform special pujas to honor the goddess, who represents maternal strength and wisdom. With auspicious rituals, colors, and muhurats, the day holds immense spiritual significance.
Navratri 2024 Day 5: All About Maa Skandamata, Puja Vidhi, Shubh Muhurat, and More
Who is Maa Skandamata?
Navratri 2024 enters its fifth day on October 10, and this day is devoted to Maa Skandamata, the fifth form of Goddess Durga. Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya (also known as Skanda), is the embodiment of motherly love, strength, and wisdom. Her name is derived from her son “Skanda,” and “Mata,” meaning mother. Representing the powerful mother-child bond, she is also worshiped for blessings in parenthood and protection from evil.
Significance of Navratri Day 5
The fifth day of Navratri is spiritually significant, with Maa Skandamata symbolizing peace, prosperity, and the ability to overcome challenges. Her devotees believe she bestows immense wisdom and the power to transcend worldly desires. Skandamata is depicted riding a lion, holding her son Skanda in one arm and a lotus in another. Worshipping her is believed to purify the heart and bring divine knowledge.
Shubh Muhurat and Auspicious Color
The shubh muhurat for worshipping Maa Skandamata on Navratri 2024 Day 5 is from 6:15 AM to 8:30 AM, though other time slots during the day may be suitable for performing rituals. The auspicious color for Day 5 is yellow, symbolizing optimism, enlightenment, and happiness.
Puja Vidhi for Maa Skandamata
The puja for Maa Skandamata begins with cleansing the space, followed by the invocation of the goddess through mantras and shlokas. Here is a step-by-step guide for performing the puja:
- Kalash Sthapana: Prepare a sacred pot (kalash) and place it at the center of your puja setup, invoking all the gods.
- Offerings: Devotees offer fruits, flowers (especially yellow ones), and sweets like modak to Maa Skandamata.
- Mantra Chanting: Reciting the mantra “Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah” brings inner peace and invokes her blessings.
- Aarti: Conclude the puja with a traditional aarti, using a ghee lamp and ringing bells.
- Prasad: Distribute the offerings as prasad among family and devotees, symbolizing the goddess’s blessings.
According to priest Pandit Ramesh Sharma, “Maa Skandamata’s worship clears obstacles in one’s spiritual journey and bestows wisdom upon those who seek it with pure devotion.”
Impact on Devotees
The observance of Day 5 of Navratri, especially in regions like West Bengal, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh, is marked by elaborate celebrations in homes and temples. Devotees believe that offering prayers to Maa Skandamata can help in gaining control over the mind and overcoming life’s challenges.
In the words of Priya Patel, a long-time devotee, “Navratri isn’t just about fasting and rituals; it is a time for spiritual introspection. Worshipping Skandamata on Day 5 has helped me find inner strength during tough times.”
Historical and Cultural Context
Navratri, one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals, symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Each of the nine days is dedicated to one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Historically, the festival has been marked by devotion, celebration, and community gatherings across India. Maa Skandamata’s worship is particularly emphasized in religious texts for its connection with nurturing wisdom and invoking divine protection.
The worship of Maa Skandamata dates back to ancient times, with references found in the Markandeya Purana. Her association with knowledge and the power to protect the righteous is well-documented in Hindu scriptures.
Conclusion
Navratri Day 5 offers an opportunity to reflect on motherhood, wisdom, and strength. As the festival progresses, worshipping Maa Skandamata is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and a higher understanding of life. Whether through traditional rituals or simple prayers, this day holds deep spiritual value for millions.
For those observing the festival, Day 5’s yellow hues brighten homes and temples, symbolizing the light of knowledge that Skandamata imparts.
In the upcoming days of Navratri, devotees will continue their prayers, with Day 6 focused on Maa Katyayani, another powerful form of Goddess Durga.
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