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Maa Skandamata, the fifth form of Goddess Durga, is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri. Her name means “Mother of Skanda,” referring to her son, Lord Kartikeya (also known as Skanda), the God of War. In this form, Maa Durga is depicted holding her son Skanda in her lap, symbolizing motherly love and protection. She rides a lion and is often shown with four arms: two holding lotuses, one hand in a blessing posture, and one holding her son.
Maa Skandamata is the embodiment of motherly love, strength, and protection. She governs the Vishuddha Chakra (Throat Chakra), which is associated with purity, clarity in communication, and wisdom. Her worship brings blessings of wisdom, protection, and prosperity, while also helping devotees purify their thoughts and speech.
Cultural and Religious Significance:
Maa Skandamata’s role as the mother of Lord Skanda signifies her nurturing and protective qualities. She represents the power of motherhood, which is both tender and fierce when defending her devotees. The Vishuddha Chakra that she governs is linked to clarity, truth, and expression, making her worship significant for those seeking mental clarity and spiritual purity.
Maa Skandamata is also known as the goddess of salvation. Her blessings can bring liberation from worldly struggles, helping devotees achieve inner peace and clarity. By invoking her, one can attain spiritual wisdom and the strength to overcome obstacles.
Festival Dates and Key Events:
- Date: 7th October 2024
- Important Rituals: The day begins with morning prayers, offerings, and chanting of mantras. Devotees often observe fasting, focusing on purity and clarity of mind. Special prayers are offered to both Maa Skandamata and Lord Skanda.
- Mahurat for Puja: The ideal time for performing Maa Skandamata’s puja is in the late morning or early afternoon, between 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM, when the energies are calm and conducive to worship.
Preparations for the Festival:
- Home and Personal Preparations: Clean the home thoroughly and decorate the puja space with white or yellow flowers, symbolizing purity and wisdom. Light incense and ghee lamps (diyas) to create a peaceful and serene atmosphere for worship. Devotees should wear clean, preferably yellow, clothing, which is believed to be the color that attracts Maa Skandamata’s blessings.
- Significance of Items: Offerings to Maa Skandamata include bananas, yellow sweets, and flowers. The color yellow is particularly significant, symbolizing clarity, wisdom, and spiritual purity. Additionally, preparing custard garnished with saffron is a favored offering to the goddess.
How to Perform the Puja:
- Puja Setup:
- Required Items:
- Yellow or white flowers (symbolizing purity and wisdom)
- Incense sticks and dhoop
- A lit diya (oil lamp)
- Bananas and yellow sweets
- A small image or idol of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda) can be placed alongside Maa Skandamata
- Arrange these items on a clean altar with an image or idol of Maa Skandamata. Light the diya and incense to purify the space and invoke the divine presence of the goddess.
- Required Items:
- Steps to Perform Puja:
- Cleansing the space: Start by purifying the area using holy water and incense. Devotees should bathe and wear fresh clothes, preferably yellow, to align with the goddess’s energies of purity and wisdom.
- Offering and Aarti: Offer yellow flowers, bananas, and sweets to Maa Skandamata. Light the diya and recite the following mantra 108 times to invoke her blessings:
Mantra:
सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया। शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥
"Simhasanagata Nityam Padmashritakaradvaya, Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini"
- Focus on the Vishuddha Chakra: As you chant the mantra, focus on the area around the throat, visualizing a glowing blue lotus with sixteen petals. This represents the Vishuddha Chakra, which governs communication, purity, and wisdom. Visualize Maa Skandamata’s energy purifying your thoughts and speech, bringing clarity and peace.
- Puja Conclusion:
- Offering Prasad: After completing the mantra and aarti, offer the bananas and yellow sweets as prasad. Distribute the prasad to family members and seek Maa Skandamata’s blessings for wisdom, protection, and prosperity.
Significance of Rituals and Traditions:
Maa Skandamata’s worship is essential for purifying thoughts and communication. By focusing on the Vishuddha Chakra, devotees can clear their minds of negative thoughts and express themselves with clarity and purity. Her nurturing energy not only protects devotees from harm but also guides them toward wisdom and liberation from worldly distractions.
The offerings of yellow flowers and fruits symbolize purity, clarity, and the energy of the Throat Chakra, while her association with Lord Skanda highlights her protective and nurturing qualities. Fasting on this day is considered highly beneficial for spiritual growth and mental clarity.
Do’s and Don’ts:
- Key Practices to Follow:
- Wear yellow or white clothing, symbolizing purity, wisdom, and devotion.
- Chant Maa Skandamata’s mantra with a calm mind, focusing on the Vishuddha Chakra to clear any blockages in communication and thoughts.
- Offer simple, sattvic food as prasad, such as bananas and yellow sweets, to align with the purity of the goddess.
- Practices to Avoid:
- Avoid indulging in harsh or negative speech, as this contradicts the purity associated with the Vishuddha Chakra.
- Refrain from tamasic foods like meat, onions, or garlic, which can interfere with spiritual clarity and purity.
Conclusion:
Worshiping Maa Skandamata on the fifth day of Navratri brings her devotees blessings of wisdom, purity, and protection. As the nurturing mother, she guides her followers toward clarity of thought and speech while protecting them from harm. Through devotion, fasting, and meditation, devotees can purify their minds, align with divine wisdom, and receive the goddess’s grace.
May Maa Skandamata bless you with wisdom, protection, and peace. Invoke her nurturing and protective energy to purify your thoughts and guide you on the path to spiritual enlightenment.