Fifth day of Navratri holds very high importance and is dedicated to “Skanda Mata” who is the symbol of fertility, motherhood and mother child relationship. Observe fast on this day to seek the blessings of the Goddess who is the ocean of Knowledge.
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ स्कंदमाता रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।।
Chant the following Mantra and begin your fifth day of Navratri by worshipping Skanda Mata:
The fifth Goddess worshipped in Navratri is ‘Skanda Mata’, the mother of Lord Katikeya or “Skanda Kumar”. She loves her son very much and is named after her son’s name. The foundation of mother son relationship has been laid by Skanda Mata. Skanda means, the one who possess six heads which corresponds to the mind and the five senses. It also means one who controls the six devilish vices: krodha (anger), mada (ego), kaama (sex), matsarya (jealousy), lobha (greed) and moha(passion).
To know significance of Skanda Mata on Navratri, click here- Devi Skanda Mata
Skanda Mata
Skanda Mata holds her son Lord Skanda as an infant on her lap. The Goddess has four arms and three eyes. In the two hands she holds lotus, from one supports her son and with her left hand grants blessings and boons to her devotees. She has a bright complexion and sits on a lotus flower which is why she is also known as Padamasani and Vidyavahini. The Goddess is the deity of the solar system. It is said that when the injustice of the demons increases then Skanda Mata rides on a lion to kill them.
Rituals performed
Rituals on this day are done according to the Panchopkar ritual. Skanda Mata is worshipped along with Lord Shiva and Brahmaji. A supernatural ambience is discharged in the atmosphere which purifies the souls of the devotees and all their desires are fulfilled. Skanda Mata blesses her devotees with affection, supreme joy and love and takes away their diseases, troubles and sorrows.
Lalita Panchami
Lalita Panchami is a very auspicious day during the nine days of Navratri and is celebrated on the fifth day of Navratri. This day is devoted to Lalita Devi who is associated with Pancha Mahabhutas- air, earth, space, water and fire. Goddess Lalita is a form of Shakti who appeared to crush demon Bhanda who after getting blessings from Lord Shiva was threatening the world with his demon characteristics.
Upang Lalita Fast
Upang Lalita Fast is observed on the fifth day of Navratri. This fast is believed to be very fruitful. Alsi (Linseeds) is offered to the Goddess while worshipping her and is taken by as Prasada after Puja. The Goddess is the daughter of Himalaya and therefore, is also worshipped in the form of Parvati, Mata Gauri or Maheshwari. On this day the mind of the strivers reaches Visuddha Chakra and all their actions stop and mind becomes calm. They get submerged in the meditation of Skanda Mata. During this time they should be more careful.
Worship Skanda Mata with utmost faith and devotion to attain wisdom and immense joy of the world.
