Goddess Skandamata is the mother of Lord Kartikeya, also known as Skanda, the commander of the divine forces. She is a manifestation of Goddess Durga and is revered for her nurturing and protective powers.
2. What is the Significance of Worshipping Skandamata?
Worshipping Skandamata is significant because she bestows wealth, wisdom, and salvation upon her followers. It is believed that those who worship her will receive power, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
3. What is the Symbolism Behind the Colour of the Day?
The colour associated with the fifth day of Navratri is white, which symbolizes innocence and purity. Wearing white on this day is a way to pay tribute to Goddess Skandamata and seek her blessings.
4. How to Perform the Puja Rituals?
To perform the puja rituals, devotees need to bathe, wear clean clothes, and offer bhog to the goddess. They should use a picture or idol of Skandamata that has been cleansed with Gangajal. Deepam, sacred water, flowers, and food (Prasad) should be given as offerings. A banana or other fruit, along with six cardamoms, can be offered to the goddess.
5. What are the Auspicious Muhurats for the Day?
The auspicious muhurats for the fifth day of Navratri include Brahma Muhurat (4:39 AM - 5:28 AM), Abhijit Muhurat (11:45 AM - 12:32 PM), Pratah Sandhya (5:04 AM - 6:17 AM), Amrit Kalam (3:03 PM - 4:48 PM), and Vijaya Muhurta (2:06 PM - 2:52 PM).
6. What are the Mantras to Recite During the Puja?
The Skandamata mantra to recite during the puja is 'Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah.' Additionally, devotees can recite 'Simhasanagata Nityam Padmanchita Karadvaya' and 'Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Skandamata Rupena Samsthita' for added blessings.
7. What is the Story Behind Skandamata?
The story behind Skandamata revolves around her role as the mother of Lord Kartikeya. According to legend, when Goddess Parvati became the mother of Lord Kartikeya, she acquired the name Skandamata. This divine form signifies a mother's power to love, protect, and nurture her child.
8. What is the Bhog to Offer to Skandamata?
To seek her blessings for prosperity and power, devotees present Skandamata with bananas as prasad on the fifth day of Navratri. Along with it, they make various banana sweets in praise of Goddess Skandamata.
9. How Does Worshiping Skandamata Affect Devotees?
Worshipping Skandamata can bring immense benefits to devotees. It is believed that those who worship her with pure devotion and love will get blessed with all worldly pleasures and happiness. She fulfills all desired wishes of her devotees.
