Chaitra Navratri 2026 Day 5: Maa Skandamata, rituals, mantra, colour and significance

Navratri day 5 is dedicated to Goddess Skandamata. On this auspicious day, devotees offer their prayers to the fifth form of Maa Durga. She is in the form of mother or the nurturing form of Maa Durga. The fast is going to observe on March 23, 2026.

Who is Skandamata?

Skandamata is the mother of Lord Kartikeya, who is also known as Skanda. She is carrying the six-faced newborn form of Kartikeya in her lap and has four hands. Lotus blossoms are held in both upper hands. Skandamata rides a lion. In the mother form, Skandamata possesses supernatural abilities and is pure and caring. All the joys and pleasures of this world are bestowed upon devotees, who worship her with pure love and devotion. She consistently grants all of the desired wishes of the devotees.

Navratri Day 5 Colour: White

White is a color that stands for tranquility, serenity, patience, and peace. On this specific day, you must wear this color in order to experience the divine spirit and feel incredibly at ease.

Navratri 2026 Day 5: Significance

Navratri is celebrated for nine days and nine nights with much fanfare and spectacle. During these days, devotees also adore Maa Durga with a great devotion throughout Navratri. The fifth form of Maa Durga, Maa Skandamata, the mother of Skanda, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess, is being honored on this fifth day of Navratri. Skanda is the name of Lord Kartikeya. On this auspicious day, devotees seek blessings from the Skandamata.

What to do on fifth day of Navratri?

On this day, devotees offer their sincere prayers to Goddess Skandamata. She is the ruler of Vishuddh Chakra, the chakra move toward pure thoughts. By worshiping Skandamata and asking for his blessings, devotees are freed from all miseries. This is the ideal time to engage in a variety of spiritual pursuits.

Navratri 2026 Day 5: Story

Goddess Skandamata is the mother of Lord Kartikeya. According to Hindu scriptures, once there was a demon with the name of Tarkasura, who severely penanced Lord Brahma and requested a boon for being immortal. When Lord Brahma refused, claiming that no one can avoid death. Tarkasur wished for the boon and asked for death from the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati because he knew that Lord Shiva is detached from everything and that he would never get married. Lord Brahma then granted Tarkasur's request. Knowing he was immortal, the demon Tarkasur then began destroying the cosmos.

When the gods went to Lord Vishnu for a solution then he said that Goddess Sati will take a birth as Parvati and would soon wed Lord Shiva. Following Lord Shiva's marriage to Goddess Parvati, Lord Kartikeya was born. After witnessing Lord Kartikeya's exceptional abilities and strength in battling demons, Lord Brahma named him commander in chief of the deities. The demon Tarkasura was then killed by Lord Kartikeya. Maa Pavati is now referred to as Skanda Mata.

Navratri 2026 Day 5: Puja Vidhi

1. Get up early and clean your home and puja space.

2. Before beginning the puja rites, put on beautiful, clean clothes.

3. Sprinkle gangajal everywhere for cleansing.

4. Light a diya with desi ghee, offer vermillion, two cardamom, two cloves, betel nut and betel leaves.

5. Recite the mantras listed in durga saptashati.

6. Recite the durga chalisa and saptashati path.

7. Before breaking the fast, devotees should chant durga maa aarti and offer bhog prasad.

Mantra

Simhasanagata Nityam Padmanchita Karadvaya, Shubhada Tu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini..!!

Goddess Skandamata Stuti:

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Skandamata Rupena Samsthita, Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah..!!