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Navratri the festival of nine nights, is of great spiritual importance for Hindus. The festival honors the feminine divine by calling on the goddess Durga in all her different forms.
On the 5th day, Maa Skandamata is worshiped and this day is very important.
Let’s look into the spiritual side of the 5th day of Navratri and find out what it means to worship Maa Skandamata.
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What Navratri Day 5 Is About
The 5th day of Navratri is all about worshiping Maa Skandamata who is thought to bring wealth and knowledge to those who follow her.
Skandamata, who is usually shown with her son Skanda (Lord Kartikeya) on her lap stands for motherly love and care.
The instinct to mother is one of the strongest and purest forces in the universe and day 5 of navratri is a picture of it.
By praying to Maa Skandamata followers hope to get her blessings to strengthen themselves and understand how complicated life is.
Getting to know Maa Skandamata
Maa Skandamata is shown with four arms holding Skanda (her child), a lotus flower, a bell and a trident.
She rides a lion, which is a sign of bravery and strength. Her body is bright and gives off an aura of kindness and safety.
But she is more than just a mother figure; she is also a warrior goddess who leads the divine army.
This mix of motherly love and warrior spirit is what every devotee hopes to find, the right balance between kindness and bravery.
Rituals and Worship for Day 5 of Navratri
On the 5th day of Navratri, people get up early, take bath to clean themselves and put on clean clothes.
The color of the day is Yellow, which stands for optimism, energy, joy, happiness and friendship.
Once these things are ready, they put an idol of Maa Skandamata in their temple or puja room.
People who believe in the goddess give her flowers, sweets and milk. Some also light incense and recite hymns dedicated to Maa Skandamata.
These offerings are not just symbolic but a way to connect with the divine energy and seek her blessings for wisdom, courage and protection.
Navratri 2023 Day 5: Mantra, Stuti (Praise), Prarthana (Prayer) to Maa Skandmata
Skandamata Mantra:
- ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥ (Om Devi Skandamatayay Namah)
Skandamata Stuti:
- या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
(Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Skandamata Rupena Samsthita Namastasyay Namastasyay Namastasyay Namo Namah)
Skandamata Prarthana:
- सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माञ्चित करद्वया। शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥
(Simhasanagata Nityam Padmanchita Karadvaya Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini)
Importance of worshiping Maa Skandamata
Worshipping Maa Skandamata is very important. It’s not just about seeking protection and material blessings but also understanding the warmth of maternal love and the power of divine entity.
Devotees believe that worshiping Maa Skandamata helps them overcome fear and insecurities as the lion she rides symbolises fearlessness.
Her blessings are sort for the well-being of the family, specially children.
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The Inner Significance
While the rituals are important the escense of Navratri, including the worship of Maa Skandamata is about a deeper inner transformation. It’s a time for self-reflection and personal growth.
On the 5th day, you can reflect on Maa Skandamata’s qualities of courage, wisdom and sheer Iove.
This meditation can assist you in developing these qualities inside yourself and becoming a more balanced and caring person.
To summarise the 5th day of Navratri, it is a significant spiritual journey as well as a celebration.
Its a day to celebrate Maa Skandamata, divine mother and call on her pure and limitless love and protection. We seek inner strength and knowledge through worshiping her, not simply material wealth.
Remember to look beyond the rituals and connect with the goddess as you celebrate this day. Accept the strength and compassion that Maa Skandamata displays and allow it to guide you on your journey.
May her blessings bring you joy, knowledge and the courage to tackle all problems. Happy Navratri!
With this, we conclude our exploration of the significance and meaning of the 5th day of Navratri with Maa Skandamata. May this knowledge enhance your celebration of this divine festival.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the name of the 5th day of Navratri?
- The 5th day of Navratri is called Skandamata Puja.
Q2: Who is Skandamata?
- Skandamata is the fifth manifestation of Goddess Durga. She is also known as the mother of Skanda (Kartikeya), the commander-in-chief of the gods.
Q3: What is the significance of Skandamata Puja?
- Skandamata Puja is done in hopes to receive the blessings of the goddess for wisdom, knowledge, and power. She is also worshipped for her blessings on children.
Q4: What is the color of the fifth day of Navratri?
- The color of the fifth day of Navratri is yellow.
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