On the fifth day of the sacred and auspicious celebration of Chaitra Navratri, Skandamata is worshiped by Hindus. Skandamata is seen carrying her child Skanda and hence the name Skanda also known as Kartika. This article contains 10 facts about Skandamata and her temple.
Skandamata – Day 5 of Navratri
Skandamata’s idol carries her son Kartike in her lap, so when someone worships Skandamata Kartike is automatically worshiped. Kartika is the commander-in-chief of the army of gods and is extremely knowledgeable. Worship of Skandamata leads to peace, salvation, and prosperity, she is believed to protect her devotees like a mother protects her child.
Skandamata Story – History Of Navratri Day 5
Lord Shiva was married to Devi Sati. However, Sati’s father did not like their union, he insulted Lord Shiva by not inviting all gods but him to a Yagya. Sati, seeing this humiliation, immolated herself in the Yagya. Lord Shiva was extremely angered and devastated by this and decided to give up on all worldly affairs.
Soon a beast named Taraksura started causing mischief and trouble in the world. He had a boon that only Lord Shiva and his offspring could kill him. So at the request of all other gods, Sage Narada met Maa Parvati and told her about her previous life as Devi Sati. He told her that Lord Shiva could marry her if she performed severe meditations.
Maa Parvati then performed prayers and meditations with a lot of perseverance and dedication. Lord Shiva was impressed to see the dedication of maa Parvati and agreed to marry her. The entries of Shiva and Parvati combined and resulted in a seed.
This seed was very hot and even the god of Fire, Agni Dev himself could not carry him. He then handed over the seed to Ganga, who then disposed of it in the forest of reeds. There the seed was taken care of by six sisters called Krittikas. They took care of the baby boy who came out of the seed and the boy came to be known as Kartikey. Kartikey was then provided with special weapons to defeat Tarakasura. Kartikey then fought a fierce battle in which he defeated the demon Tarakasura.
Also Read – Goddess Skandamata, Sharda Navratri: Day 5
Why Devi Skandamata Is Worshiped On Day 5 Of Navratri?
On each day of the celebration of Navratri, yogis meditate on each of the nine chakras mentioned in the Vedas. On the fifth day of the Navratri, Yogis or seekers are said to come to the fifth chakra of the human body. This chakra is known as Vishuddhi Chakra and is located in the neck. This chakra is about having a pure relationship with others.
The tendencies to dominate and to be dominated in relationships fade and all other feelings like jealousy, inferiority, and superiority fade. What is left behind is a pure heart like that of a mother and hence, Skandamata is worshiped on the fifth day of Navratri.
Also Read – Navratri Day 3 – History, Facts About Chandraghanta Maa & Her Temple
Facts About Skandamata
Here are some interesting facts about Skandamata:
- She has four hands, she holds Skanda in one hand, a lotus in two other hands, and blesses her devotees using the third hand
- Skandamata’s vehicle is a lion
- She sits on a lotus and hence is also known as Padmasana.
- Devi Skandamata has a fair complexion
- Skandamata has three eyes
- Skandamata is believed to govern the planet Budh.
- By worshiping, Skandamata devotees also get the blessings of Skanda or Kartikey.
- Married women who offer Maa a red flower are blessed with a happy and long marriage.
- Skandamata is believed to guard the sun’s orbit
- Devotees of Skandamata often have a radiating aura surrounding them
How To Do Puja In Navratri – Day 5
The feast of Skandamata’s idol is washed by the hands of devotees. Maa loves red flowers, so devotees offer a rose to her as well as her son Skanda. Offering a Dhanusha Vana to Skandamata is also considered auspicious. Besides, prasad of fruits especially bananas is offered to Devi. After the puja is done, the prasad is given to a Brahman.
Also Read – Strange Navratri Rituals in India Which You Might Not Know
Skandamata, Navratri Day 5 Mantra
Skandamata’s Navratri Day 5 is associated with the orange color. Devotees can chant this mantra to worship Maa Skandamata:
Simhasanagata Nityam Padmanchita Karadvaya।
Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Skandamata Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥
Facts About Skandamata Temple
Here are some facts about Skandamata temple:
- Skandamata temple is located at Jaitpura, Varanasi
- Some locals confuse Skandamata with Vageshvari but Vageshwari is located inside the closed doors on the ground level while Skandamata is located on the first floor
- Devotees can book online prasad for themselves.
- The prasad costs 500 to 11000 rupees
- Madhavi Devi is the priest of this temple
- Aarti is done twice in this temple
- The temple remains open from 5 to 12 in the noon and 4 to 7 in the evening
Also Read – Why We Celebrate 2 Navratris In A Year? Explained Scientifically
Significance Of Navratri Day 5
Skandamata is known to bless devotees with the power of knowledge. She brings a peaceful state of mind and tranquility. Devotees who worship Skandamata are said to be liberated from the cycle of birth and death and achieve salvation.
Conclusion
If you are a devotee of Durga Mata and celebrate Navratri, then make sure to worship Skandamata with selfless devotion. Chant her mantra and do the puja according to the vidhi with all your devotion. Wishing you a shubh Navratri!
For more related information, visit Discover – Trending Reader
