Skandamata Aarti no-watermark
The fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Skandamata, the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), symbolizing motherly love and fierce protection. Devotees worship her for peace, prosperity, and salvation. Here are 10 things to do on the fifth day of Navratri:
1. Worship Goddess Skandamata
Set up a clean, sacred space with an idol or picture of Goddess Skandamata holding baby Skanda.
Offer yellow flowers, fruits, and sweets like bananas and jaggery-based sweets.
Light a ghee lamp (diya) and recite the Durga Saptashati or other mantras and hymns dedicated to Goddess Skandamata.
2. Wear Green
Green is the color associated with the fifth day of Navratri, symbolizing growth, fertility, and prosperity.
Wear green attire or accessories to connect with the day’s positive energy.
3. Offer Prasad (Sacred Offering)
Offer yellow-colored prasad such as bananas, halwa, or kheer made with jaggery and rice.
After the puja, distribute the prasad to family, friends, and the community as a symbol of sharing blessings.
4. Chant Mantras and Meditate
Chant the mantra “Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah” to seek the blessings of the goddess.
Spend some time meditating on her qualities of motherly protection, grace, and wisdom.
5. Perform Aarti
Perform the morning and evening aartis, gathering family members to sing devotional hymns and songs in praise of Goddess Skandamata.
Use a traditional thali with a diya, flowers, and incense sticks during the aarti.
6. Continue Fasting or Sattvik Diet
Maintain your Navratri fast if you’re fasting, or consume sattvik (pure) food like fruits, nuts, and light vegetarian meals.
Avoid tamasic foods like garlic, onions, and heavy spices to maintain spiritual purity.
7. Offer Milk and Sweets
As Goddess Skandamata is associated with motherhood, offer milk, curd, or milk-based sweets like peda or kheer during the puja.
You can also offer coconut water as a symbol of purity and nourishment.
8. Decorate Your Home and Altar
Decorate the altar and home with yellow flowers, especially marigold or chrysanthemums, and light oil lamps or diyas to create a serene and spiritual environment.
You can also draw rangoli designs with rice flour and colored powders to welcome the goddess.
9. Visit a Temple
If possible, visit a nearby temple to participate in special Navratri prayers and rituals dedicated to Goddess Skandamata.
Many temples organize devotional programs and recitations of the Durga Saptashati during Navratri.
10. Engage in Acts of Charity
Donate food, clothing, or money to those in need, as helping the less fortunate is considered an important part of Navratri.
Offering food to the hungry, especially mothers and children, is a way to honor Goddess Skandamata and invoke her blessings for your family’s well-being.
By observing these activities on the fifth day of Navratri, you can worship Goddess Skandamata with devotion, seeking her blessings for prosperity, protection, and happiness in your life.