Chaitra Navratri 2026 Day 5: Maa Skandamata Puja Vidhi, Vrat and Significance

Day 5 of Navratri offers a unique "buy one, get one" cosmic blessing: by worshipping the mother, you automatically receive the blessings of the Commander of the Gods. On Monday, March 23, 2026, the focus shifts to pure, protective motherly love through the worship of Maa Skandamata.

The Form of the Day: Maa Skandamata

Maa Skandamata translates exactly to the "Mother of Skanda". Skanda is Lord Kartikeya, the legendary warrior god who leads the cosmic army. She is depicted seated majestically on a fierce lion, possessing four arms. Two hands hold beautiful lotus flowers, one grants blessings and the fourth securely holds infant Skanda in her lap.

She represents the ultimate, fearless purity of a mother defending her child. The most auspicious colors to wear on Day 5 are Grey or White, symbolizing total purity, wisdom and the washing away of earthly sins.

Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi

The rituals for Day 5 are highly focused on the family, specifically praying for the health and success of your children. Make sure to check the daily panchang to avoid Rahu Kaal while praying for your children.

1. Offer Yellow Flowers: Place an image of Maa Skandamata on your altar. Offer brightly colored yellow flowers, specifically Marigolds, to invoke her joyful and nurturing energy.
   Light the Diya: Keep your Akhand Jyoti burning or light a fresh ghee lamp to remove the darkness from your family's future.
   Pray for Your Children: Since she is the ultimate mother figure, today is the most powerful day to pray exclusively for the wellbeing, academic success and physical health of your children.
   Distribute Prashad: Always share the offerings with young children around your home or neighborhood as a symbol of sharing her motherly love.

But the real trick to Day 5 isn't just the flowers - it's the absolute simplicity of the specific Bhog.

Vrat Vidhi & Bhog

On Day 5, your fast should be deeply Sattvic. If you are aiming for a flawless week of fasting, you can review the complete Navratri 2026: Chaitra Navratri Fasting, Puja Timings, Vrat, Bhog Offerings & Aarti guide.

The specific and most powerful Bhog (food offering) for Maa Skandamata is Bananas. Offering raw or ripe bananas to the Goddess is highly revered today. It is believed to keep the devotee's physical body healthy, cure ongoing ailments and grant immense peace of mind to the entire household.

Mantra & Aarti

While offering the marigolds and bananas, chant her primary mantra 108 times. Chanting this specifically grants the "double blessing" of both the Mother and her powerful Son:

Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah
(Meaning: I bow to the Divine Goddess Skandamata)

Spiritual Significance: The Throat Chakra

Maa Skandamata governs the Vishuddha (Throat) Chakra, located at the base of the throat. Spiritually, this energy center rules communication, truth and self-expression. Worshipping her on the fifth day clears up miscommunications in your relationships.

When your Vishuddha chakra is unblocked, your words become pure and impactful. You stop shouting out of anger and start speaking with the calm, unwavering authority of a mother who knows what is right for her family.

The Ancient Tale

The existence of Maa Skandamata stems from a great cosmic crisis. The gods were being entirely outmatched by the terrifying demon Tarakasura. A prophecy stated that only the son of Lord Shiva could defeat the demon. After Shiva and Parvati married, Lord Kartikeya (Skanda) was finally born from Shiva's immensely powerful energy.

However, bringing a supreme commander into the world wasn't enough. He needed to be nurtured, trained and protected until he was ready for war. Goddess Parvati transformed into Maa Skandamata to raise the ultimate warrior god. She proves that while the warrior goes to battle, the true strength always comes from the mother who raised him.