Navratri, the nine-night festival venerating the divine feminine (Devi) in her various forms, reaches its midpoint on Day 5. Each day is sacred and significant in its own way; Day 5 is dedicated to Maa Skandamātā — the mother of Skanda (Kartikeya).

In this blog, let us explore the myth, the symbolism, the rituals, and practical ways your readers can celebrate Day 5 with devotion, using pooja supplies from your catalogue.

Myth & Significance

Who is Skandamātā?

The name “Skandamātā” comes from Skanda (another name for Kartikeya, the divine warrior son of Shiva and Parvati) + Mātā (mother). Thus, she is the divine mother who nurtures and protects. She is worshipped as a form of Durga who holds her son Skanda in her lap.

Iconography

she is often depicted with four hands: two hands holding lotuses, one cradling baby Skanda, and one in the abhaya mudra (gesture of protection). She may be seated on a lotus.
Her presence is deeply symbolic — emphasizing the maternal, nurturing, and protective aspects of the divine feminine.

Why worship Skandamātā on Day 5?

Day 5 is the day to invoke the energy of motherhood, compassion, and spiritual wisdom. Devotees believe that worshipping her can open the Anāhata Chakra (heart chakra), allowing boundless love and purity to flow. It is also believed to bless devotees with good fortune, inner strength, and harmony in relationships.

Spiritual meaning of the day

On this day, one reflects on how the divine (mother) nurtures all beings. It is a day to surrender one’s ego, ask for guidance, and cultivate compassion. Just as a mother raises a child, the devotee seeks the mother’s protection on life’s journey.

Colour, Dress & Ambience

Color for Day 5 Green

• Many traditions hold green as the auspicious color for Day 5. Green signifies growth, fertility, renewal, prosperity, balance, and harmony.
• Encourage devotees to wear green attire — saree, salwar kameez, kurta, dupatta, or even accessories like shawls or jewellery in green tones.

Setting the atmosphere

• Decorate the altar area with green foliage, leaves, ferns, and vases of green plants.
• Use green or white fabrics as background cloths.
• Place fresh lotuses (if available) or other white & green flowers.
• Use soft lighting (oil lamps) and incense (jasmine, sandalwood) to create a tranquil aura.

Pooja Vidhi (Ritual Method)

Here is a suggested ritual sequence—adjust according to regional custom, family tradition, or your pooja store’s offerings.

Purification & Preparation

• Clean the entire pooja room / altar area thoroughly.
• Sprinkle water and place a fresh cloth on the altar.
• Arrange the idol or picture of Maa Skandamātā (with baby Skanda) — if your store sells such idols or printed images, link them here.
• Light a ghee lamp (diya) and incense.
• Invocation (Avahana)

With folded hands chant a suitable invocation:

“ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः”

You may also use a longer mantra:

“सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माञ्चित करद्वया। शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥”

Meditate briefly, visualizing the goddess cradling her child, blessing you.

Offerings (Upacharas)

Standard offerings to include:

Akshata (unbroken rice)

• Flowers / Lotus — especially white or light-colored lotuses
• Fruits (especially bananas, as they are often considered dear to her)
• Tulsi or leaves / green leaves
• Sweets / prasad — small offerings like banana barfi, or sweets made without onion/onion-free if following a stricter fast.
  Incense, diya, camphor
• Water / haldi / kumkum / sandal paste

Bhog & Prasad Suggestions

• Since offerings are part of devotion, here are ideas (keeping in mind fasting rules or restrictions some devotees observe):
• Banana and banana-based sweets — e.g. banana barfi, banana porridge.
• Fruit plates — banana, pomegranate, dates, seasonal fruits (without onion/garlic).
• Milk / Kheer / Payasam (if diet allows).
• Sattu / sabudana / millet-based dishes (depending on the kind of vrat being observed).
• Light sweets made with jaggery / jaggery-free
• Coconut (if allowed)
• Make sure prasad is placed respectfully and distributed with love.

Spiritual Tips & Reflections

Cultivate maternal love
Beyond external rituals, Day 5 is ideal to reflect on nurturing — how we care for others, how we care for ourselves, how the divine cares for all.

Meditation on the heart center
Sit quietly before or after your pooja, envisioning a green lotus at the heart, expanding with compassion and divine energy.

Service & charity
Offer help to mothers, children, the needy — in spirit with Skandamātā’s loving energy.