On the fifth day of Navratri, devotees honor Goddess Skandamata, the fifth incarnation of Durga and the mother of Skanda (Kartikeya). She represents protection through compassion, courage, and the harmonious balance within the family.
The Goddess: Skandamata
Goddess Skandamata is depicted sitting on a lotus, holding her son, Skanda, in her lap. She radiates both serenity and strength, embodying the qualities of wisdom, family peace, and leadership with care. As a mother, she is revered for her nurturing energy and for guiding her followers toward balance and harmony.
The Color: Green (2025)
For 2025, the color for Day 5 is Green, symbolizing growth, prosperity, and harmony. It is part of this year's day-wise color palette, and wearing green on this day aligns with Skandamata's nurturing and healing energy.
The Sacred Offering (Bhog)
On Day 5, banana is the traditional offering to Goddess Skandamata. In many households, kheer (a sweet rice pudding) is also included as an offering. These simple foods represent nourishment, maternal blessings, and the well-being of the family, invoking peace and balance in the home.
Her Powerful Mantra
The mantra dedicated to Goddess Skandamata is:
"Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah."
Chanting this mantra with devotion is believed to invite Skandamata’s protective grace, infusing courage, serenity, and compassion into one's life.
The Mythological Story
Skandamata is the mother of Skanda, the divine general who restores cosmic order. Her story teaches that gentle strength can inspire brave hearts and that love, like a shield, can offer protection as powerful as any weapon. Through her nurturing spirit, she reminds us that protection and strength can come from compassion and harmony.
How to Celebrate Day 5
On this day, wear green to honor growth and harmony, offer bananas (and optionally kheer) in prayer, and take a moment to chant her mantra. This is a time to invite Skandamata's serenity, courage, and blessings for family peace and balance.
As we celebrate Day 5 of Navratri, let us reflect on the qualities of compassion, strength, and protection that Goddess Skandamata embodies. Through her blessings, may we find harmony in our homes and strength in our hearts.
