Chaitra Navratri 2024 Day 5: Significance, worship rituals

Devotees of Maa Durga and her nine incarnations are preparing for Day 5 of the nine-day festival, which begins on April 13, after celebrating Day 4 of the festival. Those who worship Maa Skandamata hope to receive her blessings on this day. This year, the celebration of Ram Navami on April 17 will bring an end to Chaitra Navratri, which began on April 9.

Maa Skandamata is the fifth incarnation of the Hindu Goddess Durga and is venerated on the fifth day of Chaitra Navratri. The name “Skandamata” signifies the mother of Lord Kartikeya or Skanda, the son of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati, and the brother of Lord Ganesha. Associated with the heart chakra, Maa Skandamata embodies love, compassion, and maternal affection. She is revered for her protective and prosperous blessings, symbolizing fearlessness.

Traditionally, devotees seek the blessings of Maa Skandamata for protection, prosperity, and success in their endeavors. She is also believed to impart knowledge, wisdom, and enlightenment to her devotees. In Hindu religion, it is believed that the planet Buddha is governed by Goddess Skandamata.

Fruits and cardamoms are offered to the deity, along with Gandham, Pushpam, Deepam, and Sugandham. Worshipping Maa Skandamata in the morning during the auspicious Brahma Muhurta is seen to be especially beneficial.