Navratri Day 5 in 2026: Maa Skandamata Puja Vidhi, Mantra, Story and Auspicious Colour
The fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the fifth form of Goddess Durga. She is worshipped as the mother of Lord Kartikeya, also known as Skanda. Maa Skandamata represents motherhood, love, compassion, courage and divine strength. Devotees worship her to seek peace, prosperity, happiness and harmony in their families.
In 2026, the fifth day of Sharadiya Navratri falls on Thursday, 15 October. On this auspicious occasion, devotees offer prayers, chant Maa Skandamata's mantras and perform aarti to seek her blessings. Let us explore her divine form, puja vidhi, mantras, religious significance, auspicious colour and the story associated with her worship.
Who Is Maa Skandamata?
Maa Skandamata is the fifth manifestation of Goddess Durga among the nine forms worshipped during Navratri. Lord Kartikeya is also known as Skanda, and Goddess Parvati is called Skandamata because she is his mother.
Maa Skandamata is depicted as a serene and compassionate goddess with four arms. Two of her hands hold lotus flowers, one arm cradles the child form of Lord Skanda, and another hand blesses her devotees. Her vehicle is a lion, which symbolises courage, strength and fearlessness.
Her divine form represents the beautiful combination of maternal affection and inner strength. Maa Skandamata reminds devotees that true power is not limited to courage and valour; it also lies in love, kindness, care and compassion.
Maa Skandamata Puja Date, Auspicious Colour and Mantra
Here are the important details for worshipping Maa Skandamata on the fifth day of Navratri.
Puja Date: Thursday, 15 October 2026
Navratri Day: Fifth Day
Auspicious Colour: White
Favourite Flower: White Lotus
Puja Mantra: Om Devi Skandamatryai Namah (ॐ देवी स्कन्दमात्र्यै नमः॥)
Maa Skandamata Dhyan Mantra
Simhasanagata Nityam Padmasritakaradvaya,Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini.
This dhyan mantra is traditionally recited during the worship of Maa Skandamata. Devotees may chant it with faith and concentration while meditating on the goddess.
White is traditionally associated with peace, purity and serenity. Devotees may wear white clothes and offer white lotus flowers, according to their availability and family traditions.
Maa Skandamata Puja Vidhi
Devotees can worship Maa Skandamata by following a simple and traditional puja vidhi.
Wake up early in the morning, bathe and wear clean clothes.
Clean the puja area and place an image or idol of Maa Skandamata on a clean platform.
Light a diya and incense sticks before beginning the worship.
Offer roli, akshat, kumkum and fresh flowers to the goddess.
Offer fruits, sweets and other sattvic bhog according to your family traditions.
Chant the Maa Skandamata puja mantra with devotion.
Recite the dhyan mantra and read or listen to the story of Maa Skandamata.
Perform the aarti and pray for the happiness, peace and well-being of your family.
Distribute prasad among family members and conclude the puja with gratitude.
During the worship, maintain a peaceful state of mind and approach the rituals with sincerity and devotion. Puja customs and offerings may vary across regions and families.
The Story of Maa Skandamata
The story of Maa Skandamata is associated with Goddess Parvati and her divine son, Lord Kartikeya.
According to Hindu mythology, the demon Tarakasura received a boon that made him vulnerable only to the son of Lord Shiva. As his tyranny increased, the gods sought a way to restore peace and protect the universe.
Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva became the divine parents of Lord Kartikeya, also known as Skanda. Lord Kartikeya grew into a powerful warrior and led the divine forces against Tarakasura, eventually defeating him and restoring peace.
As the mother of Lord Skanda, Goddess Parvati came to be worshipped as Maa Skandamata. Her depiction holding her divine child in her lap represents unconditional maternal love, protection and nurturing care.
The story of Maa Skandamata teaches that love and compassion can coexist with courage and responsibility. It also reminds devotees that nurturing others, guiding children and facing life's challenges with determination are important expressions of strength.
Why Is Maa Skandamata Worshipped on the Fifth Day of Navratri?
The fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Skandamata because she is the fifth form of Goddess Durga worshipped during the festival.
Her worship is associated with motherhood, compassion, courage and divine protection. Devotees pray to her for family harmony, the well-being of their children, mental peace and prosperity.
According to religious beliefs, Maa Skandamata showers her devotees with maternal affection and blessings. Her divine form inspires people to remain patient during difficult times and move forward with courage and faith.
Her worship also conveys an important message: strength becomes more meaningful when it is accompanied by kindness, humility and love. Treating family members with understanding and compassion can help create a peaceful and harmonious home.
Maa Skandamata and the Vishuddha Chakra
In certain spiritual traditions, Maa Skandamata is associated with the Vishuddha Chakra, also known as the throat chakra. This energy centre is traditionally linked with communication, self-expression and the ability to express one's thoughts clearly.
The spiritual symbolism of the Vishuddha Chakra encourages truthful speech, thoughtful communication and balanced self-expression. Listening carefully to others and expressing ideas respectfully can help strengthen understanding and trust in relationships.
During Maa Skandamata's worship, devotees may reflect on the importance of speaking truthfully, choosing kind words and communicating with clarity. These practices can encourage better understanding within families and communities.
The association between the goddess and the chakra belongs to spiritual belief systems and may be understood as a practice of devotion, meditation and self-reflection.
Spiritual Significance of Worshipping Maa Skandamata
Worshipping Maa Skandamata provides an opportunity for devotees to reflect on the values of love, patience, responsibility and inner strength.
On the fifth day of Navratri, devotees may take inspiration from her divine form by practising the following values:
Love and compassion: Treat family members and others with kindness and respect.
Courage and patience: Face challenges with determination and a calm mind.
Positive communication: Speak thoughtfully and listen with understanding.
Family harmony: Encourage trust, cooperation and emotional support at home.
Spiritual discipline: Practise prayer, gratitude and positive actions in daily life.
According to Hindu religious beliefs, devotees worship Maa Skandamata to seek happiness, peace, prosperity and strength. The occasion also serves as a reminder to cultivate positive qualities in everyday life.
Conclusion
The fifth day of Navratri is a sacred occasion dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the divine mother who represents love, compassion and strength. On Thursday, 15 October 2026, devotees can worship her through traditional rituals, mantra chanting, meditation and aarti.
Her divine form teaches us that true strength lies not only in courage but also in kindness, patience and the ability to nurture others. By reflecting on her teachings, devotees can seek inspiration to build stronger relationships, maintain family harmony and approach life's challenges with faith and positivity.
May Maa Skandamata bless everyone with peace, prosperity, courage and wisdom.
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