Navratri Day 5 — Skandamata
स्कन्दमाता
"Mother of Skanda (Kartikeya)" • Planet: Mercury
Day 5 Mantra
ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः
Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah
Chant 108 times for full benefit
Skandamata Prayer (Prarthana)
सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया। शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥
About Skandamata — स्कन्दमाता
Goddess Skandamata is the fifth form of Navdurga. She is the mother of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda), the commander of the divine army. She sits on a lotus and holds baby Skanda in her lap, which is why she is also called Padmasana (lotus-seated). She has four arms — two holding lotuses, one in Abhaya mudra (gesture of protection), and one holding baby Kartikeya. Worshipping Skandamata is especially beneficial for mothers and those seeking children.
Offerings & Bhog for Day 5
Offer banana to Goddess Skandamata. The prasad for Day 5 is banana or banana-based sweets. Offer white lotus flowers.