5th Day of Navaratri – Significance, Rituals and Puja Vidhi

ASTROBHAVA

Navaratri, the nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, is celebrated with immense devotion across India. Each day of Navaratri is associated with a specific form of the Goddess, a unique color, rituals, and spiritual significance. The 5th day of Navaratri is particularly auspicious as devotees worship Goddess Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda). She symbolizes divine motherhood, compassion, and ultimate strength.

In this blog, we will explore the importance of the 5th day of Navaratri, the rituals, the color significance, and how devotees can observe this sacred day to receive divine blessings.

Date of the 5th Day of Sharad Navaratri (Panchami)

Sharad Navaratri in 2025 commences on Monday, 22 September and concludes on Wednesday, 1 October.
The 5th day, known as Panchami, falls on Friday, 26 September 2025, when Maa Skandamata is worshipped.

Who is Goddess Skandamata?

On the 5th day of Navaratri, devotees worship Maa Skandamata, the compassionate fifth form of Goddess Durga. Her name comes from “Skanda” (another name for Lord Kartikeya, the commander of the divine army and son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati) and “Mata” (meaning mother). Thus, Skandamata is revered as the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya).

She is often depicted in a divine seated posture on a blooming lotus, which is why she is also called Padmasana Devi. The lotus not only symbolizes purity and detachment but also represents spiritual growth amidst worldly challenges.

Iconography of Maa Skandamata

She is portrayed with a serene and compassionate face, radiating peace and calmness.
Seated on a lotus or a lion, symbolizing both grace and power.
She has four arms:
- Two hands holding lotus flowers, signifying purity, awakening, and prosperity.
- One hand holding her beloved child, Lord Skanda, symbolizing divine motherhood.
- The fourth hand in abhaya mudra (gesture of fearlessness), blessing devotees with courage and protection.
In her lap sits Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), holding a spear, representing strength, leadership, and the victory of good over evil.

Spiritual Significance of Skandamata

Goddess Skandamata is the embodiment of:

Motherly love and compassion – She nurtures her devotees just as she nurtures her divine child.
Wisdom and prosperity – Worshipping her blesses devotees with knowledge, success, and abundance.
Divine protection – She safeguards her children (devotees) from negativity, fear, and misfortune.
Salvation (Moksha) – Scriptures mention that by worshipping her, one not only attains worldly happiness but also the ultimate liberation.

Mythological Relevance

According to Devi Mahatmyam, when demons threatened the celestial world, it was Lord Kartikeya, the son of Skandamata, who led the divine forces to victory. By carrying Kartikeya in her lap, Skandamata represents the unconditional love of a mother and the immense power that flows through maternal energy.

Thus, worshipping her on the 5th day of Navaratri is not just an act of devotion but also a way to seek both nurturing blessings and protective strength.

Book your Skandamata Puja with AstroBhava today and bring peace, prosperity, and protection into your home.

Significance of the 5th Day of Navaratri

The 5th day of Navaratri holds immense spiritual value as it is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the divine mother of Lord Kartikeya. This day represents the union of motherhood, wisdom, and strength. Devotees believe that worshipping her with sincerity leads to both worldly prosperity and ultimate liberation.

Why the 5th Day is Spiritually Important

Remover of Obstacles
Maa Skandamata blesses her devotees with the strength to overcome hurdles in life. Just as a mother removes every pain from her child’s path, she clears obstacles, making way for success and peace.
Bestower of Prosperity and Wisdom
Worshipping Skandamata on the 5th day of Navaratri is said to bring intelligence, wealth, and spiritual growth. Students and seekers of knowledge especially benefit from her blessings.
Symbol of Motherhood and Protection
As the mother of Kartikeya, she represents the highest form of nurturing energy. She protects devotees from negativity, evil influences, and fear, much like a mother shelters her child.
Path to Salvation (Moksha)
Scriptures highlight that worshipping Maa Skandamata not only fulfills material desires but also purifies the soul. By her grace, devotees move closer to the path of moksha (liberation), transcending the cycle of birth and death.
Balance of Strength and Serenity
While she embodies fierce strength through her son Kartikeya, Skandamata herself radiates calmness and serenity. This duality teaches devotees to balance courage with compassion in their lives.

Impact on Devotees’ Lives

Those facing family issues, mental stress, or child-related concerns seek special blessings of Maa Skandamata.
Her worship is believed to bless married couples with harmony and children with protection.
She also grants fearlessness to devotees, empowering them to walk the path of righteousness with confidence.

Thus, the 5th day of Navaratri is not just about rituals—it is a spiritual celebration of motherly love, divine protection, and the victory of wisdom over ignorance.

Perform a sacred Skandamata Homa through AstroBhava and cleanse your life with spiritual strength and wisdom.

Rituals of the 5th Day of Navaratri

The rituals performed on the 5th day of Navaratri hold special significance as they invite the divine presence of Maa Skandamata into one’s home and heart. Every step in the puja symbolizes purity, surrender, and devotion.

1. Morning Purification & Sankalp

Devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and wear green-colored clothes, the sacred shade of the 5th day.
The house and puja space are thoroughly cleaned to welcome the Goddess.
A sankalp (vow) is taken by folding hands and mentally stating the intention of the puja—such as seeking protection, wisdom, or peace for the family.

2. Kalash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana)

If not already established on the first day of Navaratri, a Kalash (sacred pot) is set up on this day.

The Kalash is filled with holy water, mango leaves are placed at the mouth, and a coconut is placed on top.
It represents the cosmic energy and divine presence of Goddess Durga throughout the Navaratri celebrations.

3. Altar Decoration for Maa Skandamata

An idol or picture of Maa Skandamata seated on a lotus with Lord Kartikeya in her lap is placed at the altar.
The altar is decorated with flowers, fresh garlands, and diyas (oil lamps).
Lighting the diya symbolizes the removal of darkness (ignorance) and the arrival of light (knowledge and wisdom).

4. Offerings (Bhog) to the Goddess

Devotees prepare and offer fruits, coconut, honey, bananas, and sweets like kheer.
Among these, bananas are considered the most auspicious offering to Maa Skandamata, as she is believed to be especially fond of them.
Devotees also offer sindoor, rice grains, betel leaves, and flowers as part of the ritual.

5. Chanting & Mantras

The puja is incomplete without the chanting of sacred mantras and stotras.

Durga Saptashati and Skandamata Stotra are recited with devotion.
Her main mantra is:
“ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥”
Repetition of this mantra is said to bless devotees with wisdom, happiness, and protection.

Book your personalized Skandamata Japa Anushthan with AstroBhava to seek divine grace, inner peace, and family well-being.

6. Fasting (Vrat) on the 5th Day

Many devotees observe a vrat (fast) on this day. Some follow a nirjal fast (without water), while others consume only fruits, milk, and light meals like sabudana or vrat-friendly food.
The vrat signifies self-discipline, purity, and detachment from material desires, helping devotees focus entirely on spiritual devotion.

7. Evening Aarti and Bhajans

At sunset, devotees perform aarti with incense sticks, diyas, and bells, invoking Maa Skandamata’s blessings.
Singing bhajans and devotional songs fills the environment with divine vibrations and collective energy.
Some families also invite priests to perform Durga Homa or Skandamata special pujas for prosperity and protection.

8. Charity and Service (Seva)

On this day, many devotees donate food, clothes, or money to the poor and needy.
Offering prasad and annadaan (food distribution) is considered a highly virtuous act and brings Maa Skandamata’s grace in abundance.

✨ In short, the rituals of the 5th day of Navaratri combine purification, devotion, offerings, chanting, and service. Each step draws devotees closer to Maa Skandamata’s divine presence, ensuring peace, prosperity, and protection for the entire family.

Color of the 5th Day of Navaratri – Green

Every Navaratri day has a symbolic color that enhances spiritual vibrations during worship. The color of the 5th day of Navaratri is Green.

Green represents growth, prosperity, harmony, and new beginnings.
It is believed that wearing green attire while worshipping Maa Skandamata attracts positivity, peace, and fertility into life.
Devotees decorate the altar with green flowers, fabrics, and leaves to align with the energy of the day.
This color also signifies calmness of the mind and helps devotees meditate with focus and clarity.

Thus, adorning yourself and your surroundings with green on the 5th day of Navaratri amplifies the blessings of Maa Skandamata and connects you deeply with her nurturing and protective energy.

Benefits of Worshipping Maa Skandamata

Observing the 5th day of Navaratri and worshipping Maa Skandamata is believed to bring:

Prosperity and abundance in life.
Protection of children and family from misfortunes.
Spiritual awakening and clarity of mind.
Relief from sorrows and mental stress.

Conclusion

The 5th day of Navaratri is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the nurturing and protective form of Goddess Durga. Her blessings bring peace, prosperity, and protection to her devotees. By following the rituals, wearing the auspicious green color, and chanting her mantras, devotees can invite divine energy into their lives.

At AstroBhava, we help you understand the deeper spiritual significance of Navaratri and guide you with personalized puja, mantra chanting, and homa remedies to enhance your devotion and spiritual journey.

✨ Connect with AstroBhava today to perform Skandamata Puja, Durga Homa, and personalized Navaratri remedies for divine blessings.