Navratri Day 5 – White (Skandamata) – Significance, Rituals, and Benefits

On Navratri Day 5 – White (Skandamata), devotees across the world honor Goddess Skandamata, the mother of Skanda (Lord Kartikeya). This day is considered a highly auspicious occasion, marked by wearing white, which symbolizes purity and devotion. Celebrated on the fifth day of the nine-day Navratri festival, this day holds special significance in worshiping the nine forms of Goddess Durga, each represented on consecutive days from Navratri Day 1 to 9. Let’s explore what makes this day special and how you can observe the rituals for maximum blessings.

What Does This Mean for Devotees?

For devotees, worshipping Skandamata means seeking her grace for overcoming inner turmoil and external obstacles through wisdom and peace rather than through aggression. Her lotus embodies the calm strength needed to achieve higher goals, offering a reminder that divine energy is not just about defeating enemies but also about cultivating inner purity.

Who is Goddess Skandamata?

Goddess Skandamata, as depicted in Hindu mythology, is the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), the commander of the celestial army. Her name is derived from her son’s name “Skanda” and the word “mata” means mother. She is depicted riding a lion and holding her son in her lap, representing a powerful combination of motherly affection and strength.

This goddess blesses her devotees with wisdom, prosperity, and health. Worshipping her on Navratri Day 5 is believed to grant blessings of a clear mind and fulfillment of worldly desires. Many believe that offering prayers on this day will protect the family from hardships and usher in happiness.

Special Aspects of Navratri Day 5 – White (Skandamata)

Goddess Skandamata, revered on Navratri Day 5, is a powerful representation of motherly love and divine strength. She is often depicted riding a lion, with her son, Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), seated on her lap. One of the most significant aspects of her portrayal is the lotus she carries in two of her hands. Unlike some of the more ferocious goddesses in the Navdurga, who hold weapons like swords or tridents, Skandamata carries a lotus, symbolizing peace, purity, and wisdom.

The Lotus: A Symbol of Spiritual Awakening

The lotus that Skandamata holds in her hand represents spiritual enlightenment. The flower, which blooms beautifully despite growing in muddy waters, signifies rising above worldly struggles to attain divine knowledge and purity of the soul. Devotees who worship Skandamata on Navratri Day 5 often seek her blessings for clarity of mind and spiritual growth, aligning themselves with the purity symbolized by the lotus.

Why Skandamata Does Not Hold Traditional Weapons

While many goddesses in the Navdurga (the nine forms of Durga) carry weapons to signify their role in vanquishing evil, Skandamata is a motherly figure. Her primary role is that of a nurturer and protector of her son, Lord Skanda, who is the commander of the divine army. Hence, she doesn’t carry aggressive weapons, as her power lies in nurturing, wisdom, and guiding her devotees toward peace.

The Weapon Held by Goddess Skandamata: Symbolism and Significance

Wearing white on Navratri Day 5 is considered highly beneficial for mental clarity and peace. White is a color associated with purity and calm, and wearing it while offering prayers to Goddess Skandamata enhances the effects of your devotion. The goddess is particularly known for showering peace and prosperity upon her followers.

Benefits of Wearing White on Navratri Day 5

Wearing white on Navratri Day 5 has a spiritual meaning that can directly impact your mental state. Here are some benefits:

• Promotes inner peace: The color white helps in calming your mind and invoking tranquility, which aligns perfectly with Goddess Skandamata’s essence.
• Enhances focus during prayers: White symbolizes purity, and wearing it can deepen your focus and connect with the goddess on a spiritual level.
• Improves clarity and decision-making: The vibrations of the color white, combined with prayers to Goddess Skandamata, are believed to enhance the clarity of thoughts, making it an excellent day for making important decisions.

Rituals and Offerings for Goddess Skandamata

• Skandamata Aarti: Devotees perform a special Navratri Skandamata aarti to seek the goddess’s blessings. The aarti is a ceremonial prayer performed using a lighted lamp, which symbolizes the removal of ignorance and the bringing of divine light into one’s life.
• Skandamata Katha: Another crucial ritual is the reading or listening of the Navratri Skandamata katha, which narrates the story of how Skandamata, as a mother, nurtures and empowers her children. This katha is not only spiritually uplifting but also helps individuals appreciate the significance of maternal love in life.
• Navratri Day 5 Bhog and Prasad: Offering bhog (food offerings) to the goddess is an important part of the ritual. The Navratri Day 5 bhog typically includes bananas, as they are her favorite fruit. After the prayer, this bhog is shared as prasad, which is consumed by devotees to receive her blessings.

Navratri Day 5 – White (Skandamata) Mantra

स्कंदमाता का मंत्र
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माञ्चित करद्वया।
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥

Skandamata Mantra: Chanting the Navratri Skandamata mantra is essential for invoking the goddess’s blessings. The mantra, “Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah,” should be recited multiple times to ensure the goddess’s favor.

Navratri Day 5 – White (Skandamata) Songs

स्कंदमाता की आरती 

जय तेरी हो स्कंद माता।
पांचवां नाम तुम्हारा आता॥

सबके मन की जानन हारी।
जग जननी सबकी महतारी॥

तेरी जोत जलाता रहू मैं।
हरदम तुझे ध्याता रहू मै॥

कई नामों से तुझे पुकारा।
मुझे एक है तेरा सहारा॥

कही पहाडो पर है डेरा।
कई शहरों में तेरा बसेरा॥

हर मंदिर में तेरे नजारे।
गुण गाए तेरे भक्त प्यारे॥

भक्ति अपनी मुझे दिला दो।
शक्ति मेरी बिगड़ी बना दो॥

इंद्र आदि देवता मिल सारे।
करे पुकार तुम्हारे द्वारे॥

दुष्ट दैत्य जब चढ़ कर आए।
तू ही खंडा हाथ उठाए॥

दासों को सदा बचाने आयी।
भक्त की आस पुजाने आयी॥

Chanting and Spiritual Songs: On Navratri Day 5, special chants and spiritual songs dedicated to Skandamata are recited. These songs, often in Hindi, express deep reverence for the goddess and her divine qualities. Engaging in these chants ensures a serene atmosphere and spiritual upliftment.

Navratri Day 5 – White (Skandamata) Diet Guidelines

Navratri fasting is integral to the worship of the nine goddesses from Navratri Day 1 to Day 9. On the fifth day, special dietary restrictions are observed to maintain purity and focus on devotion.

What to Eat:

• Fruits: Fruits like bananas and apples are ideal for consumption. These can also be part of the bhog offered to the goddess.
• Sabudana (Tapioca): A popular choice for fasting, sabudana khichdi or kheer is a light yet filling dish perfect for this day.
• Milk-based products: Yogurt, milk, and paneer (cottage cheese) are allowed and offer a good source of energy.

What to Avoid:

• Grains and pulses: Avoid consuming regular grains like rice and wheat. Instead, opt for alternatives such as buckwheat or water chestnut flour.
• Non-vegetarian food: Non-vegetarian food and alcohol should be strictly avoided during Navratri, especially when observing fasts.

Navratri Day 5 – White (Skandamata): Do’s and Don’ts

On this sacred day, observing the proper rituals and maintaining spiritual discipline is essential. Here’s what you should and should not do:

Do’s:

• Perform the Skandamata Aarti: Make sure to participate in or perform the aarti to seek the goddess’s blessings.
• Wear White: Wearing white will enhance the spiritual benefits of the day.
• Offer Bhog and Chant Mantras: Presenting bhog like bananas and chanting the Skandamata mantra can greatly benefit your prayers.

Don’ts:

• Avoid Negativity: Do not engage in arguments or harbor negative thoughts on this day.
• Refrain from Eating Grains: Stay away from grains and other non-permissible food items as per the fasting guidelines.

What Makes Goddess Skandamata Special?

Goddess Skandamata is a powerful figure of maternal love and strength. Her nurturing nature, combined with her warrior spirit, makes her a unique goddess in the Navdurga (Nine Forms of Durga). Worshipping her not only brings peace and wisdom but also helps in overcoming obstacles in personal and professional life.

Her special significance on Navratri Day 5 lies in her ability to purify the mind and soul, helping devotees focus on their spiritual journey. She represents the perfect balance of a loving mother and a fierce protector, making her worship highly revered.

Navratri Day 1 to 9 Goddess Names

The Navratri Day 1 to 9 goddess names are as follows:

• Shailaputri (Day 1)
• Brahmacharini (Day 2)
• Chandraghanta (Day 3)
• Kushmanda (Day 4)
• Skandamata (Day 5)
• Katyayani (Day 6)
• Kalaratri (Day 7)
• Mahagauri (Day 8)
• Siddhidatri (Day 9)

Conclusion

Navratri Day 5: White (Skandamata) is a day of great spiritual importance. Devotees celebrate this day by wearing white, offering special prayers, and following dietary restrictions to purify the mind and soul. By honoring Goddess Skandamata, one can receive blessings for wisdom, health, and prosperity. Whether it’s through performing the Navratri Skandamata aarti, chanting the Skandamata mantra, or offering bhog, devotees can deepen their connection to the goddess and experience peace and fulfillment.

Embrace this day with devotion, wear the sacred color white, and partake in the rituals to invite prosperity and tranquility into your life. May Navratri Day 5 bring you closer to your spiritual goals and offer blessings that last throughout the year.

FAQ: Navratri Day 5 – White (Skandamata)