परिचय
नवरात्रि के पाँचवे दिन की पूजा माँ स्कन्दमाता को समर्पित है। वे भगवान स्कन्द (कार्तिकेय) की माता हैं और ममत्व, करुणा और शक्ति की प्रतीक मानी जाती हैं। उनकी पूजा से भक्तों को सुख, समृद्धि और बुद्धि प्राप्त होती है।
कथा
माँ पार्वती ने भगवान स्कन्द (कार्तिकेय) को जन्म दिया और उनके इसी स्वरूप को स्कन्दमाता कहा गया। भगवान स्कन्द ने देवताओं के सेनापति बनकर असुर तारकासुर का वध किया।
माँ स्कन्दमाता को चार भुजाओं वाली देवी के रूप में दर्शाया जाता है। वे गोद में भगवान स्कन्द को धारण करती हैं। उनके दो हाथों में कमल पुष्प, एक हाथ में स्कन्द और चौथे हाथ से वे भक्तों को आशीर्वाद देती हैं। वे सिंह पर सवार रहती हैं।
महत्व
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माँ स्कन्दमाता ममता और शक्ति का प्रतीक हैं।
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उनकी कृपा से भक्त का मन शुद्ध होता है और जीवन में सुख-समृद्धि आती है।
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वे बुध ग्रह की अधिष्ठात्री देवी हैं और उनकी कृपा से बुद्धि और वाणी में सुधार होता है।
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संतानहीन दंपत्ति उनकी पूजा से संतान सुख प्राप्त करते हैं।
पूजा विधि
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इस दिन माँ को पीले फूल, केला और फल अर्पित किए जाते हैं।
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कमल पुष्प अर्पित करना अत्यंत शुभ माना जाता है।
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व्रत और मंत्रजाप से भक्त को दिव्य सुरक्षा और सफलता प्राप्त होती है।
मंत्र
“ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥”
Introduction to Maa Skandamata
Who is Maa Skandamata?
Maa Skandamata is the fifth form of Goddess Durga known as the mother of Lord Kartikeya. She embodies maternal love strength and protection.
Significance of Day 5
Day 5 of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Skandamata invoking her blessings for wisdom protection and familial harmony.
Iconography of Skandamata
Maa Skandamata is depicted with four arms holding her son Kartikeya in her lap symbolizing maternal affection and divine power.
Mount and Appearance
Maa Skandamata rides a lion representing courage and strength. Her attire is golden symbolizing purity and auspiciousness.
Connection to Lord Shiva
Maa Skandamata is considered an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and is associated with the planet Venus symbolizing love and beauty.
Mythological Significance
Origin Story of Skandamata
After the birth of Kartikeya Maa Parvati assumed the form of Skandamata to nurture and protect him.
Legends and Stories
Ancient scriptures narrate that worshipping Skandamata on Day 5 brings peace prosperity and spiritual growth.
Connection with Other Goddesses
Skandamata is linked to Parvati and Sati representing the nurturing aspect of the divine feminine.
Spiritual Benefits
Praying to Maa Skandamata enhances maternal instincts promotes peace in the home and blesses devotees with wisdom.
Why Worship Her Fifth
She is worshipped fifth to purify the heart and soul fostering love compassion and spiritual growth.
Puja Rituals and Practices
How to Perform Skandamata Puja
Begin with Kalash Sthapana offer yellow flowers incense and chant "ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः" to seek her blessings.
Offerings and Prasad
Yellow flowers fruits and sweets are offered as prasad during Skandamata Puja.
Time and Duration of Puja
Puja is performed in the morning preferably during Brahma Muhurat to maximize spiritual benefits.
Mantras and Chants
Chanting "ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः" or reading Skandamata Stotra invokes divine energy and blessings.
Fasting Guidelines
Devotees fast on Day 5 by consuming fruits milk and light vegetarian meals to honor Maa Skandamata.
Symbolism and Attributes
The Meaning of Skandamata
Skandamata symbolizes maternal love protection and the nurturing aspect of the divine feminine.
Weapons and Tools
Her four hands hold her son Kartikeya a lotus flower and make gestures of blessing and protection.
Yellow Color Significance
Yellow is the color of knowledge and learning worn by devotees to align with the goddess’s energy.
Connection to the Heart Chakra
Skandamata is associated with the Anahata chakra providing love compassion and emotional balance.
Spiritual Significance of Symbols
Every element in Skandamata’s iconography teaches love protection and the nurturing of the self.
Global Celebrations and Traditions
Navratri Practices Across India
Different states celebrate Day 5 with unique rituals songs and dances honoring Maa Skandamata.
International Observances
Navratri is celebrated worldwide in Indian communities with pujas cultural programs and devotion.
Community Events
Temples and community centers organize group prayers bhajans and aarti to honor Maa Skandamata.
Importance of Group Worship
Worshiping in groups amplifies energy devotion and spiritual merit.
Modern Adaptations
Many now celebrate digitally or online sharing rituals and devotional content to keep tradition alive.
Conclusion and Blessings
Blessings from Maa Skandamata
Seek her blessings for maternal love protection and the removal of obstacles in your life.
Daily Practice Recommendations
Begin your day with prayer meditation and offering gratitude to Maa Skandamata for guidance.
Spiritual Growth Tips
Focus on devotion self-discipline and purity to maximize the benefits of Navratri worship.
Incorporating Rituals into Life
Regular puja chanting mantras and meditation can bring peace stability and spiritual enlightenment.
Encouraging Devotion
Share the knowledge and devotion of Maa Skandamata with family and friends to enhance spiritual connection.
Maa Skandamata is the fifth form of Goddess Durga known as the mother of Lord Kartikeya. She embodies maternal love strength and protection.
Day 5 of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Skandamata invoking her blessings for wisdom protection and familial harmony.
Maa Skandamata is depicted with four arms holding her son Kartikeya in her lap symbolizing maternal affection and divine power.
Maa Skandamata rides a lion representing courage and strength. Her attire is golden symbolizing purity and auspiciousness.
Maa Skandamata is considered an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and is associated with the planet Venus symbolizing love and beauty.
After the birth of Kartikeya Maa Parvati assumed the form of Skandamata to nurture and protect him.
Ancient scriptures narrate that worshipping Skandamata on Day 5 brings peace prosperity and spiritual growth.
Skandamata is linked to Parvati and Sati representing the nurturing aspect of the divine feminine.
Praying to Maa Skandamata enhances maternal instincts promotes peace in the home and blesses devotees with wisdom.
She is worshipped fifth to purify the heart and soul fostering love compassion and spiritual growth.
Begin with Kalash Sthapana offer yellow flowers incense and chant "ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः" to seek her blessings.
Yellow flowers fruits and sweets are offered as prasad during Skandamata Puja.
Puja is performed in the morning preferably during Brahma Muhurat to maximize spiritual benefits.
Chanting "ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः" or reading Skandamata Stotra invokes divine energy and blessings.
Devotees fast on Day 5 by consuming fruits milk and light vegetarian meals to honor Maa Skandamata.
Skandamata symbolizes maternal love protection and the nurturing aspect of the divine feminine.
Her four hands hold her son Kartikeya a lotus flower and make gestures of blessing and protection.
Yellow is the color of knowledge and learning worn by devotees to align with the goddess’s energy.
Skandamata is associated with the Anahata chakra providing love compassion and emotional balance.
Every element in Skandamata’s iconography teaches love protection and the nurturing of the self.
Different states celebrate Day 5 with unique rituals songs and dances honoring Maa Skandamata.
Navratri is celebrated worldwide in Indian communities with pujas cultural programs and devotion.
Temples and community centers organize group prayers bhajans and aarti to honor Maa Skandamata.
Worshiping in groups amplifies energy devotion and spiritual merit.
Many now celebrate digitally or online sharing rituals and devotional content to keep tradition alive.
Seek her blessings for maternal love protection and the removal of obstacles in your life.
Begin your day with prayer meditation and offering gratitude to Maa Skandamata for guidance.
Focus on devotion self-discipline and purity to maximize the benefits of Navratri worship.
Regular puja chanting mantras and meditation can bring peace stability and spiritual enlightenment.
Share the knowledge and devotion of Maa Skandamata with family and friends to enhance spiritual connection.
