Maa Skandamata is the fifth form of Goddess Durga, worshipped on Day 5 of Navratri, Thursday, 15 October 2026. She is the mother of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda) and is shown holding him on her lap while riding a lion. Associated with Mercury, she is worshipped for wisdom, family peace and blessings for children.
Maa Skandamata is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri and represents the nurturing, compassionate form of Goddess Durga. She is the mother of Lord Kartikeya, also known as Skanda, the commander of the divine army. In 2026, Maa Skandamata will be worshipped on Thursday, October 15, during Sharad Navratri.
Devotees worship her to seek wisdom, peace, courage and the well-being of their families. Her blessings are also associated with spiritual growth and maternal love.
Who Is Maa Skandamata?
Maa Skandamata is regarded as the fifth version of Goddess Durga. She is usually portrayed as having four hands, out of which two hands hold lotus flowers, one of the hands is raised in blessings. Lord Kartikeya is resting on her lap and she is seen riding a lion too.
Skandamata is the combination of the two words, Skanda (meaning Lord Kartikeya) and Mata (meaning mother). The worship of Skandamata is believed to act as a trend setter for honoring the mother and her divine child.
Navratri 5th Day 2026: Important Dates and Timings
| Navratri Day 5 Details | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Navratri 5th Day Puja Date | Thursday, October 15, 2026 |
| Goddess | Maa Skandamata |
| Panchami Tithi Begins | 01:14 AM on Oct 15, 2026 |
| Panchami Tithi Ends | 03:26 AM on Oct 16, 2026 |
| Colour of the Day | Yellow |
| Chakra | Vishuddha Chakra |
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Significance of Maa Skandamata on Navratri Day 5
Maa Skandamata displays motherhood, compassion and power. Her image along with Lord Kartikeya stands for the duty of a mother which is to protect her child. Maa Skandamata is worshipped for the blessings she gives in obtaining wisdom, family happiness and peace of mind.
In astrology, it is believed that she is also connected with the planet Mercury representing learning, intelligence and communication.
The Legend of Maa Skandamata
According to Hindu tradition, the demon Tarakasura received a boon that made him vulnerable only to a son of Lord Shiva. To defeat him, the birth of Lord Kartikeya became essential.
Divine energies came together to bring Skanda into existence. After his birth, he grew into a powerful warrior and eventually defeated Tarakasura. Goddess Parvati came to be worshipped as Skandamata, the mother of this divine commander.
This legend highlights the strength of motherhood and the role of divine courage in overcoming evil.
Maa Skandamata Puja Vidhi
Devotees can worship Maa Skandamata at home by following these simple steps:
- Clean the puja area and place the Goddess’s idol or picture on a raised platform.
- Offer flowers, fruits, incense, sindoor and other traditional puja items. A kalash may also be placed near the altar.
- Pray to Maa Skandamata, recite her mantra and conclude the worship with aarti and the distribution of prasad.
Maa Skandamata Mantra
Devotees may chant the following mantra while praying to the Goddess:
ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥
Transliteration: Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah.
This mantra is traditionally recited to seek Maa Skandamata’s blessings for peace, wisdom and well-being.
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Why Do Devotees Worship Maa Skandamata?
Maa Skandamata is revered for her caring character and almighty power. Worshippers ask for her blessings in order to enjoy peace in the family, have lucid thoughts and to have courage against the various trials of life.
During the celebration of Navratri, the followers can depend on the teachings of relatives, offer prayers from their heart, and reflect on the various aspects of love, tolerance, and guarding related to the Goddess.
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FAQs
Who is Maa Skandamata?
Maa Skandamata is the nurturing and compassionate form of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri. She is the mother of Lord Kartikeya, also known as Skanda, and is depicted with four hands, holding lotus flowers, blessing devotees, and riding a lion.
What is the significance of worshipping Maa Skandamata?
Worshipping Maa Skandamata is believed to bring wisdom, peace, courage, and family well-being. Her blessings are associated with spiritual growth, maternal love, and she is connected with the planet Mercury, representing learning and intelligence.
How is Maa Skandamata worshipped during Navratri?
Devotees can worship Maa Skandamata at home by chanting the mantra ‘ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः’ (Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah) and offering prayers to seek her blessings for wisdom and family happiness.
What is the legend associated with Maa Skandamata?
According to Hindu tradition, Maa Skandamata is worshipped as the mother of Lord Kartikeya, who was born to defeat the demon Tarakasura. Her story symbolizes the strength of motherhood and divine courage in overcoming evil.
When is Maa Skandamata worshipped in 2026?
In 2026, Maa Skandamata will be worshipped on Thursday, October 15, during Sharad Navratri.
