Skandmata Mata Puja Vidhi And Mantra
Skandmata Mata Puja Vidhi is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri and is the motherly form of Goddess Durga. She is the mother of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda) and is depicted riding a lion with four arms, holding her son. Worshipping Skandmata brings great blessings of wisdom, prosperity, and a peaceful life.The 5th day of Navratri is celebrated in the name of Devi Skandamata, the 5th incarnation of Goddess Durga. In Sanskrit, the word ‘Skanda’ means fair. The word ‘Skanda’ is also associated with the god Kartikeya, and Mata means a mother. Hence, she is known as the mother of God Kartikeya or Skanda.
The 10th day of Navratri is considered auspicious and is celebrated as Vijaya Dashmi. Goddess Durga’s nine avatars are adored amid this period. On the fifth day, devotees offer puja and other rituals in praise of Maa Skandamata.
Being a mother and saviour of her children, Skandamata Devi is kind and caring. Worship this incarnation of Maa Durga and be an achiever, prosperous and have a content life.
1. Puja Preparations
- Altar Setup: Clean the area where the puja will be conducted. Set up a picture or idol of Skandmata on a clean and decorated altar.
- Offerings: Prepare offerings like fresh flowers (especially yellow flowers), fruits, sweets (like kheer), incense sticks, coconut, and pure water in a Kalash (sacred pot).
- Clothing: It is recommended to wear clean yellow-colored clothes as Skandmata is believed to be fond of the yellow color.
- Fast: Devotees often observe a fast (Vrat) on this day to purify the body and mind.
2. Puja Vidhi (Method)
Cleanse Yourself: Begin the puja by taking a bath and wearing clean clothes.
Pranayam & Meditation: Sit in a peaceful spot and perform pranayama (breathing exercises) to calm your mind. Focus on the image of Skandmata and meditate on her divine presence.
Kalash Sthapana: Place the Kalash in front of the idol/picture, fill it with water, and cover it with a coconut, mango leaves, and a red cloth. This signifies the presence of divine energy.
Invocation of Skandmata: Light a diya (lamp) and incense sticks, and invoke Skandmata by chanting:
ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah॥Offering to Skandmata:
- Offer fresh yellow flowers, fruits, sweets, kheer, and coconut to the goddess.
- Sprinkle water on the idol/picture to symbolize purification.
Recite Skandmata Mantra: Chant the following mantra to seek the blessings of Skandmata:
सिंहासना गतां नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया |शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥Simhasanagataam Nityam Padmaashritakara-dvayaam,Shubhadastu Sadaa Devi Skandamata Yashaswini.Aarti and Prasad: After completing the mantra chant, perform the aarti of Skandmata by waving a lit camphor or ghee lamp. Sing the Skandmata aarti, and distribute the prasad (offered food) among family members.
3. Mantra for Skandmata
Chant this mantra during the puja for peace, prosperity, and divine blessings:
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता |
4. Benefits of Skandmata Puja
- Worshipping Skandmata blesses the devotee with wisdom, health, and happiness.
- Her blessings remove all obstacles from life and provide peace in the family.
- Skandmata is believed to help her devotees achieve success in all endeavors and protect them from negative forces.
Performing the puja with complete devotion will bring the grace and blessings of Skandmata into your life.Read More
Conclusions:
Skandamata is the fourth deity worshipped during Navratri, a nine-night Hindu festival dedicated to the Divine Feminine. She is known for her nurturing qualities and is associated with motherhood and child protection.
