Navratri day five: Skandamata worshipped, yellow is the colour of the day
On the fifth day of Navratri on Thursday, devotees worship Skandamata, the fifth form of Navadurga, wearing yellow and offering yellow flowers.
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Thursday, October 15, is the fifth day of Navratri. Skandamata is worshipped on this day. She is the fifth form of the goddess among the Navadurga. Skandamata is the mother of Lord Kartikeya, who is also known as Skanda. According to religious belief, this is how the goddess got her name.
In the idol of the goddess, the child Skanda is seen seated on her lap. The goddess sits on a lotus, which is why she is also called Padmasana. This form is regarded as a symbol of motherhood, love, affection and protection.
This year, the colour of the fifth day is yellow. Yellow is regarded as a symbol of joy, positivity, knowledge, prosperity and enthusiasm. Devotees are therefore advised to wear yellow clothes and worship the goddess. Yellow flowers or yellow-coloured puja items should be used in the worship.
The method of worship is to bathe in the morning and wear clean clothes. A lamp is lit before the goddess and yellow flowers, akshat (unbroken rice grains) and naivedya (food offering) are offered. This is followed by the aarti of Skandamata and recitation of her names. The mantra "Om Devi Skandamateya Namah" should be chanted on this day.
On the naivedya, in many places there is a tradition of offering bananas to Skandamata. Kheer, panchamrit, turmeric, sweet dishes and, according to tradition, sattvic items are also placed in the offering.
Along with worship of the goddess, devotees are also advised to pray for the health and happiness of their children and the well-being of the family. It is believed that worshipping Skandamata with devotion brings peace, happiness, positivity and the blessings of the mother.
The form of Skandamata is a reminder of a mother's love and her strength to protect her children. For this reason, prayers are offered on this day especially for the health and happiness of children. According to religious belief, worship done with devotion inspires peace of mind and positivity. The fifth day of Navratri is therefore regarded as a day to remember the power of motherhood and love.
