Chaitra Navratri 2024: Celebrating Motherhood with Maa Skandamata

Chaitra Navratri 2024: Celebrating Motherhood with Maa Skandamata

As Chaitra Navratri unfolds, each day brings us closer to the divine essence of Goddess Durga in her various forms. On the fifth day, we celebrate the embodiment of motherhood, Maa Skandamata. This article delves into the significance of Maa Skandamata, puja rituals, auspicious timings, and the beautiful message behind her worship.

Who is Maa Skandamata?

Maa Skandamata, also known as Padmasana Devi (lotus-throned goddess), is the fifth manifestation of Durga. She is depicted with four arms, radiating a gentle white aura. She rides a powerful lion, symbolizing strength, and cradles her son, Lord Kartikeya (Skanda), in one arm. The other arms hold a lotus flower and a gesture of fearlessness (Abhaya Mudra). Maa Skandamata represents the unwavering love and protection a mother bestows on her child.

Puja Rituals for Maa Skandamata

Puja rituals for Maa Skandamata involve meticulous preparation and devotion. Devotees begin by cleaning their homes and setting up an altar or mandap adorned with flowers and other decorations. Offerings such as fruits, sweets, and incense are placed before the deity. The puja is performed with recitation of mantras and prayers dedicated to Maa Skandamata, seeking her blessings for health, prosperity, and protection.

While specific rituals may vary, here’s a general outline for worshipping Maa Skandamata:

1. Cleanse and Prepare: Begin by cleansing yourself and the puja space.
2. Kalash Sthapana: Invite Maa Durga into a Kalash (pot) filled with water and mango leaves.
3. Asana and Sankalp: Sit on a clean mat and make a sankalp (holy vow) for the puja.
4. Aavahan and Shodashopachar: Invite Maa Skandamata to be present and offer her sixteen essential puja items.
5. Maa Skandamata Mantra: Chant the dedicated mantra for Maa Skandamata (see below for the mantra).
6. Aarti and Pushpanjali: Perform aarti (offering of light) and offer flowers (pushpanjali) to Maa Skandamata.
7. Katha and आरती (Aarti) (optional): Recite stories or bhajans dedicated to Maa Skandamata and conclude with aarti.
8. Prayer and Offering: Express your prayers and offer prasad (food offering).
9. Visarjan: After the puja, respectfully perform the visarjan (immersion) of the Kalash in a holy river or body of water.

Shubh Muhurat for Maa Skandamata Puja in 2024

The auspicious time (Shubh Muhurat) for worshipping Maa Skandamata in 2024 falls on Saturday, April 13th, till 12:04 PM. It’s important to note that timings may vary slightly depending on your location.

Significance of Worshipping Maa Skandamata

Worshipping Maa Skandamata is believed to bestow divine blessings upon devotees. She is revered as the mother of Lord Kartikeya, the commander of the army of gods, symbolizing courage and righteousness. Devotees seek her blessings for the well-being of their children and family, as well as for overcoming obstacles and challenges in life.

Maa Skandamata’s Preferred Color

The preferred color for worshipping Maa Skandamata is yellow. Yellow symbolizes happiness, brightness, and optimism, reflecting the auspicious nature of the deity. Devotees often dress in yellow attire and decorate the puja altar with yellow flowers and decorations to honor Maa Skandamata during Navratri.

Mantra for Maa Skandamata

“ॐ देवी स्कंदमातायै नमः॥”

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