Navratri Day 5: Maa Skandamata (स्कंदमाता), Story, Mantra & Puja

On day 5 of Navratri, the Panchami tithi, devotees worship Maa Skandamata (माँ स्कंदमाता), the fifth of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. In 2026 her day falls on Thursday, 15 October 2026.

The story of Maa Skandamata

Skanda is another name for Kartikeya (Murugan), the son of Shiva and Parvati and commander of the gods’ army. The demon Tarakasura had won a boon that only a son of Shiva could kill him, and so the world waited for Kartikeya’s birth. When he grew up, he led the devas to victory and killed Tarakasura.

Skandamata, “mother of Skanda”, is Parvati as that mother: tender, protective, and the source of the hero’s strength. It is said that worshipping her also brings the blessings of Kartikeya, who sits on her lap.

Her form and what it means

She sits on a lion (and is also shown seated on a lotus, as Padmasana Devi), holding baby Skanda on her lap. She has four arms: two hold lotuses, one holds her son, and one is raised in blessing.

Day five is about a mother’s love, strong enough to raise a warrior. Parents pray to Skandamata for their children’s health and wisdom, and everyone prays for the purity and simplicity of a child.

Dhyana mantra

सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया।
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥

May the glorious Skandamata, ever seated on her lion throne and holding lotuses in two hands, always bring what is auspicious.

How to worship Maa Skandamata on day 5

1. Bathe early, wear clean clothes, and sit before the kalash and the goddess’s picture.
2. Offer water to the kalash, and fresh flowers, kumkum and akshat to the goddess.
3. Light the diya (or tend the akhand jyoti) and incense.
4. Offer her bhog: bananas.
5. Chant ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः 108 times, and recite the Durga Chalisa or a chapter of the Durga Saptashati.
6. Sing the aarti “Jai Ambe Gauri” and share the prasad with your family.

The nine days

← Day 4: Maa Kushmanda · Day 6: Maa Katyayani →

See all nine days, the dates, Ghatasthapana and fasting rules in our Navratri 2026 guide.

Artwork: the goddess riding a lion, chromolithograph, Wellcome Collection, CC BY 4.0.