oday, October 7, 2024 (Ashwin 21, 2081 in the Nepali calendar), marks the fifth day of Navaratri, a festival celebrated with great reverence in Nepal and across the Hindu world. This day is also known as Panchami Tithi, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Skandamata, the mother of Kartikeya (Skanda), the god of war. It is believed that offering prayers to Skandamata brings wisdom, strength, and empowerment to her devotees.

Significance of Skandamata in Dashain

Dashain, one of the most prominent festivals in Nepal, symbolizes the triumph of truth over falsehood, represented by Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. Each day of Dashain is devoted to a different form of Durga. On the fifth day, Skandamata, a maternal aspect of Durga, is worshiped. She is regarded as the protector and nurturer of families. It is believed that her blessings bring peace and prosperity to households, safeguarding them from harm.

Why Skandamata is Worshiped

Skandamata, often depicted carrying her son Skanda in her lap, is revered as the divine protector and provider of unconditional love. By worshiping her, devotees seek her maternal affection, courage, and wisdom to navigate life’s challenges. Her presence is said to guide both spiritual and material development, symbolizing the selfless care of a mother who nurtures and defends her children.

Key Attributes of Skandamata

1. Symbol of Motherhood: Skandamata represents the highest form of motherhood, offering care, protection, and affection to her children and devotees alike.

2. Bestower of Wisdom and Salvation: Worshiping Skandamata is believed to direct her followers toward wisdom and spiritual liberation.

3. Depiction: She is portrayed with four hands, holding lotus flowers in two, while another hand offers blessings. She also carries her son, Skanda, on her lap, symbolizing her protective nature.

4. Riding a Lion: Skandamata’s vehicle is a lion, representing courage and strength, qualities she imparts to her devotees.

5. Astrological Significance: It is believed that worshiping Skandamata helps mitigate the negative effects of Budh Graha (Mercury), leading to improved intelligence and decision-making abilities.

Rituals and Traditions of Worship

1. Purification: Devotees begin the day with an early morning bath, wearing clean or traditional clothes to prepare for the sacred rituals.

2. Decorating the Altar: A clean altar is adorned with a representation of the goddess. Yellow flowers are favored for the decoration as the color is believed to be dear to Skandamata.

3. Offerings: Devotees offer yellow flowers, bananas, coconuts, and sweet items such as chaku (molasses). Yellow-colored sweets are considered especially auspicious.

4. Chanting of Mantras: The mantra, "Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah," is recited, invoking the goddess’s presence and blessings.

5. Lighting of Lamps: Lamps made from ghee (clarified butter) are lit to dispel darkness and bring in positive energy.

6. Prayer for Prosperity and Protection: Families pray for wisdom, health, and security, asking the goddess to safeguard their loved ones.

7. Aarti: The ritual concludes with aarti, performed by lighting camphor or ghee lamps, accompanied by prayers for the goddess’s blessings.

The Role of Skandamata in Dashain

In the context of Dashain, the worship of Skandamata holds profound importance as she embodies familial unity and protection, which are central themes of the festival. As an aspect of Durga, Skandamata’s blessings are sought to strengthen bonds within families and provide the resilience needed to face life’s trials.

Her worship on the fifth day of Navaratri, also known as Skandamata Puja, emphasizes the values of wisdom, strength, and courage. By honoring her, devotees strengthen the relationships among family members and equip themselves with the mental fortitude to overcome challenges, thus ensuring harmony and success in their lives.

Navaratri