Maa Skandamata Puja: Rituals, Mantra and Significance

Maa Skandamata Puja: Rituals, Mantra and Significance

New Delhi, October 15, 2026: Maa Skandamata, the fifth manifestation of Goddess Durga, holds an important place in Hindu religious traditions. Worshipped during the fifth day of Navratri, she is associated with motherhood, compassion, love and divine strength. Devotees offer prayers to the goddess seeking peace, prosperity, family happiness and spiritual strength.

Who Is Maa Skandamata?

Maa Skandamata is the fifth form among the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga, collectively known as Navdurga. The name Skandamata combines “Skanda,” another name for Lord Kartikeya, and “Mata,” meaning mother.

Traditional depictions show the goddess holding her son, Lord Skanda, in her lap. She is commonly portrayed with four arms, holding lotus flowers in two hands, supporting her child with another and displaying a blessing gesture with the fourth.

As she is often depicted seated on a lotus, she is also associated with the name Padmasana Devi.

Significance of Maa Skandamata Puja

According to Hindu religious beliefs, worshipping Maa Skandamata represents devotion, maternal love, compassion and courage. Devotees seek her blessings for family well-being, peace of mind and positive energy.

During Navratri, many households and temples organise special prayers. Devotees may observe a fast, recite devotional hymns and participate in aarti as part of their worship.

The occasion also encourages people to reflect on the importance of kindness, family responsibilities and caring for others.

Maa Skandamata Puja Vidhi

Devotees can perform Maa Skandamata Puja at home by following these traditional steps:

1. Bathe in the morning and wear clean clothes.
2. Clean the prayer area and place an image or idol of the goddess.
3. Light a diya and offer flowers, fruits and traditional prasad.
4. Chant the Maa Skandamata mantra with devotion.
5. Recite the Durga Chalisa or other devotional prayers and conclude with aarti.

Rituals may vary across regions and households. Devotees can follow their family traditions and observe fasting practices according to their health and personal circumstances.

Maa Skandamata Mantra

The following mantra is traditionally recited during the worship of Maa Skandamata:

Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah.

Devotees chant the mantra as an expression of faith and pray for peace, courage, happiness and the well-being of their families.

What Bhog Is Offered to Maa Skandamata?

Bananas are among the traditional offerings associated with Maa Skandamata worship. Devotees may also offer fresh fruits, sweets and other vegetarian preparations according to their family customs.

After the prayers, the offerings may be distributed as prasad among family members and other devotees. The specific choice of bhog can differ according to regional customs and individual worship traditions.

Spiritual Meaning of Maa Skandamata

Maa Skandamata represents the combination of maternal affection and divine strength. Her depiction with Lord Skanda highlights the traditional association between motherhood, protection and unconditional love.

For many devotees, Navratri is also an opportunity to strengthen family bonds, practise compassion and develop a more positive outlook towards life.

Conclusion

Maa Skandamata is worshipped as the fifth form of Goddess Durga during Navratri. Devotees honour her through traditional rituals, mantra chanting, offerings and aarti. According to Hindu beliefs, her worship symbolises motherhood, compassion, courage and family well-being.

Religious note: Puja procedures and offerings may vary by region and family tradition. Readers should consult a local panchang to confirm the Navratri day and location-specific auspicious timings.