Navratri Day 5 is 15 Oct 2026 (Thursday). On this day we worship Maa Skandamata - mother of Skanda (Lord Kartikeya), the commander of the army of the Devas. This page gives her story from scripture, her form, how to do the puja at home, her mantra and the traditional offering, in simple English.
Day 5: Maa Skandamata
स्कन्दमाता
15 Oct 2026, Thursday. Mother of Skanda (Lord Kartikeya), the commander of the army of the Devas.
| Navratri day | Day 5 of 9 |
| Date | 15 Oct 2026, Thursday |
| Goddess | Maa Skandamata (स्कन्दमाता) |
| Meaning | Mother of Skanda (Lord Kartikeya), the commander of the army of the Devas |
| Traditional offering (bhog) | Bananas (kela) |
| Mantra | Om Devī Skandamātāyai Namaḥ |
| Scriptural source | Devi Kavacham, Durga Saptashati |
Who is Maa Skandamata?
Skandamata is Goddess Parvati in her form as the mother of Lord Skanda, also known as Kartikeya or Murugan. The Shiva Purana and Skanda Purana describe the birth of Skanda: he was born to destroy the Asura Tarakasura, who had become so powerful that even the gods could not defeat him. Skanda was born of Shiva's divine fire, raised by the six Krittikas (the Pleiades stars), and became the commander (Senapati) of the Devas' army. On this day we worship the Goddess in her role as the most loving mother in creation.
Her form
She has four arms. She holds a lotus in two hands. She holds baby Skanda (Kartikeya) in one arm. Her fourth hand shows the abhaya mudra (gesture of fearlessness). She sits in a lotus posture on a lion. Because she sits in padmasana on the lion, she is also called Padmasana Devi.
Puja at home
Offer bananas to Maa Skandamata. Mothers and grandmothers traditionally pray to her for the wellbeing of their children and grandchildren. Pray to her for wisdom in caring for those who depend on you. Her lotus posture on the fearsome lion shows that one can hold inner peace even while riding through great challenges.
Traditional offering (bhog): Bananas (kela). Offerings follow family and regional tradition; offer with love whatever you have.
Mantra
Scriptural source: Devi Kavacham names her as the fifth Navadurga. The birth of Skanda is described in the Shiva Purana and Skanda Purana. Her form with baby Skanda on her lap is described in the traditional dhyana shlokas of the Navadurga.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions
Who is Skanda?
Skanda, also called Kartikeya or Murugan, is the son of Shiva and Parvati and the Senapati (commander) of the army of the Devas. He defeated the great Asura Tarakasura. His birth and life are told in the Skanda Purana and the Shiva Purana.
Why is she called Padmasana Devi?
She sits in padmasana (lotus posture) on her lion. This combination of the peaceful lotus posture on the powerful lion shows that the Goddess holds complete inner peace while possessing unlimited power. This is described in her dhyana shlokas.
Why do mothers especially pray to Skandamata?
Because she is the Divine Mother holding her child in her lap. Her love for Skanda is described in the Puranas as the purest form of motherly love. Through her grace, the Goddess's protective love extends to one's own children.
Can elderly people or those with health problems keep the Navratri fast?
Yes. Our tradition has always allowed a lighter phalahar fast (fruits, milk and sattvik foods) for the elderly, the unwell and pregnant women. The Devi Bhagavata Purana says the Goddess values sincere devotion above physical austerity. If you have diabetes, blood pressure or take regular medicines, please speak to your doctor before keeping a strict fast. Devotion of the heart is what reaches the Goddess.
What foods are avoided during the Navratri vrat?
The vrat tradition, as observed across India, avoids wheat, rice, lentils, onion, garlic, non-vegetarian food and regular table salt. Allowed foods include fruits, milk, paneer, ghee, sendha namak (rock salt), kuttu (buckwheat) flour, singhara (water chestnut) flour, rajgira (amaranth) flour, sabudana, potatoes and all fresh fruits and nuts.
Do I need a pandit to do Navratri puja at home?
No. The Navratri puja at home can be done simply and sincerely by any member of the family. Light a lamp, offer flowers and bhog, chant the Goddess's mantra or read from the Durga Saptashati, and do the aarti. The Devi Bhagavata Purana says the Goddess herself comes to homes where she is invited with a pure heart.
Navratri 2026 series
- Navratri 2026: complete guide and dates
- Ghatasthapana: kalash sthapana at home
- Day 1 (Orange): Maa Shailaputri
- Day 2 (White): Maa Brahmacharini
- Day 3 (Red): Maa Chandraghanta
- Day 4 (Royal Blue): Maa Kushmanda
- Day 5 (Yellow): Maa Skandamata
- Day 6 (Green): Maa Katyayani
- Day 7 (Grey): Maa Kalaratri
- Day 8 (Purple): Maa Mahagauri
- Day 9 (Peacock Green): Maa Siddhidatri
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Jai Mata Di. Navratri Day 5: Maa Skandamata. Sharad Navratri 2026.