The fifth day of Sharadiya Navratri in 2025, falling on Friday, September 26, is devoted to the worship of Goddess Skandamata—one of the revered forms of Goddess Durga. This day holds special significance within the nine-day festival, celebrating the divine feminine through unique manifestations of power and grace.
Overview of Navratri 2025
Navratri, a vibrant nine-night festival, commenced on September 22 and will culminate with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on October 2. Each day during this period honors a different aspect of Goddess Durga, symbolizing varied virtues and divine energies. The fifth day shines a spotlight on Maa Skandamata, whose worship embodies maternal love and nurturing strength.
The Significance of Maa Skandamata
According to Hindu scriptures, Goddess Skandamata is depicted seated on her majestic lion mount, tenderly holding her son, the infant Lord Skanda (Murugan), in her lap. Unlike the ten-armed Goddess Durga, Skandamata is portrayed with four hands. She holds lotus flowers in her two upper hands, while her right hand displays the Abhaya Mudra—a gesture of protection and fearlessness.
Maa Skandamata symbolizes the boundless love, care, and nurturing nature of a mother, inspiring devotees to cultivate compassion and inner strength.
Puja Timings for Navratri Day 5
Observing the proper timings for rituals is essential for auspicious worship. For Navratri Day 5 in 2025, the key puja timeframes are:
- Tithi Begins: 9:33 AM, September 26
- Tithi Ends: 12:03 PM, September 27
- Brahma Muhurta (ideal early morning time): 4:36 AM to 5:24 AM
- Abhijit Muhurta (auspicious midday time): 11:48 AM to 12:36 PM
- Vijaya Muhurta (victorious time): 2:12 PM to 3:00 PM
Devotees are encouraged to perform their prayers during these auspicious windows for maximum blessings.
Auspicious Color: Green
The color green is designated for the fifth day of Navratri, symbolizing rejuvenation, growth, fertility, and tranquility. Wearing green garments during puja is believed to align devotees with the nourishing energy of Maa Skandamata.
Rituals and Puja Essentials
Devotees rise early to perform puja dedicated to Goddess Skandamata. Wearing green clothes enhances the spiritual experience. The puja requires specific offerings including red flowers—considered the goddess’s favorite—along with akshat (uncooked rice), batasha (sugar candy), paan (betel leaves), betel nuts, cloves, a diya (oil lamp), and incense sticks. These elements collectively create an atmosphere of devotion and purity.
By observing these rituals and embracing the essence of Maa Skandamata’s divine maternal energy, devotees seek blessings of wisdom, strength, and compassion throughout the Navratri festival and beyond.
