What to do on Day-5 of Navratri?

Navratri Day 5: Celebrating the Divine Feminine with Reverence and Devotion

Navratri, the nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of the Goddess Durga, reaches its fifth day with a focus on the worship of Goddess Skandamata. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different form of the Goddess, and Day 5 is particularly significant as it honors Skandamata, the mother of Skanda (Kartikeya), the war god. This day embodies the qualities of maternal love, strength, and protection, and is celebrated with specific rituals, prayers, and food offerings that reflect the reverence and devotion towards the divine feminine.

Significance of Day 5: Worship of Goddess Skandamata

Goddess Skandamata represents the nurturing aspect of the divine feminine, emphasizing motherhood and the protection of her devotees. She is depicted with four arms: one holding her son, Skanda (Kartikeya), one holding a lotus flower, and the remaining two in a gesture of blessing and protection. Worshiping her on the fifth day of Navratri is believed to bring blessings of strength, prosperity, and the fulfillment of one’s desires.

The significance of Skandamata’s worship on this day also highlights the importance of parental love and care, as she embodies the ideal mother who nurtures and protects her child. Devotees seek her blessings for the well-being of their families and children, and to invoke her divine protection against challenges and adversities.

Rituals and Celebrations on Day 5

1. Morning Rituals and Puja:

• The day begins with a special puja (worship) dedicated to Goddess Skandamata. Devotees clean and decorate their homes and temples, creating a sacred space for the rituals. A Kalash (sacred pot) filled with water and adorned with mango leaves and a coconut is placed on the altar as a symbol of the divine presence.
• The puja involves the recitation of specific mantras and prayers dedicated to Goddess Skandamata. The most commonly recited hymn is the Skandamata Ashtakshara Mantra: “Om Skandamataaye Namah,” which translates to “Salutations to Skandamata, the Mother of Skanda.” This mantra is chanted to invoke her blessings and to seek her protection and grace.
• The offerings to the Goddess typically include fresh fruits, flowers, and a special sweet dish. Devotees also perform the aarti (ritual of waving lighted lamps) to honor the Goddess and to express their devotion.

2. Fasting and Dietary Observances:

• Devotees observing Navratri follow specific dietary restrictions to maintain purity and devotion. On Day 5, many people continue with their fast, consuming only fruits, nuts, and dairy products. Some choose to prepare and consume a variety of special foods made with ingredients allowed during the fast, such as singhara (water chestnut) flour, kuttu (buckwheat) flour, and sabudana (tapioca pearls).
• Common dishes prepared for this day include:
  • Sabudana Khichdi: A savory dish made from tapioca pearls, peanuts, and potatoes, flavored with cumin seeds and green chilies.
  • Singhare Ke Atte Ka Halwa: A sweet dish made from water chestnut flour, ghee, and sugar, garnished with nuts and cardamom.
  • Kuttu Ki Poori: Fried bread made from buckwheat flour, typically served with a potato curry.
• For those who are not fasting, traditional vegetarian meals that adhere to Navratri dietary restrictions are prepared. These meals are devoid of onions, garlic, and any form of non-vegetarian ingredients.

3. Special Puja and Havan:

• In many households and temples, a havan (sacred fire ritual) is performed on Day 5. This involves the offering of ghee, herbs, and grains into the fire while chanting mantras dedicated to Goddess Skandamata. The havan is believed to purify the environment and invoke divine blessings.
• Devotees may also recite the Skandamata Stotra, a devotional hymn that praises the attributes and divine qualities of Goddess Skandamata. This hymn is recited with devotion to seek her blessings and to strengthen the bond between the devotee and the divine.

4. Cultural and Community Activities:

• Navratri Day 5 is often marked by cultural and community activities. Many temples organize special events such as devotional music performances (bhajans) and dance performances that are dedicated to the Goddess. These events provide an opportunity for devotees to come together, celebrate, and express their devotion through music and dance.
• Some communities also conduct processions, where idols of Goddess Skandamata are paraded through the streets. These processions are accompanied by singing, dancing, and the chanting of devotional hymns, creating a festive atmosphere and spreading the divine message of the Goddess.

The Spiritual Essence of Day 5

The worship of Goddess Skandamata on Day 5 of Navratri emphasizes the values of maternal love, protection, and strength. Her blessings are sought for the well-being and prosperity of families, and for overcoming challenges and adversities. Devotees believe that honoring her on this day will bring divine grace and protection to their homes and loved ones.

1. Emphasis on Family and Protection:

• Goddess Skandamata is revered as the protective mother who guards her children from harm. Devotees seek her blessings to ensure the safety and well-being of their families, especially their children. The rituals and prayers on this day reflect a deep sense of gratitude and reverence towards the maternal aspect of the divine.

2. Spiritual Growth and Devotion:

• Observing Navratri Day 5 with devotion and adherence to the rituals is believed to purify the mind and spirit. It is an opportunity for spiritual growth and reflection, as devotees immerse themselves in the worship of the Goddess and seek to strengthen their connection with the divine.

3. Community and Harmony:

• The communal celebrations and rituals foster a sense of unity and harmony among devotees. The shared experience of worship and service brings people together and reinforces the values of compassion, devotion, and mutual support.

Conclusion

Navratri Day 5, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Skandamata, is a day of profound significance and devotion. The rituals, prayers, and food offerings on this day reflect the deep reverence that devotees have for the divine feminine and her qualities of maternal love, protection, and strength. By participating in these sacred observances, devotees seek to honor the Goddess, seek her blessings, and foster a sense of spiritual growth and community harmony.

As Day 5 of Navratri unfolds, devotees engage in rituals and practices that celebrate the nurturing aspect of the divine feminine, expressing their gratitude and devotion through prayer, fasting, and community activities. The observance of this day serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of the Goddess’s teachings and the importance of nurturing and protecting those we hold dear.