Chaitra Navratri Skandamata Puja 2026

Skandamata Puja is observed on Chaitra Shukla Panchami, the fifth day of Chaitra Navratri. Devotees worship Goddess Skandamata, the fifth Navadurga, as the mother of Kumara Swamy (Skanda, also known to Telugu devotees as Subrahmanya Swamy) — the very image of a mother's love.

The Story of Skandamata

The demon Tarakasura obtained a boon that only a son of Shiva could kill him, and he tormented the devas. Skanda, born to Shiva and Parvati, became commander of the divine army and slew Tarakasura. As the mother of this heroic son, Parvati is called Skandamata. She rides a lion with the child Skanda on her lap; of her four hands, two hold lotuses, one supports the child and one shows the abhaya mudra. She is also seated on a lotus and so called Padmasana Devi. Devotees believe that worshipping her also brings the grace of Skanda seated in her lap.

Simhasanagata nityam padmashrita karadvaya | Shubhadastu sada devi skandamata yashasvini ||

Puja Vidhanam

• Bathe early and light the lamp before the kalasham and the Goddess.
• Decorate her with yellow flowers and lotuses.
• Chant "Om Devi Skandamatayai Namaha" 108 times; some also recite the Subrahmanya Ashtottaram.
• In some traditions bananas are offered as naivedyam; payasam and pulihora may also be offered.
• Mothers often perform the puja with their children and pray for their health and education.
• After harathi, give the prasadam to the children first.

Panchami in Vasanta Navratri

Chaitra Navratri is best known in North India as Navadurga worship. In the Telugu states, Vasanta Navratri is kept by devotees of Ammavaru and, as Sri Rama Navaratrulu, by devotees of Rama; by Panchami, the midpoint, the parayanams are half complete. Those fasting may take fruits and milk or one satvik meal, as their health allows.

Blessings

Yogic tradition links this day to the Vishuddha chakra. Devotees believe Skandamata blesses families with children, protects their well-being and deepens love within the home. A popular legend also credits her grace for the poetic gift of poets like Kalidasa, so students and artists remember her too.

May Mother Skandamata, holding little Skanda in her lap, lovingly protect our children and our families.