Navratri 2026 Day 5: Maa Skandamata Puja, Muhurat, Mantra, Bhog and Auspicious Remedies

The fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the fifth form of Goddess Durga. Revered as the mother of Lord Skanda, also known as Kartikeya, she represents maternal love, compassion, wisdom and divine strength. Devotees worship her to seek peace, family happiness, courage and spiritual growth.

In 2026, Navratri Day 5 falls on Thursday, October 15. After worshipping Maa Shailaputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta and Maa Kushmanda on the preceding days, devotees turn to Maa Skandamata with prayers for the well-being of their families and the strength to fulfil their responsibilities.

Maa Skandamata is often depicted seated on a lotus, holding her son Lord Skanda in her lap. This form reflects the nurturing aspect of the Divine Mother while also reminding devotees that compassion and strength can exist together.

From the traditional puja vidhi and mantra to bhog, fasting practices and auspicious remedies, here is everything you need to know about Maa Skandamata Puja 2026.

Navratri 2026 Day 5: Date and Important Details

Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026

Goddess of the day: Maa Skandamata

Navratri day: Fifth day of Sharad Navratri

Traditional bhog: Banana and other fruits or sweets according to family customs

Mantra: Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah

Commonly associated colour: Grey in many Navratri colour calendars

Main observances: Daily puja, mantra chanting, bhog offering, aarti and optional fasting

The fifth day is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of family, kindness, patience and responsible action. Devotees may pray for their children's well-being, harmony at home and the wisdom to navigate life's challenges.

Navratri Day 5 Muhurat 2026: Auspicious Puja Timings

Devotees can worship Maa Skandamata during the morning or evening according to their family traditions. Those who wish to perform puja at an auspicious time should consult a reliable local panchang for Thursday, October 15, 2026.

Puja timings can differ by city because sunrise, tithi boundaries and other panchang calculations depend on location. For this reason, a single national timing should not be treated as the correct muhurat for every household.

Verify the local panchang before publishing exact muhurat timings. The appropriate tithi and ritual timings may vary according to location and calculation method.

Devotees who cannot perform puja at a particular muhurat can still honour Maa Skandamata through sincere prayer, mantra chanting and acts of kindness.

Who Is Maa Skandamata? Significance of Navratri Day 5

Maa Skandamata is the fifth manifestation of Navadurga worshipped during Sharad Navratri. Her name combines “Skanda,” another name for Lord Kartikeya, and “Mata,” meaning mother.

According to Hindu tradition, Lord Skanda is associated with courage, leadership and the protection of divine order. Maa Skandamata represents the nurturing power that supports these qualities.

She is commonly depicted with four arms, holding lotus flowers, with Lord Skanda seated in her lap. She is often shown seated on a lotus, which is why she is also associated with the name Padmasana Devi. Some traditional depictions show her riding a lion.

Her form brings together two important ideas: the tenderness of motherhood and the strength required to protect and guide others. Worshipping Maa Skandamata is therefore meaningful for devotees seeking family harmony, wisdom, courage and emotional balance.

The fifth day of Navratri also offers a reminder that caring for others requires patience and responsibility. Whether at home, at work or in the wider community, nurturing relationships and acting with compassion can be expressions of the values associated with the goddess.

Maa Skandamata Puja Vidhi: Step-by-Step Rituals

Maa Skandamata Puja can be performed at home with a clean worship space and simple traditional offerings. Customs differ across regions and families, so follow the procedure practised in your household.

Puja Samagri

Keep the following items ready before beginning the puja:

Picture or idol of Maa Skandamata

Clean puja cloth

Fresh flowers, especially lotus flowers if available and customary

Kumkum or roli

Akshat, or uncooked rice

Sandalwood paste, according to tradition

Incense sticks and a diya

Clean water

Bananas and other seasonal fruits

Homemade sweets or suitable prasad

Puja thali and bell

Japamala, if used for mantra chanting

Step 1: Clean the Puja Area

Begin the day by bathing and wearing clean clothes. Clean the worship area and place the goddess's picture or idol respectfully on the puja platform.

Arrange the flowers, diya and other offerings before beginning the ritual.

Step 2: Take a Sankalp

Sit peacefully before Maa Skandamata and take a sankalp, or personal resolution, to observe the fifth day of Navratri with devotion.

You may pray for the health and happiness of your family, wisdom in difficult situations, and the patience to fulfil your responsibilities.

Step 3: Offer Flowers and Traditional Puja Items

Offer fresh flowers, kumkum, akshat and water according to your family's customs. Lotus flowers are traditionally associated with Maa Skandamata because of her lotus imagery.

Light a diya and incense safely while offering your prayers.

Step 4: Chant Maa Skandamata's Mantra

Recite the goddess's mantra with concentration and devotion. You may repeat it 11, 21 or 108 times according to your personal practice.

There is no need to rush through the prayer. Focus on the meaning of the mantra and the qualities of compassion, strength and wisdom represented by the goddess.

Step 5: Offer Bhog

Offer bananas, other fruits or a homemade sweet according to your household's tradition. Prepare the offering with care and maintain cleanliness during the ritual.

After the puja, distribute the prasad among family members.

Step 6: Pray for Family Well-Being

As Maa Skandamata represents maternal care, devotees may offer prayers for their children's well-being, peace within the family and the ability to care for loved ones with patience.

You can also pray for people who are facing difficulties, illness or emotional hardship.

Step 7: Perform Aarti

Conclude the puja with a familiar Durga aarti or another prayer followed in your household. Offer your gratitude and distribute the prasad respectfully.

Maa Skandamata Mantra for Navratri Day 5

Mantra chanting is an important part of traditional Navratri worship. Devotees recite the following mantra to honour Maa Skandamata.

Mantra:

ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥

Transliteration: Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah.

Meaning: I bow to Goddess Skandamata and offer my reverence to the Divine Mother.

You can chant this mantra during morning puja, evening prayers or a quiet period of meditation. Some devotees repeat it using a japamala, while others recite it without counting repetitions.

The mantra offers an opportunity to focus the mind and reflect on the goddess's qualities of maternal love, compassion and strength.

Maa Skandamata Bhog: What to Offer on Day 5

Bhog is an important part of Navratri worship. Bananas are commonly associated with Maa Skandamata in popular devotional traditions. Devotees may also offer other fruits, kheer or homemade sweets according to regional and family customs.

Traditional offerings may include:

Bananas

Fresh seasonal fruits

Kheer or another homemade sweet

Mishri or other traditional prasad

Vegetarian preparations permitted by family custom

Prepare the offering with care and present it respectfully during the puja. After the ritual, distribute the prasad among family members or share it with others.

There is no need to arrange an elaborate or expensive offering. A simple preparation made with devotion is sufficient for a personal household observance.

If you are observing a fast, make sure the ingredients follow your family's vrat rules.

Navratri Day 5 Colour 2026

Grey is listed as the colour for the fifth day in many popular Navratri colour calendars for 2026. It is often interpreted symbolically as representing balance, steadiness and composure.

Devotees who follow the colour tradition may choose grey clothing or incorporate the colour into their decorations. However, Navratri colour calendars can differ between publishers and regional traditions.

Wearing a particular colour is a customary observance, not a requirement for worship. Devotion, prayer and respectful conduct remain central to the day's puja.

Auspicious Remedies for Navratri Day 5

Many devotees follow simple spiritual practices during Navratri as expressions of faith and gratitude. The following remedies reflect customary devotional beliefs and should not be treated as guaranteed ways to change future events.

1. Offer Bananas to Maa Skandamata

Offer bananas or other fresh fruits during the puja if this follows your family's tradition. Distribute the prasad afterward and avoid wasting food.

2. Chant the Skandamata Mantra

Repeat “Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah” with a calm and focused mind. Even a short period of sincere prayer can help create a peaceful pause in a busy day.

3. Offer Lotus Flowers if Available

Lotus flowers are associated with Maa Skandamata's traditional imagery. If they are unavailable, other fresh flowers are suitable according to your household's customs.

4. Pray for Family Harmony

Spend a few moments praying for understanding, patience and peace among family members. Consider taking a practical step towards harmony, such as listening carefully or resolving a small misunderstanding.

5. Help a Child or Support a Parent

The maternal symbolism of Maa Skandamata can inspire acts of care. Spend quality time with children, assist an elderly family member or offer practical help to someone who needs support.

6. Share Food or Give Charity

Sharing food, donating useful essentials or helping someone in need can be a meaningful way to observe Navratri. Choose an act of kindness that is appropriate to your circumstances.

7. Practise Patience and Gratitude

Use the day to reflect on the people who care for you and the responsibilities you hold. A conscious effort to respond calmly during a difficult moment can put the values of compassion and strength into practice.

Maa Skandamata Vrat: Fasting Rules and Traditions

Some devotees observe a fast on the fifth day of Navratri, while others participate through prayer, mantra chanting and aarti.

Common practices include:

Eating fruits and permitted vrat-friendly foods.

Avoiding grains or other ingredients according to family custom.

Offering prayers in the morning and evening.

Chanting the goddess's mantra or listening to devotional hymns.

Breaking the fast according to personal and family tradition.

Fasting practices differ across households and regions. A strict fast is not necessary for everyone who wishes to worship Maa Skandamata.

People who require regular meals or medication should prioritise their health and follow appropriate medical advice.

The Spiritual Lesson of Maa Skandamata

Maa Skandamata's form reflects the strength that comes from compassion and the responsibility involved in caring for others. Her image with Lord Skanda in her lap reminds devotees that love, guidance and protection are important parts of family and community life.

The fifth day of Navratri is an opportunity to consider how these qualities can be brought into everyday actions. Parents may reflect on the importance of patience and encouragement. Children may take time to express gratitude to their families. Others may look for ways to support friends, neighbours or people in need.

Devotion does not end when the puja is complete. It can also be reflected in kind words, responsible choices and a willingness to help others.

Frequently Asked Questions About Navratri Day 5

When is Navratri Day 5 in 2026?

Navratri Day 5 falls on Thursday, October 15, 2026. The day is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the fifth form of Goddess Durga.

Which goddess is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri?

Maa Skandamata is worshipped on Day 5. She is revered as the mother of Lord Skanda, also known as Kartikeya, and is associated with maternal love, compassion and strength.

What is the mantra of Maa Skandamata?

The traditional mantra is “Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah” (ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः).

What is the bhog for Maa Skandamata?

Bananas are commonly associated with Maa Skandamata. Devotees may also offer other fruits, kheer and homemade sweets according to family and regional traditions.

Which colour is associated with Navratri Day 5 in 2026?

Grey is listed for Day 5 in many popular Navratri colour calendars for 2026. Colour traditions may vary, and wearing a particular colour is not essential for puja.

What is the auspicious time for Maa Skandamata Puja on October 15, 2026?

The appropriate muhurat depends on your city and local panchang. Check a reliable city-specific calendar for the exact tithi and auspicious timings before performing a time-specific ritual.

Can Maa Skandamata Puja be performed at home?

Yes. Devotees can worship Maa Skandamata at home with a picture or idol, flowers, a diya, suitable offerings and mantra chanting, following their family's customs.

Is fasting compulsory on Navratri Day 5?

No. Fasting is a personal or family observance. Devotees can honour Maa Skandamata through prayer, mantra chanting, aarti and acts of kindness without undertaking a strict fast.

Why is Maa Skandamata worshipped during Navratri?

Maa Skandamata is the fifth form of Navadurga. Her worship is associated with maternal care, wisdom, compassion and divine strength, qualities that devotees reflect on during the fifth day of Navratri.

Conclusion

Navratri Day 5 celebrates Maa Skandamata, the Divine Mother associated with compassion, maternal love and strength. Her worship reminds devotees that caring for others requires patience, wisdom and courage.

Whether you offer bananas, chant the goddess's mantra, perform a simple puja or spend time helping a loved one, let the day become an opportunity to deepen your faith and bring more kindness into everyday life.

May Maa Skandamata bless every home with peace, happiness, wisdom, family harmony and strength throughout Sharad Navratri 2026.

Jai Mata Di!