On the fifth night, Maa Skandamata is worshipped — the mother of Skanda, also known as Kartikeya or Murugan, the commander of the gods’ army who defeated the demon Tarakasura. She is Durga as a mother: loving, protective, and fearless on her child’s behalf.
How she is shown
She sits on a lotus — which is why she is also called Padmasana — with the infant Skanda on her lap. She has four arms: two hold lotuses, one holds Skanda, and one is raised in blessing. She rides a lion.
What the fifth night means
Skandamata stands for the power of a mother’s love. It is believed that worshipping her blesses devotees with the grace of both mother and son. Many mothers pray to her for their children’s wellbeing.
Offering and prayers
Bananas are traditionally offered to her. Her mantra is “Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah”.
What to wear on the fifth night
Many families follow a colour for each day of Navratri — the order changes each year with the weekday on which the festival begins, so check the list for this year. Whatever the colour, choose something you can sit, pray and dance in: light cotton or chanderi kurta sets, a dupatta for the puja, and a little mirror work or gota for the evening garba.
Explore the Navratri edit, and read about all nine nights in our Navratri guide.
Jai Mata Di.
