Skandamata Puja is a Hindu festival that is celebrated on the fifth day of Navratri. It is dedicated to Goddess Skandamata, who is the mother of Lord Kartikeya, also known as Skanda. She is one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga and represents motherhood and children.

Skandamata Puja is performed for attaining salvation and freedom from worldly troubles. The devotees worship Skandamata by setting up an idol of her and purifying it with Ganga Jal. They offer red flowers, especially roses, to her as she loves them. They also chant mantras, stuti and slokas to invoke her blessings. Some of the mantras are:

  • Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah
  • Om Hreem Saha Skandamatayai Namah
  • Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Skandamata Rupena Samsthita Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah

Skandamata Puja is believed to bring happiness, prosperity and peace to the devotees. It also enhances their wisdom and intellect. Those who worship Skandamata with devotion are said to attain her grace and reach her abode after death.