Maa Skanda Mata is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri. She is depicted as having a fair complexion and four arms, holding the infant Skanda in her lap. Her worship is believed to bring strength, courage, and protection. The puja involves setting up an altar, invoking Ganesh, offering prayers and mantras to Maa Skanda Mata along with flowers, fruits and other offerings, chanting mantras like the Durga Saptashati, and concluding with an aarti. The timing of the puja should be as per the local Panchang. Offerings include flowers, fruits, incense, lamp, sweets and cloth.

1. Navratri 2023 Day 5: Who is Maa Skanda Mata? Significance,
puja vidhi, timing, samagri for Shardiya Navratri
Maa Skanda Mata:
Maa Skanda Mata is the fifth manifestation of Goddess Durga and is worshipped on the
fifth day of Navratri. She is depicted as having a fair complexion, four arms, and holding
the infant Skanda (also known as Kartikeya) in her lap. Skanda is a name for Lord
Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva.

4. ### Significance:
Maa Skanda Mata is considered the mother of Lord Kartikeya, the commander of the
army of gods. Her worship is believed to bring strength, courage, and protection to the
devotees. She is also associated with the planet Mercury (Budha), and therefore, her
worship is believed to have astrological significance.
### Puja Vidhi (General Guidelines):
1. **Setup:** Create a clean and sacred space for the puja. Place the idol or image of
Maa Skanda Mata in the puja area.
2. **Kalash Sthapana:** This involves installing a sacred pot (Kalash) with water and
decorating it with coconut, leaves, and other auspicious items.
3. **Prayer to Ganesh:** Begin the puja by invoking Lord Ganesh, the remover of
obstacles, and seeking his blessings.
4. **Invocation of Maa Skanda Mata:** Recite prayers and mantras dedicated to Maa
Skanda Mata. Offer flowers, fruits, and other offerings.
5. **Chanting Mantras:** Devotees often chant the Durga Saptashati or specific mantras
dedicated to Maa Skanda Mata.
6. **Aarti:** Conclude the puja with the singing of Aarti dedicated to Maa Skanda Mata.
### Timing:

5. The timing for puja can vary, and it's advisable to consult a local Panchang or a priest for
the exact auspicious timings for the puja on the fifth day of Navratri.
### Samagri (Offerings and Materials):
1. **Flowers:** Offer fresh flowers, especially red and yellow, which are considered
auspicious.
2. **Fruits:** Offer fruits like bananas, apples, or any seasonal fruits.
3. **Incense and Dhoop:** Use incense sticks and dhoop to create a fragrant
atmosphere.
4. **Deep (Lamp):** Light a lamp or diya during the puja.
5. **Sweets:** Offer sweets as prasad.
6. **Cloth:** You may offer a piece of cloth as a symbol of respect.
Remember, the specific rituals and customs may vary based on regional traditions and
personal practices. It's advisable to consult with a knowledgeable person or priest for
detailed guidance based on your specific cultural and regional practices.