Navratri: The reason behind worship of Goddess Skandmata in its 5th day

Skandmata is worshiped in the fifth form of Goddess Durga.  They are considered extremely kind.  It is said that this form of Goddess Durga defines motherhood.  He has four arms.  Lord Skanda is in her lap in the upper right arm and lotus flower is in her lower right arm.  The upper arm on the left side is in Varamudra and the lower arm also has lotuses.  The vehicle of the mother is the lion.  Skandmata also sits on the lotus seat, hence she is also called Padmasana Devi.  Let us know their worship method, aarti, mantra, story, enjoyment method.

Story of Skandmata:

 According to legend, there was a demon named Tarakasur.  He did severe penance to please Lord Brahma.  Seeing his severe penance, Brahma ji was very pleased.  He was pleased and gave darshan to Tarakasur.  Pleased with that harsh penance, Brahma ji came in front of him.  Asking Brahma ji for a boon, Tarakasur asked to make him immortal.  Brahma ji explained to him that he who is born must die.  Then Tarakasura got frustrated and asked Brahma ji that the Lord should make him die at the hands of Shiva's son.  He said this because he used to think that if Shivaji will never get married then how will he have a son.  Therefore he will never die.  Then he started inflicting violence on the people.  Everyone was troubled by his atrocities.  Everyone got upset and reached Shivaji.  He prayed to Shiva to free him from Tarakasura.  Then Shiva married Parvati and became the father of Kartikeya.  After growing up, Kartikeya killed Tarakasur.  Skandmata is the mother of Kartikeya. 

Worship Method:

 To worship Goddess Skandmata, install a picture or idol of the mother at the place of worship. Place the picture at the place where the Kalash is established. Then offer them fruits, flowers. After this, light incense-lamps. It is believed that worshiping Goddess Skandmata by Panchopchar method is considered very auspicious. The whole process after this is similar to that of Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta and other goddesses.

Skandmata Mantra:

 Or Goddess Sarvabhuteshu Maa Skandmata Rupena Sanstha.

Namastasya Namastasya Namastasya Namo Namah॥

Thronegata nityam padmanchit kardvaya.

Shubhdastu Sad Devi Skandmata Yashaswini||

The fruit is obtained by worship

Offer banana to mother. Donate it as Prasad. 6 cardamoms are also offered to the mother during the puja.