Navratri 2022: Devotees worship Goddess Skandamata for Maha Panchami today

As today marks the fifth day of Navratri 2022, devotees across the country will worship the fifth incarnation of Maa Durga, Goddess Skandamata.

Mythology says that Skandamata has four arms and rides a lion. In one hand, she holds her son Kartikeya or Skanda. According to legends, Kartikeya, son of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva is also known as Skanda. Goddess Parvati trained Skanda, therefore the fifth incarnation of Maa Durga is called Skandamata.

Devotees believe that worshipping Goddess Skandamata brings happiness in life and fulfills their wishes. It is also believed that worshipping her fulfills the wishes of having children.

The Jhandewalan Temple in Delhi organized morning aarti today on the fifth day of Navratri. The priests chanted mantras and holy songs have been playing in the temple premises.

The nine-day Navratri festival is about worshipping the nine incarnations of Maa Durga to seek her blessings. A goddess manifestation is linked with each day of this festival. People maintain ritualistic fasts, wear new clothes, recite shlokas for each goddess, clean their homes and offer bhog.

People pray to the goddess to seek her blessings for a joyous, prosperous and fulfilled life. The also observe fasts for the same.

The significance of the Navratri festival is that it honours the triumph of good over evil, as demonic Mahishasura was defeated during the festival. The tenth day is grandly celebrated all over the country as Vijaya Dashmi, also called Dussehra.

This year, Navratri began on 26th September and will end on 5th October. North India extensively conducts Ramlila during Navratri, which exhibits the tale of triumph of Lord Ram over Ravana. Dances like Garba and Dandiya Raas are also performed. The idols of King Ravana are burned on the day of Dussehra to mark this significance.