Navratri 2025 Day 5: Worship of Maa Skandamata and Lalita Panchami Significance

Navratri 2025 Day 5: Worship of Maa Skandamata and Lalita Panchami Significance

• Spiritual Guidance
• September 26, 2025

The fifth day of Navratri 2025, falling on 26 September, holds dual significance. Across North India, this day is dedicated to the worship of Maa Skandamata, the fifth form of Goddess Durga, while in South India and Shakta traditions, it is observed as Lalita Panchami, in honor of Goddess Lalita Tripura Sundari.

Maa Skandamata – The Mother of Skanda
Maa Skandamata is worshipped as the mother of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda), the commander of the gods. She is depicted seated on a lotus, carrying Skanda in her lap, holding lotuses in two hands, and blessing devotees with the Abhaya Mudra. Riding a lion, she symbolizes both maternal love and fierce courage. Worshipping her grants wisdom, prosperity, peace in family life, and protection for children. She also represents the Vishuddha Chakra (throat chakra), inspiring purity and truth.

Puja Rituals
Devotees set up an altar with white or yellow flowers, offer bananas (her favorite fruit), Panchamrit, and sweets
Many also read the Durga Saptashati and observe fasting with satvik food. As she carries Lord Skanda, some traditions also include Kartikeya worship.

Lalita Panchami – Goddess Tripura Sundari
In Shakta traditions, the day is celebrated as Lalita Panchami, honoring Goddess Lalita Tripura Sundari, the divine mother who manifested to destroy the demon Bhandasura. She embodies beauty, wisdom, and supreme power. Chanting the Lalita Sahasranama and performing special pujas is believed to bring courage, prosperity, and spiritual strength.

Panchanga – 26 September 2025 

• Sunrise / Sunset: ~6:20 AM – ~6:15 PM

• Tithi: Shukla Paksha Panchami (begins ~9:33 AM, ends next day ~12:03 PM)

• Nakshatra: Vishakha till ~10:09 PM → then Anuradha

• Yoga: Vishkambha → Prithi

• Karana: Vishti till ~9:33 AM → then Bava

Inauspicious Periods

• Rahu Kalam: 10:48 AM – 12:18 PM

• Yamagandam: 3:16 PM – 4:46 PM

• Gulika Kalam: 7:50 AM – 9:19 AM

Auspicious Timings

• Ghatasthapana Muhurat: Early morning within Shubh Tithi (approx. 6:15 AM – 8:42 AM)

• Abhijit Muhurat: 11:54 AM – 12:41 PM

• Amrit Kaal: 12:09 PM – 1:57 PM

• Brahma Muhurta: 4:44 AM – 5:32 AM

Color of the Day – Green
Devotees wear green, symbolizing growth, energy, and new beginnings.

This day beautifully unites two traditions – Maa Skandamata’s motherly grace and Maa Lalita’s divine power, reminding devotees of the many forms of Shakti that protect, guide, and bless humanity.