Chaitra Navratri 2026 Day 5: The sacred festival of Chaitra Navratri continues with deep devotion, and Day 5 holds special significance as it is dedicated to Maa Skandamata. Observed on March 23, 2026, this day is believed to bless devotees with wisdom, prosperity, and spiritual growth. With rituals rooted in faith and tradition, devotees across the country mark the occasion with prayers, fasting, and offerings seeking divine grace.
Maa Skandamata: Divine Form And Significance
Maa Skandamata is revered as the goddess of knowledge, compassion, and maternal strength. She is depicted riding a lion, holding lotus flowers, while Lord Kartikeya (Skanda) sits in her lap, symbolising protection and nurturing power. Her divine presence is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and fulfilment of desires, especially related to children and spiritual progress.
Chaitra Navratri Day 5: Shubh Muhurat Timings
Devotees perform puja during auspicious timings to maximise spiritual benefits.
- Sunrise: 06:22 AM
- Brahma Muhurat: 04:47 AM – 05:35 AM
- Pratah Sandhya: 05:11 AM – 06:22 AM
- Abhijit Muhurat: 12:03 PM – 12:52 PM
- Evening Sandhya: 06:34 PM – 07:45 PM
- Amrit Kaal: 06:37 PM – 08:05 PM
These time slots are considered highly favourable for offering prayers and performing rituals.
Step-By-Step Puja Vidhi For Maa Skandamata
Begin the day early with a purifying bath and wear clean yellow attire, which is considered auspicious. Cleanse the home and puja area with Ganga jal.
Offer yellow sandalwood, अक्षत (rice), yellow flowers, fruits, sweets, and Panchamrit to the goddess. Light a ghee lamp, chant sacred mantras, and recite the vrat katha with devotion. Conclude the ritual with aarti and seek forgiveness for any mistakes, surrendering yourself completely to the divine.
Auspicious Bhog To Offer
According to tradition, bananas are especially प्रिय to Maa Skandamata. Devotees can also offer saffron-infused kheer or yellow-coloured sweets to seek blessings and prosperity.
Panchang And Special Yog On This Day
The fifth day falls on Shukla Panchami of the Chaitra month. Several auspicious Yogs enhance the spiritual importance of the day.
- Tithi: Panchami till 06:38 PM, then Shashthi
- Yog: Vishkumbh till 12:22 PM
- Sunrise: 06:22 AM | Sunset: 06:34 PM
- Moonrise: 09:00 AM | Moonset: 11:25 PM
- Rahu Kaal: 07:53 AM – 09:25 AM
- Gulika Kaal: 01:59 PM – 03:31 PM
- Yamagandam: 10:56 AM – 12:28 PM
Lakshmi Panchami Significance
This sacred day is also observed as Lakshmi Panchami, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. It is believed that worshipping on this day invites wealth, prosperity, and abundance. Known as Shri Panchami or Shri Vrat, it marks an auspicious beginning in the Hindu New Year period and is widely celebrated in homes and businesses.
