Patna: Devotees gathered in large numbers at Badi Patan Devi Temple in Patna City on Wednesday to worship Goddess Skandamata, the fifth manifestation of Goddess Durga, on the fifth day of Sharadiya Navratri.
Observed on Ashvin Shukla Panchami, the day coincided with Jyeshtha Nakshatra and the auspicious combinations of Saubhagya Yoga and Siddha Yoga, according to the traditional Hindu calendar.
Temple Mahant Vijay Shankar Giri performed the aarti and prayed for Bihar’s prosperity and the well-being of its people.
The temple complex reverberated with chants of “Jai Mata Di” as conch shells and bells accompanied the rituals. The fragrance of incense and aromatic resins filled the premises during the worship.
Significance Of Goddess Skandamata
Priest Narayan Pandey said Skandamata is worshipped as the fifth form of the Divine Mother because she is the mother of Skanda, also known as Kartikeya, who is regarded in Hindu tradition as the commander of the divine army.
According to the Markandeya Purana, Skandamata has a radiant white complexion and is depicted seated on a lotus. She has four arms and holds her son Skanda in one of them, symbolising maternal affection.
She holds lotus flowers in two other hands, while the remaining hand is shown in a gesture of blessing. Her mount is a lion, and she is also associated with the solar realm, with her radiant form believed to protect devotees who seek her refuge.
Rituals And Offerings
Pandey said offering flax seeds, known as alsi, to the goddess is traditionally believed to bring happiness, peace, prosperity and good health to the household.
He also said devotees are advised to wear blue and offer a golden chunni and bangles to the goddess. Worship performed while seated in Padmasana or Siddhasana is considered particularly beneficial in traditional religious practice.
Devotees continued to offer prayers at the temple, seeking blessings for their families and the well-being of the state.
