On the fifth day of the festival, Maa Skandamata is worshipped. The Goddess gets its name Skanda from the war god Kartikeya and Mata, translating to mother. She rides a furious lion and carries child Murugan in her lap. Lord Murugan is also known as Lord Kartikeya. Skandamata is known for bestowing treasures, salvation, prosperity and power to her devotees.
It is believed that Maa Skandamata
rewards her devotees when they are focused on praying to her. According to
Hindu tradition, a devotee must be free from worldly pleasures and thoughts,
and should point his/her focus entirely to offering prayers to Maa Skandamata –
only then the Goddess blesses the devotee.
