Special Skandamata Puja on Fifth Day of Navratri in Kashi, Devotees Flock to Temple

Varanasi (The Uttam Hindu): On the fifth day of Sharadiya Navratri, devotees perform special worship of Skandamata. In the city of Shiva, Varanasi, the famous Maa Bageshwari Devi Temple in the Jaitpura area houses the revered Skandamata shrine. It is believed that visiting the temple and seeing Skandamata and Bageshwari Mata fulfills all devotees’ wishes.

Skandamata, worshipped as the mother of Lord Kartikeya, is revered here. Devotees come to witness both Maa in her Gauri form (Bageshwari) and Durga form (Skandamata) together.

Skandamata is considered the goddess of wisdom and intellect. Her blessings are particularly believed to help children struggling in studies achieve knowledge, fame, and success. Additionally, devotees seeking the blessing of children also consider her darshan auspicious.

Local devotee Sudha, who has been visiting the temple for 26 years, shared, “The puja of Skandamata on Panchami holds special significance. I have seen many women come with their wishes, and they get fulfilled. During Navratri, the crowd increases significantly after 11 AM.”

Temple priest Mahant Gopal Mishra said, “This temple is known as both the Skandamata Temple and Maa Bageshwari Devi Temple. Today is the fifth day of Navratri. Skandamata is seated here holding her son, Bal Kartikeya, and devotees also get to see Maa Bageshwari. This temple is many years old, and the sacred 'Pat' of Maa Bageshwari is opened only once a year, on the fifth day of Navratri. Maa Bageshwari is also considered a form of Maa Saraswati.”

The Mahant added that visiting Maa Bageshwari and Skandamata holds special significance. For those facing difficulties related to children, speech, walking, or education, the darshan is considered highly auspicious.

Another devotee, Shashi, said, “Devotees have been coming to see Maa Bageshwari for ages. I observe the nine-day Navratri fast, but attending the darshan on Panchami is mandatory for me. This temple is very important historically and spiritually.”