The fifth day of Sharad Navratri honours Maa Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya. Her image shows her holding her child, a symbol of care, protection and love. But this form of the Goddess can also invite you to reflect on a difficult question: Who takes care of you when everyone depends on you?
Vedic astrologer Poonam Dutta of BV Astro tells Hindustan Times that Skandamata’s symbolism can offer a spiritual perspective on hyper-independence, emotional exhaustion and the need to accept support. Devotees worship her on the fifth day of Navratri and seek her blessings for their families and loved ones. The astrologer also asks you to look beyond the familiar image of motherhood. If you always care for others but struggle to accept help, you may find it difficult to protect your own well-being. Her message is not about giving up responsibility. It is about understanding that you can care for others without carrying every burden alone. You may be the person your family calls when something goes wrong. You might even find it hard to ask a friend or partner for support. Over time, this pattern can leave you emotionally and physically drained. Maa Skandamata’s symbolism offers a moment to consider whether your sense of responsibility leaves enough room for your own needs. Past experiences, fear of disappointment or a desire to maintain control may contribute to this behaviour. Astrologer Poonam Dutta connects Skandamata’s symbolism with learning to trust and share responsibility. You can start small. Choose one task that someone else can handle, explain what you need and resist the urge to take over immediately. However, you do not need to stop caring. You can learn to care without doing everything yourself. These steps can help you build healthier habits without neglecting the people who depend on you. In certain religious and Tantric interpretations, Skandamata also represents maternal protection. These ideas belong to different frameworks, so you should not treat them as interchangeable or assume that every difficulty with independence comes from a relationship with your mother. The term Matru Shaapa, mentioned in some spiritual contexts, is a religious concept rather than a medically established explanation for emotional exhaustion. Maa Skandamata’s message can l prompt a useful reflection: you deserve care and support, too. Learning to share responsibility does not make you weak. It can help you build more balanced relationships and protect your well-being.
Also Read Sharad Navratri Day 4, 2026: What Maa Kushmanda teaches you about joy and self-care Maa Skandamata represents motherhood, nurturing and protection. Also Read Sharad Navratri Day 3 of 2026: Why devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta and what she brings for spiritual seekers Hyper-independence describes a pattern in which you rely heavily on yourself and find it difficult to trust others with tasks or responsibilities. Also Read Sharad Navratri Day 2, 2026: Why Maa Brahmacharini is worshipped and what her blessings represent You may use the fifth day of Navratri to try one practical change. Also Read Sharad Navratri Day 1 2026: What Maa Shailputri brings to spiritual seekers Some spiritual discussions use the term mother wound to describe emotional pain connected with early experiences of care, attachment or a relationship with one’s mother.
Because you worry that someone else will make a mistake, at work, you may handle every detail.
Disclaimer: This article explores religious symbolism and an astrologer’s spiritual interpretation. HT does not claim authority for these practices.
