Skandamata - Goddess of Motherly Wisdom and Understanding behind Fast
A Brief Introduction about Goddess Skandamata
On the fifth day of Navaratri, we worship Goddess Skandamata, the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya) who is the heavenly army chief. Skandamata symbolizes maternal devotion and protection as well as intelligence, and leads devotees in the righteous path towards enlightenment.

Skandamata is the Shakti embodied into nurturing and protective motherhood. Having worshipped her, one gets intellect, peace, and strength over obstacles. She also blesses her devotees with wealth and emancipation (moksha).

Iconography and Significations
Goddess Skandamata is said to be:
    • Seated on a lion – An emblem for strength and valor.
    • Holding Skanda, the baby in her lap: personifying both motherly affection and wisdom.
    • Four arms, holding lotus flowers and blessing her devotees- purity and divine grace.
    • A radiant aura –namely light of knowledge and wisdom.
Her form teaches us that strength is knowledge, protection, and selfless love.

Spiritual Façets Derived from Skandamata

1. Motherly love is the ultimate strength – Just as she nurtured Skanda to be a warrior, caring and guidance help in shaping great destinies.
2. Power and wisdom co-exist – mere knowledge not enough: it must be understood upon courage and action.
3. Divine counsel should be followed in hard times – Skandamata blesses her devotees with clarity, direction, and problem-solving abilities.
Meditating on Skandamata brings one clarity of mind, a wealth of wisdom, also the ability to face life's challenges with ease.

Scientific Reason Behind Fasting on the Fifth Day of Navratri
This day is all about nourishment and brain function, and in fact synchronizes with the motherhood wisdom of Skandamata.

1. Fasting improves the brain's functioning and cognitive capabilities.
Fasting causes brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to be produced, which generates better memory, focus, and learning—all features of divine wisdom and intelligence. 

2. Nutrition for supporting gut health and emotional stability:
Gut, the very second brain as it produces neurotransmitters like serotonin.
Eating only light sattvic food fruits, dairy and nuts conversion to this day will leave the gut and mind balanced, ensured emotional stability. 

3. Five days of fasting strengthen one's immune system.
In the fifth, the production of new white blood cells (WBC) begins in the body, thus enhancing immunity and healing, along the lines of Skandamata's preserving nature. 

4. Connected with the Vishuddha Chakra (Throat Chakra)
This day is about communication, wisdom, and purity; thus, cooling foods like bananas, honey, and almonds activate the Vishuddha Chakra while improving clarity in speech and thought.

Rituals & Worship on The Fifth Day
    • Get up early, bath, and cloth in yellow (which is also symbolic of wisdom and divine energy).
    • Offer bananas, almonds, honey, and yellow flowers to the goddess.
    • Chant the mantra.
ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः
    • Meditate on wisdom, learning, and protection.
    • Remain in the skin of ultra-sattvic brain-nourishing foods.

Conclusion
On the fifth day of Navratri, it teaches that wisdom and tender care lay the foundation for a strong life. Worshipping Skandamata is blessed with mental clarity, strength, and divine guidance. 

Fasting on this day improves brain function, strength immunity, and keeps emotions balanced, thereby creating space for us to develop wisdom and resilience from inside. This will further harmonize our minds and bodies into alignment in deciphering spiritual and scientific meanings this particular day proves in achieving clarity and success.