The form of Durga worship on the fifth day of Navratri is Skandmata – the mother form of the goddess. Everyone needs a mother and this goddess is said to fulfill those desires for those that worship her. She is worshipped with particular devotion on this day with special prayers and chants.
The spiritual climate intensifies on this day as Durga Puja begins in Eastern parts of India, with idols of Durga being worshipped in the streets for four to five days and then immersed in the river on the last day.
Jesus promised, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (Jn. 14:18) and also, to “never leave us or forsake us” (Heb. 13:5). Many Hindus seek this kind of love and pour out their worship to goddesses like Skandmata in hopes of filling that need. Consider how you experience the Father heart of God and his nurturing heart in your walk with Him. What are some of the obstacles, if any, that you feel prevent you from experiencing this tender side of God? Pray against these obstacles in your life and in the lives of Hindus. Pray that they may know the tender and loving care of their heavenly Father. He is jealous for their love and devotion and anxious to meet their needs.
Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands, your walls are ever before me” Isaiah 49: 15-16
Prayer Points:
Praise God for His Father’s heart towards us!
Pray for neglected children and orphans in India, that they would find the love of their heavenly Father.
To many Hindus God is distant and not compassionate – pray that their eyes may be open to see and experience the love of God.
Pray for ministries that care for orphans and at risk children in India and Nepal.
Pray for the unreached Hindu people group – the Mahratta.

PeopleGroupProfile-Mahrata
The Mahratta, also known as Maratha, people of India are mostly concentrated in the state of Maharashtra along the West Coast of India. Their primary language is Marathi. Their population is around 26,823,000 people. Like Rajputs and Sikhs, the Mahrattas are also considered a ‘martial’ or warrior class. Many Mahrattas are landowners and earn their income through agriculture. They are known to be passionate about protecting their culture. Pray for God’s humility and grace for the Mahratta people.