Navratri Day 4: Story of Maa Kushmanda and Puja Vidhi

Goddess Kushmanda: The Cosmic Creator who Birthed the Universe with a smile

With Maa Durga’s divine blessings we have arrived on the fourth day of Navratri. On this day we worship Maa Kushmanda, the fourth manifestation of Goddess Durga. The divine name, “Kushmanda” is composed of three elements essentially. These are, Ku, meaning “little”, Ushma, which stands for “warmth and energy” and lastly, Anda, representing “cosmic egg”. 

The Story of Maa Kushmanda: 

As per the legend goes, before this wide universe that we know of today, there was nothing but darkness. After defeating Jatukasur, in the form of Maa Chandraghanta, the entirety of the universe was engulfed into darkness. Maa Kushmanda with the power of her radiant and divine smile brought forth light into the dark void, thereby creating the universe. Her cosmic laughter gave way to the entire universe with all its plants, animals and all other beings. In her enchanting depiction, Maa Kushmanda is seen riding a lion, with her right arms. In her these eight arms she carries, chakra, lotus flower, kamandalu, gada, amrit kalash (immortal nectar pot), bow and arrow and japamala (rosary). Her persona is deeply connected to the sun, as she is believed to reside within the sun’s core. Association with the blazing  sun is an epitome of her power. 

Maa Kushmanda and Anahata Chakra: 

Maa Kushmanda is associated with the Anahata Chakra, also known as the Heart Chakra. Chanting her mantra and meditating on her attributes helps the devotees to bring in strength and power. Seeking her blessings helps the devotees to rejuvenate their body and soul. 

Mantra of Maa Kushmanda: 

To invoke Maa Kushmanda’s divine blessings into our lives, and to mark the prayers for the fourth day of Navratri, devotees must chant this mantra: 

“Aum Devi Kushmandayai Namaha!” 

Chanting her name brings in clarity and fills the devotee’s life with positivity by removing obstacles. 

Worshipping Maa Kushmanda on Day 4 of Navratri: 

Worshipping Maa Kushmanda on the fourth day of Navratri, helps the devotees to delve deep into their spiritual core. Navratri Sadhana is not only a medium to worship Goddess Durga and her nine forms but also a channel for us to walk forwards on our spiritual enlightenment path. 

• Devotees must wake up during Brahma Muhurta (4 AM) and take a bath. Cleanse themselves of their negative energy both mentally and physically and adorn themselves in green coloured clothing. 
• Light a diya and offer flowers, Kumkum (vermillion) and sweets to Maa Kushmanda. Bhog is offered in the form of sweet Malpua. Malpua is essentially a sweet pancake prepared from flour, sugar and cardamom soaked in sugar syrup. This offering is believed to invoke blessings from Maa Kushmanda in the form of intellect, good health and prosperity. 
• Devotees must recite or listen to Durga Saptashati path and Durga Chalisa. This path narrates the grace and strength of the goddess thereby helping the devotees imbibe the qualities of her persona and seeking blessings. 
• After this devotees must perform Durga Aarti, and seek blessings from Maa Kushmanda and Maa Durga. 

Revered as the creator of the universe, with her beaming smile, Kushmanda Mata stands as an epitome of strength, power and vitality. We at Alight India, pray that through her illuminating smile, May Maa Kushmanda shower all our readers with her blessings for a peaceful and prosperous existence.