The fourth day of the Navratri festival is dedicated to Goddess Maa Kushmanda, during which the fourth form of the nine incarnations of Goddess Durga is worshipped. The worship of Maa Kushmanda develops intelligence and increases decision-making power in life.
In this article, you will understand more about Maa Kushmanda- the goddess who is worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri, and also the myths and facts related to her.
Who is Kushmanda Maa?
Maa Kushmanda is very fond of the sacrifice of Kumhada कुम्हड़ा फल (Also known as Petha, Ash Gourd or Kumahada) and in Sanskrit, Kumhada is called Kushmanda, that is why this form of Maa Durga is called Kushmanda. It is believed that by worshiping Maa Kushmanda in Navratri, all the diseases, sorrows and fears of the seeker are removed and he gets infinite grace and desired boon of the Goddess.
There are many forms of Goddess Durga, but the form of Maa Kushmanda is among the most striking; she radiates as brightly as the sun.
The mantra of Kushmanda Maa :
Maa Kushmanda resides in the Anahata Chakra so, she is worshipped by meditating in the Anahata Chakra. Through her blessings, her devotees are able to overcome diseases, evil eyes, and grief. She grants fame, strength and longevity to her devotees who chant the following mantras:-
- सुरासम्पूर्णकलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च। दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कुष्मांडा शुभदास्तु मे। (Surasampurnakalasham Rudhiraplutmev Ch; Dadhana Hastapadmabhayam Kushmanda Shubhadastu ) अमृत से परिपूरित कलश को धारण करने वाली और कमलपुष्प से युक्त तेजोमय मां कूष्मांडा हमें सब कार्यों में शुभदायी सिद्ध हो।
2. या देवी सर्वभूतेषु तुष्टि-रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
3. Her beej mantra is ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं कूष्मांडायै नम: । (Om Aim Hreem Klein Kushmandaai Namah).
4. The devotees can also recite Siddha Kunjika Stotra to please Maa Kushmanda.
The story about Maa Kushmanda:
It is believed that the universe began as a dark space and that Goddess Kushmanda produced the Cosmos with her smile from that dark space. Kushmanda is believed to be the source of direction and energy for the Sun. Kushmanda is believed to be the source of direction and energy for the Sun.
She is known as “Kushmanda,” which is derived from the words Ku (little), Ushma (warmth), and Anda (egg), referring to the person who created the universe as a “Little Cosmic Egg” filled with energy and warmth.
She also created Devi Mahakali, Devi Mahalaxmi, and Devi Mahasaraswati. Maa Kushmanda is also known as Adiswaroopa and Adishakti.
She has eight arms, she is also known as Ashtabhuja, which means goddess with eight hands. Kamandal, bow, arrow, lotus flower, nectar-filled urn, chakra, and mace are held in each of her seven hands, respectively and in the eighth hand, there is a rosary that grants all siddhis (perfectionism) and prosperity to her devotionalists.
How to pray Maa Kushmanda?
On the fourth day of Navratri, Malpuas (traditional north Indian pancakes made with wheat flour, jaggery or sugar, and cardamom powder) should be offered to Goddess Kushmanda. Offerings of Red bangles, red flowers, and red dress should be made because these are very dear to the Goddess. During the time of Maa Kushmanda’s prayer, devotees should sit in the green asana.
She is the happy manifestation of Maa Durga better known as the “Smiling Goddess”, therefore, Maa Kushmanda is synonymous with happiness. Those who worship Maa Kushmanda are blessed with happiness, prosperity, an abundance of knowledge, good health, and long life. In this form of Durga, darkness is believed to be eradicated from the world by her smile.
The worshipers of Maa Kushmanda enjoy good vision, mental freedom, and positive social standing.
