Maa Kushmanda sitting on her Lion, with eight weapons, Lotus and Japa Mala in her hands

Worshipping Maa Kushmanda : Fourth Day of Navaratri

Today, marks the fourth day as well as the arrival of Maa Kushmanda. She is the shakti with the power of creation & nourishment. As a result, it is believed that Maa Kushmanda’s presence makes all the life forms grow, in the universe. So, let’s know more about what’s special about today!!!

Understanding Maa Kushmanda

Maa Kushmanda is often visualised smiling brightly, sitting peacefully on her Lion. Also, with a charming aura, Maa holds a chakra, gada (mace), lotus flower, bow and arrow, kamandalu, amrita Kalash (pot of immortal nectar), and japa mala (rosary) in each of her eight hands. Therefore, She is also known as “Ashtabhuja Devi”. Also, the legends say that she holds all the blessings of Siddhis & Nidhis in her japa mala.

The legend of Maa Kushmanda

This story is in continuation of the story of Maa Chandraghanta. Therefore our readers can follow the story of Maa Chandraghanta as well. Thanks!

Defeat of Jatukasura !!!

After defeating Jatukasura & his army as Maa Chandraghanta, what did Maa see? The universe covered in darkness, with no sign of life on it. Imagine, a scene where all plants & animals are dying, all the water sources fading away. Such was a disaster caused by Jatukasura.

Maa’s Simple, yet Powerful Answer

Maa seeing the surroundings, felt the need to revive the universe. So, Maa Kushmanda smiled. As a result, Maa’s simple yet powerful smile enlightened the universe with bright light, gradually reviving the universe. Hence, Maa is said to control the Sun (Surya Tatva/Element inside us as well).

Significance of the Fourth day of Navaratri

Maa Kushmanda revived the universe with her simple smile.So, she symbolises ultimate growth. Hence, worshipping Maa Kushmanda, drives away any health issues in our surroundings. Also, She always nourishes all of us with her smile. Similarly, Maa is also associated with heart chakra in Vedic Nadi Shastra. So, devotees facing mental/emotional troubles in life, should pray to Maa Kushmanda for her blessings. Also, as Heart chakra is also associated with Heart/Lungs, therefore praying to Maa Kushmanda also drives away any negative effects of Heart Chakra.

How to Worship Maa Kushmanda

Color of the day :

Today’s color is Royal Blue, symbolising royalty & power.

Offerings :

Offer Malpua and flowers particularly Red ones to Maa today.  Also, Legends say that the name “Kushmanda” derived from “Kushmand” meaning Pumpkin in Sanskrit. Hence, devotees also offer Pumpkin to Maa, today. Similarly, It is believed that offering Malpua today, promotes financial stability & growth. Also, the best offering one can offer to Maa is providing food to animals outside house. As, Maa Kushmanda symbolises growth.

Mantras to chant :

One should chant the following mantras dedicated to Maa Kushmanda, to worship her.

“ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः॥”
(Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah)

Beej Mantra
“ॐ ह्रीं क्लीं सौः कूष्माण्डायै नमः।”
(Om Hreem Kleem Sauh Kushmandayai Namah)​

However, if you’re meditating, you should chant the “Dhyaan Mantra”, as follows…

“सुरासम्पूर्ण कलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च।
दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे॥”
(Sura-sampurna Kalasham Rudhira-pluta-meva Cha
Dadha-na Hasta-padma-bhyam Kushmanda Shubha-dastu Me)

Blessings of Maa Kushmanda :

Maa Kushmanda blesses devotees with :

• Good Health
• Fortune
• Freedom from Mental/ Physical Illness

So, by Worshipping Maa Kushmanda, we gain long life and good health. Also, her smile keeps telling us to remain positive in every situation one faces in life…
Jai Maa Kushmanda!

Read about : Maa Chandraghanta | Maa Brahmacharini |   Maa Shailputri

Read more : Maa Kushmanda – The Mother