Navratri is one of the liveliest festivals that is celebrated across the country to worship the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga.
On the fourth day of the nine-day festival, Maa Kushmanda (Widely known as Devi Ashta Bhuja) is worshipped. On this day, devotees offer rice, fruits and flowers to Goddess Kushmanda and chant various mantras to please her.
Devi Kushmanda is a form of Goddess Durga who created the universe. The name Kushmanda is made up of three words where Ku means ‘little’ while Ushma means ‘warmth and energy’ and Anda stands for ‘life’.
Maa Kushmanda’s name has three words – Ku meaning little, Ushma suggesting warmth, and Anda signifying a cosmic egg. Hindu mythology says that a flicker of Maa Kushmanda’s smile created the entire universe. Also known as Ashtabhuja Devi – as she has eight hands, she has the power and capability to live inside the Sun. The glow and radiance of her body are as luminous as that of the Sun. The Goddess provides direction and energy to the Sun. Hence, the Sun God is governed by Goddess Kushmanda.
Maa Kushmanda rides a lion and has eight hands in which she holds Kamandal, Dhanush, Bada and Kamal in the right hands and Amrit Kalash, Jap Mala, Gada and Chakra in the left hands. She worshipped with red flowers and is known to bestow her devotees with good wealth, health and strength.
Puja Vidhi
The colour associated with Day 4 of the festival is blue, signifying prosperity and peace. Since Goddess Kushmanda loves red flowers, devotees should offer the same during puja. Shringaar samagri such as sindoor, kajal, bangles, bindi, toe ring, comb, mirror, and anklets should also be offered. Devotees should also prepare a special bhog comprising of malpua, halwa and curd.
The devotees wake up early on this day and take bath. After that, they worship Goddess Kushmanda and offer flowers and special food to the Goddess. After performing the puja, the sweets offered to Maa are given to her devotees as Prasad. People also offer her milk, coconut and different kinds of sweets. Drik Panchang says the Chaturthi Tithi during Shardiya Navratri falls on October 18. It will begin at 10:58 am on October 18 and end at 1:15 pm on the same day. While Brahma Muhurat will start from 4:43 am and last till 5:33 am, Vijaya Muhurat is from 2:00 pm to 2:46 pm. There is no Abhijit Muhurta on this day.
Puja Vidhi
The devotees wake up early on this day and take bath. After that, they worship Goddess Kushmanda and offer flowers and special food to the Goddess. After performing the puja, the sweets offered to Maa are given to her devotees as Prasad. People also offer her milk, coconut and different kinds of sweets. This year, the shubh muhurat to worship Maa Kushmanda is from 6:15 am to 8:17 am.
Puja Mantra
Kamandalu, Chap, Baan, Padamsudhakalash, Chakra, Gada, Japavatidharam
Manjeer, Haar, Keyoor, Kinkini, Ratnakundal Manditam
Praful Vadnamcharu Chibukam Kant Kapola Tung Kucham
Patambar Paridhana Kamniya Mriduhasya Nanalamkar Bhushitam
Komlangi Smermukhi Shrikanti Nimnanabhi Nitnambneem
Bhaswar Bhanu Nibha Anahat Stihta Chaturth Durga Trinetraam
