Guwahati:  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’. 

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