Maa Kushmanda is the fourth form of Goddess Durga, known as the creator of the universe and the source of energy and light in Hindu mythology.
Navratri 2023 Day 4th: Navratri is a nine-day festival celebrated by Hindus across the world to honour the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Each day is dedicated to a different avatar of the Goddess, who represents various aspects of feminine power. On the fourth day of Navratri, which falls on October 18, 2023, devotees worship Maa Kushmanda, the creator of the universe and the source of energy and light.
Who is Maa Kushmanda?
Maa Kushmanda is the fourth form of Goddess Durga and her name means “the one who created the cosmic egg”. According to Hindu mythology, when there was nothing in the universe except darkness, Maa Kushmanda smiled and emitted a divine light that created the entire cosmos. She is also known as Ashtabhuja Devi, as she has eight hands holding various weapons and symbols. She rides a lioness and has a radiant complexion like the Sun.
Maa Kushmanda is the ruler of the Anahata Chakra (Heart Chakra), which is associated with love, compassion, and joy. She bestows her devotees with good health, wealth, strength, and happiness. She also removes all the obstacles and sorrows from their lives.
Significance of worshipping Maa Kushmanda
Worshipping Maa Kushmanda on the fourth day of Navratri has many benefits for the devotees. She grants them the power to create and manifest their desires. She also blesses them with wisdom, courage, and confidence. She helps them overcome their fears, anxieties, and depression. She fills their hearts with divine love and bliss.
Maa Kushmanda is also the goddess of vegetation and greenery. She nourishes the earth with her energy and makes it fertile and prosperous. She protects the environment and all living beings from harm.
Puja vidhi for Maa Kushmanda
To perform puja for Maa Kushmanda, devotees need to follow these steps:
- Wake up early in the morning and take a bath. Wear clean and orange-coloured clothes.
- Clean the puja area and place an idol or a picture of Maa Kushmanda on a pedestal.
- Light a lamp with ghee and incense sticks. Offer red flowers, sindoor, kajal, bangles, bindi, toe ring, comb, mirror, anklets, and other shringaar items to the goddess.
- Offer meetha paan, supari, laung, elaichi, five types of fruits, coconut, and sweets as prasad to the goddess.
- Recite Durga Saptashati Path or Durga Chalisa with devotion.
- Chant the following mantra 108 times:
Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah
- Perform aarti with a camphor or a diya.
- Distribute the prasad among family members and friends.
Timing and samagri for Maa Kushmanda puja
The auspicious timing for Maa Kushmanda puja on October 18, 2023 is as follows:
- Chaturthi Tithi begins at 10:58 am on October 18 and ends at 1:15 pm on October 19.
- Brahma Muhurat is from 4:43 am to 5:33 am on October 18.
- Vijaya Muhurat is from 2:00 pm to 2:46 pm on October 18.
- There is no Abhijit Muhurat on October 18.
The essential samagri for Maa Kushmanda puja are:
- An idol or a picture of Maa Kushmanda
- A lamp with ghee
- Incense sticks
- Red flowers
- Sindoor
- Kajal
- Bangles
- Bindi
- Toe ring
- Comb
- Mirror
- Anklets
- Meetha paan
- Supari
- Laung
- Elaichi
- Five types of fruits
- Coconut
- Sweets
- Durga Saptashati Path or Durga Chalisa book
- A camphor or a diya for aarti
In conclusion, Maa Kushmanda, the fourth form of Goddess Durga, represents the creative and radiant energy that brought light and life to the universe. Worshiping her on the fourth day of Navratri holds immense significance, granting devotees the strength to manifest their desires, overcome fears, and find inner wisdom and love. Maa Kushmanda’s benevolent presence extends to the protection of the environment and the fertility of the earth, making her a symbol of both spiritual and earthly prosperity during this auspicious festival.
