This avatar of Maa symbolizes the Heart chakra, which is ruled by Narayana, representing love and compassion. She resides in the abode of the Sun God
Abhinit Kumar
Navratri, the nine-night festival devoted to the worship of Goddess Durga, holds a special place in the hearts of millions of Hindus worldwide. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different manifestation of the divine goddess. Maa Kushmanda is the fourth incarnation of Goddess Durga and is worshipped on the fourth day of Chaitra Navratri. The name “Kushmanda” is derived from the Sanskrit words “Ku” meaning “a little”, “Ushma” meaning “warmth”, and “Anda” meaning “cosmic egg”. She is believed to be the creator of the universe with her smile, resides in the abode of the Sun God.
Significance of Devi Kushmanda
It is believed that when Maa Kushmanda smiled, it was like a radiant flower blossoming from a bud. This smile marked the beginning of the creation of the universe, transforming eternal darkness into a thriving world. In the depths of boundless darkness, a divine, formless light spread in all directions, eventually taking the shape of Goddess Kushmanda. This goddess radiated warmth and life energy, and when she smiled, her light formed a cosmic egg, the source of a habitable universe.
According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Maa Kushmanda created the universe by producing a small cosmic egg from which the universe emerged. She is depicted as having eight arms and holding weapons and symbols of power in each hand. The radiant aura around her symbolizes her ability to radiate positivity and light, and her blessings are sought for happiness, health, and prosperity.
The day is believed to be auspicious for seeking the blessings of Maa Kushmanda for success, prosperity, and good health. Chaitra Navratri Day 4 is an occasion to reflect on the power and blessings of Maa Kushmanda and seek her divine grace for a happy and successful life. It is believed that her blessings can bring an end to all obstacles and challenges in one’s life, and help them achieve their goals with ease.
The Birth of Suns and Planets
Under Maa Kushmanda’s divine influence, material planets and galaxies began to emerge, dispelling the darkness. She orchestrated the birth of radiant suns, which in turn sustained countless lives on various planets. These suns became the sources of energy for their respective worlds, but it was Maa Kushmanda herself who remained the ultimate source of these suns.
The Creation of Other Goddesses and Deities
Maa Kushmanda’s creative energy knew no bounds. From her left eye, she brought forth a black goddess with ten faces, ten arms, and ten feet. This goddess was Mahakali, seated on a burning funeral pyre, armed with various weapons symbolizing her power and ferocity.
Next, from her third eye, she created a fiery goddess named Mahalakshmi, adorned in saffron attire, wearing warrior’s armor, and seated on a lotus, exuding a fierce roar. From her right eye emerged Mahasaraswati, with the complexion of milk, eight arms, and three serene eyes. Mahasaraswati wore white garments and possessed divine symbols like the trishul, discus, pestle, arrow, shell, bell, bow, and ploughshare.
Maa Kushmanda’s creative prowess extended to the formation of human deities. From Mahasaraswati, she crafted a man with five heads and a woman, naming them Brahma and Saraswati, respectively. Similarly, from Mahalakshmi, she fashioned Lakshmi-Vishnu, completing the divine trinity.
To worship Maa Kushmanda on Chaitra Navratri Day 4, it is recommended to wear yellow clothes and offers yellow sandalwood, Kumkum, Molly, and Akshat to the goddess during the puja. Additionally, one can offer saffron in a betel leaf while reciting the mantra Om Brihaspate Namah. Chanting one rosary of Om Kushmandayai Namah mantra and reciting Durga Saptashati or Siddha Kunjika Stotra is also considered beneficial. This puja is especially recommended for unmarried women as it is believed to bring them a suitable groom. It is important to perform the puja with a pure and sincere heart to seek the blessings of Maa Kushmanda for success, prosperity, and good health.
Malpua is offered to Maa Kushmanda as bhog. It is believed that by doing this Maa Kushmanda is pleased and showers her blessings on the devotees.
Auspicious time for the fourth day of Navratri:
Brahma muhurta- 04:46 AM to 05:33 AM.
Morning evening – 05:09 AM to 06:20 AM
Abhijit muhurta – 12:03 PM to 12:52 PM.
Vijay muhurta – 02:30 PM to 03:19 PM
Godhuli muhurta – 06:34 PM to 06:57 PM.
Amrit kaal- 08:32 AM to 10:07 AM.
After taking form of Siddhidatri, Goddess Parvati started living inside the center of the Sun so that He can liberate energy to the universe. Since then Goddess is known as Kushmanda. Kushmanda is the Goddess who has the power and capability to live inside the Sun. The glow and radiance of her body is as luminous as that of the Sun.
Governing Planet
It is believed that Goddess Kushmanda provides direction and energy to the Sun. Hence God Sun is governed by Goddess Kushmanda.
The Ashtabhuja Goddess of Anahata Chakra
Maa Kushmanda is often depicted with eight hands, each holding various symbols of power and creation, including a Kamandul, bow, arrow, a jar of nectar (Amrit), discus, mace, lotus, and a rosary. She is known as Ashtabhuja, with a radiant face and a golden complexion. Her significance extends to the Anahata Chakra in spiritual practice, helping devotees fulfill their desires and harmonize their lives. Goddess Siddhidatri rides on the lioness. She is depicted with eight hands. She has Kamandal, Dhanush, Bada and Kamal in the right hands and Amrit Kalash, Jap Mala, Gada and Chakra in the left hands in that order.
Kushmanda Beej Mantra:
Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah
Kushmanda Moola Mantra:
Om Kleem Kushmandayai Namah
Kushmanda Dhyan Mantra:
Invoke the blessings of Maa Kushmanda by chanting these mantras with devotion during your puja or meditation sessions. Her divine energy will guide you towards a life filled with love, compassion, and fulfillment of your desires.
