The fourth day of is dedicated to Maa Kushmanda, the creator of the universe. ‘Kushmand’ means ‘pumpkin’ in Sanskrit and is known as ‘cosmic egg’ in English She is believed to reside in the core of the Sun and is known to control Surya Lok. She is seen sitting on a lion wearing a red saree and is known as ‘Ashtabhuja’, which means having eight hands. Each of the hands carry kamandal, bow and arrow, lotus flower, a rosary, mace, chakra and a pot (kalash) filled with nectar (amrit) for the well being of her devotees. This manifest of Goddess Durga rules over the Anahata chakra (chakra close to the heart). her develops spirituality and helps remove obstacles from the devotee’s life. She brings brightness in the life of her devotees.

MYTHOLOGICAL STORY

It is believed that Mata Kushmanda had created the world. There was no life or any creation, it was all dark everywhere. When Lord Vishnu started creating the world, Mata Kushmanda smiled, progressed and created the whole brahmand [universe]. She is the source of every creation which exists on earth till today.

In certain stories, it is believed that Mata Parvati took the avatar of Siddhidatri, and started to reside in the sun to deliver the solar energy to the world. Hence, she has the glowing body as that of the Sun. She is also named as ‘Adiswarupa’ or ‘Adishakti’. Every roop of Maa Durga is the source of positive energy.

COLOR DEDICATED TO MATA KUSHMANDA

  • This incarnation of Mata is the creator of this universe.
  • The colors suitable for this day are royal blue, white and saffron.

HOW TO OFFER PUJA TO MATA KUSHMANDA

  • The devotees, after taking bath, should clean the puja ghar and apply red sindoor on the idol and then, tilak on themselves.
  • The devotees should offer red flowers, incense sticks with a pure and dedicated heart.
  • Devotees should chant the following mantra for 108 times to earn positivity and peace in life-
    • या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ कूष्माण्डा रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
  • Many devotees organize ‘Jagrata’ on these auspicious days of Navratri. Jagrata is a form of puja where people do not sleep for the whole night and continuously chant the mantras and bhajanas for Mata Durga.
  • Married women offer the ‘Suhag ka saaman’ to other married ladies, in order to seek the blessings of the Goddess for the long life of their husbands.