On the fourth sacred day of Navratri, our devotion turns singularly to Goddess Kushmanda. This auspicious occasion invites devotees to honor the radiant form of Maa Durga, seeking her divine blessings. Navratri, a period of profound spiritual significance, sees the worship of Goddess Durga through her nine magnificent avatars. Mark your calendars for September 25, 2025, as we celebrate the fourth day of Navratri.
The Profound Significance of Navratri Day 4: Embracing Maa Kushmanda
Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a unique manifestation of Goddess Durga, making these nine nights among the most sacred of the year. The fourth day is reverently dedicated to Goddess Kushmanda. Her name itself is symbolic, derived from “Ku” (small), “Ushma” (energetic), and “Anda” (egg), signifying her role as the cosmic creator.
Maa Kushmanda is depicted riding a majestic lioness, adorned with eight arms, earning her the title Ashtabhuja Devi. In her right hands, she gracefully holds a lotus, a sacred kamandal, and a bow and arrow. Her left hands cradle an amrit kalash (pot of divine nectar), a japa mala (rosary), a gada (mace), and a chakra (discus).
Spiritually, Maa Kushmanda governs the Anahata Chakra, or the Heart Chakra. This makes her the perfect deity for those grappling with depression, anxiety, fear, or past regrets. On this special day, sincere prayers and dedicated puja to Goddess Kushmanda are believed to bring solace and liberation from such afflictions.
The Auspicious Color for Navratri Day 4: Yellow
To honor and appease Goddess Kushmanda, devotees typically offer items in her beloved color: yellow. Deck yourself in yellow attire, and present yellow flowers, bangles, chunni, and sarees during your puja to symbolize your devotion and receive her grace.
The Cosmic Genesis: Maa Kushmanda’s Divine Story
Ancient traditions recount a time when darkness enveloped the entire cosmos before the creation by Lord Vishnu. It was Goddess Kushmanda, with a gentle, illuminating smile, who brought light to every planet, galaxy, and realm, dispelling the universal darkness. She alone, from her very essence, brought this vast universe into existence from nothingness. Revered as the ultimate source of energy and light, Maa Kushmanda is believed to bestow her radiant energy upon the Sun itself, making it shine.
Navratri Day 4: Step-by-Step Puja Rituals (Puja Vidhi)
- Begin your day early, taking a purifying bath and adorning yourself in clean, fresh clothes.
- Light a diya (lamp) filled with pure desi ghee and offer vermillion and a beautiful garland to the Goddess.
- Present five varieties of seasonal fruits, along with meetha paan (sweet betel leaf), supari (areca nut), laung (cloves), and elaichi (cardamom).
- Recite the sacred Durga Chalisa and perform the Durga Saptashati Path.
- Chant various mantras dedicated specifically to Goddess Kushmanda.
- Conclude your puja with an Aarti and offer bhog prasad (sanctified food) to the deity.
- If observing a fast, perform an evening Aarti before breaking it.
- Break your fast in the evening with wholesome and pure sattvik meals.
Kushmanda Mata Mantra:
सुरासम्पूर्णकलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च। दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे॥
“Surasampurna Kalasham Rudhiraplutmev ch, Dadhana Haspadmabhyam Kushmanda Shubhdastu Me..!!”