As Navratri progresses, the fourth day, September 25, 2025, is dedicated to the worship of Maa Kushmanda. She is one of the nine revered forms of Goddess Durga, and her devotees seek her divine blessings for well-being and to dispel negative energies.
The Profound Significance of Navratri Day 4
Each day of Navratri holds unique importance, celebrating a distinct manifestation of Goddess Durga. The fourth day is devoted to Maa Kushmanda, whose name intricately links to her cosmic role: ‘Ku’ signifies small, ‘Ushma’ denotes energetic, and ‘Anda’ refers to an egg. Together, these elements represent her power to create the universe from a mere cosmic egg, imbuing it with vibrant energy.
Maa Kushmanda is depicted riding a majestic lioness, symbolizing courage and strength. She is ‘Ashtabhuja Devi,’ possessing eight hands, each holding a sacred object. In her right hands, she carries a lotus, a ‘kamandal’ (water pot), and a bow and arrow. Her left hands are adorned with an ‘amrit kalash’ (nectar pot), a ‘japa mala’ (rosary), a ‘gada’ (mace), and a ‘chakra’ (disc).
This benevolent goddess governs the Anahata Chakra, or the Heart Chakra, symbolizing love, compassion, and inner harmony. Individuals grappling with depression, anxiety, fear, or past regrets are especially encouraged to offer their prayers and perform puja to Maa Kushmanda on this auspicious day, seeking solace and mental peace.
The Auspicious Color for Maa Kushmanda
To honor and seek the favor of Maa Kushmanda, devotees traditionally offer yellow flowers, bangles, ‘chunni’ (scarf), and sarees. The color yellow is intimately associated with the goddess, symbolizing joy, energy, and enthusiasm.
The Cosmic Tale of Maa Kushmanda
Ancient traditions narrate a time when the universe was shrouded in profound darkness. It was Lord Vishnu who initiated the creation, but it was Goddess Kushmanda, with her gentle smile, who brought light and life to every planet, galaxy, and celestial body. She is credited with manifesting this vast cosmos from absolute nothingness.
Maa Kushmanda is revered as the ultimate source of energy and light, with the sun itself believed to derive its radiance and vitality directly from her divine essence.
Puja Rituals for Navratri Day 4
To perform the puja for Maa Kushmanda, follow these steps:
- Begin your day with an early rise and wear clean, fresh attire.
- Light a ‘diya’ (lamp) using pure ghee and offer vermillion (‘sindoor’) along with a garland to the goddess.
- Present five varieties of seasonal fruits, ‘meetha paan’ (sweet betel leaf), ‘supari’ (areca nut), ‘laung’ (cloves), and ‘elaichi’ (cardamom) as offerings.
- Recite the sacred ‘Durga Chalisa’ and ‘Durga Saptashati Path’.
- Chant various mantras dedicated to Maa Kushmanda.
- Perform the ‘aarti’ (ritual of light) and offer ‘bhog prasad’ (food offering).
- If observing a fast, perform the ‘aarti’ again in the evening before breaking it.
- Conclude your fast with ‘sattvik’ (pure and wholesome) meals.
Kushmanda Mata Mantra:
सुरासम्पूर्णकलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च। दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे॥
(Surasampurna Kalasham Rudhiraplutmev ch, Dadhana Haspadmabhyam Kushmanda Shubhdastu Me..!!)