In the last quarter of the year, India celebrates numerous festivals dedicated to Gods and Goddesses. The nine-day festival of Navratri kickstarted on October 7 with devotees worshipping the first of nine avatars of Goddess Durga- Maa Shailputri. It is believed that the Goddess arrives on Earth. The nine avatars, known as Navdurga, are worshipped within the span of nine days. Today, that is on the fourth day of Navratri, Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped.

According to Hindu mythology, she is said to be the creator of the universe and this form of Goddess Durga resides in the centre of the Sun to balance the amount of energy and light liberated to the universe. Also known as Ashtabhuja Devi, Maa Kushmanda symbolises light and energy.

The Kushmanda symbolises light and energy. She is represented with eight hands, holding Kamandal, Dhanush, Bada and Kamal in the right and Amrit Kalash, Jap Mala, Gada and Chakra in the left. She is also known as Ashtabhuja Devi because of this. Her name was derived from three terms- 'Ku' means little, 'ushma' means warmth or energy and 'anda' an egg. It means the one who created the universe as a 'little cosmic egg'.

Maa Kushmanda Puja Vidhi: 

Before worshipping Maa Kushmanda, devotees must bathe and wear clean clothes. The Goddess is offered shringaar samagri like sindoor, kajal, bangles, bindi, toe ring, comb, mirror, anklets, perfume, earrings, nosepin, necklace, red chunri etc. Prasad of malpuas, halwa, or curd, are offered during the ritual. 

Navratri 2021 Day 4 colour: 

The lucky colour is grey as Chaturthi Tithi and Tritiya Tithi fall on the same date.

Maa Kushmanda Vahan:

Maa Kushmanda rides on a lioness.

Significance of Maa Kushmanda Puja:

Maa Kushmanda bestows happiness, prosperity and a disease-free life on her devotees.

Maa Kushmanda Mantra: 

Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah