Sharad Navratri began on Sunday, October 11, making today, October 14, the fourth day of the festivities. Of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, the fourth day is dedicated to the worship of Maa Kushmanda with the colour for the day being royal blue. Here is everything you need to know about this day.
Maa Kushmanda Vrat Katha
The name of Maa Kushmanda is derived from three Sanskrit words: ‘ku’ meaning little; ‘ushma’ meaning warmth and energy; and ‘anda’ meaning cosmic egg (in reference to the Universe). The story goes that prior to the creation of the Universe, there was only eternal darkness all around. This is when Goddess Adi Shakti is believed to have assumed the form of Maa Kushmanda, who illuminated the Universe with Her smile. This very smile is believed to have birthed a comsmic egg which unfolded into all the elements of the world. As per Hindu mythology, She resides within the core of the Sun after having created the three supreme Goddesses: Mahakali who emerged from Her left eye, Mahalakshmi who emerged from Her third eye and Mahasaraswati who emerged from her right eye.
In typical iconography She is depicted with eight arms and is also referred to as the ‘Ashtabhuja Devi’. Her right hands hold a kamandalu, bow, arrow and lotus while Her left hands hold a chakra, gada, japa mala and an amrit kalash. Her vehicle is the tiger, representing strength and courage.
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Maa Kushmanda Puja Vidhi
As per the Drik Panchang, the Chaturthi titihi for the day of Kushmanda Puja commended yesterday October 13 at 11:29pm and will continue on till 1:14 am on October 15.
Preferably dress yourself in bright clothes while performing the Kushmanda Puja – royal blue is the designated colour of the day. The flowers offered must be yellow or red – think marigold or hibiscus, along with unbroken rice grains, sandalwood paste and kumkum. Prepare a betel leaf with a supari, laung and elaichi and offer it to the deity in your home. Finally, malpua and rava kesari should most definitely be included as items in your bhog.
The main mantra to chant today is:
“ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः॥”
Maa Kushmanda’s Beej mantra goes:
“ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं कूष्मांडायै नमः”
Perform an aarti and conclude your prayers by reciting chapters from the Durga Saptashati and the Durga Chalisa.
Also Read: When Pujo Began At 4am, And Goddess Durga Belonged To Us All: Stolen Glimpses Of Uma And The Magic Of Childhood
Disclaimer: This article is based on popular beliefs. Times Now is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information and facts provided here.
