On the fourth day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Kushmanda, the fourth form of Adi Shakti. The name “Kushmanda” is derived from three words – “Ku” meaning small, “Ushma” meaning warmth or energy, and “Anda” meaning the cosmic egg (the universe). It is believed that with her radiant smile, the universe was created. Hence, she is revered as the Creator of the cosmos. She governs the Heart Chakra and blesses her devotees with energy, health, and prosperity.
Her abode is believed to be the solar sphere, a realm where only she can reside. Her glow is as radiant as the Sun itself. Maa Kushmanda is easily pleased with simple devotion and offerings. On this day, her devotees chant her mantras and meditate upon her form.
Divine Form
Maa Kushmanda’s form is resplendent and enchanting. She is depicted with eight arms holding:
- a Kamandal
- a Bow
- an Arrow
- a Lotus
- a Pot of Nectar (Amrit Kalash)
- a Discus (Chakra)
- a Mace (Gada)
- and a Rosary (Japmala).
One of her hands is in the Varada Mudra (blessing) and another in the Abhaya Mudra (protection). Her face always carries a smile, radiating love and compassion through her eyes. Her complexion shines like gold, and her crown and flowing locks enhance her majestic presence.
Symbolic Color & Significance
Different traditions associate different favorite colors with Maa Kushmanda. Some believe green is her color, representing fertility, growth, prosperity, and renewal — aligning with the Heart Chakra. Others say yellow or orange may also be her preferred shades.
Devotees wear green clothes, offer green fruits, vegetables, and leaves, and even prepare special dishes in her honor. Some observe fasts by consuming only fruits, while others keep a complete fast.
Significance and Power
According to scriptures, when the universe was in darkness, Maa Kushmanda’s smile initiated the creation of life. It is she who infused the cosmos with energy and vitality. She also created the Trinity — Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva — and assigned them the tasks of creation, preservation, and destruction.
Whenever despair and darkness grip the world, her radiance spreads joy, positivity, and light.
Worship Ritual (Brief)
- Take a holy bath, wear green clothes, and decorate the altar with green flowers and leaves.
- Invoke Lord Ganesha and then Maa Kushmanda.
- Perform Kalash Sthapana with holy water and green decorations.
- Offer green fruits (bananas, apples, grapes), green vegetables (spinach, fenugreek), and sweets.
- Light a lamp and chant the mantra: “Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah”.
Mantra
“ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः”
Meditation Mantra:
“सुरासम्पूर्णकलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च।
दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे॥”
Strot Mantra :
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मा कूष्माण्डा रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥”
Prayer:
“दुर्गे स्मृता हरसि भीतिमशेषजन्तो:
स्वस्थै: स्मृता मतिमतीव शुभां ददासि।
कूष्माण्डे मां पालय सर्वदा॥”
Blessings & Benefits
Spiritual – Awakens and purifies the Heart Chakra, enhances creativity, compassion, and inner light.
Physical – Improves heart health, blood circulation, immunity, and vitality.
Mental – Removes despair, builds confidence, optimism, and calmness.
Material – Brings prosperity, success in business, agriculture, and family harmony.
Environmental – Inspires plantation, greenery, and ecological balance.
Vrat Katha (Sacred Story)
Once, a devout woman worshipped Maa Kushmanda with deep faith. The goddess appeared and asked her to seek a boon. The woman humbly said, “Mother, I desire nothing except your grace.”
Pleased, Maa Kushmanda blessed her with the power of creativity. Whatever she touched turned into success. She started a small garden that eventually grew into a lush orchard, bringing nourishment and prosperity to her village.
Conclusion
Maa Kushmanda embodies creativity, vitality, and the cosmic life-force. Worshipping her fills one’s life with joy, freshness, and abundance. She awakens love and compassion in the devotee’s heart and strengthens their bond with nature.
Those who worship her sincerely achieve both spiritual progress and worldly prosperity, along with harmony in their inner and outer worlds.
