Navratri, the nine day long festival, celebrates the different forms of Maa Durga. The nine days are celebrated with zeal and zest and binds the entire nation together in the spirit of devotion to Maa Durga. Today, on the fourth day of navratri, Goddess Kushmanda, also known as the creator of the world, is worshipped.
It is believed that Goddess Kushmanda’s name represents her title of creator of the world as 'Ku' means 'little', 'Ushma' means 'warmth or energy' and 'Anda' means 'cosmic egg'. Those who worship her are said to be blessed with happy and healthy life, full of prosperity.
According to Hindu mythology, Kushmanda was born even before the universe was created. She is believed to have the divine smile and the scriptures say that she created the sun, moon and other planets with her smile. She is beautifully represented with eight hands holding trident, discus, sword, hook, mace, bow, arrow and two jars of honey and blood.
Today's colour is Orange, which signifies tranquility, knowledge and brightness.
Kushmanda puja vidhi-
After you take your shower, make sure to wear clean clothes.
-Offer sindoor, bangles, kajal, bindi, comb, mirror, red chunri, etc to the goddess.
-Offer prasad such as malpuas, curd or halwa to the Goddess and distribute it among people.
-You can also adorn the goddess with red hibiscus flowers as they are considred her favourite.
-Chant mantras and conclude the puja with the aarti.
Kushmanda mantras
1. Surasampoornakalasham Rudhiraluptameva Cha Dadhaana Hastapadmabhyam Kushmanda Shubhadastume
2. Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah Om Devi Kushmandayayi Namah Suraasampoorna Kalasham Rudhiraaplutamev Cha Dadhaanaa Hastpadmaabhyaam Kushmanda Shubhdaastu Me
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