Patna: The fourth day of Sharadiya Navratri is dedicated to Maa Kushmanda, who is worshipped by devotees seeking health, prosperity, strength and spiritual well-being.
According to the Hindu calendar details cited by astrologer Narayan Pandey, this year’s Chaturthi falls on a Wednesday and coincides with Anuradha Nakshatra, Ayushman Yoga, Sarvartha Amrit Siddhi Yoga and Ravi Yoga.
Jha explained that Maa Kushmanda is believed to have created the universe through her gentle smile. Her worship is considered a path towards spiritual growth and freedom from worldly suffering.
Who Is Maa Kushmanda? The Goddess Believed to Have Created the Universe
According to the Markandeya Purana, when the universe did not exist and darkness prevailed everywhere, Maa Kushmanda created the cosmos through her faint smile.
For this reason, she is regarded as the primordial form of creation. Her name is traditionally associated with the Sanskrit word Kushmanda, meaning pumpkin, which is also linked to a traditional offering made to the goddess.
Maa Kushmanda is depicted with eight arms, earning her the name Ashtabhuja. Her divine form symbolises creation, energy and the power to bestow blessings upon devotees.
Eight Arms and Divine Attributes of Maa Kushmanda
According to traditional descriptions, seven of the goddess’s hands hold a kamandalu, bow, arrow, lotus, pot filled with nectar, discus and mace.
Her eighth hand carries a rosary believed to represent the power to grant spiritual accomplishments and prosperity.
Her vehicle is a lion, symbolising strength and courage. Devotees worship her with faith and offer traditional prayers during Navratri.
Why Maa Kushmanda Is Associated With the Sun
Astrologer Narayan Pandey said Maa Kushmanda is believed to reside within the solar sphere. According to religious tradition, she possesses the power to dwell in the Sun’s realm.
Her radiance is therefore compared with the brilliance of the Sun, and her divine energy is believed to illuminate all ten directions.
The goddess is also regarded as the source of energy present in all living beings and objects in the universe.
Benefits of Worshipping Maa Kushmanda on Navratri Day 4
According to Hindu religious beliefs, worshipping Maa Kushmanda with a pure heart on the fourth day of Navratri helps devotees seek blessings for health, longevity, strength, fame and prosperity.
Her worship is also associated with relief from illness, sorrow and difficulties. Devotees believe that sincere prayers and devotion can bring peace and progress in life.
Narayan Pandey said that worshipping the goddess is considered beneficial for those seeking both material well-being and spiritual advancement.
These are traditional religious beliefs and should not be understood as medical guarantees.
Maa Kushmanda Mantra
Devotees may recite the following traditional mantra while offering prayers to Maa Kushmanda:
सुरा सम्पूर्ण कलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च।
दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे॥
The mantra is traditionally recited in praise of the goddess, seeking her blessings and auspiciousness.
Devotion and Prayer Mark the Fourth Day of Navratri
The worship of Maa Kushmanda holds an important place in the nine-day celebration of Sharadiya Navratri. Devotees offer prayers with the hope of receiving strength, good health, prosperity and peace.
The day serves as a reminder of the goddess’s association with creation, energy and the triumph of divine light over darkness.
