Read Navratri Day 3 – Chandraghanta Puja
The 4th day of Navratri is dedicated to the reverence of Goddess Kushmanda, the fourth form of the Nava Durga. Kushmanda is derived from the words ‘Ku’, which implies little, ‘Ushma,’ which implies energy, and ‘Anda,’ which implies cosmic egg. It is believed that the Goddess can end the darkness with her divine smile, and the entire universe is represented as a cosmic egg. Goddess Kushmanda is also known as Ashtabhuja Devi as she has eight hands. Assuming the form of Siddhidatri, Goddess Parvati began residing in the centre of the Sun releasing energy into the universe. Since then, the goddess has been referred to as Kushmanda. Kushmanda is the goddess who possesses the capacity and strength to live in the sun. Her body possesses illuminance and vitality that are as bright as that of the sun and possesses healing powers. Goddess Kushmanda is considered to provide the sun direction and energy, which is why the Sun is governed by Goddess Kushmanda. Goddess Siddhidatri is illustrated seated on a lioness and having eight hands. She holds the Kamandal (sacred water pot), bow, Bada, and lotus in her right hand, and Amrit Kalash, Jap Mala, Gada, and Chakra in her left. It is believed that her Jap Mala encompasses all of the energy that bestows the Siddhis and Niddhis. The Hindu scriptures mention that Goddess Siddhidatri created the entire universe, known as Brahmanda in Sanskrit, by revealing a small portion of her smile. She also appreciates Bali of the white pumpkin known as Kushmanda and hence derives the popular name of Goddess Kushmanda.The story of Goddess Kushmanda
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Kushmanda Puja Vidhi
On the fourth day (Chaturthi Tithi) of Navratri devotees offer prayers to Goddess Kushmanda after offering prayers to the Kalash. Green is considered to be an auspicious colour to be used for the asana. The goddess is offered water and flowers and blessings are sought for good health for the worshipper and their dear ones. This puja is especially fruitful for those who are terminally ill as this puja helps to seek blessing from the goddess for their early recovery. The devotees then offer flowers, dhoop, incense, sandalwood, etc. to the goddess. A bhog of fruits is then offered. This can be made according to the capability of the worshipper. An aarti is then performed for the goddess and the katha is recited. The elders of the house are then paid reverence and prasad is distributed among the devotees.Significance of Kushmanda Puja
It is believed that by worshipping Goddess Kushmanda during Navratri festival helps in alleviating all obstacles from the lives of her devotees. Kushmanda puja bestows good health, wealth, and strength to the devotees. The goddess’ Jap Mala is said to contain all of the power that confer Siddhis and Niddhis. Worshiping Goddess Kushmanda on Navratri endows extreme power and vitality to devotees.Kushmanda Mantra
Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah॥Kushmanda Prarthana:
Surasampurna Kalasham Rudhiraplutameva Cha।Dadhana Hastapadmabhyam Kushmanda Shubhadastu Mey॥
Kushmanda Stuti:
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Goddess Kushmanda Rupena Samsthita।Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha॥
Dhyana
Vande Vanchhita Kamarthe Chandrardhakritashekharam।Simharudha Ashtabhuja Kushmanda Yashasvineem॥
Bhaswara Bhanu Nibham Anahata Sthitam Chaturtha Durga Trinetram।
Kamandalu, Chapa, Bana, Padma, Sudhakalasha, Chakra, Gada, Japawatidharam॥
Patambara Paridhanam Kamaneeyam Mriduhasya Nanalankara Bhushitam।
Manjira, Hara, Keyura, Kinkini, Ratnakundala, Manditam॥
Praphulla Vadanamcharu Chibukam Kanta Kapolam Tugam Kucham।
Komalangi Smeramukhi Shreekanti Nimnabhi Nitambanim॥
Kushmanda Stotra
Durgatinashini Tvamhi Daridradi Vinashaneem।Jayamda Dhanada Kushmande Pranamamyaham॥
Jagatamata Jagatakatri Jagadadhara Rupaneem।
Charachareshwari Kushmande Pranamamyaham॥
Trailokyasundari Tvamhi Duhkha Shoka Nivarineem।
Paramanandamayi, Kushmande Pranamamyaham॥
Read about Navratri Day 5: Durga Panchami or Lalitha Panchami