Kushmanda is the fourth form of the Hindu goddess Durga, who is worshipped during the nine-day festival of Navratri. The word “Kushmanda” means “the creator of the universe” as she is believed to have created the universe with her divine smile.
Nav = nine and ratri = night. As the name implies, Navratri is a festival of nine consecutive nights. Navratri is a time of fasting, prayer, and devotion, and it is marked by the performance of puja (worship) ceremonies in temples and homes.
Navratri honors Navdurga … Nav Durga … nine forms of Durga.
They are:
These nine forms celebrate, honor and worship nine different incarnations, nine different colors and nine different qualities.
Kushmanda
Kushmanda is the fourth form of the Hindu goddess Durga, who is worshipped during the nine-day festival of Navratri. The word “Kushmanda” means “the creator of the universe” as she is believed to have created the universe with her divine smile. She is depicted with eight arms and holding weapons like a bow, arrow, discus, mace, and lotus.
As per the Hindu mythology, Kushmanda is believed to be the embodiment of the divine energy that sustains the universe. She is associated with the Anahata Chakra or the heart chakra, which represents love, compassion, and harmony.
Kushmanda is worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri, and her worship is believed to bestow good health, wealth, and happiness to the devotees. Her worship is also believed to remove negative energies and obstacles from the path of the devotees.
During the fourth day of Navratri, devotees offer prayers and perform aarti to Kushmanda. It is also believed that offering pumpkin to her can help in achieving good health and removing diseases.
Overall, Kushmanda holds great significance in Navratri as she represents the power of creation, sustenance, and divine energy. Her worship is believed to bestow blessings of good health, prosperity, and happiness to the devotees.
