Navratri Day 4: Unleashing Positive Energy with Maa Kushmanda

On the fourth day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Kushmanda, the fourth manifestation of Goddess Durga. She is depicted riding a lion and is known as Ashtabhuja, as she has eight hands, each equipped with a mace, bow, arrow, mace, and chakra, nectar jar, stoup (kamandal) and a rosary. The meaning behind her name is the one who created the universe.

Why worship Maa Kushmanda on day 4

To know the significance of Maa Kushmanda worship on the fourth day of Navratri, devotees must familiarise themselves with the meaning of her name, which is rooted in three words. These are Ku - little, Ushma - warmth/energy, and Anda - the cosmic egg.

Based on a mythological fact, the universe was created with her gentle smile. Representing light and energy, the goddess is believed to live in the core of the sun. Worshipping her on this day brings devotees blessings of sharp vision, relief from mental ailments, prosperity, clarity in thinking and a high social standing.

Offerings to Maa Kushmanda

When worshipping Maa Kushmanda, you need to accumulate the necessary things that are used in offerings. These include

• Milkmade sweets
• Seasonal fruits
• Coconut
• Malpua
• Pumpkin
• Lal chunri
• Shringaar samagri (including sindoor, kajal, and bangles)
• Pure ghee
• Flowers (Marigold & Lotus)

Maa Kushmanda Puja Vidhi

Below are the steps to follow for the Maa Kushmanda puja ritual.

• Wake up early, followed by a morning bath
• Wear royal blue attire, as it is associated with Maa Kushmanda
• Place her photo or an idol in a clean place decorated with flowers & diyas
• Light incense sticks
• Perform aarti and meditate to the goddess
• After completing the puja, distribute the prasad among your family members and then neighbours.

Navratri Day 4 fasting rules

Fasting during Navratri is considered auspicious and beneficial both from a spiritual and health perspective. Spiritually, it expresses your devotion towards the deity and from a health perspective, it detoxifies the body and improves digestion. Below are the rules for fasting.

• Refrain from having spicy food and follow the satvik diet
• Follow Nirjala Vrat, eating only prasad after puja
• Avoid hurling any abusive language, as it brings negativity
• Chant mantras for peace of mind

Powerful mantras to chant

• या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ कूष्माण्डा रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
• ॐ कुष्माण्डायै नम:॥
• ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं कूष्मांडायै नम:॥

How to increase positivity in Navratri

Navratri is a festival where we pray to nine forms of Maa Durga. While celebrating this divine festive occasion, we can initiate bringing positivity by doing the following activities.

• Maintaining cleanliness in the house.
• Decorate your temple with fresh flowers, not artificial ones.
• Use aromatic fragrances as they create a fresh ambience in the environment.
• Since there is a specific colour associated with each form of Durga, devotees must wear the appropriate colour. For example, the fourth day of Navratri belongs to Maa Kushmanda; wear royal blue.
• Play a soft devotional song of the particular devi and meditate on her by chanting mantras.

Final words

Navratri is a nine-day auspicious festive event that commemorates the essence of Maa Durga in her nine different forms. She is the epitome of motherhood, strength, compassion, and triumph of good over evil. Worshipping her by following all guidelines brings prosperity, spiritual growth, and, of course, the divine blessings of her. May this Navratri fill every home with unending joy and happiness.

*This article is based on the facts described in religious texts and scriptures. Our aim is not to hurt any religion or belief, but simply to share cultural and religious knowledge.