Fourth Avatar of Goddess Durga, Fourth day of Navratri, Fourth Manifestation of Goddess Durga, Fourth Form of Goddess Durga, Kushmanda Mata, Devi Kushmanda
On the fourth day of Navratri, Goddess Durga is worshipped in the form of Goddess Kushmanda. Kushmanda is a Sanskrit word and is made of three words, Ku that means small or little, Ushma means energy and Anda, which means Egg. It is believed that it is Goddess who created the universe in the shape of a Egg and a simple smile from her gave light and energy to the universe, hence the name Goddess Kushmanda. Kushmanda also means Pumpkin. It is believed that Goddess Durga likes the sacrifice of Pumpkin or Kushmanda and hence called as Goddess Kushmanda.
Appearance of Goddess Kushmanda
Maa Kushmanda has eight arms and hence is also known as Ashtabhuji. In her arms she holds weapons like mace, sudarshana, bow and arrow. She also holds a Kamandalam , a pot of divine nectar called Amrit, a Japa Mala or a necklace made from Rudraksh. She also holds a lotus in one of her hands which is believed to bestow upon a devotee the eight Siddhis called Ashta siddhi and nine types of treasure called Nava Niddhis.
Goddess Kushmanda is the source of light for the whole universe and resides in the center of Surya lok giving Surya the required energy. Hence her body emits light in all directions and has a brilliant radiance, which one can never imagine.
Goddess Ksuhmanda rides on a Lion and the Lion represents Dharma.
Benefits of Worshipping Goddess Kushmanda
By worshipping Goddess Kushmanda devotee would be freed from all the ailments and sorrows. His health and wealth would improve and would live happily.
Yogis and Sadhakas would concentrate on Anahata Chakra on the fourth day and worship Devi Kushmanda.
Mantra of Goddess Kushmanda
Yaa Devi Sarva Bhooteshu Maa Kushmanda Rupena Samsthitha
Namstas aye Namstas aye Namstas aye Namo Namaha.
