Goddess Kushmanda is the fourth manifestation of goddess Durga and is worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri. In 2012, the fourth Navratri is on 18t October, Thursday from 07:44. Goddess Kushmanda is known by this name because she created the whole universe with her little divine smile like a flower which bloomed with a bud.
On this day, the devotees should perform the Pooja of the goddess with pure and calm mind. While worshipping, he should keep in mind the purest form of the goddess. Kushmand means pumpkin and she liked the sacrifice of pumpkin. This is the other reason that she is known by the name of Kushmanda. The devotees who desires to enter into the Anhat chakra in their mind should worship the goddess to get the blessings from her.
Appearance of Goddess Kushmanda
According to Durga Saptshati, goddess Kushmanda is the creator of universe. She created the whole universe when there was no existence of any creation and there was eternal darkness everywhere. The core of Sun is the residence of the goddess. She is the only one who controls the functioning of the solar system.
Goddess Kushmanda is also known as “Ashtabhuja” as she is often depicted as having eight arms. In her seven hands she holds kamandalu, bow, arrow, lotus, a jar of nectar, discus and mace. In her eighth hand she holds a rosary capable of giving eight Siddhis and nine Niddhis. She rides a lion who represents “Dharma”. Ailments and sorrows are eliminated on worshipping her and longevity, name, strength and health are improved.
Rituals to Worship Goddess Kushmanda
The devotees should follow all the rituals and with devotion. The rituals to perform the Pooja of goddess Kushmanda is similar to that of other goddesses during nine days of Navratri. The worshipping begins with the worship of Kalasha on this day with all the gods and goddesses and the family members of the goddess are invited into it. Then worship goddess Kushmanda by keeping flowers in your hands to offer her and chant, “ Surasampurnakalasham Rudhiraplutmeva Cha | Dadhana Hastpadhyabhayam Kushmanda Shubhdastu Me ”.
Lord Shiva and Brahma are also worshipped after worshipping the goddess. Shri Hari should be worshipped along with the goddess Laxmi.
Kushmanda Mantra
Ya devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Kushmanda Rupen Sansthita
Namastaseya Namastaseya Namastaseya Namoh Namah ||
Namastaseya Namastaseya Namastaseya Namoh Namah ||
Shabar mantra for today
4. Chaturth jyoti bhuvneshwari pragti (Bhuvneshwari)
hreem