Maa Kushmanda worshipped on 4th Day of Navratri
Suraa
sampoorna kalasham rudhiraplu thwamevacha|
Dadhanaa hasthapadmabhyam Kushmanda shubhadaasthu may ||
Dadhanaa hasthapadmabhyam Kushmanda shubhadaasthu may ||
Kushmanda is the fourth form of the mother goddess and is worshipped on the fourth day of Navaratri. It is said that the Devi Kushmanda formed the universe in the shape of an egg with her little divine smile like a flower which blossomed with a bud, thus giving light to the universe through her heavenly smile. The meaning of the name ‘Ku-shm-anda’ is as follows: ‘Ku’ = alittle; ‘ushma’ = warmth; ‘anda’ = ‘the cosmic egg’.
According to the Durga Saptshati, Goddess Kushmanda created the universe and controls the functioning of the solar system. She is the one who existed when there was nothing except darkness. Then she smiled and the universe was created, illuminated with light.The core of the Sun is believed to be the residence of Goddess Kushmanda. She is the one who provides the energy to the Sun to shine. All the directions get illuminated by her divine smile including the Sun itself.
Maa Kushmanda 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 Siddhis (8 types of studies or Wisdom sources) and Niddhis( 8 types of wealth). She rides a lion who represents “Dharma”. On worshiping Her ailments and sorrows are eliminated and life span, name, strength and health improved.
The devotees of Mata Kushmanda should perform the puja with pure, calm and dedicated mind. In Sanskrit, “Kushmand” means pumpkin and Devi Kushmanda liked the sacrifice of pumpkin and hence this is the other reason that she is addressed with the name of Kushmanda.
Mata Kushmanda removes all hindrances from and eliminates all the ailment and sorrows from her devotee’s life. The name, strength and health of the devotee are improved by worshipping her.
Bhog Offered to Mata Kushmanda
After worshipping, Mata Kushmanda is offered Malpua as Bhog. Distributing this sacrament in the temples are also considered auspicious. Offering Malpua as Bhog pleases the Goddess and improves the intellect and decision making ability of the devotee.
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