Navratri Day 4 - Chaturthi Tithi - Devi Kushmanda

Maa Kushmanda, the fourth form of Goddess Durga, is worshipped on the 4th day of Navratri. Her name means ‘the cosmic egg’ and she is considered the creator of the universe. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu was able to start creating the universe when Maa Kushmanda smiled like a flower that blossomed with a bud. She created the world from nothing, at a time when there was eternal darkness all around. This swarupa of Maa Durga is the source of all.
Since she created the universe, she is also known as Adiswarupini and Adishakti.
She has eight hands in which she holds kamandalu, dhanusha, banna, amrita, chakra, gada, kamala, and japa mala which blesses her devotees with the Ashtasiddhis and Navnidhis. She is also known as Ashtabhuja. She has a radiant face and a golden complexion. Maa resides in the core of the Sun and thus controls the Surya Loka.

The divine blessings of Maa Kushmanda help to improve your health and wealth. She removes all the hurdles and troubles from your life and enables you to get rid of all sorts of sorrows. Maa brings light into darkness and establishes harmony in your life.
Maa Kushmanda represents Anahata Chakra in spiritual practice.

Planetary Deity: Sun (Surya)
Attributes: Leadership, energy, and vitality.
Worship: Harness the power of the Sun for leadership and vitality.

Bhog: Offer Malpua to Maa Kushmanda to dispel darkness from your life.

Color for the day: Green

Shri Durga Saptashati Patha to be recited: Adhyay - 7

Chant the following mantra to worship Maa Kushmanda…
सुरासम्पूर्णकलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च ।
दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे ॥
Surāsampūrṇakalaśaṁ rudhirāplutamēva cha |
Dadhānā hastapadmābhyāṁ kūṣmāṇḍā śubhadāstu mē ||