Day 4 of Navratri: Mata Kushmanda

The fourth day of navratri celebrates the nurturing form of Aadi shakti, called Mata Kushmanda.

How Mata Kushmanda looks like?

She is golden in complexion, rides on lion. She is also called as Ashtbhuja, meaning one who has eight arms. She holds a lotus, bow, arrow, and a kamandalu (water pot) on her right side. Towards her left side, she holds a chakra (disc), gada (mace), a japamala (rosary), and a pot that contains amrit (nectar) in it (which is the symbolic form of creation).

Story behind Mata Kushmanda

The name, Kushmanda can be broken down into three smaller parts: 'ku' 'ushma' and 'anda', that literally means 'little', 'energy' and 'egg' respectively in sanskrit. Markandeya Puran describes- before the creation had taken place, there was complete darkness all around and no form of life existed. It was then Maa Parvati took the form of Devi Kushmanda to create life. Her small divine smile radiated energy that produced the cosmic egg. The universe was then created from this cosmic egg. She is the one who gives power to the Sun to shine brightly and sustain the universe. She resides in the core of the sun and directs Surya dev (the Sun god). She is the energy of the creation that resulted in the stars, the planets, the celestial bodies, and many living forms. So, Mata Kushmanda is the mother of the creation.

Benefits of Worshipping Maa Kushmanda

Maa Kushmanda always remains in happy state and it is easier to please her. With the rosary, Maa Kushmanda bestows her devotees with ashtasidhis (eight superpowers) and navanidhis (nine treasures). In the life of her devotees, she represents light in the darkness. She rules the anahata (heart) chakra. Worshipping her helps remove the grief, jealousy, anger and sadness that one may have suppressed for years in his/her heart. She radiants happiness and fortune to her devotees.