On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, devotees across India celebrate the fourth day of the Chaitra Navratri festival, a nine-day celebration dedicated to various forms of Goddess Durga. This day is specifically reserved for worshipping Maa Kushmanda, a deity revered for her role in the creation of the universe and believed to bless her followers with prosperity and good health.
Maa Kushmanda is depicted as having eight arms, each holding symbolic items such as a kamandal (water pot), dhanush (bow), baan (arrows), a lotus flower, an amrit kalash (pot of nectar), a chakra (discus), a gada (mace), and a jap mala (prayer beads). According to religious beliefs, worshipping Maa Kushmanda on this auspicious day is said to enhance one’s honor, respect, and financial stability.
The rituals for worshipping Maa Kushmanda are rich in tradition. Devotees are encouraged to wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean clothes before purifying their worship area with Gangajal (holy water from the Ganges). They then place an idol or picture of Maa Kushmanda on a clean altar and light a ghee lamp. Following this, they apply kumkum (a red powder) and haldi (turmeric) as a tilak on the goddess's image.
Next, a red cloth or chadar is offered to the goddess, along with various food items as bhog (offerings). It is customary to chant specific mantras dedicated to her, including the seed mantra "Om Kushmandayai Namah" and the invocation, "Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Kushmanda Rupena Samsthita, Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah." After the prayers, devotees perform aarti, a ritual of worship involving light, and offer flowers at the goddess's feet.
One of the favorite offerings for Maa Kushmanda is malpua, a sweet pancake, which is traditionally served alongside dahi (yogurt) and halwa. The auspicious colors associated with this day are orange and dark blue, symbolizing vibrancy and depth.
The significance of Maa Kushmanda is deeply rooted in mythology. According to ancient scriptures, there was a time when the universe was engulfed in darkness, and creation was at a standstill. The holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva turned to Goddess Durga for assistance. She manifested as Maa Kushmanda and, with her gentle smile, created the universe, hence earning the title of 'Adi Shakti' or the primal energy.
Her name 'Kushmanda' derives from 'Kushm' (energy) and 'Anda' (egg), reflecting her role as the creator of the cosmos. She is believed to have birthed the sun, infusing it with light and energy, thus illuminating the universe. Devotees believe that her blessings can lead to a life free of illness and filled with success, fame, and wealth.
As part of the celebrations, many people send wishes and messages to their loved ones, invoking the blessings of Maa Kushmanda. Here are some popular greetings shared during this festive time:
- "Life's every wish be fulfilled, may none be left ungranted, we pray to Maa Kushmanda for your every desire to be realized this Navratri!"
- "With your gentle smile, you created the universe, we bow to your divine form, wishing everyone a blessed Chaitra Navratri!"
- "May Maa Kushmanda bless us all with prosperity and happiness, and may her grace always shine upon us!"
As the festival continues, devotees are reminded of the importance of faith, devotion, and the power of worship. The rituals performed during these nine days not only celebrate the divine feminine but also foster a sense of community and shared spirituality among participants.
The Chaitra Navratri festival, which began on March 30, 2025, will culminate on April 7, coinciding with Ram Navami, marking the birth of Lord Rama. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga, with specific rituals and offerings that vary according to tradition and regional practices.
As the fourth day of this vibrant festival unfolds, the reverence for Maa Kushmanda continues to inspire countless devotees, reminding them of the strength and nurturing aspects of the divine feminine. Whether through prayers, offerings, or sharing festive greetings, the spirit of Navratri brings people together in celebration of faith and devotion.
