Maa Kushmanda, the creator of the world is worshiped on the fourth day of Navratri. It is believed that she created the universe (Brahmanda) with her divine smile and hence suggests her name – Kushmanda where Ku means ‘small’, ushma means ‘energy’ or ‘warmth’ and anda means ‘cosmic egg.’ Maa Kushmanda is said to control or reside in the Anahata (heart) chakra which is associated with love, compassion, positivity, and empathy.
Today, we will learn more about this fourth form of Maa Durga, focusing on her significance, iconography, and symbolism in Hindu mythology.
The Legend Associated with Maa Kushmanda
According to the legends, after defeating Jatukasur, the bat demon, and his army as Maa Chandraghanta, there was darkness engulfing the universe and there was no existence of life. Hence, this is when Maa Parvati took the form of Kushmanda to bring energy and light to the universe.
To lighten up the Cosmos and bring in the energy for life to thrive, Maa Kushmanda smiled and filled the universe with radiance as that of the sun. It is believed that her divine smile created the initial cosmic energy that helped all life forms to sustain.
Hence, after the fearless and fiery form of Maa Chandraghanta, eradicating evil, Maa Parvati transformed into Maa Kushmanda to restore balance and life in the universe.
Symbolism & Iconography of Kushmanda Mata
Maa Kushmanda is depicted with a gracious smile and a charming aura symbolizing her nurturing and caring nature. She has eight arms carrying a chakra, gada (mace), lotus flower, bow and arrow, kamandalu, amrita Kalash (pot of immortal nectar), and japa mala (rosary).
Since Goddess Kushmanda is associated with the Anahata (heart) chakra, anyone struggling with depression, anxiety, or fear can worship her to seek peace and good health.
Also Read : The Legend of Goddess Chandraghanta and her Role in Navratri
Mantras and Prayers for Maa Kushmanda
ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः॥
Om Devi Kushmandaye Namah ll
सुरासम्पूर्ण कलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च।
दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे॥
Surasampoorna Kalashna Rudhiraplutmeva Ch l
Dadhana Hastapadmaabhyam Kushmanda Shubhadaastu Me ll
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां कूष्माण्डा रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu, Maa Kushmanda Rupena Samsthita l
Namastesyaye Namastesyaye Namastesyaye Namo Namah॥
Worshiping Maa Kushmanda : Pujan Vidhi and Rituals
Here’s how to perform Maa Kushmanda Pujan during Navratri:
- Get up early in the morning, take a bath, and wear clean clothes, preferably something in green.
- Light a diya (earthen lamp) with ghee and incense sticks to create a fragrant aura. Offer flowers, vermillion (kumkum), fruits, and sweets to Maa Kushmanda.
- In a betel (paan) leaf, add supari, laung and elaichi and wrap it in folds. Offer this to Maa Kushmanda.
- Hereafter, recite the Durga Saptashti path, Durga Chalisa, and chant the above-mentioned mantras for at least 51 or 108 times.
- Now perform the Durga aarti and seek the blessings of Kushmanda Mata for a healthy and happy life.
Conclusion
Maa Kushmanda symbolizes rejuvenation, nourishment, and stability that we all seek somewhere in our lives. So this Navratri, worship Maa Kushmanda with utmost faith and devotion to seek her divine blessings for peace, prosperity, and good health.
