Kushmanda Devi is the fourth form of Goddess Durga and is worshipped on the 4th day of Navratri. Her name is a combination of three words in Sanskrit: “Ku” (a little), “Ushma” (warmth or energy), “Anda” (cosmic egg). Together, “Kushmanda” means “the creator of the universe from a little cosmic egg.” She is believed to have created the universe with her divine smile and radiant energy when there was nothing — just darkness. Because of this, she is sometimes referred to as the “Adi Shakti”, or the primordial source of energy.
Kushmanda Devi – Navratri 4th day Goddess
Significance
It is believed that Kushmanda Devi resides in the core of the Sun (Surya Mandala), where no other form of life can exist due to the extreme heat and energy. She is the source of the Sun’s power and energy — the one who nourishes and sustains the Sun itself. Because of this, she is also called the “Shakti” (energy) behind Surya, making her the ultimate source of light, warmth, and life in the universe.
Goddess Kushmanda’s control over the Sun signifies her power to generate and regulate life energy (Pranic Shakti) in all beings. Her smile is said to have created the cosmic egg (Anda), from which the universe evolved. When no one existed and darkness covered everything, it was Goddess Kushmanda who smiled, and from her smile emerged light and the universe. She created the three divine goddesses — Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati, who in turn created the Trimurti’s (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva).
Depiction
She is usually depicted with eight or ten hands, each holding powerful weapons, rosary (japa mala), lotus, kamandalu, and other sacred items. She rides a lion or tiger, representing strength and courage.
Worship
Kushmanda Devi is mainly worshipped on the 4th day of Navratri. Devotees offer Pumpkin (known as Kushmanda in Sanskrit) to the goddess, as it is believed to be her favorite. They chant her mantras, and offer red color flowers, fruits, and sweets to invoke her blessings for good health and prosperity.
Benefits of Worship
Worshipping Kushmanda Devi is believed to Improve health and vitality, Boost energy and confidence, Remove darkness, fear, and negativity, Bring joy, prosperity, and creative power.
She is associated with the Anahata Chakra (Heart Chakra), signifying love, compassion, and emotional balance. Further, it is also believed to balance the Pingala nadi (Solar nadi) in the body, Strengthen the Manipur Chakra, Enhance willpower, self-confidence, and digestion, which are all linked to solar energy in yogic and Ayurvedic traditions.
Kushmanda Mantra
Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah॥
Kushmanda Prarthana
Surasampurna Kalasham Rudhiraplutameva Cha ।
Dadhana Hastapadmabhyam Kushmanda Shubhadastu Me ॥
Kushmanda Stuti
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Kushmanda Rupena Samsthita ।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah ॥
Kushmanda Dhyanam
Vande Vanchhita Kamarthe Chandrardhakritashekharam ।
Simharudha Ashtabhuja Kushmanda Yashasvinim ॥
Bhaswara Bhanu Nibham Anahata Sthitam Chaturtha Durga Trinetram ।
Kamandalu, Chapa, Bana, Padma, Sudhakalasha, Chakra, Gada, Japawatidharam ॥
Patambara Paridhanam Kamaniyam Mriduhasya Nanalankara Bhushitam ।
Manjira, Hara, Keyura, Kinkini, Ratnakundala, Manditam ॥
Praphulla Vadanamcharu Chibukam Kanta Kapolam Tugam Kucham ।
Komalangi Smeramukhi Shrikanti Nimnabhi Nitambanim ॥
Kushmanda Kavacham
Hamsarai Mein Shira Patu Kushmande Bhavanashinim ।
Hasalakarim Netrecha, Hasaraushcha Lalatakam ॥
Kaumari Patu Sarvagatre, Varahi Uttare Tatha,
Purve Patu Vaishnavi Indrani Dakshine Mama ।
Digvidikshu Sarvatreva Kum Bijam Sarvadavatu ॥
Kushmanda Stotram
Kushmanda Aarti
Kushmanda Devi Temples
- Kushmanda Devi Mandir, Ghatampur, Kanpur(district), Uttar Pradesh
- Durga Kund and Temple (Kushmanda Durga Temple), Varanasi
- Shri Durga Mata Mandir, Varanasi (near Assi Ghat, Bhelupur), Varanasi
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