The nine-day festival of Shardiya Navratri began on September 22 and will conclude on October 2 with Vijayadashami (Dussehra).
The fourth day of the festival is dedicated to Maa Kushmanda, the fourth form of Goddess Durga, worshipped for her power to create energy and life in the universe.
Significance of Maa Kushmanda
The name ‘Kushmanda’ combines three words — ‘Ku’ (small), ‘Ushma’ (warmth or energy), and ‘Anda’ (cosmic egg) — symbolising the goddess as the creator of the universe through her divine smile. Maa Kushmanda rides a lioness and is depicted with eight hands (Ashtabhuja Devi) holding:
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Right hands – Lotus, Kamandal (water pot), Bow, and Arrow
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Left hands – Amrit Kalash (nectar pot), Japa Mala (rosary), Gada (mace), and Chakra (discus)
She is believed to govern the Anahata (Heart Chakra), and worshipping her is said to remove sorrows, fears, and negative energies while bringing health, wealth, and strength.
Shubh Muhurat for Day 4 Puja
According to Drik Panchang, the most auspicious timings for Day 4 rituals are:
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Brahma Muhurat: 04:33 AM – 05:21 AM
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Abhijit Muhurat: 11:47 AM – 12:35 PM
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Vijaya Muhurat: 02:12 PM – 03:00 PM
Colour of the Day
The auspicious colour for Day 4 is Yellow, symbolising joy, positivity, and optimism. Devotees are encouraged to wear yellow during puja to attract good energy and enhance spiritual vibrations.
Puja Vidhi and Samagri
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Wake up early during Brahma Muhurat, take a holy bath, and wear yellow attire.
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Prepare puja samagri – vermillion, sacred thread, sandalwood paste, rice, diya with desi ghee, flowers, garland.
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Offer five varieties of seasonal fruits along with meetha paan, supari, laung, and elaichi.
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Bhog for Day 4: Malpua is considered auspicious to offer to Maa Kushmanda for prosperity.
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Recite Durga Chalisa, Durga Saptashti Path, and mantras dedicated to the goddess.
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Perform aarti, offer bhog prasad, and break the fast with a sattvik meal in the evening after the second aarti.
Mantras and Stuti
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Prarthana:
Surasampurna Kalasham Rudhiraplutameva Cha।
Dadhana Hastapadmabhyam Kushmanda Shubhadastu Me॥ -
Puja Mantra:
Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah॥ -
Stuti:
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Kushmanda Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥
