Sunday marks the fourth day of Navratri when devotees worship the Goddess as Kushmanda. The meaning of the name is the ‘cosmic egg’, she is believed to be the Goddess who created the universe with her smile. Kushmanda is an eight-armed figurine holding kalash, chakra, gada, kamandal, rosary, lotus, bow and arrow. Devotees worship her for good health, prosperity and strength. She is also known as Ashtabhuja.
Different regions of the country have different ways of worshiping the Goddess and performing the rituals. Here, we talk about the traditions that originated near Banaras.
How to worship Kushmanda Devi: Devotees offer green cardamom, pumpkin and fennel seeds. Red bangles, red clothes and red flowers are also offered to Kushmanda devi. Chant “Ya Devi sarvabhooteshu maa kushmanda rupen sansthita, namastasyayi namastasyayi namastasyayi namo namah”. Devotees also recite the Durga Saptashati after offering the puja.
Best time for the pooja: The best time for puja on Sunday is from 7am to 11:20am. However, since the chaturtha tithi is the entire day, devotees can offer puja at any time.
Mythological story around Kushmanda: It is believed that there was darkness everywhere when the universe did not exist. Devi Kushmanda smiled and the light of her smile created the universe. Kushmanda Devi resides at the core of the Sun and she provides energy to the Sun. She rides a lion.
What to eat and wear: Green is Devi’s favourite colour, so devotees should eat green-coloured food and wear green clothes.
{{/usCountry}}What to eat and wear: Green is Devi’s favourite colour, so devotees should eat green-coloured food and wear green clothes.
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