ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ

“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”

Kushmanda Devi
[4] Devī Kūṣmāṇḍā

ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः॥

Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah॥

Maa Kushmanda is the fourth manifestation of Goddess Durga. On the fourth day of Navaratri, worship of Devi Kushmanda is performed.

Her divine spark, characterized in her physical depiction as a smile, is what created the light that flooded what was once vast darkness. She is known as the One who created the universe.

Considered by some to be the Mother of the Sun, she brings the Sun’s warmth, light, and clarity to Earth. She resides in the sun and so provides the energy that creates tremendous heat.

The name Kushmanda is a compound word that consists of three Sanskrit words ‘ku’ (meaning-little), ‘ushma’(meaning-warmth) and ‘anda’(meaning-egg); which combined together means a little warm cosmic-egg.

Ku-ushma-anda may be thought of as the “Egg of Light in the World,” illuminating all things, making all things known, and is the source of energy for life.

Her role is to add heat and light to the cosmic egg, the egg or bija which gives the essence of all the possibilities for creation. So, Kushmanda Devi cooks the Cosmic egg.

For spiritual aspirants, She is the Goddess of Purification, of Tapasya – adding heat and light to purify all of the actions we perform.

As we become inspired to learn the sacred studies and commit to practicing our chosen sadhana, grace falls upon us in the form of Kushmanda Devi.

This illumined Goddess of Purification elevates us on our Path by purifying all of our actions, making everything we do a form of puja.

She bestows brightness, clarity, and profound peace to her adorers. Her radiance is eternal.

Mother brings light into darkness and establishes harmony in your life. She is a form of “Adi Shakti ” and worshipping Maa Kushmanda lets us enter into the heart chakra.

Her warm nature nurtures the entire universe. Grace and dignity of Maa Kushmanda is truly incredible. Her beauty is boundless.

Upon obtaining the grace of Goddess Kushmanda, all of our actions are continuously purified so that they become the most expressive demonstration of the sincerity of our love!

Ultimately, with Her purifying grace, all actions become sadhana, a sacrificial offering, leaving no separation between the spiritual life and worldly life. It all becomes “one” and we enjoy the highest illumination, contentment, and peace with no room for conflict and strife. Such is the grace of this revered Goddess!

She is a beautiful Goddess with a pleasant, nurturing smile, and is represented with eight-arms with the following significance:

chakra: divine weapon which is constantly in motion; to ward off negative energies

gada (mace): symbol of power and strength packing a powerful concentrated blow

japa mala (rosary): offers all types of Siddhi (perfection) and Nidhi (treasure) to her devotees

amrit: holy immortal nectar, which is sura, the essence, distilled wine

lotus-flower: peace

bow and arrow: focus of potential abd kinetic energies

kamandula: water pot, self sufficient

rides a lion: pursuit of dharma

golden and radiant in color: like the sun, she lights up the world

Worshiping this goddess is believed to bestow spiritual fulfillment and harmony in the life of all devotees.

It is believed that this is the only goddess who can bestow 8 siddhis (perfections) and 9 nidhis (jewels) to her sadhaks. .

Her boundless blaze gives light in lives of human being. Her grace endows divine spark to adorers. Goddess Kushmanda is true symbolism of divine spark.

Worshippers of this Goddess certainly obtain cosmic energy that enhances their positive aura.

According to the legend, there was absolute darkness in the solar system or galaxies. It was null and void. It was Devi Kushmanda who created the world as we see it today.

The sun gives life to the world and Goddess Kushmanda herself is the power of the sun and is the source of all energy when she resides within the core of the Sun God. It was to create a balance in the universe and provide life to all living beings from the sun rays, her power gives the sun its capability to give life to everyone, as she herself is Shakti.

She is the source of Lord Surya’s power. Without her, Surya’s light and energy will grow dim and fade away and will become powerless.

Lord Surya gives life to creation, but she is also the one who is responsible for it too. It is her power that makes him capable of doing so, and when Mahashakti appears in the form of Kushmanda, it is what she does.

From her smile, a body of energy came forth from her and from that potent energy, came forth light and creation. She always smiles when the Gods, inferior people and other celestial beings honored her.

Additional Philosophy on Kushmanda Devi

When the universe was non-existent and darkness prevailed everywhere, Maa Kushmanda produced the cosmic egg bringing light to the universe. Kushmanda has the power and strength to live in the core of Sun. Her luminosity gives the Sun its brightness. She is said to give directions to the Sun God.

We ask for auspiciousness from She who has a full pot (kalaśa) overflowing with blood red wine (surā) in her lotus like hands.

Surā means light and divinity, surā is what makes the gods of the light, asura means not-light and this is what makes them ‘demons’ or we could say those who are not-light.

Surā means that which is distilled; when the essence has been extracted out. It represents the extraction of the essence of things- the wine of our essential nature, or the wine of divine love (essential love) as Rumi used to speak of it. The wine is blood red representing the essence of our life energy.

Kūṣmāṇḍa is also a type of pumpkin-gourd (Benincasa Cerifera) which is eaten in the autumn to protect the health from the changing seasons. The Devi Purāṇa breaks the meaning of her name as little (ku) warm (uṣma) egg (aṇḍa).

In the Hindu stories of creation (from the āgamas), there are three levels of creation based on the creation of the causal realm, the creation of the mental realm and the creation of the physical realm.

Western thinking often believes that there was matter (elements and compounds) that came together to start life which evolved slowly into feeling, thinking and developed consciousness.

The Hindu understanding begins with consciousness, which separates into individualities. Then the mental/dream realm is generated in which the individual entities interact within. Then the physical realm is created in which souls manifest and experiene the fruits of their actions. Therefore consciousness is inherent in everything, not because it evolved a mind to think- but because it is made from the matter of consciousness.

At the end of the Devī Māhātmya there are three additional chapters called the Rahasya (the secret), which is a deeper and more complex Śakta philosophy. The first Rahasya, is an anthorpomorphic description of the creation of the causal realm (pradhāna).

The Rahasya says that the Supreme Mother (Parameśvarī) is known as Mahālakṣmī and has three modes (triguṇa), both manifest and unmanifest (v.4). It is these three śakti of the Mother that give birth to the three guṇas of rajas, tamas and sattva.

The male polarity is a passive state of consciousness (puruṣa). In the Devī Māhātmya Rahasya, Śrī śakti is called Mahālakṣmī, Bhū śakti is called Mahāsarasvatī and Kālī śakti is called Mahākāli.

There is one goddess manifesting in three modes pervading the whole existence. From Mahālakṣmī are born Brahmā and Lakṣmī (v.19). From Mahāsarasvatī are born Viṣṇu and Gauri (v.23-24). From Mahākālī are born Rudra and Sarasvatī (v.22).

Then Mahālakṣmī made Sarasvatī the wife of Brahmā, Gauri the wife of Rudra, and Lakṣmī the wife of Viṣṇu (v.26-27).

This is a mixing of guṇas that begins to create the primordial causal elements of creation. [For example, the I-ness (ahaṁta) also called self-consciousness becomes ego through the conjunction of tamas.]

The Goddess of Sound (Sarasvatī) and Brahmā then generated the primordial egg (aṇḍa) containing all the structures and elements of creation.

Rudra and Gauri broke the egg open, and Viṣṇu and Lakṣmī sustained the manifesting world (v.27-29).

This abbreviated story of creation is found in many different Hindu sacred texts and it is filled with deep meaning about the functioning of consciousness which is reflected in the manifestation of the world.

Śrī śakti manifests and unfolds and generates an egg and the world through it. She is not just everywhere she IS everything that is anywhere.

The power of generating (creating the egg-aṇḍa) is seen in the form of Kūṣmāṇḍā. She is Jagatprasūtye- she who gives birth to the world.

In this way, Kūṣmāṇḍā is associated with conceiving, pregnancy and birth. She is a creative energy that can generate abundance, happiness, and love.

She is represented by the nourishing pumpkin-gourd and is a goddess associated with increasing ojas- strengthening the immune system, slowing aging and increasing longevity.

Kushmanda – The Goddess Of Light And Energy
The fourth manifestation of the goddess Durga is Kushmanda. This Devi is worshipped on the fourth day of the Navaratri festival in India and overseas. She is considered the goddess of energy and wealth. Her name Kushmanda can be further explained in the following manner – Ku means a little, Usham means warmth or energy and Anda means Brahmanda (Universe).

Kushmanda goddess is known to live inside the sun and become the supreme energy that provides the warmth and energy of the sun to the universe. This is when people started calling her Kushmanda. To think of it in a way, the power and strength that this goddess holds are beyond imagination. Living inside the sun and becoming the force for all the energy that the sun has can only mean that she is a supreme power. Devotees should definitely bow down to her and pray for getting such a powerful and vigorous energy in their lives. Considering all these pointers it is understood that she governs the sun in astrology.

The goddess has eight hands and hence is called Ashtabhuja. Ashta means eight and bhuja mean hands. She holds a Kamandala (water pot), Dhanushya (bow), Baan (arrow), Amrut/elixir (nectar), Gada, chakra (discus), Jaap mala and Kamal (lotus). She is radiating with golden light as she resides in the brightest star’s core. She is supporting the Suryalok. Devi Kushmanda represents dharma and justice. Tiger is her vehicle.

She is said to be continuously blessing her devotees with Ashta siddhis which are the eight supernatural powers as defined and explained in the ancient versions of yoga. She also blesses her subjects with Navanidhi which are the nine different types of wealth. Her one hand is in the Abhaya mudra which she uses to bless her devotees at all times.

The cosmos was in a dark place and the universe did not exist. There was darkness everywhere. Devi Kushmanda smiled and the brightness of her smile gave birth to the universe. She is the provider of energy to the sun and light to the entire world and the cosmos. Hence, she is considered to be the creator of the universe and often called by the name Jagat Janani. Jagat means a world and Janani means a mother. We can always call her the supreme mother and pray to her for wisdom and right direction in life.

Let us now understand what story does the legend behold for devi Kushmanda. What was the reason that goddess Durga had to take the form of Kushmanda? It is believed and told in many ancient writings that Adi parashakti which is the supreme goddess of power appeared in the manifestation of Siddhidatri which happens to be the ninth form of goddess durga. She emerged from the left side of lord shiva’s body and took the form of Kushmanda. She resided in the sun’s core and started to be called Kushmanda.

White pumpkin is considered to be her favourite fruit and that is offered to seek her blessings. Along with this curd, milk, halwa (confection popularly in Indian culture and made with semolina, milk, sugar, and dry fruits) is offered to her while praying. The same is also distributed to the devotees of Kushmanda post the pooja (common form of worship in the hindu culture).

Her mantra is as follows “Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah”.

Goddess Kushmanda
Origin
After taking form of Siddhidatri, Goddess Parvati started living inside the center of the Sun so that He can liberate energy to the universe. Since then Goddess is known as Kushmanda. Kushmanda is the Goddess who has the power and capability to live inside the Sun. The glow and radiance of her body is as luminous as that of the Sun.

Navratri Worship
Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri.

Governing Planet
It is believed that Goddess Kushmanda provides direction and energy to the Sun. Hence God Sun is governed by Goddess Kushmanda.

Iconography
Goddess Siddhidatri rides on the lioness. She is depicted with eight hands. She has Kamandal, Dhanush, Bada and Kamal in the right hands and Amrit Kalash, Jap Mala, Gada and Chakra in the left hands in that order.

Details
Goddess Kushmanda has eight hands and because of that She is also known as Ashtabhuja Devi. It is believed that all the power to bestow Siddhis and Niddhis are located in her Jap Mala.

It is stated that She created the whole universe, which is called Brahmanda (ब्रह्माण्ड) in Sanskrit, by just flashing little bit of her smile. She also likes Bali of white pumpkin known as Kushmanda (कूष्माण्ड). Due to her association with Brahmanda and Kushmanda She is popularly known as Goddess Kushmanda.

Devanagari Name
कूष्माण्डा

Favourite Flower
Red color flowers

Mantra
ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः॥

Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah॥

Prarthana
सुरासम्पूर्ण कलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च।
दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे॥

Surasampurna Kalasham Rudhiraplutameva Cha।
Dadhana Hastapadmabhyam Kushmanda Shubhadastu Me॥

Stuti
या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ कूष्माण्डा रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Kushmanda Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥

Dhyana
वन्दे वाञ्छित कामार्थे चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
सिंहरूढ़ा अष्टभुजा कूष्माण्डा यशस्विनीम्॥
भास्वर भानु निभाम् अनाहत स्थिताम् चतुर्थ दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम्।
कमण्डलु, चाप, बाण, पद्म, सुधाकलश, चक्र, गदा, जपवटीधराम्॥
पटाम्बर परिधानां कमनीयां मृदुहास्या नानालङ्कार भूषिताम्।
मञ्जीर, हार, केयूर, किङ्किणि, रत्नकुण्डल, मण्डिताम्॥
प्रफुल्ल वदनांचारू चिबुकां कान्त कपोलाम् तुगम् कुचाम्।
कोमलाङ्गी स्मेरमुखी श्रीकंटि निम्ननाभि नितम्बनीम्॥

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॥

Stotra
दुर्गतिनाशिनी त्वंहि दरिद्रादि विनाशनीम्।
जयंदा धनदा कूष्माण्डे प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
जगतमाता जगतकत्री जगदाधार रूपणीम्।
चराचरेश्वरी कूष्माण्डे प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
त्रैलोक्यसुन्दरी त्वंहि दुःख शोक निवारिणीम्।
परमानन्दमयी, कूष्माण्डे प्रणमाम्यहम्॥

Durgatinashini Tvamhi Daridradi Vinashanim।
Jayamda Dhanada Kushmande Pranamamyaham॥
Jagatamata Jagatakatri Jagadadhara Rupanim।
Charachareshwari Kushmande Pranamamyaham॥
Trailokyasundari Tvamhi Duhkha Shoka Nivarinim।
Paramanandamayi, Kushmande Pranamamyaham॥

Kavacha
हंसरै में शिर पातु कूष्माण्डे भवनाशिनीम्।
हसलकरीं नेत्रेच, हसरौश्च ललाटकम्॥
कौमारी पातु सर्वगात्रे, वाराही उत्तरे तथा,
पूर्वे पातु वैष्णवी इन्द्राणी दक्षिणे मम।
दिग्विदिक्षु सर्वत्रेव कूं बीजम् सर्वदावतु॥

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॥

Aarti
कूष्माण्डा जय जग सुखदानी। मुझ पर दया करो महारानी॥
पिङ्गला ज्वालामुखी निराली। शाकम्बरी माँ भोली भाली॥
लाखों नाम निराले तेरे। भक्त कई मतवाले तेरे॥
भीमा पर्वत पर है डेरा। स्वीकारो प्रणाम ये मेरा॥
सबकी सुनती हो जगदम्बे। सुख पहुँचती हो माँ अम्बे॥
तेरे दर्शन का मैं प्यासा। पूर्ण कर दो मेरी आशा॥
माँ के मन में ममता भारी। क्यों ना सुनेगी अरज हमारी॥
तेरे दर पर किया है डेरा। दूर करो माँ संकट मेरा॥
मेरे कारज पूरे कर दो। मेरे तुम भंडारे भर दो॥
तेरा दास तुझे ही ध्याए। भक्त तेरे दर शीश झुकाए॥

Navratri 2020 (Day 4) – The Story of Maa Kushmanda
Navratri is one of the most popular festivals in India and it is celebrated every year with great enthusiasm and devotion. Although the type of celebration varies in different states, Navratri remains one of the most important festivals in Hindu tradition.

Celebrated in some states as the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, Navratri is also known as Durga Puja in most of the north-eastern states. Here, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga and celebrate her victory over the demon Mahishasura.

The festival of Navratri begins with the worship of Maa Shailaputri and is followed by the worship of Maa Bramhacharini on the second day. Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day, while the fourth day of Navratri is dedicated to…

Maa Kushmanda
Also referred to as the “Smiling Goddess”, Maa Kushmanda is worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri. This is day signifies passion, anger and auspiciousness.

Maa Kushmanda is a happy manifestation of Maa Durga and it is also believed that she is the creator of the entire Universe. This is reflected in her name as well. The first word of her name is “Ku” which means little.

The next word “Ushma” means energy or warmth and the third word, “Anda”, means egg. So, her name suggests that she is the creator of this “little cosmic egg”, that we call our Universe.

History and Origin of Maa Kushmanda
Maa Kushamanda’s story begins at a time when there was nothing. The entire Universe was empty, there was no sign of life and darkness prevailed everywhere. Suddenly, a ray of divine light appeared and slowly illuminated everything.

Initially, this divine light was formless and had no particular shape. However, soon it started taking a clear size and finally it took the form of a Lady. This divine lady, the first being of the Universe, was Maa Kushmanda.

It is believed that Maa Kushmanda was able to create this Universe with her silent smile. She produced this “little cosmic egg” and her smile took over the darkness. Maa Kushmanda replaced it with light and gave new life to this Universe.

Soon, she created the Sun, the planets, the stars and the galaxies that fill our night sky. She seated herself at the centre of the Sun and is now believed to be the source of all energy in our Universe. She provides life to all living beings through the sun rays and is therefore, also known as Shakti.

After this, Maa Kushmanda created three divine goddesses, who were also the first beings of our Universe. She used the central eye on her forehead to create a terrorizing form – “Mahalakshmi”. The second form was created from her left eye and was named “Mahakali”. Finally, she used her right eye to create “Mahasaraswati”, a smiling and gracious form.

Later, the body of Mahakali gave birth to a male and a female. The male was named Shiva and the female was named Saraswati. Similarly, Mahalakshmi also gave birth to a male – Bramha – and female – Lakshmi.

Maa Kushmanda then glanced at Mahasaraswati, who then gave birth to a male and female as well. The male was named Vishnu and the female was named Shakti. After this, Maa Kushmanda offered Sarwaswati to Bramha, Lakshmi to Vishnu and Shakti to Shiva as companions.

Later, Maa Kushmanda absorbed the three divine goddesses within herself and then entered Shakti as an object of divine, powerful and unending energy.

Goddess of the Fourth Day of Navratri
Maa Kushmanda is believed to be a form of Shakti and is known as the one who created this Universe. She was the one who drove away the darkness and created the three divine goddesses and other gods as well. She rides a tiger and has a total of 8 arms. Each of these arms holds a particular object or weapon.

She is usually depicted as holding a bow and arrow, a lotus, a mace, a pot of nectar, a rosary, a disc and a Kamandalu (Watering Pot). Maa Kushmanda is a divine, eternal being and is the source of all energy. She is known to bless her devotees with strength, wisdom, prosperity and protects them from the troubles and hardships of life.

About Devi Kushmanda
Devi Kushmanda
Devi Kushmanda is worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri as a primordial Shakti who created this universe. ‘Kushmanda’ – ‘Ku’ means little, ‘Usma’ means heat or energy and ‘anda’ means cosmic egg or universe. Devi Kushmanda is the creator of the entire universe with just her soft smile as a cosmic egg. As the creator and preserver of the universe, Devi Kushmanda bestows her devotees with prosperity, profound peace and happiness.

Unique Traits of Devi Kushmanda
Goddess Kushmanda is also called as Ashta-bhujadhari and depicted with eight arms. She is seated on a lion, glowing with radiance and holds Kamandala (sacred water pot), bow, arrow, lotus, a jar of nectar, discus and mace, respectively. In her eighth hand, she carries a rosary blessing you with eight Siddhis (perfection) and nine Nidhis (treasure).

Mythology behind Devi Kushmanda
According to legends, the universe was null and void in the beginning with no survival. Devi Kushmanda, the primordial Shakti created the entire universe and spread her luminance everywhere. It is believed that the God (Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma) and Goddess Trinity (Lakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati) were created by Devi Kushmanda. She is also the controller of the solar system.

Devi Kushmanda – Bestower of health, wealth and happiness
Adoring Devi Kushmanda on the fourth day of Navaratri, the Adi Shakti can purify your mind, body and soul. She can award relief from all physical and mental ailments and destroy all hurdles. The supreme mother can put an end to your sorrows and bestow you with longevity, strength, wealth and fame.

Devi Kushmanda Mantra & Benefits

Om Hreem Shri Kushmanda Durgaaye Namaha
Worshipping Devi Kushmanda on the fourth day of Navaratri by offering special Poojas and chanting this mantra can dispel all evil forces and enhance positivity around you.

Unique Offering to Devi Kushmanda
Kushmanda in Sanskrit means pumpkin, which the goddess likes as sacrificial offer. You can also offer traditional sugar to Devi Kushmanda to fulfill your material desires.

Navratri Day 4 | Worship Goddess Kushmanda
Goddess Kushmanda, the fourth form of Goddess Durga, is worshiped on the 4th day of Navratri (Navratri Chaturthi). It is believed that it was this form of Adishakti that created the universe with her smile. Several pujas, shlokas, and vedic rituals are performed to invoke this Ashtabhuja (eight arms) goddess. It is said that her complexion glows with a golden light that radiates from her persona. Worshiping this goddess is believed to bestow spiritual fulfillment and harmony in the life of all devotees. Navratri Chaturthi falls five days before Dusshera.

Origin and History
According to Durga Saptshati, Goddess Durga was very pleased with her avatar of Kushmanda. It is believed that the supreme goddess of power or Adi-Parashakti, appeared in the form of Siddhidatri from the left side of lord Shiva’s body. After taking the form of Siddhidariti, Goddess Parvati started to live inside the core of the sun and, hence, came to be known as Kushmanda Devi. This implies that Kushmanda Devi is the only goddess who resides in the core of the sun, from where she controls the entire solar system.

Kushmanda Devi is depicted with eight hands. She has kamandal, dhanush, bada and kamal in the right hands whereas, she is holding an amrit-kalash, jap-mala, gada and chakra in her left hands. Her beautiful female form is seen sitting on a lion that denotes dharma and justice.

Customs and Rituals
Kushmanda Devi is invoked with a Kushmadevi Puja Mantra. Kushmanda Puja begins with inviting other gods, goddesses and their families by worshiping a kalash. Several strotra path, kawach and aartis are performed during Kushmanda Devi’s Puja. Devotees keep flowers in their hands to offer to this goddess. This offering is called naivaidhya or naibidhya. Curd, milk and halwa are distributed as prasad among devotees. According to shastras and puranas, Lord Shiva and Brahma must be worshiped after the Kushmanda Puja. Kushmanda Puja performed with incense, dhoop and durya is considered to be highly auspicious.

Yogis, saadhaks and bhakts can pacify Kushmanda Devi, even with the slightest devotion and purity of mind, to enter Anahata Chakra for pure bliss. This deity takes away all sorrows and troubles from the life of her bhakts and blesses them with good health, mental peace and prosperity.

As it is said that this goddess’s favorite vegetable is pumpkin, it’s no surprise that it is offered to her in her honor. It is also believed that this is the only goddess who can bestow 8 siddhis (perfections) and 9 nidhis (jewels) to her saadhaks.

The Mantra
“Ya devi sarvabhuteshu ma kushmanda
rupen sansthita namastaseya namastaseya
namastaseya namoh namah”

Meaning: “Goddess Kushmanda, who holds two pitchers full of wine and blood in her lotus hands, is propitious to me.

What you can wear on this day
Navdurga Puja spans through nine days. Devotees are excited to wear the nine colors associated with each day. While Kushmanda Devi is seen wearing a Red color saree, devotees are to adorn the color ‘Green’ for the fourth day. Instead of everyday clothes, people prefer wearing traditional and festive attires during this festival.

Sarees
A traditional saree is one of the most preferred dresses that women like to drape themselves with. This flowing fabric can be accessorized with bangles, light ornaments and ethnic footwear. Ladies can opt for elegant silk, crisp cotton or soft chiffon sarees in orange color or go for a designer label.

Salwar Suits
Nothing can beat the comfort of wearing a traditional Salwar Suit. This three-piece outfit goes well with ornaments, traditional jewelry and a good pair of sandals. While the Kurtas are comfortable, the Salwaar facilitate easy movement, with the Dupatta being used to cover one’s head during the Puja.

Kurtas Pyjamas
Men too, like to get dressed appropriately for this occasion. The timeless tradition of wearing ethnic Kurta Payjama finds appeal in the eyes of cosmopolitan men. A traditional kurta pajama can be worn with a pair of classic mojaris for an ethnic and stylish look.

Dhoti Kurtas
Men wanting to go the extra mile while getting dressed for this puja can opt for a classic dhoti-kurta. This dress is not new to the country; rather, it was the most preferred outfit in the bygone era. Cosmopolitan men and young boys, who are beginners to the art of wearing a dhoti, can find a pre-stitched dhoti in the market. A pair of Indian chappals, embellished with stones and beautiful patterns, is a great fit for this desi dress.

Hairstyles for women
A suitable hairstyle completes the appearance. Women with longer hair can wear it in a simple low bun tied at the nape with an ornate jooda-pin. They can also go for a high bun if they are wearing a designer label. Thick long hair looks amazing in a ‘French Plait’ that is studded with stones or a white gajra. Shiny equal-length hair can be left open.

Men can also get their hair styled according to their attire. They can go for a gelled look on combed-back hair or opt for an executive hair cut. Long hair can also be tied in a pony-tail.

Interesting Facts
Shri Kushmanda Devi Temple, located in Ghatampur, was built in the 17th century by Ahilya Devi – a Bengali Maharani. This temple is also known as the ‘Monkey Temple’ because of the large numbers monkey in its vicinity.
People with maleficent Sun in their kundali or birth chart must perform Kushmanda Puja to pacify their planets.

[4] Devī Kūṣmāṇḍā