Who is Kushmanda Mata?
Goddess Kushmanda is the fourth form of the NavaDurga is worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri. Ku means little, Ushma means energy and Anda means cosmic egg. Here the whole universe is represented as a cosmic egg and the Devi is believed to end the darkness with her divine smile.
Goddess Parvati is believed to stay and reside in the center of the sun and liberate energy to the universe and hence took the avatar of Goddess Kushmanda. It is said that she is as radiant as the sun and possesses healing powers. She can be seen riding a lioness and has 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.
Maa Kushmanda Story
It is about the time when the universe was no more than a void full of darkness. There were no indications of the world anywhere. But then a ray of divine light, which is ever-existing, spread everywhere, illuminating each and every nook of the void. This sea of light was formless. Suddenly, it started taking a definite size and finally looked like a Divine Lady, who was none other than Goddess Kushmanda herself. The birth of the universe occurred because of the silent smile of Goddess Kushmanda. She was the one who produced the Cosmic egg. Her smile sent away the entirety of the darkness and thus formed a new creation of the universe. She gave light and life to the entire universe with her silent smile.
The earth, planets, sun, stars and the galaxies were all brought into being. But to sustain life, the world needed the sun God. So, the Goddess centered herself in between the sun and she became the cause of the energy and light necessary for life. 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. 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.
Significance of Kushmanda Mata
Maa Kushmanda’s appearance may be of a source of power which is always busy killing and suppressing the bad and wicked. However, for her devotees, Maa is serene, gentle and peaceful. By worshipping Maa Chrandraghanta, you will open the doors to great respect, fame, and glory. Maa also helps you attain spiritual enlightenment. Her idol, which symbolizes both beauty and bravery, gives you the strength to keep the negative energy away and repels all the troubles from your life.
Important facts about Goddess Kushmanda
- Origin: After taking the form of Siddhidatri, the Mother Goddess started living within the Sun thereby liberating the Sun’s energy to the universe. Since then, this form of the Goddess has been known as Kushmanda, namely for her power and capability to live inside the Sun.
- Meaning: Ku means little, Ushma means energy and Anda means cosmic egg.
- Worship Date: 4th day of Navratri (Chaturthi Tithi)
- Planet: Sun
- Favorite Flower: Jasmine
- Favorite Color: Royal Blue
- Kushmanda Mantra: Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नम
- Appearance: Kushmanda is depicted with eight to ten hands holding a trident, discus, sword, hook, mace, bow, arrow and two jars of honey (Elixir) and blood. Her one hand is always on abhayamudra from which she blesses all her devotees. She rides on a tiger.
