The Hindu festival of Navratri began on March 22, 2023, and will continue until Ram Navmi on March 30, 2023. Navratri is a significant festival celebrated with enthusiasm throughout India. During these nine auspicious days, devotees worship different forms of Goddess Durga, each day, in her different avatars. Devotees dedicate the fourth day of Navratri to Kushmanda Mata, the creator of the universe. This article delves into the significance of Maa Kushmanda, the rituals, and mantras to be followed, and the puja muhurat for the fourth day of Chaitra Navratri.
Who is Mata Kushmanda?
Maa Kushmanda is the fourth incarnation of Goddess Durga, derived from the Sanskrit words “Ku” meaning “a little,” “Ushma” meaning “warmth,” and “Anda” meaning “cosmic egg.” Hindu mythology portrays Maa Kushmanda as the creator of the universe, who possesses eight arms, holding weapons and symbols of power in each hand. Devotees believe that she blesses her worshippers with happiness, health, and prosperity.
Puja Muhurat and Rituals
According to the Hindu calendar, Chaturthi Tithi of Chaitra Shukla Paksha starts on March 24 at 03:29 pm and ends on March 25 at 02:53 pm. On this day, from 06:15 am to 11:49 am, devotees consider it highly auspicious to worship Maa Kushmanda during Ravi Yoga. Worshippers believe that worshipping Mata Kushmanda during this time brings positive results.
To start the puja, worship Lord Ganesha before the puja for Navratri fast dedication. Devotees offer various shringar items to Maa Kushmanda’s idol, including sindoor, mehendi, kajal, bindi, bangles, toe ring, comb, aalta, mirror, anklets, perfume, earrings, nose pin, necklace, red chunri, mahavar, and hairpins. The worshippers also offer Malpua as bhog to the goddess.
Mantras for Maa Kushmanda
You can chant the following mantras while offering prayers to Maa Kushmanda:
- Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah
- Surasampurna Kalasham Rudhiraplutameva Cha। Dadhana Hastapadmabhyam Kushmanda Shubhadastu Me
Navratri and Worshipping of Mata Kushmanda
Believers consider that worshipping Maa Kushmanda enhances mental strength and decision-making capabilities in worshippers. Devotees believe that worshipping this avatar of Maa Durga can help them gain good vision and intellect. According to religious beliefs, unmarried women can especially benefit from worshipping Maa Kushmanda. They seek her blessings for success, prosperity, and finding a suitable groom.
Conclusion
Chaitra Navratri is a time of devotion, spirituality, and celebration for Hindu worshippers. On the fourth day, devotees worship Maa Kushmanda, the creator of the universe, with great enthusiasm and dedication. Worshippers consider the puja muhurat for Maa Kushmanda highly auspicious, and believe that chanting the mantras while worshipping the goddess can bring peace, prosperity, and success in life.