On each day of Navaratri, a distinct manifestation of Goddess Durga is worshipped with complete devotion and faith. During this particular Navaratri, which falls in the month of Chaitra, devotees perform rituals and observe fasts with unwavering faith. This first Navaratri of the year marks the commencement of the Hindu New Year, which is celebrated during the month of Chaitra. The festival of Navaratri is observed four times a year; of these, two instances are celebrated as Gupta Navaratri. Furthermore, during the auspicious festivities of Chaitra Navaratri, the fourth day is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Kushmanda. During this period, temples witness a significant influx of devotees. Let us explore the description of Maa Kushmanda—the fourth manifestation of Goddess Durga.
The Fourth Manifestation: Maa Kushmanda
A gentle smile graces the face of Maa Kushmanda, and she is revered as the Creator of the Universe. This divine form of the Mother Goddess symbolizes growth and evolution in life. Maa Kushmanda rides upon a lion and holds various weapons and armaments in her hands; additionally, she carries a rosary and a Kalash. Her form radiates brilliance and serves to enhance positivity in one’s life. Worshipping her grants liberation from the encroaching darkness of life and dispels the veil of ignorance. On this day, wearing orange-colored attire is considered particularly auspicious. Indeed, the Goddess bears the name Kushmanda—a term signifying energy and warmth. Devotees who worship Maa Bhagwati on this day find their wishes fulfilled and attain progress and advancement in their lives.
Learn How to Perform Worship on This Day
Before commencing the worship on this day, clean the prayer area and spread a green-colored seat (asana). On the fourth day of Navratri, offering red bangles, fruits, and flowers is considered highly auspicious. Thereafter, worship the Mother Goddess and chant sacred mantras. During the worship of the Divine Mother, light incense, offer flowers, and present fruits or sweets as Bhog (sacred food offering). Specifically, Malpua, pears, and Halwa are offered as Bhog on this day. In addition to performing worship, devotees also observe a fast on this day and should recite the Durga Saptashati. The fourth day of Chaitra Navratri serves as a reminder of the divine energy that sustains the entire universe. Worshipping Goddess Kushmanda infuses one’s life with positivity, strength, and spiritual growth.
The Legend of Goddess Kushmanda
According to mythological legends, there was once a time when darkness and chaos prevailed everywhere. Darkness had engulfed every corner. At that moment, the universe came into existence—and light spread everywhere—emanating from the gentle smile that graced the Mother Goddess’s face. Subsequently, the Mother came to be known as Goddess Kushmanda. It is believed that worshipping her grants longevity and ensures the maintenance of a healthy body. Furthermore, it provides relief from the difficulties and challenges encountered in life. Devotees of the Mother Goddess also remain free from physical and mental afflictions.
Reciting the Maa Kushmanda Chalisa enables devotees to attain their heart’s desires.
॥ श्री कूष्मांडा चालीसा ॥
॥दोहा॥
माता कुष्मांडा की जय, करुणा की सागर।
सुख-सम्पत्ति देने वाली, जय माँ, जय अंबर॥
जयति जयति जगत की माता।
कुष्मांडा देवी सुखदायी भ्राता॥
शुम्भ-निशुम्भ हरणी माता।
भक्तों की विपदा हरणी भ्राता॥
कुश (कुमार) मंद हर्ष से भरी।
चारों ओर कृपा की झरी॥
हंस पर सवार हे माता।
कृपा का अविरल बहाता॥
कुम्भ करों में जल से भरे।
धन-धान्य से भरे सारे घर॥
आभा से दीप्त हे माता।
भक्तों के संकट मिटाता॥
चतुर्थी तिथि शुभ कहलाती।
व्रत रखने से सब सफल होती॥
मंत्र का जप करों हे प्यारे।
जीवन सुखी हो जाए सारे॥
अंत में सुन लो अरज हमारी।
जीवन सवारे भवसागर से॥
जय माता कुष्मांडा भवानी।
कृपा करो हे जगत की रानी॥
॥ इति श्री कुष्मांडा चालीसा सम्पूर्ण ॥
चैत्र नवरात्रि दुर्गा पूजा 2026 बुक करने के लिए क्लिक करें।
