Navratri 2023 Day 4 celebrates Maa Kushmanda, the fourth avatar of Goddess Durga, with rituals highlighting her significance, puja methodologies, auspicious timings, and essential offerings mentioned below.
Navratri, the nine-night festival, exudes fervor and spirituality, honouring Maa Durga and her nine divine avatars, referred to as the Navadurgas. On the fourth day of Shardiya Navratri, devout followers venerate Maa Kushmanda. If you’re participating in the festival this year, delve into the essence of this day and the divine form being worshipped.
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Who is Maa Kushmanda?
Maa Kushmanda is the fourth manifestation of Goddess Durga. Her name is derived from three Sanskrit words: ‘Ku’ (little), ‘Ushma’ (energy or warmth), and ‘Anda’ (egg). Hence, Maa Kushmanda translates as the cosmic egg creator, credited with manifesting the universe with her divine smile. Seated on a lioness, this deity illuminates the cosmos with her radiant aura, signifying her association with the Sun. With eight hands, she holds various symbols, including a lotus, a discus, a sword, and a jar of nectar.
Revered as the source of all energy, Maa Kushmanda is believed to reside in the core of the Sun, governing the Sun God Surya. Her aura not only imparts life and energy to all beings but also eradicates darkness, ailments, and sorrows.
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Navratri 2023 Day 4: Significance and Rituals
Date and Timing: This year, the fourth day of Navratri falls a day after October 17, which is October 18. Devotees seeking to observe rituals during auspicious timings should note that specific Muhurats will be updated closer to the date.
Auspicious time for the fourth day of Navratri:
Brahma muhurta- 04:46 AM to 05:33 AM.
Morning evening – 05:09 AM to 06:20 AM
Abhijit muhurta – 12:03 PM to 12:52 PM.
Vijay muhurta – 02:30 PM to 03:19 PM
Godhuli muhurta – 06:34 PM to 06:57 PM.
Amrit kaal- 08:32 AM to 10:07 AM.
Nishita muhurta – 12:03 am, March 26 to 12:50 am, March 26
Ravi yoga – 06:20 am to 01:19 pm
Colour: The vibrant colour associated with Day 4 is royal blue, symbolizing divine energy.
Puja Vidhi and Samagri:
- The day commences by waking up at dawn and donning fresh, preferably new, attire.
- Establish the deity’s idol on a raised pedestal or your sacred prayer alcove.
- Bathe the idol using cow’s milk and adorn it with beautiful garments.
- Offerings include flowers like hibiscus, alongside malpua (a sweet pancake) as bhog, symbolizing her blessing for intellect and discernment.
- Light a diya (lamp) filled with ghee, illuminating the puja space.
Puja Mantras and Prayers:
Devotees chant several mantras to invoke and please Maa Kushmanda:
- Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah
- Suraasampoornam Kalasham Rudhiraaplutamev Cha Dadhanaa Hastpadmaabhyaam Kushmanda Shubhdaastu Me
- Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Kushmanda Rupena Samsthit Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah
By intoning these sacred chants, devotees seek the blessings of Maa Kushmanda for health, strength, and spiritual awakening.
The fourth day of Navratri is a celebration of cosmic energy and the divine force behind creation. As you immerse yourself in the festivities and rituals, may Maa Kushmanda’s radiant energy illuminate your path, driving away all darkness and bestowing you with vitality and wisdom.
