Navratri 2023 Day 4: Worship of Maa Kushmanda - significance, puja vidhi, timing, and samagri for the fourth day of Shardiya Navratri

Navratri 2023 Day 4: The fourth day of Navratri in 2023 falls on October 18th, a Wednesday. This nine-day festival is dedicated to Maa Durga and her nine avatars known as Navadurgas. These include Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmcharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandmata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, Maa Mahagauri, and Maa Siddhidatri. During Navratri, Hindus honor Maa Durga and her various forms by fasting, consuming satvik (pure) food, and seeking the blessings of the Goddess. On the fourth day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Kushmanda. To better understand this celebration, let's explore the significance, puja vidhi, timing, samagri, and more for the fourth day of Shardiya Navratri.

Who is Maa Kushmanda? Significance of Navratri Day 4 (2023):

Maa Kushmanda's name can be divided into three parts: "Ku," which means "little," "Ushma," signifying "warmth," and "Anda," which refers to a cosmic egg. According to Hindu mythology, the mere flicker of Maa Kushmanda's smile gave birth to the entire universe. She is also known as Ashtabhuja Devi, as she is depicted with eight arms, denoting her ability to reside within the Sun. Her luminous body radiates with the brilliance of the Sun, and she imparts direction and energy to the Sun God. Therefore, the Sun God is under the guidance of Goddess Kushmanda.

Maa Kushmanda is often depicted riding a lion and is depicted with eight hands, each holding symbolic items such as Kamandal (water pot), Dhanush (bow), Bada (sword), Kamal (lotus) in her right hands, and Amrit Kalash (vessel of nectar), Jap Mala (prayer beads), Gada (mace), and Chakra (discus) in her left hands. She is usually worshipped with red flowers and is believed to bless her devotees with wealth, good health, and strength.

Navratri 2023 Day 4 puja vidhi, samagri, colour, and timing:

According to Drik Panchang, the Chaturthi Tithi during Shardiya Navratri falls on October 18, 2023. This Tithi begins at 10:58 AM and concludes at 1:15 PM on the same day. Brahma Muhurat, considered an auspicious time for spiritual activities, starts from 4:43 AM and lasts until 5:33 AM. Vijaya Muhurat, another auspicious time, is from 2:00 PM to 2:46 PM. However, there is no Abhijit Muhurta on this day.

The color associated with the fourth day of Navratri is blue, symbolizing prosperity and peace. Devotees should offer red flowers during the puja, as Goddess Kushmanda is particularly fond of them. Additionally, items for personal adornment (shringaar samagri) like sindoor (vermilion), kajal (kohl), bangles, bindi, toe rings, comb, mirror, and anklets should be included. Preparing a special bhog (offering) with malpua, halwa, and curd is also recommended.

Maa Kushmanda puja mantra, prathana, stuti, and stotra for day 4:

• Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah
• Surasampurna Kalasham Rudhiraplutameva Cha
• Dadhana Hastapadmabhyam Kushmanda Shubhadastu Me
• Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Kushmanda Rupena Samsthita
• Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah
• Durgatinashini Tvamhi Daridradi Vinashanim
• Jayamda Dhanada Kushmande Pranamamyaham
• Jagatamata Jagatakatri Jagadadhara Rupanim
• Charachareshwari Kushmande Pranamamyaham
• Trailokyasundari Tvamhi Duhkha Shoka Nivarinim
• Paramanandamayi, Kushmande Pranamamyaham

- With inputs from agencies

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