Kushmanda is the fourth manifestation of Goddess Durga. She is adored and worshipped on the fourth day of Navaratri. She dwells in the abode of Sun God. That is why her hue and splendor are as brilliant as the sun itself. It is her splendor that pervades every plant and creature of this universe. All the ten quarters are illuminated by her divine refulgence.
The name Kushmanda is made of three other words are “Ku + Ushma + Amnda= Kushmanda”. Here “Ku” is “Little”, “Ushma” is “Warmth or Energy” and “Anda” is “Egg”, meaning the one who creates the universe as “Little Cosmic Egg” with the energy of Her divine smile, is called “Kushmanda”.
When this universe was non-existent and darkness prevailed everywhere, it was Maa Kushmanda who produced Cosmic Egg with her mere smile. So Maa Kushmanda is also known as the creator of the whole universe. Maa Kushmanda is also named “Adi Shakti”. She is the only one who has the power and strength to live in the core of Suryaloka. Her body shines like a glowing Sun. All directions get light from Her Divine smile including the Sun God itself. Maa Kushmanda is also known as “Ashtabhuja” as is often depicted as having eight arms. In her seven hands, she holds Kamandalu, Bow, Arrow, Lotus, a Jar of Nectar, Discus, and Mace. In her eighth hand, she holds a mala capable of giving eight Siddhis and nine Niddhis. She rides a lion who represents “Dharma”. On worshiping Her, ailments and sorrows are eliminated and life span, name, strength, and health improved.
Mother Kushmanda is the bestower of all pleasures. Her adoration and worship deliver a person from all kinds of ailments and lead him on to the path of prosperity and pleasures. So, a devotee should adore and worship her with a purified mind and intellect.
Mantra for Kushmanda Devi
Om Devi Kushmandayayi Namah (108 recitations of this mantra)
Suraasampoornam Kalasham Rudhiraaplutamev Cha | Dahdana Hastpadmaabhyaam Kushmanda Shubhdaastu Me ||
This means, Goddess Kushmanda who holds two pitchers full of Madira and Blood in her lotus hands, be propitious to me.
Goddess Kushmanda is the Mother of Sun. She creates the entire universe and solar system. Devotees must worship her in order to get success in her creation. Devotees who have malefic Sun in their birth chart should worship Kushmanda Devi.
