Introduction

The Kushmanda form of Goddess Durga is worshiped on the fourth day of the holy festival of Navratri. This form of Goddess Kushmanda is very gentle and pleasant. It is believed that Mother Kushmanda had created the dark universe with her gentle, light smile. Come, let us know the detailed story of Maa Kushmanda, worship method and mantra, and the benefits of her worship.

Who is Maa Kushmanda?

Mother Kushmanda is a form of Goddess Durga. According to the scriptures, when the universe did not exist, there was only darkness all around. Then, it was this goddess who created the universe. The word ‘Kushmanda’ means ‘pumpkin’ in Sanskrit, which holds special significance in the worship of this goddess. Some scholars believe that Kushmanda is made from ‘Kumhada’ (a species of pumpkin). That is why she is known as Kushmanda Devi.

Story of Mother Kushmanda: Origin of Creation

• Dark Universe:  According to a legend, when no creation existed, there was darkness all around. In such a situation, Goddess Adishakti decided to create the universe.
• Creation of the universe from laughter:  An egg was born from the goddess’s laughter to spread light in the universe. The universe was created due to the expansion of this egg. This is the reason why Mother Kushmanda is also called the original form and Adishakti of the universe.
• Work of illuminating the universe:  Mother Kushmanda does the work of filling the dark universe with light. For this reason, they are considered to reside in the inner world of the solar system.
• Origin of the name ‘Kushmanda’  The word ‘Kushmanda’ is used for the pumpkin vegetable which is loved by the Goddess as an offering. Some scholars believe that Mata Kushmanda was born from ‘Kumhada’ (a species of pumpkin).

Main points of Kushmanda Katha

• Mother Kushmanda has created the universe and is considered the original form and primal power of the universe.
• Mother creates the universe with her soft laughter and spreads light in it.
• Mother Kushmanda resides in the inner world of the solar system.

Form of Maa Kushmanda

The form of Maa Kushmanda is very stunning and grand. She has eight arms (hands), hence she is also known as Ashtabhuja. Mother holds Kamandal, bow, arrow, lotus flower, nectar-filled pot, chakra and mace in her seven hands respectively. In the eighth hand sits the rosary which bestows all accomplishments and wealth. Mother Kushmanda’s vehicle is lion.

Maa Kushmanda Puja Method

The form of Goddess Kushmanda is worshiped on the fourth day of Navratri.

• First of all, bathe Goddess Kushmanda and dress her.
• Offer them Roli, Akshat, Sindoor.
• Worship him with devotion with white or green flowers, incense, lamp, fruits, naivedya etc.
• Recite Kushmanda Mantra and Aarti.
• Offering pumpkin is especially fruitful.

Pujan Samagri needed

The following materials are required for the worship of Maa Kushmanda:

1. Idol or picture: The idol or picture of Maa Kushmanda is essential for worship.

2. Flowers: White or green flowers, such as jasmine, rose, or lotus, are offered to Mother Kushmanda.

3. Incense and lamp: The Goddess is pleased by lighting incense and lamp.

4. Roli, Akshat, and Sindoor: Roli, Akshat, and Sindoor are offered to the Goddess.

5. Honey: Honey is offered to the Goddess as a sweet.

6. Sugar: Sugar is also offered as sweets to the Goddess.

7. Kamalgatta: Kamalgatta is offered to please the Goddess.

8. Fruits: Various types of fruits are offered to the Goddess as offerings.

9. Naivedya: Naivedya is offered to the Goddess in the form of food. Naivedya may include kheer, halwa, or other sweets.

10. Paan: Paan is offered to the Goddess.

11. Betel nut: Betel nut is offered to the Goddess.

12. Dakshina: Dakshina is given as charity to the Goddess.

13. Clothes: White or green colored clothes are offered to the Goddess.

14. Jewellery: Jewelery can also be offered to the Goddess.

15. Chanting Mala: Chanting Mala is used for worshiping the Goddess.

Maa Kushmanda Mantra

Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah:

That is , we all bow down at the feet of Mother Kushmanda, who is in the form of Omkar, who holds the pot full of nectar and is full of lotus flowers.

Benefits of Mother Kushmanda: Detailed information

• It is believed that Mother Kushmanda removes all the sins and diseases of her devotees and grants them salvation.
• The Goddess increases the health, wealth, and strength of the devotees.
• The worship of Kushmanda Mata increases the decision making ability of the devotees.
• By worshiping them, the age, fame, strength and health of the devotees increases.

Experiences of Devotees

Devotees of Maa Kushmanda have had many types of experiences. Some devotees have said that the goddess has brought them out of difficult situations. Other devotees have reported that the goddess has granted them knowledge and strength. Some devotees have said that the goddess has fulfilled their wishes.

Here are the experiences of some devotees:

• A devotee told that  he was not able to find a job for many years. He started worshiping Mother Kushmanda and within a few months he got a good job.
• Another devotee told that  he had failed in an examination. He started worshiping Maa Kushmanda and next time he passed the examination.
• A third devotee said that  he was suffering from a serious illness. He started worshiping Mother Kushmanda and within a few months he completely recovered.

Fourth day of Navratri: Worship of Mother Kushmanda

On the fourth day of Navratri, devotees should be engrossed in the worship of Mother Kushmanda. Mother removes all the troubles of her devotees and brings happiness in their lives. Come, let us all surrender our hearts at the feet of Mother Kushmanda and seek her blessings.