Goddess Kushmanda is worshiped on the fourth day of Navratri. Devotees worship her on the Shukla Chaturthi tithi (the 4th lunar day of the bright fortnight) of Navratri in Bengali Ashwin and Chaitra months. According to the scriptures, Goddess Kushmanda is credited with creating the world with her divine smile. As she is associated with Brahmanda (cosmos) and Kushmanda (gourd), she is popularly known as Goddess Kushmanda.

Origin of Goddess Kushmanda

According to Hindu texts, Goddess Kushmanda produced the Cosmic Egg with her smile. She created the world from nothing. Goddess Kushmanda resides in the center of the sun. She is the one who spreads the energy of the sun throughout the world and relieves all diseases and grief of her devotees. Surya Deva (Sun-god) is believed to get direction and energy from Goddess Kushmanda. She removes the darkness of the world with his extraordinary divine beauty and unique beautiful smile. The goddess is as radiant as the sun. Her vehicle is a lion. She is the creator of the sun, stars and constellations. Goddess Kushmanda symbolizes beauty and courage.

Appearance of Goddess Kushmanda

On the day of Chaturthi, the goddess is believed to wear a thick blue dress. Goddess has eight hands. These eight hands hold Chakra (disk), Gada (mace), Teer (arrow), Dhanush (bow), Japamala (rosary), Padma (lotus), a pitcher and kamandalu. This form of the goddess is a symbol of divine light, glory, motherhood, mercy, grief, discipline and vitality.

Benefits of Worshiping Goddess Kushmanda

Worshiping and vowing to Goddess Kushmanda on Chaturthi of Navratri brings good health, longevity, youth and strength. The Goddess bestows social honor, respect, fame on her worshipper. By worshiping her, all evil forces are removed from life.

Temple of Goddess Kushmanda

There is a temple of Goddess Kushmanda in Varanasi. She is said to be the protector of the southern side of Kashi or Varanasi. Compared to other Navadurga temples, the Kushmanda temple in Varanasi is much bigger. It also has many peaks. The temple of the goddess is made of red stone. The goddess idol in the sanctum of the temple is facing west and it is two hands high. The famous Durgakund shrine of Varanasi is located in front of this temple. A large number of devotees gather in this temple on Chaturthi of the Ashwin and Chaitra Navratri.

Goddess Kushmanda Mantra

ya devi sarvabhuteshu ma kushmanda
rupen samsthita
namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namoh namah

By Krishna Das