The fourth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Kushmanda, symbolizing creation, light, strength, and positivity.
Day four of Navratri is devoted to Maa Kushmanda, the fourth avatar of Goddess Durga. This name is formed by combining three words in Sanskrit: “Ku” for little, “Ushma” for warmth or energy, and “Anda” for egg. So, she is known as the goddess who created the universe with her smile. She is God’s creative force in filling the dark, empty universe with light, life, and energy.
Why is Maa Kushmanda is worshipped
Maa Kushmanda is believed to have produced the Brahmanda, or the cosmic egg itself. She is worshipped for good health, good strength, good prosperity, and good energy. She represents light and positivity, which assists in removing fear, negativity, and ignorance. It is said that her blessings bring peace, energy, and success into the lives of the people who worship her.
The Color for Navratri Day Four
The color associated with the fourth day of Navratri is orange, a color that represents energy, warmth, and happiness. Many people wear orange clothing and decorate their puja area with orange or red flowers. Yellow is also believed to be lucky for the same reason as orange (brightness and positivity) on this day in some regions.
How Maa Kushmanda Is Worshipped
On this day, people perform puja with devotion and follow simple rituals:
Devotees wake up early, usually during Brahma Muhurta, take a bath, and wear clean clothes in the day’s color.
They clean the prayer space and place an idol or picture of Maa Kushmanda, decorating it with flowers. Those who do full Navratri rituals also perform Kalash sthapana.
Offerings such as fruits, sweets (like malpua), kumkum, rice, sandalwood paste, and water are made to the goddess.
Diyas (lamps) and incense sticks are lit, and devotees sing the aarti.
Mantras like “ॐ देवी कुश्माण्डायै नमः” are chanted, along with stotras that describe her form.
Red and orange flowers are offered while devotees pray for health, wealth, and happiness.
The puja ends with prayer, meditation, and the distribution of prasad.
Story and Form of the Goddess
Maa Kushmanda is one of the nine forms of Durga, called the Navadurgas, who are worshipped across the nine days of Navratri. According to legends, when the whole universe was filled with nothing but darkness, it was Maa Kushmanda who created light with her divine smile and gave birth to the cosmos.
She is shown with eight arms, carrying weapons like a bow, arrow, mace, and chakra, along with a lotus, rosary, and water pot. One of her hands is raised in the abhaya mudra, a gesture that offers blessings and protection. She rides on a lion or tiger, which represents strength and courage.
A Celebration of Light and Energy
The fourth day of Navratri, dedicated to Maa Kushmanda, is a reminder of how energy, light, and creation replaced darkness and emptiness. Her worship is said to remove fear and illness while giving strength, health, and prosperity. On this day, prayers, colors, and rituals all highlight the message of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
