06 October - NAV DURGA (FOURTH NIGHT) KUSHMANDA

 

Navratri, a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga, spans nine nights and each night is associated with a specific form or manifestation of the goddess. The fourth night of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Kushmanda.

Goddess Kushmanda is considered the fourth form of Goddess Durga, and her name is made up of two words: "Ku" meaning 'a little,' "Ushma" meaning 'warmth,' and "Anda" meaning 'egg.' She is believed to create the universe with her divine smile and is often depicted as riding a lion and having eight or ten arms. In her hands, she holds various weapons and symbols of power.

Worshipping Goddess Kushmanda during Navratri is believed to bring strength and energy. She is also associated with the Chakra, the divine wheel, which represents her all-pervading power.

Devotees offer flowers, incense, and various sweets to seek her blessings on the fourth day of Navratri. It's a time for reflection, meditation, and seeking her divine grace for courage and determination.

Each of the nine nights of Navratri holds its own significance and is dedicated to a different form of the goddess, with different rituals and customs associated with each night.