Chaitra Navratri: Kushmanda Chaturthakam

सुरासम्पर्ककलशं रूधिराप्लुतमेव च ।
दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे ।
On the fourth day (Chaturthi) of Chaitra Shukla Paksha during Navratri, worship is dedicated to the fourth form of Goddess Durga, Maa Kushmanda.
“Kushmanda” is a Sanskrit word meaning pumpkin (kumhda), which is commonly used as a vegetable in households. Goddess Kushmanda is especially fond of offerings made from pumpkin, which is why she is known by this name. She is also called Ashtabhuja Devi because she has eight arms. In her seven hands, she holds a kamandalu (water pot), bow, arrow, lotus, a pot filled with nectar, discus (chakra), and mace (gada), while the eighth hand holds a rosary (jap mala).
The Goddess rides a lion, and her abode is believed to be within the Sun.
For good health, fame, strength, happiness in the family, and longevity, one should meditate upon Maa Kushmanda and chant the following mantra on this day:
'ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं कूष्माण्डायै नम:'
Offering (Bhog) to Maa Kushmanda -
Offering malpua (a traditional sweet) to the Goddess on this day brings prosperity and happiness. Donating colorful clothes to young girls (kanyas) is also believed to increase wealth.
Worship of Maa Kushmanda -
On this day, Maa Kushmanda should be worshipped with a pure heart. One should focus the mind on the Anahata Chakra and seek the blessings of the Goddess. First, worship all deities present in the Kalash, and then worship Maa Kushmanda. After that, offer flowers in your hands, bow to the Goddess, and meditate upon this mantra:
सुरासम्पर्ककलशं रूधिराप्लुतमेव च ।
दधानां हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे ।।
Then chant the following mantra:
या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु मां कूष्माण्डा रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।।
After completing the worship of Maa Kushmanda, one should worship Lord Mahadev and Lord Brahma. Thereafter, worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu.
Meditation (Dhyan) -
वन्दे वांछित कामर्थे चन्द्रार्घकृत शेखराम् ।
सिंहारूढ़ा अष्टभुजा कूष्माण्डा यशस्वनीम् ॥
भास्वर भानु निभाम् अनाहत स्थिताम् चतुर्थ दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम् ।
कमण्डलु, चाप, बाण, पद्मसुधाकलश, चक्र, गदा, जपवटीधराम् ॥
पट्टाम्बर परिधानाम् कमनीयाम् मृदुहास्या नानालंकार भूषिताम् ।
मंजीर, हार, केयूर, किंकिणि रत्नकुण्डल, मण्डिताम् ॥
प्रफुल्ल वदनांचारू चिबुकां कांत कपोलां तुंग कुचाम् ।
कोमलांगी स्मेरमुखी श्रीकटि निम्ननाभि नितम्बनीम् ॥
Stotra Path -
दुर्गतिनाशिनी त्वम्हि दरिद्रादि विनाशिनीम् ।
जयंदा धनदा कूष्माण्डे प्रणमाम्यहम् ॥
जगतमाता जगतकत्री जगदाधार रूपणीम् ।
चराचरेश्वरी कूष्माण्डे प्रणमाम्यहम् ॥
त्रैलोक्यसुन्दरी त्वंहिदुःख शोक निवारिणीम्।
परमानन्दमयी, कूष्माण्डे प्रणमाम्यहम् ॥
Auspicious blessings to all.

(Dr Ashok Pandey,Spiritual Healer, Vastu Consultant and Astrologer Pune - +91-7574885030, +91- 9425006196)