Shardiya Navratri: Kushmanda Chaturthakam

Sura sampark kalsham rudhiraplutmev cha.
Dadhanam Hastapadmaabhyaam Kushmanda Shubhadaastu me.     
Ashvin Shukla Paksha chaturthi is the day of worship of Mata Kushmanda, the fourth form of Goddess Durga, on the Chaturthi date of Navratri.
Kushmanda is a Sanskrit word, which means Kumhada, i.e. pumpkin. Whose vegetables are prepared in homes. Goddess Kushmanda is very fond of the sacrifice of Kumhra, hence the name of Maa Durga was Kushmanda. Because she has eight arms, she is also called the eight-armed goddess. In her seven hands she holds kamandal, bow, arrow, lotus, pot full of nectar, chakra and mace, while in the eighth hand she holds chantingIt is a garland.Mother's vehicle is a lion and her residence is considered to be within the solar system.
For good health, fame, strength, happiness in the family as well as for increased longevity, one should meditate on Maa Kushmanda and chant her mantra 'Oum Aim Hreem Kleem Kushmandayai Namah'.
Offering to Maa Kushmanda -
Offering Malpua Prasad to the Mother Goddess on this day brings happiness and prosperity. Gifting colorful clothes to girls on this day also increases wealth.
Worship of Mother Kushmanda -
On this day, Mata Kushmanda should be worshiped with true heart. Then one should take mother's blessings to establish the mind in Anahata Chakra. Everyone should worship the Gods and Goddesses present in the Kalash and then worship Mother Kushmanda. After this, take flowers in your hands and pay obeisance to the Mother Goddess and meditate on this mantra.
Sura sampark kalsham rudhiraplutmev cha.
Dadhanam Hastapadmaabhyaam Kushmanda Shubhadaastu me.
After that chant this mantra of Maa Kushmanda.
Ya devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Kushmanda rupen sanstitha.
Namastesyaye Namastesyaye Namastesyaye Namo Namah.
After worshiping the mother, Mahadev and Supreme Father Brahma should be worshipped. After this worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu.
Dhyan -
Vande vanchit kamarthe, Chandrarghakrit Shekharam.
Sinharudha Ashtabhuja Kushmanda Yashasvanim ॥
Bhasvar Bhanu Nibham Anahat Sthitam Chaturth Durga Trinetram.
Kamandalu, arc, arrow, Padmasudhakalash, chakra, mace, Japavatidharam.
Pattambar parisharam kamaniyam mriduhasya nanalankar bhushitam.
Manjeer, Haar, Keyur, Kinkini Ratnakundal, Manditam.
Prafull Vadanancharu Chibukan Kant Kapolan Tung Kucham.
Komalangi Smermukhi Shrikati Nimmanabhi Nitambanim ॥
Stotra recitation -
Durgatinashini tvamhi daridradi vinashinim.
Jayanda Dhanada Kushmande Pranamamyaham.
Jagatmata Jagatkatri Jagadadhar Roopanim.
Charachareshwari Kushmande Pranamamyaham.
Trailokyasundari Tvanhidukh Shoka Nivarinim.
Paramanandmayi, Kushmande Pranamamyaham. Shubham bhavatu.

(Writer is a renouned Astrologer, Vastu consultant & spritual healer. He is based in Pune. His nos are-9425006196,7574885030)