Sharadiya Navratri: Kushmanda Chaturthakam

सुरासम्पर्ककलशं रूधिराप्लुतमेव च ।
दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे ॥
The Form of Goddess Kushmanda
On the fourth day (Chaturthi Tithi) of the Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month during Navratri, the worship of Goddess Durga’s fourth form, Maa Kushmanda, is performed.
The word Kushmanda is derived from the Sanskrit word Kushmand which means pumpkin (gourd).The Goddess is very fond of the offering of a pumpkin; hence, she is known as Kushmanda.
She is eight-armed, therefore also called Ashtabhuja Devi. In seven hands, she holds: Kamandalu, bow, arrow, lotus, nectar-filled pot, discus (chakra), and mace (gada).
In the eighth hand, she holds a rosary (japmala).
Her vehicle is the lion.Her abode is believed to be within the Solar Sphere (Surya Mandala).
Significance of Worship
By worshipping Maa Kushmanda, devotees attain:
Good health,
Fame and strength,
Happiness in family life,
Longevity.
On this day, it is auspicious to chant her special mantra:
“ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं कूष्माण्डायै नमः”
Special Offering
Offering Malpua (sweet dish) to the Goddess brings prosperity.
Gifting colorful clothes to young girls (Kanyas) increases wealth.
Worship Method
1. First, worship the Kalash (sacred pot) and the deities invoked within it.
2. Then worship Maa Kushmanda with devotion.
3. Offer flowers and recite the following shloka with meditation:
सुरासम्पर्ककलशं रूधिराप्लुतमेव च ।
दधानां हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे ॥
4. Next, chant:
या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु मां कूष्माण्डा रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
5. After this, worship Lord Mahadev, Lord Brahma, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Vishnu.
Meditation (Dhyana)
वन्दे वांछित कामार्थे 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 Recitation
दुर्गतिनाशिनी त्वम्हि दरिद्रादि विनाशिनीम् ।
जयंदा धनदा कूष्माण्डे प्रणमाम्यहम् ॥
जगतमाता जगतकत्री जगदाधार रूपणीम् ।
चराचरेश्वरी कूष्माण्डे प्रणमाम्यहम् ॥
त्रैलोक्यसुन्दरी त्वंहिदुःख शोक निवारिणीम्।
परमानन्दमयी, कूष्माण्डे प्रणमाम्यहम् ॥
Phalashruti (Significance)
Through the worship of Maa Kushmanda, a devotee—
Attains long life,
Becomes free from diseases and sorrows,
Gains wealth, prosperity, and abundance,
Experiences supreme bliss and divine radiance.
 Shubham Bhavatu 

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