Chaitra Navratri 2022, Day 4: Pray for a healthy life from Maa Kushmanda

Maa Kushmunda is regarded to have immense power and it is believed that she only created the universe just with a smile.

New Delhi: The Chaitra Navratri festival began this year on April 2 and will last till Ram Navami on April 10 respectively. In the much-revered nine day festival of Chaitra Navratri (nine-nights), each day a different avatar of Maa Durga is worshipped by the devotees for different things. In general, there are four types of Navratris in a year, out of which only two are widely celebrated - the Chaitra Navratri (spring) and Shardiya Navratri (autumn). The other two are Ashada and Magha Gupt Navratri. 

Chaitra Navratri Day 4: Pray MAA KUSHMANDA  FOR HEALTH

On the fourth day of Navratri, Maa Kushmanda is prayed to. Her name is derived from three words - Ku meaning 'little', Ushma stands for 'energy or warmth' and Anda stands for 'cosmic egg'. Maa Kushmanda is believed to be Lord Shiva's consort. 

Devotees pray to her for improved health, wealth and strength.

It is also believed that this form of Durga has the power and energy to reside within the sun. Therefore, she has the radiance and glow to sustain and preserve energy.

Maa Kushmanda also has eight hands and is also known as Ashtabhuja Devi. Through her Jap Mala (rosary), the goddess bestows siddhis to her devotees.

She is regarded to have immense power and it is believed that she only created the universe just with a smile.

Besides, several legends say that she is fond of Bali of white pumpkin which is known as Kushmand. Because she created the universe (Brahmanda) and she likes Kushmand, the goddess is popularly known as Maa Kushmanda.

She is mounted on a tiger and carries Lotus, Chakra, Kamandalu, Bow, Arrow, Gadha, Rosary, Jar of holy Elixir and blood as her weapons.

MANTRAS TO CHANT FOR MAA KUSHMANDA

ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः॥

Om Devi Kushmandayay Namah

सुरासम्पूर्णकलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च।

दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे॥

MAA KUSHMANDA STUTI

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ कूष्माण्डा रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Kushmanda Rupena Samstita

Namastasyay Namastasyay Namastasyay Namo Namah

Maa Kushmunda blesses her devotees with energy, power and guides them to take the right direction.

Here's wishing everyone a very Happy Navratri!