Maa Kushmanda is the fourth aspect of Navadurga Goddesses.
Devi Maa is worshiped on fourth day during Durga Pooja in Navratri. Mother Goddess created the whole universe in a shape of an egg called “Anda” with her little & light divine smile, so that Maa Durga is named Kushmanda.
The word Kushmanda is made of three other words that are “Ku + Ushma + Amnda= Kushmanda”.
Here “Ku” is “Little”, “Ushma” is “Warmth or Energy” & “Anda” is “Egg” , meaning the one who created the universe as “Little Cosmic Egg” with the energy of Her divine smile is called “Kushmanda”.
Goddess Durga is very happy in this incarnation and it is believed that when there was no existence of any creation or universe & there was the eternal darkness, which ended when Maa Kushmanda smiled.
So that Maa Kushmanda is known as the creator of the whole universe.
Maa Kushmanda is also named as “Adi Shakti”.
The core of Suraymandala (Sun) is the residence of Devi Maa. She is the only one who has the power & strength to live in the core of Suryaloka (Sun). Her body shines like the glowing Sun. All directions get light from Her Divine smile including the Sun God itself.
Maa Kushmanda is also known as “Ashtabhuja” as she is often depicted as having eight arms. In her seven hands she holds Kamandalu (water pot), Bow, Arrow, Lotus, a Jar of Nectar, Discus (wheel, chakra), and Mace. In her eighth hand she holds a rosary capable of giving eight Siddhis and nine Niddhis.
She rides a lion who represents “Dharma”. On worshiping Her, ailments and sorrows are eliminated and life span, name, strength and health improved.
The pooja of Devi Kushmanda on the fourth day of Navratri in Durga Pooja is very important. On this day, Yogis & Sadhaks or other dedicated devotees keep their mind in Anahata Chakra. Kushmanda represents Anahata Chakra in spiritual practice. Kushmanda pooja during Navratri increases one’s health and strength.