Navratri is one of the most important Hindu festivals, celebrated with devotion, fasting, and rituals dedicated to Goddess Durga in her nine divine forms. On Day 4 of Navratri 2025, devotees worship Maa Kushmanda, the fourth avatar of Durga. Revered as the creator of the universe and source of cosmic energy, Maa Kushmanda blesses her devotees with happiness, good health, and freedom from negativity.
This year, Navratri Day 4 falls on September 25, 2025, and devotees across India will perform special rituals, wear the auspicious color yellow, and chant her powerful mantra for prosperity and strength.
Who is Maa Kushmanda?
The name Kushmanda is derived from three Sanskrit words:
- Ku (small)
- Ushma (warmth, energy)
- Anda (cosmic egg)
Together, it means the creator of the universe through her warmth and smile. According to legends, when the universe was filled with darkness, Maa Kushmanda radiated light and created the cosmos with her divine energy.
She is often depicted as Ashtabhuja Devi (with eight hands), holding a kamandal, bow, arrow, lotus, amrit kalash, japa mala, gada, and chakra. Riding on a lion, she symbolizes power, courage, and protection. Maa Kushmanda also governs the Anahata Chakra (Heart Chakra), associated with love and compassion.
Significance of Worshipping Maa Kushmanda
Worshipping Maa Kushmanda on Navratri Day 4 is believed to bring:
- Relief from stress, anxiety, and fear.
- Blessings of wealth, health, and prosperity.
- Spiritual strength by balancing the heart chakra.
- Removal of negativity from life and surroundings.
- Energy and vitality for success and happiness.
Devotees believe that by meditating on her form, they receive inner peace and radiant energy to face challenges.
Color of the Day: Yellow
Each day of Navratri has an associated color, and for Day 4 (Maa Kushmanda), it is Yellow. The color represents:
- Warmth, positivity, and prosperity.
- Joy, wisdom, and peace of mind.
- A symbol of divine energy radiated by Maa Kushmanda.
On this day, devotees wear yellow attire, offer yellow flowers, and decorate temples with yellow fabrics and lights.
Story of Maa Kushmanda
According to scriptures, when there was nothing in existence and the universe was shrouded in darkness, Maa Kushmanda smiled, and with her divine radiance, she created the cosmos. Her cosmic egg (anda) spread warmth (ushma) and energy that gave life to planets, stars, and all beings.
It is also believed that the Sun derives its power from Maa Kushmanda, making her the source of all energy in the universe. Her smile symbolizes positivity that dispels negativity and darkness.
Maa Kushmanda Puja Vidhi (Rituals)
Performing Maa Kushmanda’s puja with devotion on Navratri Day 4 brings immense blessings. The rituals include:
- Morning Preparation – Take a bath early and wear clean yellow clothes.
- Setup of Idol/Photo – Place Maa Kushmanda’s idol or picture on a decorated altar.
- Lighting the Diya – Light a ghee diya, symbolizing purity and energy.
- Offerings – Present yellow flowers, seasonal fruits, halwa-puri, coconut, supari, laung, and elaichi.
- Mantra Chanting – Recite her mantra and perform Durga Chalisa or Saptashati.
- Aarti & Bhog – Perform aarti in the morning and evening, offering bhog prasad.
- Fasting Rituals – Break fast with sattvik meals after the evening aarti.
Maa Kushmanda Mantra
The powerful mantra dedicated to Maa Kushmanda is:
- “सुरासम्पूर्णक लशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च।दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे॥”
- “Surasampurna Kalasham Rudhiraplutmev cha,Dadhana Haspadmabhyam Kushmanda Shubhdastu Me.”
Chanting this mantra with devotion is believed to remove sorrows and bring good fortune.
Fasting on Navratri Day 4
Fasting during Navratri is not only about abstaining from food but also about maintaining purity of thought and devotion. On Day 4:
- Devotees eat fruits, milk, and sattvik meals like kuttu puri, sabudana khichdi, and samak rice.
- Onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food are strictly avoided.
- Breaking the fast happens only after the evening aarti and prasad offering.
Cultural Importance of Maa Kushmanda Worship
The worship of Maa Kushmanda goes beyond rituals — it carries symbolic and cultural value:
- She represents light conquering darkness, reminding devotees of positivity.
- Her form inspires people to overcome depression, fear, and regret.
- The focus on yellow attire and offerings strengthens community bonding through collective rituals.
- Her puja is linked to prosperity and crop harvests, tying faith with livelihood.
Quick Takeaway
- Day 4 of Navratri 2025 (September 25) is dedicated to Maa Kushmanda.
- She symbolizes cosmic creation and source of energy.
- The color yellow represents positivity and is worn by devotees.
- Puja rituals include diya lighting, offerings, mantras, and fasting.
- Chanting her mantra brings peace, prosperity, and relief from anxiety.
FAQs – Navratri 2025 Day 4: Maa Kushmanda
Q1: Who is Maa Kushmanda?
She is the fourth form of Durga, known as the creator of the universe and the source of cosmic energy.
Q2: What is the color of Navratri Day 4 in 2025?
The auspicious color is yellow, symbolizing positivity, wisdom, and prosperity.
Q3: What offerings please Maa Kushmanda?
Yellow flowers, fruits, halwa-puri, coconut, supari, and elaichi are offered.
Q4: What is Maa Kushmanda’s mantra?
“Surasampurna Kalasham Rudhiraplutmev cha, Dadhana Haspadmabhyam Kushmanda Shubhdastu Me.”
Q5: Why is Maa Kushmanda called Ashtabhuja Devi?
She is depicted with eight hands, holding divine weapons and symbols of power.
