On the fourth day of Chaitra Navratri, devotees worship Goddess Kushmanda. The Navratri day 4 significance is associated with her. She is the creator of the universe, and devotees worship her for her power and benevolence. Worshipping Goddess Kushmanda on this day helps gain physical and mental strength and brings happiness and prosperity in life. Moreover, offering her favourite things during the puja helps in pleasing her and seeking her blessings. Read below to know more.
Chaitra Navratri Day 4: Muhurat and Tithi timings
- Start time: 11 April 03:03 PM
- End time: 12 April 01:12 PM
- Date: 12th April 2024, Friday
Chaitra Navratri Day 4: Devi Kushmanda Story
The story of Mata Kushmanda is an interesting one. It is believed to have started with the creation of the universe. According to Hindu mythology, there was once a time when there was only darkness and nothingness in the universe. A demon named Durgamasur became invincible and created havoc in the universe.
The gods and goddesses tried to defeat him. But they failed. They struggled to create light and bring life into the universe. It was then that the divine energy of Mata Kusmanda emerged, and with her heavenly smile, she created the universe. She broke the cosmic egg with her power creating the universe.
This light was so bright and powerful that it destroyed the demon, restoring peace in the universe. As the creator of the universe, devotees worship Mata Kushmanda for her ability to bless the world with good health and peace. Maa Kushmanda has eight hands, each holding a weapon or symbol of power.
Also Read: Chaitra Navratri Day 1: Worship Mata Shailputri on the first day of Navratri
Chaitra Navratri Day 4: Navratri 4th Day Puja Vidhi, Daan and Mantra
We know the fourth day of Navratri is an auspicious day for Hindus as it marks the worship of Goddess Kushmanda. Therefore, the puja rituals for the Navratri Day 4 puja are essential to bringing happiness to the lives of devotees.
- Clean the Puja Area: The first and foremost ritual is to clean the puja area. Then, devotees decorate the cleansed area with flowers, rangoli, and other decorative items to welcome the Goddess.
- Offerings: The offerings to Goddess Kushmanda include flowers, fruits, and sweets. The devotees can also offer coconut, bangles, and red chunri as a mark of respect and devotion. Moreover, Malpua is a sweet dish, one of Goddess Kushmanda’s favourite food items. It is made of flour, milk, sugar, and cardamom, and devotees usually serve it during the puja. Goddess Kushmanda is also associated with the pumpkin vegetable. Offering pumpkins to the Goddess helps ward off negative energies and brings prosperity and good luck. Hence, it is auspicious.
- Light the Lamp: Lighting a lamp is an essential ritual during the Navratri Day 4 puja. The devotees should light a lamp before the Goddess and keep it burning throughout the puja. The light from the lamp symbolises the light of knowledge that dispels the darkness of ignorance.
- Recite Mantras and Chant Aarti: The devotees can recite mantras and chant the aarti of Goddess Kushmanda during the puja. The mantra “Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah” helps seek the blessings of the Goddess. Then the devotee performs the aarti with the help of a diya, and it helps in pleasing the Goddess and seeking her blessings.
- Fasting: Fasting is an important aspect of the Navratri Day 4 puja. It helps purify the body and mind and pleases the Goddess. The devotees can either observe a complete fast or consume fruits, milk, and other light food items during the fast.
- Donations: Donations are an essential ritual during Navratri. The devotees can donate food, clothes, and money to the poor and needy. Making donations during the Navratri Day 4 puja helps in pleasing the Goddess and seeking her blessings.
Mantras
Chanting the Navratri day 4 mantra is vital to please Goddess Kushmanda and seek her blessings. Here is the Maa Kushmanda mantra:
- Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah is the most commonly used mantra to please Mata Kusmanda. Chanting this mantra helps in seeking the blessings of the Goddess and overcoming any obstacles or problems in life.
- Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Kushmanda Rupena Samsthita Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah: This mantra is another powerful mantra to please Mata Kushmanda. It helps in seeking her blessings for a happy and prosperous life.
- Om Hreem Kushmandayai Namah: This is a beej mantra, considered very powerful in pleasing the navratri day 4 devi. Chanting this mantra helps in overcoming any obstacles and achieving success in life.
Therefore, devotees can follow these practices to perform the Chaitra Navratri Day 4 puja and seek the blessings of Goddess Kushmanda.
Also Read: Chaitra Navratri Day 3: Worship Mata Chandraghanta on The Third Day Of Navratri
Chaitra Navratri Day 4: Do’s and Don’ts
What to do?
- Chant mantras are dedicated to Goddess Kushmanda.
- Donate food, clothes, and other essentials to the poor and needy.
- Wear orange clothes, symbolizing the Goddess’s favourite colour.
What not to do?
- Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food and alcohol during Navratri.
- Do not consume onion and garlic as they are considered tamasic.
- Refrain from cutting your hair or nails.
- Avoid arguments, fights, and negative thoughts.
- Only enter the puja room after washing your feet and hands.
- Don’t disrespect goddess Kushmanda or any of the forms of Maa Durga.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is the fourth day of Navratri celebrated?
2. Who is Mata Kushmanda?
3. What is the significance of worshipping Mata Kushmanda on the fourth day of Navratri?
4. What are the essential rituals to perform during the Navratri Day 4 puja?
5. What are some mantras to please Mata Kushmanda?
6. What is the favourite flower and colour associated with Goddess Kushmanda?
Also Read: Chaitra Navratri 2023: Significance, Date, Muhurat And Rituals
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