Kushmanda Aarti no-watermark
Kushmanda is the fourth manifestation of the Goddess Durga in Hinduism, and she is celebrated on the fourth day of the Navaratri festival. Her name is derived from two words: “Ku,” which means “a little,” and “Ushma,” which means “warmth” or “energy.” Kushmanda is often depicted as having eight or ten arms and riding a lion.
Key characteristics and aspects of Kushmanda include:
- Creator of the Universe: Kushmanda is believed to have created the universe with her divine smile. Her name reflects her role as the source of cosmic energy, warmth, and light.
- Eight or Ten Arms: She is typically shown with either eight or ten arms, each holding various weapons and symbols that represent her divine powers, including a bow, arrow, lotus, mace, and rosary.
- Riding a Lion: Like many forms of the Goddess Durga, Kushmanda is often depicted riding a lion, symbolizing her courage and strength.
- Sun as a Symbol: She is sometimes associated with the sun because her radiance is believed to be as brilliant and warm as the sun itself.
- Dispeller of Darkness: Her worship is said to dispel the darkness of ignorance and bring light, energy, and happiness into the lives of her devotees.
Devotees worship Kushmanda to seek her blessings for health, well-being, and spiritual growth. She is also considered the provider of basic life energy (prana) and is associated with the solar plexus chakra (Manipura), which is the energy center responsible for self-confidence and self-realization. During Navaratri, on the fourth day of the festival, special prayers, rituals, and offerings are made in her honor.