kushmanda
Mata Kushmanda is the fourth aspect among Navadurga, nine Goddesses worshipped during Durga Navratra. Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped on the fourth day (Chaturthi or Chavithi) of Navaratri pooja. In Chaitra Navratri, Kushmanda Puja date is April 5. In 2022, Kushmanda Puja date in Durga Navaratra festival is September 29.
The word Kushmanda represents the cosmic egg which created the Universe. Goddess Kushmanda created the Universe with the cosmic egg when even the time was not there.
Mother Kushmanda – Appearance or Iconography:
Mother Goddess Kushmanda has a glowing face and her body shines in golden complexion. Kushmanda has eight arms, hence also named as Ashtabhuji.
In her four arms, she carries weapons like bow, arrow, discus and mace. In other three hands, she holds a lotus, a rosary and a kamandal. In remaining hand, she carries a jar of nectar which gives health and long life to her devotees.
Vehicle of Goddess Kushmanda is a lion. Rosery represents her power to bless her devotees with Ashtasiddhi (8 types of studies or wisdom sources) and Navanidhi (9 types of wealth).