Informative

Maa Kushmanda: The Cosmic Mother of Creation

The fourth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Kushmanda, the divine mother whose subtle smile initiated the cosmic creation. She is worshipped in her Ashtabhuja (eight-armed) form, holding sacred items such as the Kamandalu (water pot), Lotus, Kalash (sacred urn), Bow and Arrow, Gada (mace), Chakra (discus), Amrit (nectar), and Japa Mala (rosary). It is believed that when Maa Kushmanda appeared with her radiant celestial energy, she dispelled the eternal darkness that had engulfed the universe, marking the birth of creation itself. Her divine glow is so intense that it illuminates all four directions, much like Surya Deva (the Sun God).

The Vedic Significance of Maa Kushmanda

The name Kushmanda is derived from Sanskrit, where Ku means ‘a little’, Ushma signifies ‘warmth or energy’, and Anda refers to ‘the cosmic egg’. Thus, Maa Kushmanda is the primordial energy that created the universe from nothingness. She resides in the solar dimension and governs the Surya Loka, radiating healing energy that removes all physical and mental ailments. Worshipping her blesses devotees with Ayur Arogya (long life and health), which is essential for success and prosperity in worldly and spiritual pursuits.

Maa Kushmanda’s favorite offering is Malpua, and she is especially fond of Chameli (jasmine) flowers. Devotees offering these with devotion receive divine grace, longevity, and supreme intelligence.

Bestower of Ashta Siddhis and Nava Nidhis

Maa Kushmanda is the divine source of the Ashta Siddhis (eight spiritual attainments) and Nava Nidhis (nine celestial treasures). Sadhaks (spiritual seekers) who wish to attain these divine gifts should invoke her with deep reverence using the following mantra:

“ॐ कूष्माण्डायै नमः”
“Om Kushmandayai Namah”

Wearing blue attire while performing her puja enhances her divine vibrations, strengthening the solar plexus (Manipur Chakra) and balancing Surya Dosha in the astrological chart.

Anahata Chakra Awakening: The Heart of Spiritual Progress

Maa Kushmanda’s divine seat is within the Anahata Chakra (Heart Chakra), the center of divine love and spiritual ascension. Awakening this chakra through her worship allows the Sadhak to transcend the physical body and experience the higher subtle realms of existence. To invoke this awakening, one should chant:

“सुरासंपूर्ण कलशं रूधीराप्लुतमेव च।
दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे।।”

“Sura Sampoorn Kalasham Rudhiraplutameva Cha,
Dadhana Hasta Padmabhyam Kushmanda Shubhdastu Me.”

This mantra enhances inner vitality, emotional stability, and divine protection, making the devotee spiritually and mentally resilient.

Destroying Enemies and Negative Influences

For those suffering from severe obstacles, enemy attacks, or hidden malefic energies, a Tantric Havan (fire ritual) dedicated to Maa Kushmanda should be performed. Applying ghee and honey while chanting the following mantra helps in vanquishing enemies and overcoming dark forces:

“ॐ ऐं गर्ज गर्ज क्षणं मूढ़ मधुयावत् पिबाम्यहम्
मया त्वरित हतेऽत्रेव गर्जिष्यन्त्याशु देवता: ऐं ॐ।।
ॐ ऐं तो हाहाकृतं तो हाहाकृत सर्व दैत्यसैन्यै ननाश तत्।”

Om Aim Garj Garj Kshanam Mudh Madhuyavat Pibamyaham
Maya Tvarit Hatetreva Garjishyantyashu Devataha Aim Om ||
Om Aim To Hahakrutam To HahaKrut Sarv Daityasainai Nanaash Tat ||

This powerful Shatru Nashak Mantra invokes Maa’s fiery aspect, destroying all obstacles and Rahu-Ketu doshas that cause conflicts and mental distress.

Sacred Offerings and Devotional Practices

As a mark of devotion, Maa Kushmanda is offered white petha (ash gourd). It is believed that offering petha ensures the fulfillment of material and spiritual desires. Devotees should take great care to maintain purity of mind and speech during her sadhana, ensuring that no harm is caused to others. Such observances expedite spiritual progress and elevate the practitioner to higher states of consciousness.

Final Salutations to the Cosmic Mother

O Maa Kushmanda, the divine mother of cosmic creation, the one who governs the Sun’s radiant power, bless us with vitality, wisdom, and liberation.

ॐ कूष्माण्डायै नमः

“Om Kushmandayai Namah”

May her divine blessings remove all afflictions and guide us towards Dharma, Shakti, and Moksha. Jai Maa Kushmanda!