Maa Kushmanda-The fourth form of Durga

After taking form of Siddhidatri, Goddess Parvati started living inside the center of the Sun so that He can liberate energy to the universe. Since then Goddess is known as Kushmanda. Kushmanda is the Goddess who has the power and capability to live inside the Sun. The glow and radiance of her body is as luminous as that of the Sun. 
God Sun is governed by Goddess Kushmanda. She also likes Bali of white pumpkin known as Kushmanda 

The word Kushmanda is made of three other words that are “Ku + Ushma + Amnda= Kushmanda”. Here “Ku” is “Little”, “Ushma” is “Warmth or Energy” & “Anda” is “Egg” , means the one who create the universe as “Little Cosmic Egg” with the energy of Her divine smile is called “Kushmanda”. Goddess Durga is very happy in this incarnation and it is believed that when there is no existence of any creation or universe & there was the eternal darkness, which ended when Maa Kushmanda smiled. So that Maa Kushmanda is known as the creator the whole universe. Maa Kushmanda is also named as “Adi Shakti”. The core of Suraymandala (Sun) is the residence of Devi Maa. She is the only one who has the power & strength to live in the core of Suryaloka (Sun). Her body shines like the glowing Sun. All directions get light from Her Divine smile including the Sun God  itself.  Maa Kushmanda also known as “Ashtabhuja” as she is often depicted as having eight arms. In her seven hands she holds Kamandalu, Bow, Arrow, Lotus, a Jar of Nectar, Discus, and Mace. In her eighth hand she holds a rosary capable of giving eight Siddhis and nine Niddhis. She rides a lion who represents “Dharma”. On worshiping Her ailments and sorrows are eliminated and life span, name, strength and health improved.

The pooja of Devi Kushmanda on the fourth day of Navratri in Durga Pooja having very importance. On this day, Yogis & Sadhaks or other dedicated devotees keep their mind in Anahata Chakra. Kushmanda represents Anahata Chakra in spiritual practice. Kushmanda pooja during Navratri increases one’s health and strength.

The devotees who worship the goddess Durga during the nine days of the Navratra also worship her fourth form Devi Kushmanda and establish the Anhat chakra in their mind to get the blessings from her. Kushmanda pooja during Navratri increases one’s health and strength and the person gets freedom from all kinds of fears.The rituals to perform the Pooja of Devi Kushmanda is similar to that of Devi Chandraghanta and Brahmacharini. You start with the worship of Kalasha on this day with all the gods and goddesses and the family members of the goddess invited into it. Then worship Devi Kushmanda by keeping flowers in your hands to offer her and chant,  “ Surasampurnakalasham Rudhiraplutmeva Cha | Dadhana Hastpadhyabhayam Kushmanda Shubhdastu Me ”.Lord Shiva and Brahma are also worshipped after worshipping the goddess. Shri Hari should be worshipped along with the goddess Laxmi.

Devi Kushmanda Mantra

Ya devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Kushmanda Rupen Sansthita
Namastaseya Namastaseya Namastaseya Namoh Namah ||

Devi Kushmanda Meditation Mantra

Vande Vanchit Kamarth Chandraghrit Shekhram |
Singhrudh Ashtabhuja Kushmanda Yashswaneem ||

Bhaswara Bhanu Nibha Anahat Sthitata Chaturtha Durga Trinetram |
Kamandalu, Chaap, Baan, Padamsudhakalash, Chakra, Gadaa, Japvatidhram ||

Patambar Paridhana Kamniyam Mriduhasya Nanalankar Bhushitam |
Manjir, Har, Keyur, Kinkini Raktrakundal, Mandittam ||

Prafull Vandanacharu Chimbuka Kant Kapolam Tung Kucham |
Komlani Smermkhi Shrikanti Nimannahi Nitmabnim ||

Suraa sampoorna kalasham rudhiraplu thwamevaca Dadhanaa hasthapadmabhyam Kushmanda shubhadaasthu may

Devi Kushmanda Strota

Durgatinashani Twahim Daridradi Vinashneem |
Jaanda Dhandha Kushmande Pranmabhayam ||

Jagatmata Jagatkatri Jagdadhar Rupneem |
Charachareshwari Kushmande Pranambhayam ||

Trailokyasundari TWahindu Kha Shok Nivarinim |
Parmanadmayi, Kushmande Pranmabhyam ||

Devi Kushmanda Kawach

Hansarey Me Shir Patu Kushmande Bhavnashineem |
Hasalkari Netreycha, Hasraundh Lallatkam ||

Kamori Patu arvagatrey, VArahi Uttare Tatha, Purva Patu Vaishnavi Indrani Dakshine Mam |
digividyakshu Sarvatrva Kum Bijam Sarvadatu ||