Day 4
Goddess Kushmanda
October 14, 2026
Each night honors a different form of the goddess. Complete your mantra, wear the sacred color, and observe the fast.
Goddess Kushmanda
The fourth day belongs to Goddess Kushmanda, the creator of the universe. Her name breaks into ku (little), ushma (warmth), and anda (cosmic egg): with her gentle smile she laid the cosmic egg from which all the worlds emerged, when nothing existed but darkness. She is the source of light, health, and vitality, and her worship strengthens the body and clears long-standing illness.
A Famous Tale of the Goddess
Before creation there was only void. The Goddess entered that emptiness and smiled, and from that smile came the cosmic egg — the universe itself, with its suns, its worlds, and every living being. She is therefore called Adi Swarupa, the original form.
She is said to dwell in the solar system, radiating the light and heat that sustain all life. Her body is described as glowing like the sun itself, so bright that no other deity can look upon her directly.
Iconography & Symbolism
Goddess Kushmanda is eight-armed, sun-bright, and perpetually smiling.
The Mount (Vahana)
She rides a lion, the seat of dharma and of fearless authority over the created world.
The Eight Hands
She is also called Ashtabhuja. Her hands hold a kamandalu, bow, arrow, lotus, Sudarshan chakra, mace, and a rosary of blessings.
The Pot of Nectar
One hand carries a pot of amrit (divine nectar) and one a pot of blood — creation and destruction, held together without contradiction.
Her Radiance
Her body glows like the sun. She is the only form of Durga said to live inside the solar core.
Astrological & Chakra Connections
Ruling Planet: The Sun (Surya)
She commands the Sun, the giver of life and vitality. Her worship strengthens a weak Sun in the chart, restoring health, confidence, and standing.
Chakra Connection: Anahata (Heart Chakra)
Day 4 opens the heart center. With creation itself born of her smile, this is the day compassion is practised rather than merely felt.
How to Do the Puja
Auspicious Color of the Day
Royal Blue (Symbolizing divine energy, health, and boundless space).
Favorite Flower
Red Hibiscus, or any red flower.
Special Bhog (Offering)
Malpua. Offering malpua and then giving it in charity is believed to sharpen the intellect and improve health.
Step-by-Step Ritual:
Bathe early and wear royal blue.
Water the barley sprouts and clean the altar.
Place the image of Goddess Kushmanda and offer red hibiscus.
Offer malpua as bhog, keeping a portion aside to give away.
Chant the Kushmanda mantra 108 times facing the rising sun.
Perform the Aarti and offer water to the Sun before breaking your fast.
Sacred Mantras
Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah
(ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः)
(Chant this 108 times using a rudraksha or lotus-seed mala).
The Chant (Japa)
Surasampurnakalasham Rudhiraplutameva Cha | Dadhana Hastapadmabhyam Kushmanda Shubhadastu Me ||
“May Kushmanda, who holds in her lotus hands a pot brimming with nectar and one filled with blood, grant me all that is auspicious.”
The Dhyana Mantra (Meditation)
Next Days
Day 5
Goddess Skandamata
October 15
Represents: Supreme maternal love, infinite compassion, and divine protection.
Day 6
Goddess Katyayani
October 16
Represents: The aggressive, martial warrior spirit born specifically to battle demonic forces.
Day 7
Goddess Kalaratri
October 17
Represents: A ferocious, dark destroyer of ignorance and negativity who grants absolute fearlessness to her devotees.