Mata Kushmanda – The Cosmic Creator
Mata Kushmanda, the fourth manifestation of Navdurga, is revered as the cosmic creator who gave birth to the universe with her radiant smile. Her name, Kushmanda, is derived from three Sanskrit words: “Ku” meaning little, “Ushma” meaning warmth, and “Anda” meaning egg. This refers to her creating the cosmic egg or universe from her divine energy. Worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri, she is believed to reside at the core of the Sun, radiating energy and life throughout the universe.
Origin and Cosmic Role
After assuming the form of Siddhidatri, Goddess Parvati moved into the very center of the Sun to bestow energy and life upon the universe. From this position, she sustains the cosmic order and provides light and warmth to all living beings. Due to her extraordinary ability to live inside the Sun, she became known as Kushmanda, the Goddess of the Cosmic Egg. Her divine radiance is said to illuminate all ten directions, much like the Sun itself.
Iconography and Symbolism
Mata Kushmanda is often depicted as a radiant goddess seated on a lioness, symbolizing her strength and control over all creation. She has eight hands, which is why she is also known as Ashtabhuja Devi. Each hand carries a different object, representing her multifaceted nature and powers. In her right hands, she holds a Kamandal (water pot), Dhanush (bow), Bada (arrow), and a Kamal (lotus), while her left hands carry an Amrit Kalash (pot of nectar), a Jap Mala (rosary), a Gada (mace), and a Chakra (discus). The combination of these symbols portrays her as both the nurturer of life and the fierce protector of righteousness.
Her presence is as luminous as the Sun, and she is said to control the flow of energy that sustains life in the universe. The rosary she carries is believed to hold the power to grant Siddhis (spiritual powers) and Niddhis (material wealth).
Creation of the Universe
It is believed that Mata Kushmanda created the entire universe by merely flashing a slight smile. This creation is called Brahmanda in Sanskrit, meaning the Cosmic Egg. Her divine energy, warmth, and power brought forth life and sustained the cosmic order. Her smile is a symbol of cosmic energy, and through it, she brings balance and harmony to the world.
Navratri Worship
Mata Kushmanda is worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri, which marks a significant transition from the fierce forms of Durga to her nurturing and creative aspect. Devotees seek her blessings for prosperity, good health, and spiritual enlightenment. She is also revered for her ability to eradicate darkness and ignorance from the lives of her followers, filling their hearts with light and warmth.
Governing Planet
Mata Kushmanda is closely associated with the Sun, the source of all energy. It is believed that she provides direction and strength to the Sun, making it possible for the Sun to illuminate and energize the universe. Worshipping her is said to help alleviate the malefic effects of the Sun and bring about radiance and vitality in the life of her devotees.
Offerings and Her Favorite Flower
Goddess Kushmanda’s favorite offering is the white pumpkin or Kumhde, which is why she is often associated with the name Kushmanda. She also loves offerings of red flowers, which are presented to her during her worship.
Mantra and Prayer
To invoke her blessings, devotees chant her mantra with devotion:
ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः॥
Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah॥
Prarthana:
सुरासम्पूर्ण कलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च।
दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे॥
Surasampurna Kalasham Rudhiraplutameva Cha,
Dadhana Hastapadmabhyam Kushmanda Shubhadastu Me.
This prayer glorifies Mata Kushmanda as the one who carries a pot full of divine nectar, symbolizing immortality and prosperity, and seeks her blessings for the well-being of the devotees.
Spiritual Significance
Mata Kushmanda embodies the nurturing aspect of the universe, providing life-giving energy to all beings. Her worship is believed to bring prosperity, peace, and clarity of thought, helping devotees eliminate obstacles in life. By worshipping her, devotees receive spiritual knowledge and wisdom to navigate through the challenges of existence.
Her stuti further praises her divine form and cosmic power:
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ कूष्माण्डा रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Kushmanda Rupena Samsthita,
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah.
Dhyana (Meditation)
When meditating upon Mata Kushmanda, devotees visualize her resplendent form seated on a lioness, with a gentle smile that radiates the light of the Sun. Her eight arms carry symbols of creation, protection, and sustenance. She is adorned with a variety of jewels and wears a bright yellow or golden sari, signifying her brilliance and connection with the Sun.
वन्दे वाञ्छित कामार्थे चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
सिंहरूढ़ा अष्टभुजा कूष्माण्डा यशस्विनीम्॥
Vande Vanchhita Kamarthe Chandrardhakritashekharam,
Simharudha Ashtabhuja Kushmanda Yashasvinim.
This verse honors her as the radiant Goddess riding on a lioness, who fulfills the desires of her devotees and bestows upon them peace and happiness.
Kushmanda Stotra
The stotra of Kushmanda extols her as the remover of difficulties and the provider of abundance:
दुर्गतिनाशिनी त्वंहि दरिद्रादि विनाशनीम्।
जयंदा धनदा कूष्माण्डे प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
Durgatinashini Tvamhi Daridradi Vinashanim,
Jayamda Dhanada Kushmande Pranamamyaham.
This stotra describes Mata Kushmanda as the one who destroys poverty, sorrow, and all forms of misfortune, bestowing success, wealth, and joy upon her devotees.
Kavacha (Armor of Protection)
Reciting the Kushmanda Kavacha serves as a shield of protection for the devotees, safeguarding them from harm and guiding them towards prosperity.
हंसरै में शिर पातु कूष्माण्डे भवनाशिनीम्।
हसलकरीं नेत्रेच, हसरौश्च ललाटकम्॥
Hamsarai Mein Shira Patu Kushmande Bhavanashinim,
Hasalakarim Netrecha, Hasaraushcha Lalatakam.
This kavacha invokes her protective energy, guarding the devotee from all directions and eliminating negativity.
Conclusion
Mata Kushmanda is the divine force behind the creation and sustenance of the universe. Worshipping her brings health, wealth, and spiritual growth. Her radiant smile symbolizes the beginning of life, and her devotees are blessed with joy, strength, and wisdom. As the Goddess who shines like the Sun, she removes darkness and ignorance from the lives of her followers, guiding them toward a path of enlightenment and bliss.