Chaitra Navratri, a joyful nine-day maa durga festival, is in full swing. It occurs in the month of ‘Chaitra’, which is the beginning month in the Hindu calendar, typically falling between March and April in the Gregorian calendar. The term “Navratri” translates to “nine nights” in Sanskrit.
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This year, the festival commenced on April 9th and will culminate with Ram Navami on April 17th. During these nine days, devotees celebrate by worshiping the nine different avatars of Goddess Durga.
On the fourth day of Chaitra Navratri, devotees honor Goddess Kushmanda. Let’s delve into the significance and rituals of this auspicious day.
Who is Goddess maa Kushmanda?
Goddess Kushmanda, the fourth incarnation of Goddess Durga, is revered on the fourth day of Chaitra Navratri. Her name originates from Sanskrit, with “Ku” meaning “a little,” “Ushma” meaning “warmth,” and “Anda” meaning “cosmic egg.” According to Hindu mythology, Maa Kushmanda is believed to have created the universe by emanating a small cosmic egg from which the entire cosmos emerged. Often depicted with eight arms holding various symbols of power and weapons, she radiates a divine aura symbolizing positivity and illumination. Devotees seek her blessings for joy, well-being, and abundance in life.
Chaitra Navratri 2024 Day 4: Date and Auspicious Timings
The fourth day of Chaitra Navratri falls on Friday, April 12th. According to Drik Panchang, here are the auspicious timings for observing the occasion:
- The Chaturthi Tithi begins at 1:11 pm.
- Moonrise occurs at 09:07 pm.
- Vijaya Muhurat lasts from 2:26 pm to 5:15 pm.
- Ravi Yoga begins at 12:51 am on April 13th and ends at 6:14 am on April 13th.
Chaitra Navratri 2024 Day 4 Color
The color associated with the fourth day of Chaitra Navratri is green, symbolizing nature and evoking feelings of growth, fertility, peace, and serenity. Wearing green on this day is believed to attract tranquility and blessings from Goddess Kushmanda. Green also signifies new beginnings, making it an auspicious choice for this day of the festival.
Puja Rituals
To honor Maa Kushmanda during Chaitra Navratri, you can start by paying homage to Lord Ganesha and seeking strength to observe the Navratri vrat (fast) with utmost devotion. Offerings such as sindoor, mehendi, kajal, bindi, bangles, toe rings, combs, alta, mirrors, anklets, perfume, earrings, nose pins, necklaces, red chunri, mahavar, and hairpins are traditionally presented to the idol of Maa Kushmanda. Prasad such as malpuas, halwa, or curd can be prepared and later offered to the priests at a Durga temple as a gesture of reverence.
Chaitra Navratri Day 4: Puja Mantra, Prathana, Stuti and Stotra
1) Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah॥
2) Surasampurna Kalasham Rudhiraplutameva Cha।
Dadhana Hastapadmabhyam Kushmanda Shubhadastu Me॥
3) Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Kushmanda Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥
4) Durgatinashini Tvamhi Daridradi Vinashanim।
Jayamda Dhanada Kushmande Pranamamyaham॥
Jagatamata Jagatakatri Jagadadhara Rupanim।
Charachareshwari Kushmande Pranamamyaham॥
Trailokyasundari Tvamhi Duhkha Shoka Nivarinim।
Paramanandamayi, Kushmande Pranamamyaham॥
