Day 4 of Navratri
Kushmanda
कूष्माण्डा
Creator of the cosmic egg (ku-ushma-anda)
Color
Yellow
Planet
Sun
Mount
Lioness
Chakra
Anāhata (heart)
Sacred story
Before creation existed, with her gentle laughter (manda-hasya) she created the universe — the cosmic egg (anda). Resides in the inner core of the Sun, the only one who can withstand its heat. She is the Adi-Shakti, the original creative force.
Iconography
Eight-armed, mounted on a lioness, radiant solar complexion. Seven hands hold weapons & lotus & mala; the eighth holds an amrit-kalash (pot of nectar). Eternal smile.
Weapons & mudras
- • Kamandalu, dhanush, baan, kamal (lotus), japa mala, gada, chakra, amrit-kalash (8 hands)
Daily mantra
ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः
Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah
Beej mantra (advanced)
ह्रीं ऐं कूष्माण्डायै नमः
Recite 108× on Day 4 of Navratri. Best at Day 4 of Navratri (Chaturthi). Midday Sun-position best..
Prasad / bhog
Malpua
मालपुआ
Sacred flower
Jasmine
Blessing & what she grants
Health (her amrit-kalash heals), wealth, fame, strength, removal of all disease. Brightens the Sun in your horoscope.
Best-suited for these devotees
Avoid today (per tradition)
- • Disrespect mother or wife today
- • Skip the noon meal
Want a Day-4 Kushmanda puja done at a temple?
A pandit can perform the full Kushmanda sadhana for you with the right muhurat — color, mantra, prasad, flower offered exactly as Devi Mahatmya prescribes.