On the fourth day of Navratri, the Mother Divine is worshipped in the form of Kushmanda Devi. She is the fourth Navadurga.
Form of the Devi
Devi Kushmanda is known as ashtabhuja, the one with eight hands. She holds a stoup (kamandul), bow, arrow, a jar of nectar, discus, mace, rosary and lotus. She radiates a golden light as this form of the Devi resides in the sun’s core, thus sustaining Surya Lok. Sitting on a tiger, Devi Kushmanda denotes dharma and justice.
She holds a rosary in one hand, blessing her devotees with with ashtasiddhis (the eight supernatural powers as elaborated in ancient yoga) and navniddhis (nine different types of wealth).
What Kushmanda Represents
It is believed that there was darkness everywhere when the universe did not exist. Devi Kushmanda smiled and the light of her smile created the universe. Residing in the core of the sun, Kushmanda Devi provides energy to the sun, the provider of light and energy to the entire world. Since she created the universe, she is also called Jagat Janani.
Legend Behind Why the Devi Took the Form of Kushmanda
It is believed that the supreme goddess of power or Adi Parashakti appeared in the form of Siddhidatri, emerging from the left side of Lord Shiva’s body. After taking this form, Goddess Parvati resided inside the core of the sun and was known as Kushmanda Devi.
The name Kushmanda is made of three words. ‘Ku’ (little), ushma (warmth, energy) and anda (egg). Kushmanda also refers to a ball of energy. Interestingly, the pumpkin is also called Kushmanda.
Spiritual Significance of Kushmanda
What does Kushmanda really mean? Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar explains:
A pumpkin is round. It refers to your prana (subtle life force energy) which is total; complete like a sphere.
It used to be a traditional custom in India that only Brahmins would eat the pumpkin. A pumpkin is supposed to enhance one’s prana, one’s intelligence and energy. A pumpkin is said to have the unique property of absorbing prana and also radiating prana. It is one of the most pranic vegetables on the planet. Just like the leaves of the Ashwath tree generates oxygen for 24 hours daily, in the same way, the pumpkin absorbs and radiates energy.
This entire creation – both the manifest and the unmanifest – is like a huge round ball or pumpkin. You have all kinds of diversity here, from the smallest to the largest.
There is another perspective if one looks at the literal breakdown of the word, Kushmanda. Energy pervades this entire universe from the smallest to the largest. From small, it becomes big, and vice versa. From the small seed, it becomes a huge fruit, and from the huge fruit, it comes back into the seed.
Our energy has this unique quality of being smaller than the smallest, and larger than the largest. Kushmanda means the Mother Divine manifests as prana, as the energy within us.
Just sit and think of yourself as a pumpkin for just five seconds. The meaning here is to elevate yourself to the Supreme Intelligence which is the Mother Divine herself. Like a pumpkin, you too should feel the abundance and fullness in your life, and see every particle in creation alive with prana. Seeing that awakened intelligence manifest and pervading everywhere in creation is the meaning of Kushmanda.
To chant Devi Kavacham click here.
