4. Kushmanda

Dhyana Mantra

सुरासम्पूर्णकलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च। दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे॥

May Kushmanda Devi, who holds a pot filled with nectar and one moistened with blood in her lotus hands, be auspicious to me.

The fourth form of Mother Durga is named Kushmanda. Because she produced the egg (anda), that is the universe (brahmanda), by her soft, gentle smile, she was given the name Devi Kushmanda. When creation did not exist and darkness alone spread on every side, then this Devi created the universe with her slight (ishat) laughter. Therefore she is the primal form and the primal power of creation. Before her the universe had no existence at all.

Her abode is in the world within the solar system. Only she has the capacity and the power to dwell in the sun-loka. The lustre and radiance of her body are as dazzling and shining as the sun itself. Her brilliance can be compared only to herself. No other god or goddess can equal her brilliance and influence. The ten directions are illuminated by her light. The brilliance present in all objects and beings of the universe is her shadow.

She has eight arms; therefore she is also known as Ashtabhuja Devi. In her seven hands are, in order, the kamandalu, bow, arrow, lotus flower, a pitcher full of nectar, the chakra and the mace. In the eighth hand is the rosary that grants all siddhis and treasures. Her mount is the lion. In Sanskrit, kushmanda means pumpkin. Of offerings, the sacrifice of a pumpkin is most dear to her. For this reason too she is called Kushmanda.

On the fourth day of Navaratri worship it is Devi Kushmanda's form alone that is worshipped. On this day the seeker's mind is established in the 'Anahata' chakra. So on this day he should engage in the work of puja with a very pure and steady mind, keeping Devi Kushmanda's form in meditation. By Mother Kushmanda's worship all the devotees' diseases and sorrows are destroyed. By her devotion life-span, fame, strength and health increase. Mother Kushmanda is pleased even with very little service and devotion. If a person takes refuge in her with a true heart, then he can attain the supreme abode with great ease.

We should, according to the rules described in the scriptures and puranas, advance day and night on the path of Mother Durga's worship and devotion. With just a few steps forward on the Mother's path of devotion, the devotee and seeker begins to feel a subtle experience of her grace. This sorrow-filled world becomes very pleasant and easy for him. The Mother's worship is the easiest and most beneficial path to carry a person across the ocean of worldly existence. Mother Kushmanda's worship frees a person completely from mental and physical ailments and leads him toward happiness, prosperity and progress. Therefore those who desire their worldly and other-worldly advancement should always be ready in her worship.