Sun Oct 06 08:11:36 UTC 2024: ## Goddess Kushmanda Honored on Day 4 of Navratri 2024

**New Delhi, India** – Devotees across India are celebrating the fourth day of Navratri, a nine-day festival honoring Goddess Durga and her nine avatars, known as NavaDurga. Today, October 6th, marks the worship of Maa Kushmanda, the fourth avatar, who is believed to be the creator of the universe.

According to Hindu mythology, Maa Kushmanda brought light and energy to the void that existed before the universe. Her divine smile is said to have created the world (Brahmanda), hence her name, which combines “Ku” (small), “ushma” (energy/warmth), and “anda” (cosmic egg). Maa Kushmanda, also known as Ashtabhuja, is depicted with eight arms holding various symbols, including a lotus, arrow, mace, nectar jar, rosemary, and discus. She sits atop a tiger and is associated with the planet Mercury.

Worshipping Maa Kushmanda is believed to bring good health, vitality, and harmony, ending pain and sorrow. Devotees are encouraged to rise early during Brahma Muhurta (4:39 AM to 5:28 AM) and take a bath before worshipping. Wearing yellow clothes and offering Malpua as bhog (offering) is considered auspicious.

The color orange is associated with Maa Kushmanda, representing positivity, warmth, and vibrancy. Many choose to wear orange clothing on this day.

Navratri, which began on October 2nd, will conclude on October 12th, with each day dedicated to a different avatar of Navdurga. The auspicious Muhurats for the day are Brahma Muhurat (4:39 AM to 5:28 AM), Abhijit Muhurat (11:45 AM to 12:32 PM), and Vijaya Muhurta (2:06 PM to 2:53 PM).

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