Sun Oct 06 08:37:18 UTC 2024: ## Navratri 2024: Day 4 Celebrates Maa Kushmanda, the Goddess of Creation
**New Delhi, India** – The fourth day of Navratri 2024, celebrated on October 6th, is dedicated to the worship of Maa Kushmanda, the fourth avatar of Goddess Durga. Known as the creator of the universe, Maa Kushmanda is believed to have brought light and energy to the world with her divine smile when the universe was a void.
According to Hindu mythology, Maa Kushmanda resides in the core of the sun and her powers are said to sustain the star. She is depicted with eight arms, holding a lotus, arrow, mace, nectar jar, rosemary, and discus, and is often seen riding a tiger.
Devotees are encouraged to wear orange, the color associated with Maa Kushmanda, as it symbolizes positivity, warmth, and vibrancy. The auspicious Brahma Muhurta for the day falls between 4:39 AM and 5:28 AM, and devotees are advised to rise early, bathe, and wear yellow clothes for the puja.
The puja offerings should include vermillion, sacred thread, sandalwood paste, and rice. Malpua, a sweet pancake, is traditionally offered as bhog to Maa Kushmanda for financial prosperity.
“Worshipping Maa Kushmanda brings harmony to life by ending all pains and sorrows,” explained a local priest. “She blesses devotees with good health and vitality.”
The nine-day festival of Navratri, which celebrates the victory of good over evil, concludes on October 12th. Each day is dedicated to a different avatar of Goddess Durga, with specific colors, rituals, and offerings associated with each form.
First Piper 