Thu Sep 25 01:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Fourth Day of Navratri Dedicated to Goddess Kushmanda: Avoid This One Mistake!
**New Delhi, October 2, 2025** – The auspicious festival of Shardiya Navratri continues, with devotees across the nation paying homage to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Today marks the fourth day, dedicated to Maa Kushmanda, the fourth manifestation of the Goddess.
Worshipping Maa Kushmanda on this day is believed to bestow blessings of happiness, prosperity, strength, and wisdom. It is also said to eradicate diseases, sorrows, and suffering from a devotee’s life. Maa Kushmanda is revered for her ability to grant boons and offer protection to her devotees.
According to the Devi Bhagwat Purana, Maa Kushmanda is depicted with eight arms, holding a kamandal, bow, arrow, lotus flower, nectar-filled pot, chakra, mace, and prayer beads. She rides on a lion, symbolizing strength, prosperity, and peace. She is also believed to be the creator of the universe when nothing existed, residing within the solar system, and radiating divine light like the sun. She is considered the Adishakti, the primal source of energy.
It is believed that Maa Kushmanda protects the child in the womb and continues to care for newborns. She is associated with fertility and the creation of life, and is invoked for the successful completion of endeavors.
**A Word of Caution for Devotees:**
While Maa Kushmanda is easily pleased by sincere devotion, devotees, especially women observing the fast, are advised to avoid a specific action today: **Do not cut a whole pumpkin (kaddoo) with a knife.**
Pumpkins, along with other round fruits like papaya, gourds, coconuts, melons, and fruits locally known as “bhatua” (used to make the sweet “petha”), are considered symbolic of the womb and are believed to be inhabited by Maa Kushmanda. Tradition dictates that a woman should not “destroy a womb” with her own hands, especially during this sacred time.
Instead, these fruits can be cut by an unmarried girl or a male member of the household. Alternatively, one can ask the shopkeeper to make an initial cut or purchase pre-cut pieces. Many also advise avoiding eating these fruits and vegetables on this particular day.
By following these guidelines, devotees can ensure a complete and auspicious observance of Maa Kushmanda’s Puja and receive her divine blessings.
First Piper 