Goddess Kushmanda Matha
The fourth form of Goddess Durga Matha is Kushmanda who is worshipped on the fourth day of Dussera Navrathri festival. Goddess Durga was named as Kushmanda after she created the universe with a smile. Deity Kushmanda Matha is the source of perpetual power with eight hands holding the bow, an arrow, a lotus, a pot, holy urn a disc and a club with a string of rosary holding in her eighth hand. Kushmanda Matha rides on a tiger.
Goddess Kushmanda Matha is considered as the creator of the universe since the universe was full of darkness, until her light spreads in all directions like sun’s rays so she was named as Adi Swarup Matha. She created the Universe as a little Cosmic Egg and every one receives the light of Kushmanda Matha’s Divine Smile. She is also called Krishnamanda. Kushmanda Matha is capable to stay in between huge fire and light with her body bright like sun. Goddess Kushmanda Matha can be compared with her only. With the worship of goddess Kushmanda Matha, all the diseases and sorrows are destroyed.
According to the Puranas Kushmanda Matha likes pumpkin as a sacrifice so the vegetable pumpkin is termed as `Kushmandam and the goddess is named as Kushmanda. Goddess Kushmanda is pacified with the slightest of devotion and if any one whole-heartedly worships the deity he will certainly be blessed. The solar system is the residence of Deity Kushmanda Matha who has the power and strength to live on Suryalok. Kushmanda Matha combines the aspects of all Durga, Saraswati and Lakshmi deities as she creates the Universe inside and outward.
On the fourth day of Navratri Kushmanda Matha Pooja has very importance which increases one’s health and strength were yogis and Sadhaks or other dedicated devotees keep their mind in Anahata Chakra. Kushmanda Matha represents Anahata Chakra in spiritual practice. Worship of Kushmanda Matha brings light into darkness and ignorance, gives true knowledge.