Chaitra Navratri Kushmanda Puja 2026

Kushmanda Puja falls on Chaitra Shukla Chavithi, the fourth day of Chaitra Navratri, when Goddess Kushmanda — the fourth Navadurga — is worshipped. She is revered as the primordial Shakti who created the universe with her smile, and in spring, as nature renews itself, this is a day to honour the power of creation.

Meaning of the Name

"Ku" means a little, "ushma" means warmth or energy, and "anda" means the cosmic egg. Devotees say that when all was darkness before creation, the universe of light and warmth arose from her gentle smile. She alone can dwell within the sun, so her body glows with solar radiance. Kushmanda also means ash gourd (boodida gummadikaya), and some traditions hold it dear to her. With eight arms she is also called Ashtabhuja Devi, and she rides a lion.

Surasampurna kalasham rudhiraplutameva cha | Dadhana hastapadmabhyam kushmanda shubhadastu me ||

Puja Vidhanam

• Bathe at dawn, offer salutations to Surya, and then begin the Goddess's puja.
• Offer turmeric, kumkuma and red or yellow flowers to the kalasham and the Goddess.
• Chant "Om Devi Kushmandayai Namaha" 108 times.
• In some traditions a sweet like malpua is offered; Telugu homes may offer bellam payasam or bobbatlu.
• Some families place an ash gourd marked with turmeric and kumkuma before the Goddess.
• Recite a Devi stotram, offer harathi and pray for good health.

Chavithi in Vasanta Navratri

Chaitra Navratri is best known in North India as Navadurga worship; in the Telugu states these days are kept as Vasanta Navaratrulu and Sri Rama Navaratrulu. Since it is Chavithi, some first offer special salutations to Vighneshwara before the Goddess's puja. Those fasting should drink enough water and buttermilk in the summer heat.

Blessings

Yogic tradition links this day to the Anahata chakra. Devotees believe Kushmanda increases enthusiasm, radiance and inner strength, and brings joy to the home. As we worship the Mother who created the world with a smile, speaking to others with a smile and kindness is the best offering of the day.

May Mother Kushmanda, the creatrix, fill our lives with light and joy.