Devi Navratri Kushmanda Puja 2026

Kushmanda Puja falls on Ashwayuja Shukla Chavithi, the fourth day of Dasara Sharannavaratri. Goddess Kushmanda, the fourth Navadurga form, is praised as the primordial Shakti who created the universe with her gentle smile. She represents creation, radiance and joyful energy.

The Mother who created the universe

Devi tradition says that when all was darkness before creation, light arose from the Goddess's smile and the cosmos took shape. Kushmanda combines "ku" (a little), "ushma" (warmth, energy) and "anda" (the cosmic egg). She is described as dwelling within the sun and lending it its brilliance. She is Ashtabhuja Devi, eight-armed, holding a kamandalu, bow and arrows, lotus, a pot of amrita, chakra, mace and japa mala, and riding a lion.

The ash gourd connection

Kushmanda also means ash gourd (boodida gummadikaya), and in some traditions an ash gourd is offered to the Goddess on this day. In the Telugu states, breaking an ash gourd to ward off drishti for homes, vehicles and shops is a widespread Dasara custom, especially on Ayudha Puja day. That link between the gourd and Shakti worship is right there in Kushmanda's name.

Puja steps

• After the morning bath, worship the kalasham and akhanda deepam, and decorate Kushmanda's picture with turmeric and kumkum.
• Offer yellow flowers such as chamanthi and banti (marigold).
• Recite the dhyana shloka "Surasampurna kalasham rudhiraplutameva cha, dadhana hasta padmabhyam Kushmanda shubhadastu me".
• Chant "Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah" 108 times; offering salutations to the rising sun is also good.
• Malpua is a well-known naivedyam in some regions; Telugu homes offer bobbatlu, payasam or a sweet gummadikaya dish.
• In the evening, do deeparadhana and finish with Lalitha Sahasranamam parayanam and harathi.

Observances

Those fasting may take milk and fruit during the day and a sattvic meal in the evening. As Navratri approaches its midpoint, keep up your niyamam as far as your strength allows.

Significance

Devotees believe Kushmanda's worship brings enthusiasm, radiance and family wellbeing. The Mother who built the universe with a smile is believed to fill our lives with happiness too.

May Mother Kushmanda's smile fill your home with light.