Magha Gupta Navratri Kushmanda Puja 2026

Kushmanda Puja is observed on Magha Shukla Chavithi, the fourth day of Magha Gupta Navratri. Goddess Kushmanda, the fourth Navadurga form, is praised as the primordial Shakti who brought the universe into being with her gentle smile when there was only darkness.

Meaning of the name

"Ku" means a little, "ushma" means warmth or energy, and "anda" means the cosmic egg. She who created the brahmanda with a little of her radiance and a smile is Kushmanda. She is described as dwelling at the centre of the sun and giving the sun its light. Since Magha masam is famous for Surya worship, Kushmanda Puja in this Navratri has a special glow. Kushmanda also means ash gourd (boodida gummadikaya), which is why some traditions offer an ash gourd to her.

Her form

Kushmanda is Ashtabhuja Devi, the eight-armed Goddess, holding a kamandalu, bow, arrow, lotus, a pot of amrita, chakra, mace and japa mala, and riding a lion. In yogic tradition she presides over the Anahata (heart) chakra.

Puja vidhanam

• After bathing, perform shodashopachara or panchopachara puja to the kalasham and the Goddess.
• Offer yellow and red flowers and light a ghee lamp.
• Recite the dhyana shloka "Surasampurna kalasham rudhiraplutameva cha, dadhana hasta padmabhyam Kushmanda shubhadastu me".
• Chant "Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah" 108 times.
• Malpua or jaggery sweets are offered in some regions; Telugu homes often offer payasam or bobbatlu.
• Some upasakas offer an ash gourd to the Goddess and later give it in danam.

Notes for sadhakas

By the fourth day of Gupta Navratri the sadhana settles into a rhythm. Some devotees meditate on the Goddess as light in the heart and offer arghya to the rising sun on this day. Those fasting may take milk and fruit according to their capacity.

Significance

Devotees believe that worshipping Kushmanda, the source of creation, brings enthusiasm, radiance and happiness into life. Just as her smile gave rise to the world, she reminds us to keep a smile on the face and cheerfulness in the mind.

May the grace of Mother Kushmanda fill every life with light.