Fourth day of Navaratra: Kushmanda Devi worshipped

KATHMANDU: Goddess Kushmanda, the fourth of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, is being worshipped with religious devotion on the fourth day of Navaratra at homes, Dashain Ghars and puja rooms across the country.

According to Hindu religious traditions, Kushmanda Devi is worshipped on the fourth day of Navaratra during the bright fortnight of Ashwin. The goddess is believed to relieve devotees of the three types of suffering: spiritual, physical or mental, and divine.

The name Kushmanda is associated with the goddess’s power to remove these three forms of suffering from those who seek refuge in her. According to Hindu scriptures, the goddess is depicted with multiple hands holding various objects and symbols of divine power.

The Durga Kavach, associated with the Durga Saptashati (Chandi), describes Kushmanda as the goddess who encompasses the universe afflicted by the three forms of suffering within her cosmic form.

The Navratra rituals began on Sunday with Ghatasthapana, the ceremonial installation of a sacred vessel, according to Vedic traditions. Barley seeds were also sown to grow jamara (sacred shoots), which is later offered as a blessing during Dashain.