Navratri Day 4: The Tale of Maa Kushmanda – The Smiling Goddess
On the fourth day of the vibrant festival of Navratri, devotees turn their worship to Maa Kushmanda, the smiling goddess whose radiant energy is said to have birthed the entire universe. Her name is divided into three simple parts: ‘Ku’ means little, ‘Ushma’ refers to warmth or a smile, and ‘Anda’ translates to egg. Together, they symbolize the "small cosmic egg" from which everything we know and don't emerge.
The Creator of the Universe
Legend says that in the beginning, when there was nothing but darkness, Maa Kushmanda lit the first spark of creation. With a warm smile and the immense power of her divine energy, she produced a small cosmic egg—our universe. From this moment of creation, life, time, and the cosmos were born, filling the void with light and existence. As it was Shakti who creative the universe and scientists have a proven theory on this.
Maa Kushmanda’s influence doesn’t stop there. It is believed that she resides in the very core of the sun, guiding it and infusing it with the power to radiate warmth and light to the entire universe. Every ray of sunlight that touches the earth, and every breath of warmth that we feel, is said to be a gift from her, as she sustains the balance of life with her boundless energy.
The First Life Forms
After creating the universe, Maa Kushmanda didn’t stop at just forming the cosmos. She used her divine powers to bring forth life itself. From her left eye, she created the fierce Goddess Mahakali. From her third eye, she gave birth to the powerful Maa Mahasaraswati. And from her right eye, she created the benevolent Maa Mahalaxmi.
These three goddesses—Mahakali, Mahasaraswati, and Mahalaxmi—were the first life forms to exist in the universe. She glanced at each of these goddesses, and from Mahakali emerged Shiva and Shakti; from Mahalaxmi came Vishnu and Laxmi; and from Mahasaraswati, Brahma and Shakti were born. These divine pairs are guarding and creating the balancing in the universe.
Once they had fulfilled their roles, Maa Kushmanda reabsorbed the three goddesses back into herself, becoming one with Shakti, the universal energy. In this form, she continues to give warmth, energy, and life to the cosmos.
The Eight-Armed Goddess of Fearlessness
Maa Kushmanda is often depicted with eight arms, each holding a symbolic item—a kamandal, bow, arrow, pot of nectar, lotus, rosary, discus, and mace. Her many arms symbolize her boundless powers, and her lion mount represents fearlessness, strength, and dominance over evil forces. It is said that those who worship her on this day of Navratri are blessed with immense courage and the ability to overcome all obstacles in life.
Praying to Maa Kushmanda on the fourth day of Navratri is believed to clear the path for her devotees, removing difficulties and challenges, and bringing warmth, happiness, and peace into their lives. She is the nurturer, the protector, and the eternal source of life’s energy, always ready to bestow her blessings on those who seek her with a pure heart.
A Goddess Who Smiles Upon Creation
Though she possesses immense power, Maa Kushmanda is often referred to as the “Smiling Goddess,” representing joy, creation, and the nurturing aspects of the universe. Her smile is said to light up the cosmos, and it is this joy and love that keeps the universe in balance. With every sunrise and every breath of life, her presence is felt, reminding us of the divine energy that sustains us all.
As we honour Maa Kushmanda on this auspicious day, we reflect on the power of creation, the energy that fuels life, and the fearlessness we need to face our challenges. Her radiant smile reminds us that even in the vastness of the universe, every life, no matter how small, is cherished and sustained by her divine grace
