Navratri Day 4 is 14 Oct 2026 (Wednesday). On this day we worship Maa Kushmanda - the one who created the universe with her gentle smile. This page gives her story from scripture, her form, how to do the puja at home, her mantra and the traditional offering, in simple English.
Day 4: Maa Kushmanda
कूष्माण्डा
14 Oct 2026, Wednesday. The one who created the universe with her gentle smile.
| Navratri day | Day 4 of 9 |
| Date | 14 Oct 2026, Wednesday |
| Goddess | Maa Kushmanda (कूष्माण्डा) |
| Meaning | The one who created the universe with her gentle smile |
| Traditional offering (bhog) | Malpua |
| Mantra | Om Devī Kūṣmāṇḍāyai Namaḥ |
| Scriptural source | Devi Kavacham, Durga Saptashati |
Who is Maa Kushmanda?
The Navadurga tradition says that before creation, there was only darkness everywhere. When Maa Kushmanda smiled, a small amount of warmth and light appeared, and the universe came into being from that smile. The name Kushmanda comes from Ku (small or little), Ushma (warmth or energy) and Anda (cosmic egg). She is also called Ashtabhuja Devi because she has eight arms. She resides at the centre of the Sun and gives it its light and energy. This is taught in the Navadurga tradition. Her worship gives her devotees health, vitality and happiness.
Her form
She has eight arms and therefore is called Ashtabhuja. She rides a lion. In her hands she holds a kamandalu (water pot), bow, arrow, lotus, a pot of amrit (nectar), a discus (chakra), a gada (mace) and a japa mala (rosary). She glows with the light of the Sun.
Puja at home
Offer malpua (a sweet fried pancake) to Maa Kushmanda. Start the day by offering water to the rising Sun (Surya Arghya) and chanting her mantra facing east. Pray for good health, energy and the strength to carry out your responsibilities in life. This day is a good time to do an act of service or charity.
Traditional offering (bhog): Malpua. Offerings follow family and regional tradition; offer with love whatever you have.
Mantra
Scriptural source: Devi Kavacham names her as the fourth Navadurga. The story of her creation of the universe through her smile and her residence at the centre of the Sun come from the Navadurga tradition. She is also called Ashtabhuja from the eight arms described in the dhyana shlokas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kushmanda mean?
Ku means small or a little. Ushma means warmth or heat. Anda means egg or the universe. Together they describe the Goddess who brought the universe into being with a small amount of the warmth of her divine smile. This etymology comes from the Navadurga tradition.
Why is Malpua offered to Kushmanda?
The bhog for each Navadurga comes from tradition and the regional customs associated with each goddess. Malpua is a sweet, warm offering that matches the warmth and light associated with Kushmanda.
Why does she have eight arms?
The eight arms represent her mastery over all eight directions of the universe, which she created. She is therefore also called Ashtabhuja Devi (the eight-armed Goddess).
Can elderly people or those with health problems keep the Navratri fast?
Yes. Our tradition has always allowed a lighter phalahar fast (fruits, milk and sattvik foods) for the elderly, the unwell and pregnant women. The Devi Bhagavata Purana says the Goddess values sincere devotion above physical austerity. If you have diabetes, blood pressure or take regular medicines, please speak to your doctor before keeping a strict fast. Devotion of the heart is what reaches the Goddess.
What foods are avoided during the Navratri vrat?
The vrat tradition, as observed across India, avoids wheat, rice, lentils, onion, garlic, non-vegetarian food and regular table salt. Allowed foods include fruits, milk, paneer, ghee, sendha namak (rock salt), kuttu (buckwheat) flour, singhara (water chestnut) flour, rajgira (amaranth) flour, sabudana, potatoes and all fresh fruits and nuts.
Do I need a pandit to do Navratri puja at home?
No. The Navratri puja at home can be done simply and sincerely by any member of the family. Light a lamp, offer flowers and bhog, chant the Goddess's mantra or read from the Durga Saptashati, and do the aarti. The Devi Bhagavata Purana says the Goddess herself comes to homes where she is invited with a pure heart.
Navratri 2026 series
- Navratri 2026: complete guide and dates
- Ghatasthapana: kalash sthapana at home
- Day 1 (Orange): Maa Shailaputri
- Day 2 (White): Maa Brahmacharini
- Day 3 (Red): Maa Chandraghanta
- Day 4 (Royal Blue): Maa Kushmanda
- Day 5 (Yellow): Maa Skandamata
- Day 6 (Green): Maa Katyayani
- Day 7 (Grey): Maa Kalaratri
- Day 8 (Purple): Maa Mahagauri
- Day 9 (Peacock Green): Maa Siddhidatri
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Jai Mata Di. Navratri Day 4: Maa Kushmanda. Sharad Navratri 2026.