Navaratri 2022 Day 4: How to perform rituals at home

New Delhi: The fourth day of Sharad Navaratri is being observed on Thursday, September 29, 2022. The fourth day is associated with Goddess Kushmanda. As per the scriptures, the goddess created the Universe from dim smile.

It is believed that worshipping goddess Kushmanda increases fame, strength and wealth, and removes diseases and grief from one’s life. The story of goddess is associated with the holy city of Kashi and King Subahu.

Also known as Ashtabhuja Devi, goddess Kushmanda has eight arms that carry kamandal, bow, arrow, lotus-flower, nectar-filled vase, chakra, mace, and rosary beads. She is shown riding a lion.

Wearing the colour green on the fourth day of the nine-day-long festival is considered auspicious as the colour is said be dear to the goddess.

Malpua is a popular offering during venerations because the desert is believed to please the goddess, who is said to bestow her blessings to devotees.

Every goddess will have a specific ritual which is expected to be followed daily, especially for people who are undergoing the Navaratri fast or are hosting prayers at home.

The auspicious timings for invoking goddess Kushmanda are as follows:

1. Brahma Muhurta : 04:37 am to 05:25 am
2. Abhijit Muhurta : 11:47 am to 12:35 pm
3. Vijay Muhurta : 02:11 pm to 02:58 pm
4. Twilight Muhurta : 05:58 pm to 06:22 pm
5. Amrit Kaal : 08:39 pm to 10:13 pm
6. Nishita Muhurta : 11:47 pm to 12:36 pm on September 30.
7. Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga : 05:13 am, 30 to 06:13 am, Sept 30.
8. Ravi Yoga : 06:13 am to 05:13 am on September 30, 2022

Here is an elaborate methodology for praying to goddess Kushmanda at home:

1. Take a bath early morning
2. Medidate and concentrate on the goddess
3. Offer Kushmanda incense, red flowers, white pottery, fruits, dry fruits
4. Offer Halwa and Yogurt to the goddess
5. Pay attention to the goddess
6. Perform aarti dedicated to the goddess towards the end of the worship

A popular recitation mantra for invoking the blessings and positivity from goddess Kushmanda is as follows:

“Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Kushmanda Rupen Sansitha.

Namastasya Namastasya Namastasya Namo Namah:”

(Avya Mathur)