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.
On the first day, devotees worshipped Goddess Shailputri, the first form of Durga. Goddess Brahmacharini was worshipped on the second day, followed by Goddess Chandraghanta on the third day. Today, devotees are performing rituals in honour of Goddess Kushmanda.
Throughout the nine days of Navaratra, devotees recite the Durga Saptashati (Chandi), Shrimad Devi Bhagawatam and other hymns dedicated to the goddess at homes and temples where she is enshrined.
According to religious belief, worshipping Goddess Durga during Navaratra brings strength, prosperity, wisdom and spiritual well-being. Followers of the Vedic Sanatan tradition observe the nine-day festival from Ashwin Shukla Pratipada to Nawami with special prayers and rituals.
The offerings made to the goddess during the nine days are traditionally distributed as prasad from Bijaya Dashami until Kojagrat Purnima. This tradition forms part of Nepal’s celebration of Bada Dashain, which extends over 15 days.
According to Hindu tradition, the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped in a prescribed sequence during Navaratra: Shailputri on the first day, Brahmacharini on the second, Chandraghanta on the third, Kushmanda on the fourth, Skandamata on the fifth, Katyayani on the sixth, Kalaratri on the seventh, Mahagauri on the eighth and Siddhidatri on the ninth. Collectively, these nine forms are known as Navadurga.
Devotees visit Shaktipeeths across the country
During Navaratra, devotees visit Shaktipeeths and temples across Nepal to offer prayers and seek blessings from Goddess Durga.
In the Kathmandu Valley, temples including Guheshwari, Jaybageshwori, Maitidevi, Kalikasthan, Naxal Bhagawati, Bhadrakali, Shobhabhagawati, Raktakali, Shwetakali, Bijeshwari, Kankeshwori, Kalankimai, Chamunda Devi, Sundarimai, Bajrayogini and Indrayani have been receiving devotees since morning.
Similarly, major temples and Shaktipeeths outside the valley, including Palanchok Bhagawati, Nala Bhagawati, Chandeshwari, Palchowk Bhagawati, Kamalamai, Ichchhakamana, Manakamana, Gadhimai, Chhinnamasta, Gahwamai, Baglung Kalika, Bindhyavasini, Tal Barahi, Shaileshwori and Ugratara, have also been attracting worshippers.
The nine days of Navaratra are among the most significant periods of religious observance during Dashain, Nepal’s major Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga.