Chaitra Navratri 2024: Fourth Day Significance and Puja Timings for Goddess Kushmanda
Chaitra Navratri, a significant Hindu festival, commenced on April 9th and will continue until April 17th, marking nine auspicious days of worshiping various forms of Goddess Durga. Today, on the fourth day of Navratri, devotees honor Maa Kushmanda, one of the divine manifestations of Goddess Durga.
Chaitra Navratri, a significant Hindu festival, commenced on April 9th and will continue until April 17th, marking nine auspicious days of worshiping various forms of Goddess Durga. Today, on the fourth day of Navratri, devotees honor Maa Kushmanda, one of the divine manifestations of Goddess Durga.
Significance of Maa Kushmanda
Maa Kushmanda is revered for her association with Saubhagya Yoga, an auspicious celestial alignment believed to enhance prosperity and fortune. According to Dr. Mrityunjay Tiwari, Head of the Astrology Department at Shri Kallaji Vedic Vishvavidyalaya, worshiping Maa Kushmanda during Saubhagya Yoga amplifies the auspiciousness of the occasion.
Auspicious Timing and Nakshatras
Today, the Saubhagya Yoga and Rohini Nakshatra, both considered propitious, grace the celestial sphere. Dr. Tiwari advises performing important rituals and endeavors during these favorable cosmic alignments.
- Chara-Samanya Muhurta: 05:59 AM to 07:34 AM
- Labh-Unnati Muhurta: 07:34 AM to 09:10 AM
- Amrit-Sarvottam Muhurta: 09:10 AM to 10:46 AM
- Shubh Uttam Muhurta: 12:22 PM to 01:58 PM
- Brahma Muhurta: 04:29 AM to 05:14 AM
- Abhijit Muhurat: 11:56 AM to 12:48 PM
- Ravi Yoga: From late tonight at 12:51 AM until 05:58 AM tomorrow
Rituals for Worshiping Maa Kushmanda
Devotees observing Chaitra Navratri dedicate the fourth day to worshiping Maa Kushmanda with reverence and devotion. Here's a guide to performing the puja:
- Preparation: After bathing and wearing clean clothes, gather puja essentials.
- Offerings: Pour water on Maa Kushmanda's idol and present offerings like akshat, vermilion, fruits, flowers, incense sticks, lamp, etc.
- Chanting Mantras: Recite mantras dedicated to Maa Kushmanda to invoke her blessings and grace.
- Aarti: Conclude the puja by performing aarti, expressing gratitude and devotion to the divine goddess.
Maa Kushmanda symbolizes vitality and sustenance, as she embodies the energy and direction of the Sun. Her worship during Chaitra Navratri invokes strength, prosperity, and divine blessings for devotees.