4th Day of the Goddess Celebration

On the fourth day of Navaratri, Devi Kushmanda is worshipped. This Goddess is also called Ashtbhuja. On this day the mind of the worshipper enters and stays in the Anahta or 4th Chakra, so one is required to meditate on the Mother one-pointedly with a steady mind. As a result the devote is said to get rid of all ailments and sorrows. Longevity, name, strength and health are said to be on the increase.

Whatever culture we live in, it is always good to be reminded to be one-pointed and keep a steady mind. The question is, what are we one-pointed on? As spiritual students, the angels ask that you be one-pointed on your spiritual life, on Truth, even if you call that an aspect of the Goddess. Ideally we are totally present and aware every moment, not just one day of the year.

What we are one-pointed on will bear fruit. Sometimes, the fruit is bitter -- when we are one-pointed on our anger or sorrow, hating other people who have harmed us, or envying those who have something we don't have, then we reap bitter fruit. So pay attention to where your mind is wandering. Notice when it wanders into the darkness and thinks dishonorable, selfish, and harmful thoughts. Notice what the mind is being one-pointed on! And bring yourself back. Bring yourself back to Center, back to heart. 

The 4th phase of the mother Durga is called Kushmanda. Ku means little, Ushma means warmth, heat, or energy, and Anda means the cosmic egg or universe; hence Kushmanda. It is said this is where the warmth of the universe emanated.

This Goddess has eight arms. She is also called as Ashtbhuja. In Her seven hands she holds a kamandalu, bow, arrow, lotus, a jar of nectar, discus, and mace respectively. In her eighth, there is a rosary capable of giving eight Siddhis and nine Nidhis. Her vehicle is a lion. Kushmanda in Sanskrit also stands for pumpkin, which she likes as an sacrificial offering, so she is also called Kushmanda. Tomorrow we shall have a look at the 5th Goddess!