New Delhi: Navaratri is a festival celebrated in the honour of Goddess Durga. Navratri is a Sanskrit word which means 'nine nights'. Though there are four Navaratris in a year, big celebrations are observed for two of them--first in the month of Chaitra (Chaitra Navaratri), and again in the month of Ashvin (Sharad/Shardiya Navratri).
Sharad Navaratri occurs at the onset of the autumn season, whereas Chaitra Navaratri occurs in the spring. The religious traditions of both--Sharad Navaratri and are Chaitra Navratri--are the same.
This time Sharad Navaratri begins on October 15 and will last till October 23. The nine-day celebrations are devoted to honouring Goddess Durga in her nine forms and all of them have different significance.
These nine forms are:
1. Shailaputri
2. Brahmacharini
3. Chandraghanta
4. Kushmanda
5. Skandamata
6. Katyayini
7. Kaalratri
8. Mahagauri
9. Siddhidatri
Dynamite News brings you the significance of these nine incarnations of Goddess Durga on the day they are worshipped.
Fourth Navaratri October 18 Wednesday: Kushmanda
The fourth day is dedicated to the Goddess Kushmanda. Kushmanda is credited with creating the world with her divine smile. Followers believe her to be the fourth aspect in Navadurga forms of Mahadevi.
Her name signals her main role: Ku means "a little", Ushma means "warmth" or "energy" and Anda means "cosmic egg".
Maa Kushmanda is worshipped with red colour flowers. It is believed that the God Sun is governed by Maa Kushmanda as she provides energy and direction to him. Kushmanda is also believed to live inside the sun as her glow is as bright as that of the sun.
