Navaratri Day 4: Devotees worship goddess Kushmanda across Nepal
Ancient texts describe her as bearing a pot filled with nectar and blood, symbolizing power and creation.
KATHMANDU: On the fourth day of Navaratri, also known as Ashwin Shukla Chaturthi, devotees across Nepal are observing rituals dedicated to Goddess Kushmanda, the fourth form of Nava Durga.
According to scriptures, “Kushma” refers to the three forms of suffering – spiritual, physical, and divine – while “Anda” symbolizes the cosmic egg. Goddess Kushmanda is revered as the one who dispels these threefold miseries of her devotees.
Ancient texts describe her as bearing a pot filled with nectar and blood, symbolizing power and creation.
The Durga Saptashati (Chandi) refers to her as the mother who resides within the cosmic womb, sustaining the universe with her divine energy. Worship of Kushmanda is believed to bestow strength, wealth, and wisdom.
This year, Navaratri began on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada with Ghatasthapana on Ashoj 6.
Since then, devotees have been offering prayers each day to the nine forms of Durga – starting with Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, and Chandraghanta. Today, prayers are dedicated to Kushmanda, followed by Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri in the coming days.
Throughout Navaratri, devotees recite sacred texts such as the Durga Saptashati, Devi Bhagavatam, and various hymns in honor of the goddess.
Offerings and rituals continue until Vijayadashami, after which the festival extends until Kojagrat Purnima, making Dashain a 15-day-long celebration in Nepal.
Major Shakti Peeths across the country, including Guhyeshwari, Jayabageshwari, Maitidevi, Kalikasthan, Naxal Bhagawati, Shobha Bhagawati, Bhadrakali, Bijeshwari, and Indrayani in Kathmandu Valley, witnessed large gatherings of devotees today.
Similarly, outside the valley, temples such as Palanchok Bhagawati, Chandeshwari, Manakamana, Baglung Kalika, Vindhyavasini, and Tal Barahi are also thronged with worshippers.
Navaratri, the most significant period of Goddess Durga’s worship, continues to draw thousands of devotees across Nepal, reaffirming faith in the divine power of the mother goddess to protect, empower, and bless her devotees.
