The fourth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Kushmanda, the fourth form of Goddess Durga. It is believed that worshipping Maa Kushmanda with devotion removes sorrow, diseases and troubles, while bringing prosperity and wealth.
According to Hindu scriptures, Maa Kushmanda resides in the core of the Sun. Her divine light is said to illuminate all directions. Maa Kushmanda is depicted with eight arms, which is why she is also known as Ashtabhuja Devi. She holds a kamandal, bow, arrow, lotus flower, a pot filled with nectar, discus, mace, and rosary in her hands. Her divine mount is a lion.
On the fourth day of Navratri, devotees should wake up early, bathe and wear clean clothes. After meditating on Maa Kushmanda, offer her incense, sandalwood paste, akshat (rice), red flowers, fruits and sweets. It is believed that Maa Kushmanda loves malpua as her favourite offering. She also accepts curd and halwa. Red flowers like hibiscus, red lotus and marigold are considered most dear to her.
