Temples across India will be filled with devotion on Wednesday, 14 October, as devotees celebrate the fourth day of Navratri by worshipping Maa Kushmanda, the fourth manifestation of Goddess Durga. Royal blue is the colour associated with the day, symbolising richness, calmness and positive energy.
Observed on Chaturthi, the day honours the goddess believed to have brought the universe into existence with her gentle smile. After worshipping Maa Chandraghanta on the third day, devotees turn to Maa Kushmanda before preparing to welcome Maa Skandamata on Day 5. Each form of Goddess Durga represents a distinct aspect of the spiritual journey celebrated during the nine nights of Navratri.
Maa Kushmanda: The Goddess Who Created The Universe With Her SmileThe name Kushmanda is derived from three Sanskrit words: ku, meaning little; ushma, meaning warmth; and anda, meaning cosmic egg. According to Hindu mythology, when darkness enveloped the universe, Maa Kushmanda created the cosmos through her radiant smile, bringing light and life into existence.
She is believed to reside within the Sun, providing the energy and vitality that sustain the universe. Devotees worship her for good health, strength, prosperity and positive energy. She is also associated with the Anahata, or heart chakra, which represents love, compassion and emotional balance.
Maa Kushmanda is traditionally depicted with eight arms and is therefore also known as Ashtabhuja Devi. She rides a lion and carries several divine objects, including a lotus, bow, arrow, discus, mace, water pot, pot of nectar and rosary. Her form represents courage, wisdom, abundance and spiritual power.
Royal Blue: The Colour Of Navratri Day 4Every day of Navratri is associated with a specific colour, and royal blue is widely listed for Wednesday, 14 October, 2026. The rich shade represents tranquillity, elegance and abundance, making it an important part of the day's festive observances.
Devotees often wear royal blue outfits while performing puja at home or visiting temples. Many also incorporate the colour into their prayer arrangements and festive decorations to mark the occasion.
However, Navratri colour traditions can vary across regions and calendars. Some traditions assign colours according to the weekday on which Navratri begins, so devotees may follow the colour sequence observed in their local community.
Navratri Day 4 Puja Vidhi: How To Worship Maa KushmandaThe Chaturthi tithi begins at 11:28 pm on 13 October and ends at 1:13 am on 15 October, although exact timings may vary by location. Most devotees perform their daily Navratri puja in the morning, following their family traditions and the locally observed auspicious timings.
Here is a simple step-by-step guide to worshipping Maa Kushmanda on the fourth day of Navratri:
Take a bath and prepare for puja: Wake up early, bathe and wear clean clothes, preferably in royal blue, the colour associated with the day.
Clean the puja area: Arrange the idol or picture of Maa Kushmanda and keep the space clean. Offer prayers to the kalash installed on the first day of Navratri.
Light a diya: Begin the worship by lighting a diya and offering your prayers to the goddess with devotion.
Offer flowers and bhog: Present fresh flowers, fruits and traditional offerings. Malpua is commonly associated with Maa Kushmanda's bhog on the fourth day.
Chant the goddess's mantra: Recite the mantra dedicated to Maa Kushmanda while meditating on her divine form.
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Kushmanda Rupena Samsthita,
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah.
Perform the aarti: Conclude the puja by singing Maa Kushmanda's aarti and distributing prasad among family members.
Devotees can also read the Durga Chalisa or relevant passages from the Durga Saptashati as part of their daily worship.
Navratri Day 4 Fasting Rules And RitualsFasting is an important part of Navratri for many devotees. Depending on family customs, people may observe a complete fast or consume permitted foods throughout the day.
Common fasting foods include fresh fruits, milk, sabudana, kuttu flour and singhara flour. Regular grains, non-vegetarian food, onion and garlic are avoided by many households during the vrat, although specific rules differ between communities.
Those observing the fast should drink enough water and choose balanced meals during permitted eating periods. People with diabetes, other medical conditions or specific dietary requirements should consult a healthcare professional before undertaking restrictive fasting.
Apart from fasting and performing puja, devotees may visit temples, chant devotional hymns, read sacred texts and distribute prasad to friends, neighbours and family members. These practices help create an atmosphere of devotion, gratitude and togetherness.
The Spiritual Significance Of Navratri Day 4Navratri Day 4 celebrates the creative energy of Maa Kushmanda, whose gentle smile is believed to have illuminated the universe. Her worship is associated with vitality, courage, prosperity and the strength to overcome challenges.
The day's rituals do not necessarily require elaborate arrangements. A clean prayer space, a lit diya, a few flowers and sincere devotion are enough for a simple home puja.
Maa Kushmanda's story carries a timeless message: even a small spark of warmth can dispel darkness and inspire new beginnings. As devotees celebrate the fourth day of Navratri, her divine presence serves as a reminder to embrace positivity, nurture inner strength and welcome fresh energy into life.