Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to the nation on Sunday on the fourth day of Chaitra Navratri, dedicated to Goddess Kushmanda.
Taking to X, PM Modi said, “I bow in reverence to Maa Kushmanda — the embodiment of indomitable courage and spiritual power! May her divine energy awaken a new consciousness within every heart.”
“There is immense power in devotion to the Mother. Devotees’ hearts are filled with positive energy through the veneration of Devi Ma,” he said in another post, sharing the devotional Durgati Naashini Maa by Dipti Rekha Padhi.
Yogi Adityanath also took to X and posted, “May the lives of all devotees be illuminated with happiness, prosperity, and good health through the blessings of Maa Kushmanda — the fourth manifestation of Jagadamba, the Mother of the Universe, and the embodiment of power and perfection. We pray that well-being prevails throughout the entire creation.”
Goddess Kushmanda, whose name comprises “Ku” (small), “Ushma” (energy), and “Anda” (cosmic egg), is revered on the fourth day of Navratri.
She rides a lioness and has eight arms, holding a lotus, kamandal, bow and arrow in her right hands, and an amrit kalash, japa mala, gada, and chakra in her left.
In Hindu philosophy, Goddess Kushmanda is considered the supreme creative force of the solar system. It is believed that worshipping her empowers devotees to overcome disease, grief, and negativity.
Devotees thronged temples across the country, with long queues forming early in the morning.
Navratri, which means “nine nights” in Sanskrit, is a Hindu festival celebrating Goddess Durga and her nine avatars, collectively known as Navdurga. The festival is observed with deep devotion across India, with rituals and prayers honouring the Goddess in her various forms.
-IANS
