Navratri 2025 day 4: The day of Mata Kushmanda, fourth of the Navadurgas

Slowly entering the main stretch of the Navratras, the fourth day is reserved for paying obeisance to Mata Kushmanda.

Day 4 of Navratri this year, dated September 25, is dedicated to Mata Kushmanda (Photos: X)

Almost every part of Mata Kushmanda’s name holds deep spiritual meaning. The syllable ‘Ku’ means ‘a little,’ ‘ushma’ means ‘warmth,’ and ‘anda’ signifies the cosmic egg. The phrase ‘a little goes a long way’ perfectly captures the divine essence of Mata Kushmanda’s legacy. According to legend, her brief smile sparked the creation and revival of the entire Universe.

The story begins with two demons, Mali and Sumali, who were performing intense penance to impress Lord Shiva. Their devotion caused their bodies to glow, which caught the attention of Suryadev. Driven by curiosity, Suryadev left his celestial post to see them, but this caused their bodies to burn to ashes, angering Lord Shiva.