कूष्माण्डा
Kushmanda
Iconography
An eight-armed form (Ashtabhuja) riding a lioness. She holds a kamandalu, bow, arrows, lotus, a jar of nectar, a japa-mala, mace, and discus. She is said to dwell within the centre of the sun.
Significance
The Devi whose smile is said to have brought the universe — the cosmic egg, kushmanda — into being. She is worshipped for vitality, health, and prosperity.
Worship mantra
Mantra text
oṁ devī kūṣmāṇḍāyai namaḥ
Transliteration is under scholarly review — treat as provisional.
Om, salutations to Goddess Kushmanda.
Dhyana shloka
Mantra text
surāsampūrṇakalaśaṃ rudhirāplutam eva ca | dadhānā hastapadmābhyāṃ kūṣmāṇḍā śubhadāstu me ||
Transliteration is under scholarly review — treat as provisional.
Holding in her lotus hands a vessel brimming with nectar and one filled with blood — may Kushmanda be the bestower of good fortune to me.
Bhog for the day
Malpua