Maa Kushmanda - NavDurga

सुरासम्पूर्णकलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च। दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे॥ 



 
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Kushmanda is the fourth form of the Hindu goddess Durga. Her name signals her importance:Ku means 'a little' , Ushma means 'warmth' or 'energy' and Anda means 'cosmic egg'. She createdthe Universe with her divine smile.
Kushmanda is worshiped on Fourth Day of the festival of Navratri and as the consort of Shiva. She is believed to improve health and bestow wealth and strength.Kushmanda is depicted with eight hands holding a discus, sword, hook, mace, bow, arrow, twojars of nector(Amrit), and blood.She rides on a tiger or lion.
For her origin it is said-
When the Universe was non-existent and darkness prevailed everywhere, Maa Kushmanda produced the Cosmic Egg with her smile, bringing light to the universe. Kushmanda has the power and strength to live in the core of Sun. Her luminosity gives the Sun its brightness.She is said to give direction to the Sun God(Surya).