The nine-day celebration is in honour of Maa Durga and her nine forms, known as Navadurgas, which include Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmcharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandmata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, Maa Mahagauri, and Maa Siddhidatri.
During the festival, devotees worship Maa Durga and her nine forms, fast, consume satvik food and ask for the Goddess’s blessings. Today, we will talk about the fourth form of the Goddess, Maa Kushmanda.
Who is Maa Kushmanda?
The name Kushmanda is derived from Sanskrit. It consists of three components: ‘Ku’ signifies smallness, ‘Ushma’ refers to heat, and ‘Anda’ represents a celestial egg. Maa Kushmanda is the Goddess of light and energy, believed to have created the universe. Chaitra Navratri is one of the four Navratris celebrated throughout India.
On this festival, nine forms of Maa Durga are worshipped. There are numerous temples in Maa Kushmanda. However, the Maa Kushmanda Devi temple in Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) is a revered temple and it is also known as Kudha Devi.
Where is Maa Kushmanda Temple?
The Kushmanda Devi temple is situated in Ghatampur in Kanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. It is dedicated to the fourth form (Chaturthi) of the Adi Shakti and is also considered one of the 108 Shakti Peeths, as one part of Mata Sati’s body fell to this place.
The temple is said to be about a thousand years old. Devotes offer sweets, coconut, and chunri to the Goddess and perform auspicious programs like Mundan Sanskaar and Yagnopaveet here.
Maa Kushmanda | Facebook (Meta)
Water leaks from the idol
The temple is famous for its features, including the water that continuously leaks from the idol. This water is believed to possess healing properties, and anyone who touches it is said to be healed, especially from eye ailments.
History of the Kushmanda temple
The temple is constructed in 1890 by Chadidin Bhurji, whereas the foundation of the temple was laid in 1380 by Raja Ghatampur Darshan. According to a Persian book, King Ghatam Dev visited in 1380 and built the town of Ghatampur in his name.
