Kushmanda

Kushmanda is the fourth form of Goddess Durga, she is the fourth among Navadurgas. She is known as Smaanda

Devi. Her name signals her importance: Ku means "a little," Ushma means "warmth" or "energy" and Anda means "cosmic egg".

StoryEdit

When the universe was non-existent and darkness reigned everywhere, Devi Kushmanda produced the Cosmic Egg with her smile, bringing light to the universe. Kushmanda has the power and to live in the core of the Sun. Her luminosity gives the Sun its brightness. She is said to give direction to the Sun God, Surya. All the ten directions begin and end at her because of her radiance and light.

 

IconographyEdit

Kushmanda has a radiant complexion, three eyes, wearing pink garments, jewels, possessing eight hands, holding a discus, lotus, bow, arrow, mace, rosary and two jars of honey. She is depicted riding on a lion or a tiger.