Navratri 2026 Day 4: Maa Kushmanda Puja, Muhurat, Mantra, Bhog and Auspicious Remedies

The fourth day of Navratri celebrates the divine energy believed to have brought the universe into existence. On this day, devotees worship Maa Kushmanda, the fourth form of Goddess Durga, whose radiant presence is associated with creation, vitality, prosperity and the light that dispels darkness.

Sharad Navratri 2026 began on October 11, and Navratri Day 4 falls on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. After worshipping Maa Shailaputri, Maa Brahmacharini and Maa Chandraghanta on the preceding days, devotees turn to Maa Kushmanda with prayers for happiness, strength and well-being.

The goddess is often described in Hindu tradition as the creator of the cosmic universe through her divine smile. Her worship is associated with hope, positive energy and the beginning of new possibilities.

From the traditional puja vidhi and mantra to bhog, fasting practices and auspicious remedies, here is everything you need to know about Maa Kushmanda Puja 2026.

Navratri 2026 Day 4: Date and Important Details

Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Tithi: Ashwin Shukla Paksha Chaturthi

Goddess of the day: Maa Kushmanda

Main observance: Maa Kushmanda Puja

Traditional bhog: Malpua, fruits and other suitable offerings, according to family tradition

Mantra: Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah

Commonly associated colour: Yellow

Festival: Sharad Navratri

The fourth day is an opportunity to reflect on the power of creation and renewal. Devotees may pray for good health, a peaceful home, confidence in their decisions and the energy to pursue meaningful goals.

Navratri Day 4 Muhurat 2026: Auspicious Timings

Devotees can worship Maa Kushmanda during the morning or evening according to their family traditions. Those who prefer to follow an auspicious muhurat should consult a reliable local panchang for the exact timings applicable to their city.

The daily panchang includes several time periods that devotees may consider when planning their rituals. However, a general auspicious period should not automatically be treated as a dedicated Maa Kushmanda Puja muhurat.

Exact tithi boundaries and muhurat timings vary by location and panchang calculation. Confirm the timings for your city before publishing or performing a time-specific ritual.

Ghatasthapana is generally performed on the first day of Navratri. On Day 4, devotees continue their daily worship and offer prayers to Maa Kushmanda.

Who Is Maa Kushmanda? Significance of Navratri Day 4

Maa Kushmanda is the fourth form of Navadurga worshipped during Sharad Navratri. Her name is commonly interpreted through the words associated with a cosmic egg or universe, reflecting her connection with creation in Hindu devotional tradition.

According to a traditional belief, before the universe came into existence, darkness prevailed everywhere. Maa Kushmanda created the cosmic universe through her divine smile, bringing light and energy into existence. For this reason, she is associated with the sun, radiance and the life-giving force of creation.

The goddess is often depicted with eight arms, holding various objects such as a lotus, bow, arrow, discus, mace, rosary and sacred vessel. She is commonly shown riding a lion, symbolising strength and fearlessness.

Her worship reminds devotees that even a small beginning can lead to something meaningful. Just as the goddess represents creation and vitality, the fourth day of Navratri can inspire people to begin a new habit, revive an old goal or approach daily life with renewed enthusiasm.

Maa Kushmanda Puja Vidhi: Step-by-Step Rituals

Maa Kushmanda Puja can be performed at home with traditional offerings and a clean, peaceful worship space. Customs vary between regions and families, so follow the procedure that is appropriate to your household.

Puja Samagri

Keep the following items ready before beginning the puja:

Picture or idol of Maa Kushmanda

Clean puja cloth

Fresh flowers, including yellow flowers if customary

Kumkum or roli

Akshat, or uncooked rice

Sandalwood paste, according to tradition

Incense sticks and a diya

Clean water

Fruits and homemade prasad

Malpua or another traditional sweet offering

Puja thali and bell

Japamala, if used for mantra chanting

Step 1: Clean the Puja Area

Begin the morning by bathing and wearing clean clothes. Clean the worship area and place the goddess's picture or idol respectfully on the puja platform.

Arrange the flowers, diya and other offerings before starting the ritual.

Step 2: Take a Sankalp

Sit peacefully before Maa Kushmanda and take a sankalp, or personal resolution, to observe Navratri with sincerity.

You may pray for good health, family happiness, positive energy and the wisdom to make thoughtful decisions.

Step 3: Offer Flowers and Traditional Puja Items

Offer fresh flowers, kumkum, akshat and water according to your family's customs. Yellow flowers are a popular choice in many Maa Kushmanda puja traditions.

Light a diya and incense safely while offering your prayers.

Step 4: Chant Maa Kushmanda's Mantra

Recite the goddess's mantra with concentration and devotion. You may repeat it 11, 21 or 108 times according to your personal practice.

There is no need to rush. A few minutes of focused prayer can make the ritual more meaningful.

Step 5: Offer Bhog

Offer malpua, fruits or another suitable sweet preparation to the goddess. Choose the offering according to your family's customs and dietary preferences.

After the puja, distribute the prasad among family members.

Step 6: Read or Listen to Maa Kushmanda's Story

Spend a few minutes reading about the goddess and her association with cosmic creation. Reflect on the ideas of renewal, vitality and the importance of bringing positive energy into everyday life.

Step 7: Perform Aarti

Conclude the puja with Maa Kushmanda's aarti or a familiar Durga aarti. Offer your prayers with gratitude and distribute the prasad respectfully.

Maa Kushmanda Mantra for Navratri Day 4

Mantra chanting is an important part of traditional Navratri worship. Devotees recite the following mantra to honour Maa Kushmanda.

Mantra:

ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः॥

Transliteration: Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah.

Meaning: I bow to Goddess Kushmanda and offer my reverence to the Divine Mother.

You can chant this mantra during morning puja, evening prayers or a quiet period of meditation. Some devotees repeat it using a japamala, while others recite it without counting repetitions.

The purpose is to express devotion and reflect on the goddess's association with light, creation and vitality.

Maa Kushmanda Bhog: What to Offer on Day 4

Bhog is an important part of Navratri worship. Malpua is commonly associated with Maa Kushmanda in popular devotional traditions, although offerings vary between regions and households.

Devotees may offer:

Malpua

Fresh seasonal fruits

Homemade sweets

Mishri or other traditional prasad

Other vegetarian preparations permitted by family custom

Prepare the offering with care and maintain cleanliness during the ritual. After the puja, distribute the prasad among family members or share it with others.

If you are observing a fast, choose ingredients that are permitted under your own vrat tradition.

Navratri Day 4 Colour 2026

Yellow is commonly associated with Maa Kushmanda on the fourth day of Navratri. The colour is traditionally linked with brightness, enthusiasm, optimism and warmth.

Devotees who follow the Navratri colour tradition may wear yellow clothes, offer yellow flowers or include the colour in their puja decorations.

However, a particular colour is a customary observance rather than a requirement for worship. Devotion, prayer and the values represented by the goddess remain central to the day's observance.

Auspicious Remedies for Navratri Day 4

Many devotees follow simple spiritual practices during Navratri to bring greater peace, gratitude and discipline into their lives. The following remedies are rooted in customary religious beliefs and should not be treated as guaranteed ways to change future events.

1. Offer Yellow Flowers to Maa Kushmanda

Offer fresh yellow flowers during the puja as a traditional expression of devotion. If yellow flowers are unavailable, other fresh flowers can be used according to your family's custom.

2. Chant the Kushmanda Mantra

Repeat “Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah” with a calm and focused mind. A short mantra practice can help create a peaceful pause in the day.

3. Offer Malpua or Homemade Prasad

Prepare a traditional sweet offering if it is part of your household's custom. Offer it respectfully during the puja and distribute the prasad afterward.

There is no need to purchase expensive ingredients or elaborate offerings.

4. Light a Diya During Prayer

Light a diya in the worship area while praying to Maa Kushmanda. Place it on a stable, heat-resistant surface and never leave a burning lamp unattended.

5. Begin Something Positive

Use the day as an opportunity to begin a constructive habit. It could be setting aside time for prayer, returning to a creative activity, organising your home or making a realistic plan for a personal goal.

This practice reflects the symbolism of creation and new beginnings associated with the goddess.

6. Share Food or Help Someone in Need

Sharing a meal, offering groceries to someone who needs support or helping a neighbour is a meaningful way to express kindness during Navratri.

The spirit of devotion can extend beyond the puja area into everyday actions.

7. Practise Gratitude

Take a few minutes to think about the people, opportunities and experiences you appreciate. You may also offer a prayer for those going through a difficult time.

Gratitude can make the festival more reflective and personally meaningful.

Maa Kushmanda Vrat: Fasting Rules and Traditions

Some devotees observe a fast on the fourth day of Navratri, while others participate through prayer, mantra chanting and aarti.

Common practices include:

Eating fruits and permitted vrat-friendly foods.

Avoiding certain grains or ingredients according to family custom.

Offering prayers in the morning and evening.

Reading religious stories or chanting the goddess's mantra.

Breaking the fast according to personal and family tradition.

Fasting practices differ between households and regions. There is no need to undertake a strict fast to honour Maa Kushmanda.

People who require regular meals or medication should prioritise their health and follow appropriate medical advice.

The Spiritual Lesson of Maa Kushmanda

Maa Kushmanda's story is associated with the beginning of creation and the arrival of light. For devotees, this symbolism offers a reminder that a fresh start is possible even after a difficult period.

A new beginning does not have to be dramatic. It might involve repairing a relationship, returning to a neglected goal, changing an unhelpful habit or finding time for spiritual reflection.

The fourth day of Navratri invites devotees to consider what they want to nurture in their lives. Through prayer, gratitude and thoughtful action, the festival becomes more than a series of rituals. It becomes an opportunity to renew one's intentions and move forward with hope.

Frequently Asked Questions About Navratri Day 4

When is Navratri Day 4 in 2026?

Navratri Day 4 falls on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. The day is dedicated to Maa Kushmanda, the fourth form of Goddess Durga.

Which goddess is worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri?

Maa Kushmanda is worshipped on Day 4. She is associated with cosmic creation, divine light, vitality and energy.

What is the mantra of Maa Kushmanda?

The traditional mantra is “Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah” (ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः).

What is the bhog for Maa Kushmanda?

Malpua is commonly associated with Maa Kushmanda. Devotees may also offer fruits, homemade sweets and other vegetarian prasad according to family traditions.

Which colour should devotees wear on Navratri Day 4 in 2026?

Yellow is commonly associated with Maa Kushmanda's worship on the fourth day. Devotees may follow this custom if they wish, but a particular colour is not essential for puja.

What is the auspicious time for Maa Kushmanda Puja on October 14, 2026?

The appropriate muhurat depends on your city and local panchang. Check a reliable local calendar for the exact tithi and auspicious timings before performing a time-specific ritual.

Can Maa Kushmanda Puja be performed at home?

Yes. Devotees can worship Maa Kushmanda at home with a picture or idol, flowers, a diya, suitable offerings and mantra chanting, following their family's customs.

Is fasting compulsory on Navratri Day 4?

No. Fasting is a personal or family observance. Devotees can honour Maa Kushmanda through prayer, mantra chanting, aarti and acts of kindness without undertaking a strict fast.

Conclusion

Navratri Day 4 celebrates Maa Kushmanda, the goddess associated with creation, radiance and the life-giving energy of the universe. Her worship reminds devotees that hope can return after difficult times and that every meaningful change begins with a first step.

Whether you offer yellow flowers, prepare malpua, chant the goddess's mantra or spend a few quiet moments in prayer, let the day be an opportunity to welcome positivity and strengthen your faith.

May Maa Kushmanda bless every home with good health, happiness, wisdom and renewed energy throughout Sharad Navratri 2026.

Jai Mata Di!