Day Four Of Navratri - Orange For Kushmanda Devi
By A Draft Correspondent
On the fourth day of Navratri this year, the colour orange, celebrated as one of the key shades in the Navratri festival, carries deep symbolic significance in both mythological legends and modern-day trends. The colour is associated with brightness, energy, and enthusiasm, and it is traditionally linked to the worship of Goddess Kushmanda. She is believed to reside in the core of the Sun, radiating warmth and life. Her energy is said to nourish the entire universe, and the vibrancy of orange mirrors her aura of vitality and strength.
In Hindu mythology, orange is often seen as a divine colour. It symbolises both the rising and setting sun, representing the eternal cycle of birth and rebirth. It is also the colour of fire, which is considered a purifier and a symbol of sacrifice. As Goddess Kushmanda is believed to have created the universe with her radiant smile, the warmth of orange reflects her creative and sustaining energy. The colour signifies her power to dispel darkness and ignite hope in the hearts of devotees.
Orange also carries associations with renunciation and detachment, a key aspect of Hindu spirituality. The colour of saffron robes worn by monks and ascetics reflects a life dedicated to the pursuit of truth, away from worldly distractions. In Navratri, devotees wearing orange align themselves with spiritual discipline and a quest for knowledge, drawing on the blessings of the Goddess for clarity and insight.
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| Kushmanda Devi |
On the fourth day of Navratri, devotees are encouraged to offer orange flowers, fruits, and sweets as a mark of respect. This day is marked by prayers seeking health, wealth, and spiritual enlightenment. Special pujas are performed, with devotees chanting specific mantras to invoke the Goddess's blessings.
Goddess Kushmanda, revered on the fourth day of Navratri, is a manifestation of Goddess Durga, embodying the power of creation and radiating light. The name "Kushmanda" is derived from three words: "Ku" (little), "Ushma" (warmth), and "Anda" (cosmic egg), symbolising the belief that she created the universe with her radiant smile, out of nothingness. She is often referred to as the Goddess who brought light into the dark void of the cosmos, and her energy is said to reside in the centre of the Sun, making her the source of warmth and life.In Hindu mythology, it is believed that when there was no creation, and darkness prevailed everywhere, Goddess Kushmanda smiled, and her divine smile produced a cosmic egg, which later expanded into the universe. This is why she is regarded as the goddess of creation. Her ability to create the universe makes her a symbol of fertility, life, and warmth. Her abode is said to be the Sun, from where she governs the solar system, and her energy nourishes all living beings.Depicted with eight arms, holding various divine objects such as a lotus, bow, arrow, and rosary, Goddess Kushmanda rides a tiger, signifying strength and courage. The radiant aura around her symbolises her immense power to bring light into the universe.
In today's world, orange remains a popular and powerful colour, not only in religious contexts but also in fashion, art, and design. During Navratri, orange outfits dominate the scene, from vibrant sarees and lehengas to contemporary fusion wear, blending tradition with modern aesthetics. Designers often use orange to convey optimism, warmth, and a festive spirit, and this colour sees a surge in popularity during the season, both in traditional wear and everyday fashion.
The colour has also gained prominence in global movements, particularly symbolising energy, action, and awareness. In terms of spiritual practice, orange is often used in meditation spaces to create an atmosphere of warmth and concentration. Its association with creativity and positivity resonates with those seeking balance in a hectic world.
Beyond India, orange has found a place in movements advocating for social justice and solidarity. The UN’s 'Orange the World' campaign, for example, uses the colour to highlight the fight against gender-based violence. This global initiative draws on the colour’s powerful symbolism of hope and strength, aligning with the qualities associated with the goddess during Navratri.
The colour orange in Navratri signifies more than just festivity; it is a beacon of strength, creativity, and spiritual awareness. Rooted in the legend of Goddess Kushmanda, it is a reminder of the nurturing warmth that sustains the universe. In the modern world, the colour continues to inspire, bridging the ancient with the contemporary, and serving as a symbol of perseverance, joy, and empowerment.
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