Navdurga Katha – Chapter 4: Kushmanda: Creator of the Universe

Kushmanda: The Creator of the Universe

The three worlds were overwhelmed by the power and peace of Goddess Chandraghanta. Fear pervaded the demons, while hope was instilled in the hearts of the gods. Now, a new power was about to emerge, a Goddess who was the creator of the entire universe – Kushmanda.

Infusing Life into the Void

Darkness was infinite, emptiness pervaded everywhere. There was no direction, no light. There was only the great void, in which there was nothing. Then, a wondrous beam of light appeared. This light was so radiant that it was difficult to imagine, as if the radiance of millions of suns had manifested together. In the center of that light was Mother Kushmanda, gazing at the void with her gentle smile. Her radiance was such that darkness fled on its own. Mother Kushmanda was eight-armed, and in her hands, a water pot, bow and arrow, lotus, nectar pot, discus, mace, and rosary were adorned.

"What kind of emptiness is this? What kind of darkness is this? I will infuse life into it," Mother Kushmanda thought to herself. "I will fill this void with the colors of creation, this darkness with light." The longing for creation had awakened in her heart, a longing that was to give birth to the entire universe.

Creation of the Universe

With her gentle smile, Mother Kushmanda flowed her inner energy. The universe began to be created from her radiance. First, the sky was formed, then air, fire, water, and earth appeared. Planets and stars emerged, and constellations began to twinkle. Gradually, the entire universe began to take shape, like a picture adorned with wonderful colors on a vast canvas. Mother Kushmanda was observing this creation with her divine vision, and there was a sense of contentment on her face. She held the universe with her eight arms and gave it life with her breath.

It was by Mother Kushmanda's grace that energy was infused into the universe. She gave her energy to the sun, causing it to illuminate the universe. She gave coolness to the moon, so that peace would prevail at night. She gave the planets the power to revolve in their orbits and inspired the stars to twinkle. Life became possible only by the Mother's power; the earth became green, and beings were born. A part of Mother Kushmanda's energy resides in every being, giving them the strength to live.

Granting Life to Beings

When the universe was completely formed, Mother Kushmanda decided to give life to beings. She created plants, animals, and humans. She gave a part of her energy to all, so that they could live and flourish in this universe. The Mother taught all beings the lesson of love and compassion. She said, "You are all a part of me, so live together in love and help each other." Thus, Mother Kushmanda not only created the universe but also gave it life. In the next story, we will learn about Skandamata, who is the mother of Skanda (Kartikeya) and another form of Shakti.