Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri. She is worshipped on October 18, 2023 during Sharad Navratri. She is worshipped on March 25, 2023 during Chaitra Navratri. The day also marks the beginning of worshipping of Goddess Lakshmi during Navratri. Legend has it that Lord Vishnu was able to begin the creation of universe, when Goddess Kushmanda smiled and receded. She represents that form of Durga, which is the source of all. Goddess Durga is also worshipped as Bhuvneshwari on the fourth day in many parts of India . Goddess Kushmanda is also depicted as having four hands. She is also known as ‘Ashtabhuja,’when she is depicted as having eight arms. When she is eight-armed her one hand rests on her stomach holding a pitcher (symbolism of universe in her stomach), the other hands hold chakra, gada, rosary, lotus flower, arrow, bow and water pot. She rides on a female lion. Legend has it that Goddess Durga gives birth to the universe in the form of Maa Kus