NAVRATRA SPECIAL z Friday z April 16, 2021 5 Maa Kushmanda – The Fourth NAVRATRI SPECIAL RECIPE Aspect of Navdurgas Rajgira Fruit Tart

aa Kushmanda is the fourth aspect of Goddesses. Maa is worshiped on fourth day during Pooja in Navratri. Mother Goddess created the whole Muniverse in shpae of an egg called "Anda" with her little and light divine smile, so that Maa Durga is named Kushmanda. The word Kushmanda is made of three other words that are "Ku + Ushma + Amnda= Kushmanda". Here "Ku" is "Little", "Ushma" is "Warmth or Energy" and "Anda" is "Egg" , means the one who creates the universe as "Little Cosmic Egg" with the energy of Her divine smile is called "Kushmanda". Goddess Durga is very happy in this incarnation and it is believed that when there was no existence of any creation or universe and there was the eter- nal darkness, which ended when Maa Kushmanda smiled. So Maa Kushmanda is known as the creator the whole universe. Maa Kushmanda is also named as "Adi ". The core of Suraymandala (Sun) is the residence of Devi Maa. She is the only one who has the power and strength to live in the core of Suryaloka (Sun). Her body shines like the glowing Sun. All directions get light from Her Divine smile including the Sun God itself. Maa Kushmanda also known as "Ashtabhuja" as she is often depicted as having eight arms. In her seven hands she holds Kamandalu, Bow, Arrow, Lotus, a Jar of Nectar, Discus, and Mace. In her eighth Ingredients hand she holds a rosary capable of giving eight Siddhis and nine Niddhis. She rides a lion 2 cup amaranth who represents "Dharma". On worshiping Her ailments and sorrows are eliminated and life 8 slices orange span, name, strength and health improved. 12 black grapes The Pooja of Devi Kushmanda on the fourth day of Navratra in Durga Pooja is having very 1/2 teaspoon orange zest importance. On this day, Yogis and Sadhaks or other dedicated devotees keep their mind in 4 pieces strawberry Anahata Chakra. Kushmanda represents Anahata Chakra in spiritual practice. Kushmanda 8 slices kiwi Pooja during Navratra increases one's health and strength. 1/2 medium muskmelon On the fourth day Mata Durga is worshipped in her Ma Kushmanda Swarup. She is depict- 2 cup hung curd ed as seated on a lion, and possesses eight arms. She resides in solar systems and represents 1 1/2 cup jaggery syrup all knowledge. Seven types of weapons are shown in seven hands and prayer beads in her 4 teaspoon white butter right hand. She likes the offerings of "Kumhde." Therefore her name "Kushmanda" has Method become famous. She is also known as 'Krishnamanda' and is believed to have created the uni- To prepare this enticing fusion dish, heat a pan on medium verse,so she is called as Adi Swarup. She is also called 'Astbhuja'. Worship of Ma Kushmanda flame. Only when the pan is heated, add in the amaranth. brings light into darkness and ignorance, gives true knowledge,destroys ego, disease, sorrow, Make sure the pan is well heated before adding the seeds oth- depression, ignorance. "Kumbh Bhand" means to see cosmic vivacity in Pindi shape or knowl- erwise the amaranth seeds will burn. Once you add amaranth edge of cosmic intricacies in human race. The abode of Mata Kushmanda is in Bhimaparvat seeds in the pan, they will start popping like popcorn. Stir Om Dukha Hantraya Namah cook the seeds to avoid them from burning. Kushmanda Devi manifests eight arms, holding weapons and a rosary (Mala), she is seat- Cook for 5 minutes then remove from heat and keep aside ed on a tiger and her aura is like the sun. Special benediction: This aspect of Devi destroys for further use. sorrows of the mind and ego by harmonising the macro-universe with the inner micro-uni- Now, transfer the roasted amaranth seeds in a bowl and add verse of the individual. This makes available all realms of the external universe to the individ- in jaggery syrup. Mix well. ual internally through meditation. She is the birthing mother presiding over birth and Now grease a pie tin with melted butter. Add the amaranth- rebirth. The abode of Kushmanda is in Bhimaparvat. We see streams of dark orange and jaggery mix in the tin. Then mix hung curd and orange zest golden light and golden drops that end in little drops of golden light entering the spinal col- in a bowl. Spread a spoonful of the hung curd mixture over the umn. These act like a spiritual surgical knife, destroying negatives and false ego positions. pie tin. Next, arrange kiwi slices, orange slices and melon slices, top with strawberry pieces and black grapes. Keep the prepared tarts in the fridge to chill for at least 1-2 hours. Once done, remove from fridge and serve the chilled dessert. Goddess Durga: Protective mother of the Universe

n Hinduism, the goddess Durga, also known as Shakti or Devi, is the protec- most significant: tive mother of the universe. She is one of the faith's most popular deities, a pro- The conch shell symbolizes the Pranava or the mystic word Om, which indicates Itector of all that is good and harmonious in the world. Sitting astride a lion or her holding on to God in the form of sound. tiger, the multi-limbed Durga battles the forces of evil in the world. The bow and arrows represent energy. By holding the bow and arrows both in one Durga's Name and Its Meaning hand, Durga demonstrates her control over both aspects of energy—potential and In Sanskrit, Durga means "a fort" or "a place that is difficult to overrun," an apt kinetic. metaphor for this deity's protective, militant nature. Durga is sometimes referred to The thunderbolt signifies firmness in one's convictions. Just as a real bolt of light- as Durgatinashini, which literally translates into "the one who eliminates suffer- ning can destroy anything it strikes, Durga reminds Hindus to attack a challenge ings." without losing confidence. Her Many Forms The lotus in Durga's hand, not yet fully in bloom, represents the certainty of suc- In Hinduism, the major gods and goddesses have multiple incarnations, meaning cess but not finality. The lotus in Sanskrit is called Pankaj, which means "born of they can appear on earth as any number of other deities. Durga is no different; mud," reminding the faithful to stay true to their spiritual quest amid the worldly among her many are , Bhagvati, Bhavani, Ambika, Lalita, Gauri, mud of lust and greed. Kandalini, Java, and Rajeswari. The Sudarshan-Chakra or beautiful discus, which spins around the index finger of When Durga appears as herself, she manifests in one of nine appellations or forms: the Goddess, signifies that the entire world is subservient to the will of Durga and is Skondamata, Kusumanda, Shailaputri, Kaalratri, Brahmacharini, Maha Gauri, at her command. She uses this unfailing weapon to destroy evil and produce an envi- Katyayani, Chandraghanta, and Siddhidatri. Collectively known as the Navadurga, ronment conducive to the growth of righteousness. each of these deities have their own holidays in the Hindu calendar and special The sword that Durga holds in one of her hands symbolizes knowledge, which has prayers and songs of praise. the sharpness of a sword. Knowledge free from all doubts is symbolized by the shine Durga's Appearance of the sword. Befitting her role as mother protector, Durga is multi-limbed so that she may The trident or Trishul is a symbol of three qualities: Satwa (inactivity), Rajas always be ready to battle evil from any direction. In most depictions, she has between (activity), and Tamas (nonactivity). Deva uses these to alleviate physical, mental, eight and 18 arms and holds a symbolic object in each hand. and spiritual suffering. Like her consort , the goddess Durga is also referred to as Triyambake (the In Hindu art and iconography, Durga is frequently depicted standing atop or rid- three-eyed goddess). Her left eye represents desire, symbolized by the moon; her ing a tiger or lion, which represents power, will, and determination. In riding this right eye represents action, symbolized by the sun; and her middle eye stands for fearsome beast, Durga symbolizes her mastery over all these qualities. Her bold pose knowledge, symbolized by fire. is called Abhay Mudra, which means "freedom from fear." Just as the mother god- Her Weaponry dess confronts evil without fear, Hindu scripture teaches, so too should Hindu faith- Durga carries a variety of weapons and other items that she uses in her fight against evil. Each has a symbolic meaning important to Hinduism; these are the ful conduct themselves in a righteous, courageous way.

ASTRO SPEAK

Live Today, Love Today! ARIES Your intelligence is sharper than ever today, LIBRA Your reputation is shining bright right now, so which is why you'll be drawn to intricate ideas don't be too surprised if others in your life start and images. There couldn't possibly be too looking to you for answers to the tough ques- iving fully in the present; Mohanji many details for you right now because you're tions. What's important here isn't giving them the eager to sort through things and get to the correct answer; it's almost certain that you won't gave clarity to many aspects of our truth behind it all. This is an exceptional day for be able to in all situations. The most important everyday life. He just held up a mir- researching, studying, or making huge head- thing for you to do is to empower these people to L MAR 21 - APR 20 way on a complicated project. Don't worry that find their own answers. SEP 24 - OCT 22 ror to ourselves, for us to see who we are, you will get overwhelmed or run down. what are we doing and where we stand in life!!! It feels like time is rushing past, like I'm TAURUS Details like that could throw you off track today. SCORPIO Listen to your more conservative investor voice Make sure you're good with your correspon- today and don't get involved with anything always on the go. I have too much to do and dence because someone has been waiting for you're not totally sure of. Avoid making any so much on my mind. I am also witnessing a your answer and they might be losing patience. major transactions that concern either your wide array of emotions - up, down, up, A quick note or call (full of your usual charm, of money or your heart. Things that look bright course) should calm any stormy waters and lay and cheerful right now could be hiding some down, like a rollercoaster. What does it the groundwork for future commitments that dark secrets. In fact, the more something or mean really to live fully in the present? APR 21 - MAY 20 could lead to an infusion of cash to your bank OCT 23 - NOV 22 someone appears to be a sure thing, the more Mohanji:"A: Today. This moment. That is account. likely it won't pan out. all we have. This moment is our property. We are custodians of this moment. We cannot own anything. We can only use GEMINI There's a switch today in terms of communi- SAGITTARIUS Put more effort into your career today and do this moment. We can live this moment using our intellect or our emotions. If cation. The people who usually get you right the work you've been putting aside. Remember off the bat—family, friends, favored co-work- that your boss is human even if you find their we use our intellect, we save ourselves from further agonies. If we use this ers—aren't going to know what to make of style difficult to deal with from time to time. A moment emotionally, we invite further agonies associated with emotions. We do your suggestions and ideas now. And the peo- simple, casual conversation can lay the founda- not know our tomorrows. What will happen? Who knows? We assume that ple who always seemed to be coming from tion for your future and smooth over any ten- the other side of the spectrum from you will sion you're feeling. But before you initiate any everything will be fine. We assume that all the people whom we love will be with MAY 21 - JUN 20 know exactly what you're talking about! NOV 23 - DEC 22 talks, use today to formulate your plan and us. We assume everything. Does our assumption become right all the time? organize a list of your recent accomplishments. So, Live today. Love today. Live this moment to the fullest. Live this moment without Guilt, fear or anxiety. Live this moment fully, with the clear under- CANCER Someone is going to try to get what they want CAPRICORN Research and planning are always a good idea, standing that we do not own our morrows. The sun is shining today. The dew from you by appealing to your analytical side, but you may be getting too caught up in the but you may find yourself emotionally buying details of it all. Be honest with yourself. The drops are glittering. Nature is beautiful. Enjoy it today. Do not sit inside the into their argument as well. You are much more time has come for you to get active. And if walls of your own mind, nurturing your fears, anxieties and sad thoughts. about experiences. Nothing else but experiences. Enjoy each experience with- willing to see the other side of argument and let everything isn't crystal clear, use your imagina- Get out of your cage and enjoy the nature today, just like an innocent child. out guilt. Never blame yourself. You are a human being. people slide on the silly stuff. You are mellow- tion to come up with guesstimates that will fill in ing out, and the people around you are feeling the blanks and keep you going! If you need to Inhale the fragrance of the flowers in the garden. Sing with the birds. Relish Human beings tend to err. A child falls many times before it learns to walk. JUN 22 - JUL 23 more comfortable presenting new ideas and DEC 23 - JUL 20 make revisions, you can always work them out the love and protection of the mighty trees. Feel the grandeur of the mountains. It must keep trying, ignoring the falls, otherwise, it will never walk. A child is getting you involved in adventurous stuff. as you go along. Adopt the persistence of the waves of the oceans. Enjoy the soothing love of the ignorant that the society considers falls as failures. It is blissfully unaware of caressing moonlight. Be blissful with Nature and feel your blessings. Divinity that. A small child fortunately remains unconditioned by the society till it LEO The more thrifty your past, the more extravagant AQUARIUS You've been much more grounded lately than is in its full regalia, all around you. Look around. FEEL. So, Live today and reaches a few years on earth. If we ignore consciously, or if we are unconscious- your future can be. You need to stay cautious a you have been in a long while, and today you Love today. ly ignorant that failures of life are unacceptable to the society, life is smooth. little bit longer if you want to be prepared for should try to figure out why. What has changed what's coming on the scene in the future. A big in the past few weeks in your life? Has someone Maybe what we did today hurt someone unintentionally. We are humans. We Ignoring failures with full awareness is a beautiful state indeed. chunk of change will get you much closer to exciting entered it, has someone unpleasant left make mistakes. Correct it, apologise and move on. Whether the other person Success and failure are part of our existence. Accept your mistakes graceful- where you want to be. For the time being, you it? Take some time to think things through, accepted your apology at that point in time or not, does not matter. You apol- ly and walk boldly towards the next opportunity to test your mettle once again. still should watch what you buy and skip any because unless you consciously try to under- JUL 24 - AUG 23 extravagances. You will be very grateful you JAN 21 - FEB 23 stand what forces could be working in your life, ogised sincerely and you move on. Nobody is ever a failure. tightened your belt. you'll never know how to maintain them. Others will understand you and follow your sincere love sooner or later. The other side of success is failure. Failure leads to success, just like pride Expectation leads to sorrows. Never expect. Never mind. Do not postpone a over success, and the associated ego, definitely leads to failure. So, live your VIRGO Today, it might feel like you're stuck in one of PISCES Avoid setting too many unrealistic goals for yourself word or an action. Live today and Love today. failure and success with ease today, love it today. those snow globes, and someone has just right now. If you aim higher than it's possible to Maybe my moves were all wrong today. I could not perform well today. It does Maybe I feel sick today. I will be fine tomorrow. Maybe I indulged in food picked it up and shaken it. Everything in your reach, you'll only get frustrated. You need attainable not matter. When you understand and recognize the wrong moves you made, today. No problem, be careful tomorrow. Accept today as it is. Do not judge or life is knocked off its normal moorings and milestones that can boost your confidence and floating around with little if any direction. But it's keep you positive about the bigger mountains that you also recognize what is right. Understanding is important. Corrective steps criticise. easy to make lemonade out of this lemon-like you'll need to climb further down the road. Today, all are spontaneous. Remember, life is all about the experiences. Everything is Live today, Love today. We never know about our tomorrows. experience. Dictate your dreams and go. you have to do is assess your surroundings and act AUG 24 - SEP 23 FEB 20 - MAR 20 fast. Don't think too long about the pros and cons.