On the fourth stage of Navratri we worship that extremely radiant form of the Goddess whom we know as Maa Kushmanda. This is the divine power who created the universe with just a gentle smile. Most devotees worship her as the creator of the universe but a forgotten legend is also recorded in the pages of the Puranas that highlights her role as a protector. This story dates back to the time when a powerful demon attempted to seize the energy of the Sun itself and planned to plunge the entire universe back into the depths of darkness.
When the Demon Discovered the Secret of the Sun
When Maa Kushmanda created this void universe and illuminated the Sun with her divine energy light and life began to circulate everywhere. The warmth of the Sun gave life to vegetation and provided motion to the constellations. But this immense power attracted the attention of an extremely destructive demon named Krodhasura. Krodhasura realized that the Sun was not just a shining star but was the center of the life force of the entire universe. He concluded that whoever established control over the Sun would become the master of the whole universe. Driven by greed and ego he decided to imprison that divine power of the Sun.
The Demon’s Terrible Plan and the Arrival of Darkness
Krodhasura performed severe penance for years to obtain supernatural powers. On the strength of his accomplishments he gained the capability to travel through the sky and reach very close to the Sun. As soon as he reached near that blazing star he began absorbing the energy of the Sun with his illusory powers. Slowly the aura of Lord Surya began to fade. The light of the universe began to dim and that same primitive darkness that existed before the beginning of creation started spreading again. The gods realized that if the energy of the Sun was completely exhausted the existence of life would be wiped out.
Seeing this grave crisis on creation all the gods became distressed and sought refuge in the Adi Shakti. Hearing the piteous call of the gods Maa Kushmanda appeared in an extremely brilliant form. Around her existed a divine aura of light equal to millions of suns. Riding her powerful lion the Goddess moved toward the battlefield. The weapons and prayer beads adorned in her eight hands appeared as the guardians of cosmic balance. As soon as she reached near the Sun the sky was filled with her divine energy.
That Great Battle Near the Sun
Krodhasura made a vile attempt to use the stolen solar energy against the Goddess herself. He attacked the Mother with fierce flames of fire. But that demon had forgotten a fundamental truth that all the energy of the Sun was a gift from Maa Kushmanda herself. The Goddess spread a gentle smile and the divine light emerging from within her shattered the demon's attack in a moment. With her power the Mother re established that stolen energy into the Sun causing Lord Surya to shine more brilliantly than before. Within just a few moments Maa Kushmanda destroyed the ego of that demon defeated him and re established the balance of the universe.
The Supreme Protector of Cosmic Energy
After this great battle the Sun shone again with full grandeur and peace prevailed in all the worlds. The gods realized that Maa Kushmanda was not only the creator of this world but she was also the supreme protector of its energy. Due to this divine capability she is considered the Goddess who grants health, strength and long life to her devotees. She is the only power residing within the solar circle from whose brilliance even the Sun receives light.
Devotees worship Maa Kushmanda to obtain prosperity and inner light. Just as she protected the Sun in ancient times devotees believe that she removes the darkness of negativity from their lives and provides a shield of protection. Through her spiritual practice the energy within an individual is awakened and they gain the courage to cross the most difficult obstacles. This form of the Mother teaches us that creation and protection are two aspects of the same power.
How did Maa Kushmanda protect the Sun?
She liberated the solar power absorbed by the demon with her divine energy and re established it into the Sun to save the universe from darkness.
Why did the demon Krodhasura want to control the Sun?
He knew that the Sun is the main source of energy for the universe and by controlling it he could establish his dominance over the whole world.
Why is Maa Kushmanda considered the presiding deity of the solar circle?
It is believed that she resides in the center of the Sun and all the brightness and heat of the Sun are actually an extension of the Mother's own power.
What is the effect of Maa Kushmanda's worship on health?
Performing the spiritual practice of the Goddess circulates life force in the body which destroys incurable diseases and grants excellent health to the individual.
What is the main spiritual message of this story?
This story teaches that no matter how powerful evil may be it can never defeat that original divine source from which all energy was born.
