Chirag Paswan Offers Navratri Prayers to Maa Kushmanda
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
On the fourth day of Navratri, Union Food Processing Minister Chirag Paswan invoked the blessings of Maa Kushmanda — the fourth manifestation of Goddess Durga — praying that her grace bring freedom from illness, grief, and fear, and bestow glory, strength, and long life upon all.
Paswan opened his post with a Sanskrit shloka: 'Surasampurnakalasham rudhirapluatameva cha, dadhana hastapadmabhyam Kushmanda shubhada astu me' — invoking the goddess who holds a pot brimming with nectar and blood in her lotus hands, beseeching her to grant auspiciousness. He then offered 'koti-koti naman' (countless salutations) at the feet of Maa Kushmanda, describing her as Jagat Janani — the mother of the universe.
The Significance of Maa Kushmanda in the Navratri Cycle
In the nine-night festival of Navratri, each day is devoted to a distinct form of the goddess. Maa Kushmanda, worshipped on the fourth day, is believed in Hindu tradition to be the creator of the universe — the one whose cosmic smile gave birth to existence. Her name itself is said to derive from 'Ku' (little), 'Ushma' (warmth/energy), and 'Anda' (cosmic egg), embodying the primordial creative force.
Political Leaders and the Navratri Tradition
Paswan's post is part of a long-established pattern among Indian politicians across party lines — sharing devotional messages for each of the nine days of Navratri on social media. As national president of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and a Union Cabinet minister, Paswan regularly uses platforms like X to connect with constituents through shared cultural and religious moments, reflecting both personal faith and political outreach during one of India's most widely observed festivals.