New Delhi, March 22 (NationPress) This Sunday, devotees began arriving at temples nationwide from the early hours to commemorate the fourth day of Chaitra Navratri, a day devoted to the veneration of Goddess Kushmanda.

The name of Goddess Kushmanda is derived from the words "Ku" (small), "Ushma" (powerful), and "Anda" (egg), making her a significant figure on the fourth day of this nine-day celebration.

At New Delhi's Jhandewalan Temple, the temple priest informed IANS, "Today is the fourth day of Chaitra Navratri, honoring Maa Kushmanda. All devotees of Goddess Bhagvati (Kushmanda) have gathered here to receive blessings. Those unable to come to the temple can still worship the Goddess at home. Faith and devotion are what truly matter."

A long-time devotee shared, "For the past two decades, I have visited this temple, and it is through Maa Jhandewali's blessings that so many devotees come here to pray."

Another visitor commented on the excellent arrangements within the temple.

The Kalkaji Temple in Delhi also welcomed a stream of worshippers from early morning.

A devotee remarked, "I visit this temple every Navratri for all nine days. I typically come here on Saturdays, but today, being a Sunday and the festival's fourth day, the crowd is massive."

A trustee from Kalkaji Temple mentioned, "The arrangements you see—volunteers, barricades, lighting, announcements, and CCTV—are all facilitated by the Shri Kalkaji Mandir Parvandak Sudhaar Committee for the devotees. However, we noticed a slightly lower turnout compared to previous years, possibly due to the weather and rain."

Regarding the significance of the day, a priest at the Mata Tekri Temple in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas told IANS, "This day is particularly auspicious as we worship Goddess Kushmanda. All the wishes of those who pray are fulfilled by the Goddess today."

The priest explained the shrine's importance, saying, "This location is known as 'Rakt Peeth' due to the blood spots of Devi Sati falling here."

In Jammu and Kashmir's Katra, many devotees flocked to the Darshani Deodi of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine on the fourth day of Chaitra Navratri to offer prayers and seek blessings.

A devotee at Darshan Deodi expressed, "I feel incredibly fortunate. I never thought I would be able to visit during Navratri. The crowd can be intimidating, and I used to be one of those who hesitated to come."

Praising the security measures, the devotee noted, "The security arrangements are commendable. Our vehicle details were recorded at all entry points. Even though we arrived in Katra late at night, around 12 p.m., police personnel were attentive and vigilant."

Another visitor echoed that despite the crowd, everything was well organized.

Devotees also waited in lines to pray at the Sureshwari Devi Temple in Haridwar.

The Chief Priest of the Siddhpeeth Sureshwari Devi Temple stated, "Today, Goddess Bhagwati is worshipped in her Kushmanda form. According to scriptures, including the Skanda Purana, all deities, alongside Indra, the king of Gods, have worshipped the Goddess here."

In Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur, a large number of devotees were seen at the Shri Naina Devi Temple to offer prayers on this auspicious occasion.

A temple official, Chatar Singh, informed IANS, "During Chaitra Navratri, we are making all necessary arrangements for the devotees. A community feast (bhandara) is also taking place, and all required preparations are in order."