Navratri, the nine nights of divine feminine worship, is a journey of spiritual awakening and inner transformation. Each day is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga, with Day 3 honoring Maa Chandraghanta, the serene yet powerful third form. Revered on Tritiya Tithi, she symbolizes peace, courage, and grace. Adorned with a half-moon shaped like a bell on her forehead, Maa Chandraghanta exudes tranquility while being ever-ready to destroy evil.
Her blessings lead to spiritual enlightenment, mental clarity, and inner peace, making this day deeply significant for devotees.
Maa Chandraghanta’s name is derived from two words: “Chandra” (moon) and “Ghanta” (bell), signifying the crescent moon that decorates her forehead like a bell. Her form represents both divine calm and the fierce power that vanquishes negativity. She is the embodiment of Shakti (cosmic energy) that balances gentleness with strength.
Iconography and Symbolism
Maa Chandraghanta rides a tiger, symbolizing fearlessness and command over the ego. She is depicted with ten arms holding different weapons, including a sword, trident, mace, bow, arrow, and kamandal (water pot). One of her hands is always in Abhaya Mudra, blessing devotees and removing fear.
Her form is golden and radiant, and the moon-bell on her forehead emits a divine sound that destroys demons and calms the mind. Unlike her earlier avatar, Maa Brahmacharini, who represents deep penance, Chandraghanta is action-oriented—a goddess of righteous war and serene devotion.
The Legend of Maa Chandraghanta
According to Hindu scriptures, Maa Chandraghanta is the transformed form of Maa Parvati after her marriage to Lord Shiva. When Parvati arrived at Shiva’s abode on the day of their wedding, she saw the terrifying form of Shiva surrounded by ghosts and smeared in ash. To match his divine energy and protect her family from fear, Parvati took on the fierce form of Chandraghanta.
In this form, she exuded power and divinity, pacifying Lord Shiva and inspiring reverence among all celestial beings. Her third-eye radiated light, and her aura was enough to quell even the mightiest of evils. From that moment, she became known as Chandraghanta—the goddess who balances serenity with strength.
Spiritual Significance of Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta
On Tritiya, the third day of Navratri, devotees focus on calming the mind and enhancing spiritual consciousness. Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta helps awaken the Manipura Chakra, the energy center associated with power, vitality, and self-discipline.
Benefits of Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta:
- Removes inner fear and anxiety
- Brings mental clarity and focus
- Heals emotional wounds
- Bestows spiritual insight and divine peace
- Encourages righteous action and dharma
- Protects from negativity and evil energies
Her divine sound—the ringing of the celestial bell—clears the mind and environment of all negativity. She is the protector of the weak and the destroyer of evil, and at the same time, a loving mother who bestows blessings upon her devotees.
Maa Chandraghanta Puja Vidhi (Worship Method)
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Performing Maa Chandraghanta’s puja on Day 3 with devotion and purity brings divine grace and inner transformation.
1. Morning Rituals and Preparations:
- Wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean or preferably yellow or white clothes.
- Clean the puja area and place the idol or picture of Maa Chandraghanta on a red cloth.
- Light a diya (lamp) with ghee or sesame oil and incense sticks.
2. Sankalp (Vow):
- Take a Sankalp (vow) to perform the puja with a pure heart and seek Maa’s blessings for spiritual and mental upliftment.
3. Invocation:
- Chant “Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah” and invoke her presence.
- Sprinkle Ganga jal (holy water) and offer flowers.
4. Offerings (Naivedya):
- Offer fresh flowers, fruits (especially bananas), coconut, sweets (like kheer or halwa), and betel leaves.
- Yellow and white-colored foods are considered auspicious on this day.
5. Mantra and Stotra Recitation:
Recite the following mantra with devotion:
Mantra:
“Pindaj Pravararudha Chandkopastrakairyuta।
Prashadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta॥”
Meaning:
“Seated upon the supreme horse and adorned with various weapons, the revered Chandraghanta blesses me with her grace.”
6. Aarti and Bhajan:
Sing Maa Chandraghanta’s aarti or devotional songs to conclude the worship. Offer camphor flame and ring a small bell, symbolizing the goddess’s own name and power.
7. Meditation and Reflection:
After the aarti, sit in silent meditation. Focus on the Manipura Chakra (solar plexus) to channel her energy. Visualize golden light filling your body, dissolving fears and negativity.
Maa Chandraghanta and the Manipura Chakra
In yogic tradition, the Manipura Chakra lies in the navel region and governs personal power, determination, and self-worth. It is the center of transformation—just like Maa Chandraghanta, who transforms fear into strength and chaos into peace.
Worship on this day helps:
- Boost self-confidence and courage
- Dissolve self-doubt and emotional baggage
- Enhance willpower and decision-making abilities
- Attune the devotee to the higher self
When this chakra is balanced, one experiences mental clarity, emotional stability, and spiritual awakening—exactly what Maa Chandraghanta bestows.
Auspicious Colour for Day 3: Grey
Each day of Navratri is associated with a specific color. For Day 3, the auspicious color is Grey. Though it may appear subtle, grey symbolizes balance, composure, and neutral strength. It reflects Maa Chandraghanta’s nature—calm yet ready to act when needed.
Devotees are encouraged to wear grey-colored clothes during puja to align with the goddess’s energy and attract harmony.
Offerings and Bhog for Maa Chandraghanta
Maa Chandraghanta is fond of sweet delicacies. Offerings made with love are always dear to her.
Recommended Bhog:
- Kheer (Rice pudding): A symbol of purity and devotion.
- Milk-based sweets: Like peda or barfi.
- Bananas and coconuts: Fruits that represent health and nourishment.
- Panchamrit: A mix of milk, honey, ghee, sugar, and curd—offered as a sacred blend.
These offerings are not just rituals but a way to express surrender, gratitude, and love to the divine.
Storytelling and Cultural Celebrations
In various parts of India, Maa Chandraghanta is celebrated with folk performances, dramatic enactments of the Devi Mahatmya, and devotional songs. In regions like West Bengal, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, Garba and Dandiya Raas reflect the goddess’s vibrant energy.
Children learn stories of how she defeated demons like Jatukasura, inspiring them to be brave and just. Women invoke her blessings for family protection, while seekers meditate upon her to remove inner darkness.
Maa Chandraghanta in Modern Spiritual Life
While the ancient texts tell her story in mythological terms, Maa Chandraghanta’s relevance in modern life is profound. In today’s fast-paced world filled with stress, fear, and conflict, her energy helps:
- Bring mental peace in the middle of chaos
- Encourage mindful actions and responses
- Develop inner strength to face life’s challenges
- Instill spiritual values and balance emotions
Even meditating on her form or chanting her mantra for a few minutes daily can realign your inner world and build emotional resilience.
Conclusion: The Divine Call of Inner Peace
Navratri Day 3 with Maa Chandraghanta is a spiritual reminder that true strength lies in inner peace. She teaches us to remain calm in the face of adversity and to channel divine power through a composed mind. Her grace illuminates our path, dispels fear, and harmonizes our spiritual energy.
As you light the diya before her image and chant her sacred name, remember—Maa Chandraghanta is not just a goddess of mythology. She is the powerful yet gentle energy within you, guiding you toward enlightenment, serenity, and fearless living.