Navratri, the grand festival of nine nights dedicated to Goddess Durga, is celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm. Each day is dedicated to a different form of the Goddess. The third day of Navratri is devoted to Goddess Chandraghanta, the fierce yet compassionate form of Maa Durga.
Who is Goddess Chandraghanta?
Goddess Chandraghanta is the third manifestation of Maa Durga. Her name is derived from the crescent moon (Chandra) that adorns her forehead, resembling a bell (Ghanta). She symbolizes bravery, serenity, and grace, blessing her devotees with courage and the strength to overcome obstacles. She is believed to destroy negativity and fill the lives of her devotees with prosperity and harmony.
Appearance and Symbolism
Goddess Chandraghanta is depicted with ten arms, riding a mighty lion. She holds various weapons in her hands, including a trident, sword, bow, and arrow, signifying her warrior nature. Her third eye remains open, symbolizing her vigilance and readiness to fight evil. She is always prepared to protect her devotees from any kind of danger. Though she exudes a fierce aura, she is also the embodiment of peace and prosperity.
Her lion represents courage and strength, emphasizing the qualities she bestows upon her devotees. The bell-shaped moon on her forehead is believed to resonate divine vibrations, eliminating negativity from the surroundings. Worshiping her is said to awaken inner consciousness and remove worldly fears.
Significance of Worshiping Goddess Chandraghanta
Devotees believe that praying to Goddess Chandraghanta removes all fears, sorrows, and obstacles from life. She blesses her worshippers with strength, confidence, and success. Her divine presence is said to eliminate negative energies and fill life with positivity. It is also believed that she helps her devotees develop a strong spiritual connection and attain inner peace.
For those facing challenges in life, seeking her blessings brings relief from pain and suffering. She empowers individuals with confidence, bravery, and the wisdom to make the right decisions in difficult situations. Her grace leads devotees toward a life filled with happiness and prosperity.
Rituals and Puja Vidhi
On the third day of Navratri, devotees perform special rituals to seek the blessings of Goddess Chandraghanta:
- Early Morning Bath: Devotees take a ritualistic bath before sunrise and wear red or golden attire, symbolizing power and prosperity.
- Altar Preparation: A picture or idol of Goddess Chandraghanta is placed on the altar, decorated with flowers and garlands.
- Offerings: Milk, sweets, kheer, and fruits are offered as prasad. Since milk is believed to be her favorite offering, devotees prepare dairy-based sweets to please the Goddess.
- Chanting and Aarti: Devotees recite the Durga Saptashati and chant the mantra: “ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः” (Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah)
- Lion Worship: Since the lion is her vehicle, some devotees also offer prayers to a symbolic representation of the lion. Worshiping her lion is believed to grant devotees immense courage and strength to face life’s adversities.
- Fasting: Many devotees observe a fast and break it with satvik food after the evening puja. Eating simple, pure, and nutritious food is recommended to maintain spiritual discipline and purity during Navratri.
- Lighting the Diya: A ghee lamp (diya) is lit in front of the Goddess, signifying the removal of darkness and ignorance from one’s life. The light of the diya is believed to bring knowledge, wisdom, and divine blessings.
- Reciting Sacred Hymns: Devotees sing bhajans and hymns dedicated to Goddess Chandraghanta, praising her strength and divine grace.
Colors and Offerings for Day 3
- Color of the Day: Red (symbolizing passion and strength)
- Prasad: Milk-based sweets, Kheer, or any dairy product is considered auspicious. Some devotees also offer honey, coconut, and fruits as a mark of gratitude to the Goddess.
Goddess Chandraghanta’s Blessings
Worshiping Goddess Chandraghanta on this day is believed to grant protection from evil forces and enhance spiritual enlightenment. She instills fearlessness and guides her devotees toward a peaceful and successful life. Those who are struggling with fear, insecurity, or low self-confidence seek her divine intervention to overcome these challenges.
Additionally, Goddess Chandraghanta is known to bless her devotees with mental clarity and wisdom. Those seeking justice or facing legal issues often pray to her for righteous support. By meditating upon her, individuals can achieve inner harmony, making their minds free from unnecessary worries and anxieties.
Goddess Chandraghanta in Mythology
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Chandraghanta played a vital role in the battle between the gods and demons. When the demon king Mahishasura unleashed terror, she took on her fierce warrior form to destroy him and protect the celestial beings. Her loud bell sent shockwaves of fear among the demons, symbolizing her immense power.
Another legend states that when Goddess Parvati married Lord Shiva, she adopted the form of Chandraghanta. She took this fierce form to fight against evil and safeguard the universe from demonic forces. This transformation symbolizes her transition from a gentle and loving wife to a powerful protector.
The Spiritual Meaning of Goddess Chandraghanta
Goddess Chandraghanta signifies the balance between aggression and serenity. While she is a warrior ready to destroy evil, she also showers her devotees with compassion and love. Worshiping her teaches devotees how to be strong in adversity while maintaining inner peace and grace.
In spiritual practices, chanting her name is believed to awaken the Manipura Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra), which is responsible for confidence, willpower, and transformation. By invoking her, devotees can cleanse their minds of negative thoughts and attain emotional stability.
Conclusion
Navratri Day 3 is a day of immense significance as it marks the worship of Goddess Chandraghanta, who protects her devotees and grants them inner strength. She is the epitome of courage, power, and divine grace. As you offer your prayers, embrace her divine energy, and seek her blessings for a life filled with courage, prosperity, and happiness.
By worshiping Goddess Chandraghanta with devotion, one can overcome all fears, lead a peaceful life, and attain spiritual enlightenment. Let her divine energy guide you toward strength, wisdom, and success.
May Goddess Chandraghanta remove all obstacles from your life and bless you with peace and success!