Third Day of Navratri: Maa Chandraghanta Puja, Significance, Story, and Rituals

The third day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, the third form of Goddess Durga among the Navdurgas. Devotees worship this powerful manifestation of the divine mother to seek courage, peace, and protection from negative forces.

Her name comes from the crescent moon on her forehead that resembles the shape of a bell. Because of this unique symbol, she is known as Chandraghanta, which literally means “the goddess with a moon-shaped bell.”

Maa Chandraghanta represents a balanced form of strength and serenity. While she is a fierce warrior who destroys evil, her presence also brings peace and harmony to devotees who worship her with devotion.

The Divine Form of Maa Chandraghanta

Maa Chandraghanta is depicted as a radiant goddess riding a lion or tiger, symbolizing courage and fearlessness. Her form is powerful yet compassionate, reflecting both protective and nurturing qualities.

She is portrayed with ten hands holding different weapons and sacred symbols such as the trident, mace, sword, lotus, bow, arrow, and rosary. One of her hands remains in the Abhaya Mudra, blessing devotees with protection and fearlessness.

The crescent moon on her forehead resembles a temple bell. It is believed that the divine sound of this celestial bell removes negativity and protects devotees from harmful energies.

The Story Behind Maa Chandraghanta

The origin of Maa Chandraghanta is closely linked with the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

According to Hindu mythology, after Goddess Parvati performed intense penance to marry Lord Shiva, he arrived for the wedding in a terrifying form. His appearance, covered in ashes with snakes and spirits accompanying him, frightened Parvati’s family and the assembled guests.

To calm the situation and restore harmony, Goddess Parvati transformed into a powerful and radiant form known as Chandraghanta. With ten arms, divine weapons, and a lion as her vehicle, she displayed her immense power and grace.

After this transformation, Lord Shiva assumed a gentle and divine form, and their marriage was celebrated peacefully. Since then, this form of the goddess has been worshipped as Maa Chandraghanta.

Spiritual Significance of Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta

Maa Chandraghanta represents courage, discipline, and divine protection. Devotees believe that worshipping her removes fear, obstacles, and negative influences from life.

Her blessings help devotees develop inner strength, confidence, and spiritual balance. She is also believed to bring peace of mind and protect devotees from evil forces.

Spiritually, her worship is associated with awakening strength and determination within oneself, helping devotees move forward with courage on their life journey.

Puja Vidhi for the Third Day of Navratri

Devotees begin the day early with a bath and wear clean or traditional clothes before starting the worship.

An idol or image of Maa Chandraghanta is placed on the altar and a lamp is lit. Flowers, fruits, sweets, and incense are offered to the goddess. Devotees chant sacred mantras and recite Durga Saptashati or other hymns dedicated to Goddess Durga.

Milk, kheer, and sweets are commonly offered as bhog to the goddess. After the prayers, devotees perform aarti and seek blessings for courage, prosperity, and protection.

Mantra of Maa Chandraghanta

A popular mantra dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta is:

ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः।

Chanting this mantra with devotion is believed to remove fear, bring peace, and invite divine protection into one’s life.

Color Associated with the Third Day of Navratri

The auspicious color often associated with the third day of Navratri is royal blue in many traditions. This color symbolizes strength, wisdom, and spiritual energy.

Devotees often wear this color during the puja to honor the goddess and attract positive energy.

Blessings of Maa Chandraghanta

Maa Chandraghanta blesses devotees with courage, mental strength, and spiritual peace. Her worship helps remove fear, overcome difficulties, and protect against negative forces.

Devotees believe that sincere prayers to the goddess bring harmony to life and help them move forward with confidence and divine protection.

Her presence reminds devotees that true strength comes from faith, devotion, and inner balance.

FAQs

Why is the third day of Navratri dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta?

The third day of Navratri honors Maa Chandraghanta, the third form of Goddess Durga. She symbolizes courage, discipline, and protection from evil.

Why is she called Chandraghanta?

She is called Chandraghanta because she wears a crescent moon on her forehead that resembles the shape of a bell.

What are the benefits of worshipping Maa Chandraghanta?

Worshipping her is believed to remove fear, negativity, and obstacles while bringing courage, peace, and prosperity.

What is the mantra of Maa Chandraghanta?

The commonly recited mantra is
ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः।

What should be offered to Maa Chandraghanta?

Devotees usually offer milk, sweets, fruits, and flowers during the puja.