Chandraghanta is the third form of the Hindu goddess Durga, who is worshipped during the nine-day festival of Navratri. The word “Chandraghanta” means “one who has a half-moon shaped bell” on her forehead.
Nav = nine and ratri = night. As the name implies, Navratri is a festival of nine consecutive nights. Navratri is a time of fasting, prayer, and devotion, and it is marked by the performance of puja (worship) ceremonies in temples and homes.
Navratri honors Navdurga … Nav Durga … nine forms of Durga.
They are:
These nine forms celebrate, honor and worship nine different incarnations, nine different colors and nine different qualities.
Chandraghanta
Chandraghanta is the third form of the Hindu goddess Durga, who is worshipped during the nine-day festival of Navratri. The word “Chandraghanta” means “one who has a half-moon shaped bell” on her forehead. She is depicted with ten arms, riding a tiger, and holding weapons like a trident, sword, bow, and arrows.
As per the Hindu mythology, Chandraghanta is believed to be the embodiment of bravery and courage. She is the married form of Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, and is believed to have emerged during the battle between the gods and the demons.
Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day of Navratri, and her worship is believed to bestow peace, prosperity, and protection to the devotees. She is associated with the Manipura Chakra or the solar plexus chakra, which is located above the navel and represents the fire element. Her worship is believed to balance the fire element in the body and purify the mind and soul.
During the third day of Navratri, devotees offer prayers and perform aarti to Chandraghanta. It is also believed that the sound of the bell on her forehead can drive away negative energies and protect the devotees from harm.
Overall, Chandraghanta holds great significance in Navratri as she represents the power of courage, protection, and peace. Her worship is believed to bestow blessings of strength, valor, and victory to the devotees.