Maa Chandraghanta, the third form of Navadurga, is worshipped on the third day of Navratri. She symbolizes courage, bravery, and grace. Her name comes from the half-moon (Chandra) shaped like a bell (Ghanta) on her forehead, which signifies her divine power and readiness to protect her devotees.
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.
The Story of Maa Chandraghanta
After Maa Brahmacharini completed her intense penance, Lord Shiv agreed to marry her. However, due to years of deep meditation, Shiv had a rugged and fierce appearance—his body covered in ash, matted hair, and adorned with snakes. He arrived for the wedding with an unusual procession of ghosts, sages, and demons, which terrified Devi Parvati’s family.
Seeing this, Parvati transformed into Chandraghanta, a fierce warrior goddess with ten arms carrying weapons and riding a lion. She requested Lord Shiv to appear in a divine and charming form to please her family. Upon her request, Shiv transformed into a handsome prince, and their wedding was conducted with great celebration.
After their marriage, Maa Chandraghanta continued to protect the universe from evil forces. Whenever her devotees faced trouble, she would ring her celestial bell, which sent out vibrations that destroyed demons and removed negative energies.
Why Do We Worship Maa Chandraghanta During Navratri?
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. 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.
She Removes obstacles and fears
She Brings peace, success, and positivity
She Boosts confidence and self-esteem
She Grants spiritual enlightenment and wisdom
Maa Chandraghanta’s story teaches that courage, humility, and grace can overcome even the most challenging situations, making her worship essential during Navratri. 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.
