On the third day of Navratri, Maa Chandraghanta, the third form of Goddess Durga, is worshipped. This form of the goddess symbolizes power, courage, and warfare. She is named “Chandraghanta” due to the crescent moon on her forehead, shaped like a bell. Though her form is serene and peaceful, she takes on a fierce form to destroy demons.
Appearance of Maa Chandraghanta
- Complexion: Her complexion shines like gold.
- Crescent Moon: A crescent moon shaped like a bell is placed on her forehead, which is her key identifying feature.
- Form: Maa Chandraghanta has ten arms, holding weapons like a bow, arrow, sword, trident (trishul), mace (gada), and more.
- Vehicle: Her mount is a lion, symbolizing bravery and strength.
- Bell Sound: When Maa destroys demons in battle, the sound of her bell terrifies the enemies.
Significance of Worshiping Maa Chandraghanta
- Infusion of Power and Courage – Worshiping Maa Chandraghanta removes fear, enemies, and negativity.
- Peace and Serenity – Her divine form symbolizes tranquility, bringing mental peace and balance to devotees.
- Self-Confidence and Inner Strength – Devotion to Maa enhances self-confidence and inner strength.
- Destruction of Negative Energies – Her blessings help eliminate negative forces and obstacles from life.
- Prosperity and Success – With Maa's grace, one attains happiness, prosperity, and success in life.
The Story of Maa Chandraghanta
The story of Maa Chandraghanta reflects her bravery and power. When Goddess Parvati married Lord Shiva, she appeared in this form. Lord Shiva arrived for the wedding with his terrifying entourage of attendants and aghori sages. Seeing them, Parvati’s mother became frightened. To calm the situation, Maa Parvati took on the form of Chandraghanta and pacified Lord Shiva’s fearsome form, allowing the wedding to proceed smoothly. Later, she destroyed demons and established peace in the world.
Worship Method for Maa Chandraghanta
- Bath and Pure Clothes: Take a bath early in the morning and wear clean clothes. Ensure the place for worship is clean and sacred.
- Kalash Setup: Set up a kalash at the worship site, filling it with water, placing mango leaves, betel nut, a coin, and a coconut on top.
- Meditation and Invocation: Meditate on the image or idol of Maa Chandraghanta, invoking her peaceful form. Ask for her blessings of protection, strength, and courage.
- White Flowers and Rice: Offer white flowers, rice (akshat), and vermillion (kumkum) during the prayer.
- Mantra Chanting: Chant the following mantras dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta:Dhyana Mantra:
Pindajapravaaroodha chandrakopaastra kairyutaa |
Prasadam tanute mahyam chandrakhantee vishrutaa ||
Main Mantra: - Offerings: Offer milk and milk-based sweets like kheer or other dairy products to Maa.
- Aarti: Conclude the worship by singing the aarti of Maa Chandraghanta and lighting a ghee lamp for the aarti.
Dhyana Mantra of Maa Chandraghanta
Vande vanchhita laabhaya chandradha krita shekharaam |
Simha roodha chandraghantaa yashasvineem ||
Stotra of Maa Chandraghanta
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Chandraghantaa Rupena Sansthita |
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah ||
Purpose and Benefits of Worship
- Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta during Navratri develops courage, valor, and fearlessness in the devotee's life.
- She protects her devotees from all types of obstacles and fears.
- With her grace, devotees gain mental peace, inner strength, and positive energy.
- Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta brings happiness, peace, and prosperity to life.
- The worship of Maa Chandraghanta awakens the Manipura Chakra, which enhances self-confidence and inner power.
Results of Worship
With the blessings of Maa Chandraghanta, devotees achieve success in their endeavors, victory in battles or challenging situations, and stability in life.