On the third day of Navratri, devotees honor and worship Ma Chandraghanta, the third incarnation of Ma Durga. Known for her strength, courage, and serene beauty, Ma Chandraghanta is revered as a powerful form of Devi Parvati, the consort of Bhagwan Shiva. The day is marked by rituals and offerings, where devotees seek the blessings of the Ma for protection, peace, and happiness.
Ma Chandraghanta is the married form of Parvati, who is said to have adorned a crescent moon on her forehead, giving her the name “Chandraghanta” (Chandra meaning moon, and ghanta meaning bell). This crescent moon symbolises her calm and peaceful demeanor, even though she is a fierce protector against evil forces. Chandraghanta is often depicted with ten arms, carrying a variety of weapons, including a trident, mace, sword, and a bell, symbolising her readiness to fight for righteousness while maintaining inner peace.
The Legend of Maa Chandraghanta
As narrated in the Shiva Purana, after Ma Parvati married Bhagwan Shiva, an evil demon named Tarkasura, who was foretold to be defeated by the son of Shiva and Parvati, plotted to kill Parvati. To execute his plan, he sent a demon bat, Jatukasur, along with a massive army of bats, to attack her. Parvati, frightened by the scene of chaos, turned to Bhagwan Shiva for help. However, as Bhagwan Shiva was in deep meditation, Parvati found herself alone and helpless. It was then that Shiva reminded her of her inner strength and divine power, encouraging her to fight back.
Empowered by this realisation, Parvati transformed into the warrior Ma Chandraghanta. She carried the crescent moon on her forehead, courtesy of Chandra Dev, to light her way in the battle. Armed with her bell (ghanta), she scared away the bat army with its sound and ultimately killed Jatukasur using her trident, bringing peace once again.
Symbolism
Maa Chandraghanta is not only a warrior who fights evil but also embodies motherly qualities of warmth, care, and compassion. Her golden complexion and her fierce yet peaceful expressions represent her dual nature — aggressive and protective when dealing with negative forces, but gentle and loving toward her devotees. Riding a wolf, a symbol of bravery, she blesses her followers with courage, beauty, and serenity.
Her ten arms carry a wide array of weapons, including a trident (trishula), sword (khadak), and bow and arrow, symbolising her role as a defender of righteousness. At the same time, she holds a lotus, symbolising purity, and a rosary, denoting spirituality.
Offerings and Rituals
Devotees begin the third day of Navratri by waking up early, taking a bath, and donning clean, yellow attire, symbolising happiness and positivity. A ghee lamp and incense sticks are lit, and the worship begins by offering flowers and milk-based delicacies such as kheer to the Ma. It is common to donate these offerings to temples or distribute them among the poor after offering them to the deity, as Chandraghanta is believed to relieve suffering and bring joy to her devotees.
A key part of the puja involves reciting prayers such as the Durga Saptashati and Durga Chalisa, as well as chanting the mantra:
“ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः”
(Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah)
This is followed by aarti, a ritual where devotees sing hymns in praise of the Ma, seeking her blessings for prosperity and protection.
Significance of Worshiping Ma Chandraghanta
Worshiping Ma Chandraghanta on the third day of Navratri is believed to rid devotees of fear and grant them inner peace. Her blessings are said to bring balance, calmness, and happiness to one’s life while also giving them the courage to overcome challenges. She symbolises the harmonious blend of power and grace, reminding all that true strength comes from inner peace and self-belief.
Thus, as devotees across the country honor Ma Chandraghanta, they celebrate not only her warrior spirit but also her nurturing, motherly care that protects them from evil while blessing them with serenity and joy.
