On the third day of Shardiya Navratri, devotees of Hinduism come together to offer their prayers and devotion to Maa Chandraghanta, the third avatar of Goddess Durga. This day marks a special occasion to honour this powerful and tranquil goddess representing courage and peace. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different avatar of Goddess Durga, and Maa Chandraghanta, known for her warrior-like presence, is revered for driving away negative energies while also bestowing peace upon her devotees.
Who Is Maa Chandraghanta
Maa Chandraghanta is depicted as a powerful yet serene goddess, riding a tigress, symbolizing strength and protection. Her ten hands carry various weapons like a trident (trishul), sword, bow, and arrow, along with symbolic items such as a lotus flower and a rosary (japa mala). Her fifth right hand is held in the Abhaya Mudra, which represents protection from fear, while her fifth left hand is in the Varada Mudra, symbolizing the granting of blessings. The goddess is named after the crescent moon (“Chandra”) on her forehead, which resembles a bell (“Ghanta”).
This moon is significant as it represents her transformation after marrying Lord Shiva. Her calm and nurturing nature as Parvati evolved into the fierce and protective form of Chandraghanta, ready to battle evil forces. In Hindu mythology, it is said that the sound of the bell emanating from the moon on her forehead can destroy evil spirits, making her a formidable force against darkness.
The story of Maa Chandraghanta stems from her marriage to Lord Shiva, after which she assumed this form to protect their union from demonic forces. According to Hindu texts, the demon Jatukasura, sent by Tarkasura, aimed to destroy Shiva’s family. At a time when Lord Shiva was deep in meditation, Jatukasura, with his army of bat-like demons, attacked Kailasa, where Parvati resided. Initially fearful, Parvati sought help but soon realized that she herself, as the embodiment of Shakti, was capable of defeating the demon.
Seeking the support of Chandradev, the moon god, Parvati placed the crescent moon on her forehead for illumination during the battle. As the fierce battle raged on, Parvati, now Chandraghanta, rang her bell to scatter the evil bats, weakening the demon. She then slew Jatukasura, cutting off his wings and finally defeating him with her divine weapons. This battle earned her the name Chandraghanta, symbolizing her role as a protector and her ability to empower those who seek her grace.
Rituals and Worship on the Third Day of Navratri
On this auspicious day, devotees wake early to perform special rituals in Maa Chandraghanta’s honor. Those observing the day wear orange, symbolizing energy and vibrancy. The goddess’s idol is placed on a puja platform, or chowki, and offerings of yellow flowers, jasmine, and panchamrit (a mixture of milk, honey, sugar, ghee, and curd) are made. Kheer is a sweet dish prepared as a bhog (offering) to the goddess.
Benefits of Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta
Maa Chandraghanta is known to govern the planet Venus (Shukra), and those who pray to her are believed to gain strength, courage, and protection from harm. The goddess’s blessings also remove physical, mental, and spiritual obstacles. She is especially revered for eradicating negative energies and calming her devotees’ minds. Worshippers seek her grace for relief from distress and fear, and her presence is believed to empower individuals with the strength to face life’s challenges with poise and bravery.
Maa Chandraghanta’s story reminds us that every individual possesses inner strength, often lying dormant until awakened by adversity. Her transformation from the gentle Parvati to the fierce warrior goddess Chandraghanta is a powerful symbol of how strength and courage can manifest in the face of overwhelming challenges.
The sound of her celestial bell, which drives away all evil, metaphorically represents the clearing of negativity from one’s life. Her tale inspires devotees to embrace their power and to recognize that courage and protection are always within reach when called upon.
In conclusion, the third day of Navratri is a powerful day of the divine feminine energy embodied by Maa Chandraghanta. Her worship brings strength and protection and teaches the values of peace, courage, and resilience. Whether facing external battles or internal struggles, her blessings inspire us to overcome obstacles and emerge victorious.
Maa Chandraghanta Mantra
ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः॥
Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah॥
Maa Chandraghanta Prarthana
पिण्डज प्रवरारूढा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता।
प्रसादं तनुते मह्यम् चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता॥
Pindaja Pravararudha Chandakopastrakairyuta।
Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta॥
Maa Chandraghanta Stuti
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ चन्द्रघण्टा रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Chandraghanta Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥
Maa Chandraghanta Dhyana
वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
सिंहारूढा चन्द्रघण्टा यशस्विनीम्॥
मणिपुर स्थिताम् तृतीय दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम्।
खङ्ग, गदा, त्रिशूल, चापशर, पद्म कमण्डलु माला वराभीतकराम्॥
पटाम्बर परिधानां मृदुहास्या नानालङ्कार भूषिताम्।
मञ्जीर, हार, केयूर, किङ्किणि, रत्नकुण्डल मण्डिताम॥
प्रफुल्ल वन्दना बिबाधारा कान्त कपोलाम् तुगम् कुचाम्।
कमनीयां लावण्यां क्षीणकटि नितम्बनीम्॥
Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam।
Simharudha Chandraghanta Yashasvinim॥
Manipura Sthitam Tritiya Durga Trinetram।
Khanga, Gada, Trishula, Chapashara, Padma Kamandalu Mala Varabhitakaram॥
Patambara Paridhanam Mriduhasya Nanalankara Bhushitam।
Manjira, Hara, Keyura, Kinkini, Ratnakundala Manditam॥
Praphulla Vandana Bibadhara Kanta Kapolam Tugam Kucham।
Kamaniyam Lavanyam Kshinakati Nitambanim॥
Maa Chandraghanta Stotra
आपदुध्दारिणी त्वंहि आद्या शक्तिः शुभपराम्।
अणिमादि सिद्धिदात्री चन्द्रघण्टे प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
चन्द्रमुखी इष्ट दात्री इष्टम् मन्त्र स्वरूपिणीम्।
धनदात्री, आनन्ददात्री चन्द्रघण्टे प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
नानारूपधारिणी इच्छामयी ऐश्वर्यदायिनीम्।
सौभाग्यारोग्यदायिनी चन्द्रघण्टे प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
Apaduddharini Tvamhi Adya Shaktih Shubhparam।
Animadi Siddhidatri Chandraghante Pranamamyaham॥
Chandramukhi Ishta Datri Ishtam Mantra Swarupinim।
Dhanadatri, Anandadatri Chandraghante Pranamamyaham॥
Nanarupadharini Ichchhamayi Aishwaryadayinim।
Saubhagyarogyadayini Chandraghante Pranamamyaham॥
Maa Chandraghanta Kavacha
रहस्यम् शृणु वक्ष्यामि शैवेशी कमलानने।
श्री चन्द्रघण्टास्य कवचम् सर्वसिद्धिदायकम्॥
बिना न्यासम् बिना विनियोगम् बिना शापोध्दा बिना होमम्।
स्नानम् शौचादि नास्ति श्रद्धामात्रेण सिद्धिदाम॥
कुशिष्याम् कुटिलाय वञ्चकाय निन्दकाय च।
न दातव्यम् न दातव्यम् न दातव्यम् कदाचितम्॥
Rahasyam Shrinu Vakshyami Shaiveshi Kamalanane।
Shri Chandraghantasya Kavacham Sarvasiddhidayakam॥
Bina Nyasam Bina Viniyogam Bina Shapoddha Bina Homam।
Snanam Shauchadi Nasti Shraddhamatrena Siddhidam॥
Kushishyam Kutilaya Vanchakaya Nindakaya Cha।
Na Datavyam Na Datavyam Na Datavyam Kadachitam॥
Maa Chandraghanta Aarti
जय माँ चन्द्रघण्टा सुख धाम। पूर्ण कीजो मेरे काम॥
चन्द्र समाज तू शीतल दाती। चन्द्र तेज किरणों में समाती॥
मन की मालक मन भाती हो। चन्द्रघण्टा तुम वर दाती हो॥
सुन्दर भाव को लाने वाली। हर संकट में बचाने वाली॥
हर बुधवार को तुझे ध्याये। सन्मुख घी की ज्योत जलाये॥
श्रद्दा सहित तो विनय सुनाये। मूर्ति चन्द्र आकार बनाये॥
शीश झुका कहे मन की बाता। पूर्ण आस करो जगत दाता॥
काँचीपुर स्थान तुम्हारा। कर्नाटिका में मान तुम्हारा॥
नाम तेरा रटूँ महारानी। भक्त की रक्षा करो भवानी॥