The third day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, the third divine form of Goddess Durga. She symbolizes courage, strength, and serenity while being ever-ready to protect her devotees. Her name comes from the crescent moon (chandra) adorning her forehead in the shape of a bell (ghanta). Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta on this day removes fear, eliminates negative energies, and blesses devotees with inner peace and prosperity.
Maa Chandraghanta is depicted in a powerful yet compassionate form:
- She rides a tiger, symbolizing bravery and fearlessness.
- She has ten hands carrying weapons like a sword, a trident, a mace, a bow, an arrow, a lotus, and a kamandal, while one hand remains in the Abhaya Mudra (gesture of protection).
- A crescent moon shaped like a bell adorns her forehead, giving her the name Chandraghanta.
- Her form radiates a golden aura, representing divine energy and calmness amidst strength.
This appearance reflects the balance of valour and grace — she is fierce towards evil but benevolent towards devotees.
Significance of Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta
- Removes obstacles and dispels fears.
- Brings peace, courage, and success in life.
- Grants strength to face challenges with confidence.
- Fills life with harmony and spiritual upliftment.
- Protects devotees from enemies and negative energies.
Puja Vidhi – How to Worship Maa Chandraghanta
Performing Day 3 Navratri Puja with devotion ensures the blessings of Maa Chandraghanta. Here’s the step-by-step Vidhi:
Take a bath and wear clean, preferably yellow or golden clothes (considered auspicious for this day).
Clean the puja space and place the idol or picture of Maa Chandraghanta on a red cloth.
Kalash Sthapana (if not already done on Day 1)
Place a Kalash filled with water, mango leaves, and coconut.
Keep Akshat (rice), flowers, and incense nearby.
Light a diya with ghee.
Offer fresh flowers, particularly red roses or hibiscus.
Offerings (Bhog)
Prepare sweets like kheer, halwa, or milk-based delicacies as bhog.
Offer Panchamrit, sugar, jaggery, honey or Kesar Kheer as Prashad.
Fruits such as bananas and apples can also be offered.
After offering, distribute as prasad among family members after Aarti.
Mantra Recitation
Beej Mantra
ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे ॥
Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche ॥
Main Mantra
ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः ॥
Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah ॥
Dhyana Mantra (Meditation Verse)
पिण्डजप्रवरारूढ़ा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता ।
प्रसादं तनुते मह्यं चन्द्रघण्टा यशस्विनी ॥
Meaning: The goddess rides a ferocious lion, holds weapons in her ten hands, and blesses her devotees with courage and prosperity.
Seek blessings for courage, happiness, and freedom from fears.
Perform aarti with ghanti and Sankh. If you don’t know Aarti, follow this link
Special Rituals on Day 3 of Navratri
- Many devotees observe strict fasts, consuming only fruits, milk, and vrat-friendly food.
- Devotees perform the Durga Saptashati path to invoke blessings.
- The sounding of bells and conch during aarti is considered highly auspicious, as it dispels negative energies.
Conclusion
On the third day of Navratri, the worship of Maa Chandraghanta blesses devotees with strength, fearlessness, and peace. Her crescent-bell form reminds us to be vigilant like a warrior yet calm like the moon. By offering sincere prayers, chanting mantras, and presenting milk-based bhog, devotees can invite prosperity, happiness, and spiritual awakening into their lives.
