Shardiya Navratri Day 3: Maa Chandraghanta's Origins, Significance, Puja Vidhi, and Mantras!

The third day of Shardiya Navratri is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, a fierce yet benevolent form of Goddess Durga. Her name is derived from "Chandra" (moon) and "Ghanta" (bell), referring to the half-moon that adorns her forehead, resembling a bell. Maa Chandraghanta is revered for her courage, fearlessness, and her readiness to battle evil, while simultaneously bestowing peace and serenity upon her devotees. Worshipping her on this day invokes inner strength, removes obstacles, and grants fearlessness.

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Origin and Significance

The legend of Maa Chandraghanta is associated with her marriage to Lord Shiva. After Goddess Parvati agreed to marry Shiva, he arrived at her doorstep with a terrifying procession of ghosts, goblins, and ascetics. Fearing for her family's reputation and safety, Parvati transformed into a fierce form, Chandraghanta, to pacify the unusual baraat (wedding procession). With her powerful roar, she brought order and compelled Shiva to appear in a more agreeable form.

This transformation symbolizes her protective nature, her ability to maintain balance, and her readiness to defend dharma. Her worship during Navratri signifies the removal of negative energies, granting the courage to face challenges, and establishing peace within. Devotees seek her blessings to overcome fear, attain spiritual tranquility, and achieve victory over their inner and outer demons.

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Depiction and Symbolism

Maa Chandraghanta's depiction is magnificent and awe-inspiring, showcasing her warrior spirit with a calm demeanor.

• Half-Moon (Chandra): Adorning her forehead, the crescent moon resembles a bell, giving her the name Chandraghanta. It symbolizes beauty, peace, and serenity, even amidst her fierce form.
• Ten Arms: She is depicted with ten arms, holding various weapons like a trident, mace, sword, bow, arrow, and a lotus. This signifies her immense power and readiness to destroy evil.
• Tiger/Lioness: Her mount is a fierce tiger or lioness, representing valor, courage, and her control over wild instincts.
• Glowing Complexion: Her golden complexion is radiant, reflecting her divine energy and purity.

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Puja Vidhi and Offerings (Bhog)

On the third day of Navratri, after purifying oneself, devotees perform the puja for Maa Chandraghanta.

How to Worship:

1. Preparation: Take a purifying bath and wear clean, preferably Royal Blue, clothes, as it is the color of the day.
2. Puja Sthapana: Place the idol or picture of Maa Chandraghanta on a clean altar.
3. Offerings: Offer her favorite items with utmost devotion.
4. Mantra Chanting: Recite her specific mantras to invoke her blessings and courage.
5. Aarti: Conclude the puja with the traditional Aarti.

Favourite Food (Bhog): Maa Chandraghanta is pleased with offerings of milk-based sweets (Kheer), and fruits, especially apples. Offering milk or dishes made from milk is considered highly auspicious.

Favourite Flowers: Red flowers, particularly red roses or lotus, are her favorite.

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Mantras, Stotram, and Aarti

Chanting these sacred verses on Day 3 helps devotees connect with Maa Chandraghanta's powerful yet peaceful energy.

Mantra: ॐ देवी चंद्रघण्टायै नमः॥ (Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah)

Stuti (Hymn): पिण्डज प्रवरारूढा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता। प्रसादं तनुते मह्यम् चंद्रघण्टेति विश्रुता॥ (Pindaj Pravararudha Chandakopastrakairyuta. Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta॥)

Meaning: May the renowned Goddess Chandraghanta, who rides on the greatest of all felines, is adorned with furious weapons, bestow her grace upon me.

Aarti: जय अम्बे गौरी, मैया जय श्यामा गौरी। तुमको निशदिन ध्यावत, हरि ब्रह्मा शिवजी॥ (Jai Ambe Gauri, Maiya Jai Shyama Gauri. Tumko Nishdin Dhyavat, Hari Brahma Shivji॥)

This is a common Aarti for Maa Durga that can be sung daily.

Stotram: आपदुद्धारिणी त्वंहि आद्या शक्ति: शुभपराम्। अणिमादि सिद्धिदात्री चंद्रघण्टे प्रणमाम्यहम्॥ (Apaduddharnini Tvamhi Adya Shakti Shubhaparam. Animadi Siddhidaatri Chandraghante Pranamamyaham॥)

Meaning: You are the remover of all calamities, the primeval auspicious power. You are the bestower of all Siddhis like Anima; O Chandraghanta, I bow to you.