Maa Chandraghanta

Chandraghanta is worshiped on the third day of Chaitra Navratri. Goddess Chandraghanta got her name from the half chandra that adorned her forehead. After getting married to Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga started adorning up in the half chandra. Maa Chandraghanta denotes Durga’s married form. She is also known as Chandrakhanda or Ranachandi, she has ten arms and holds a weapon in her hands. She has a golden complexion and carries Trishul, Gada, Sword and Kamandal in her left hands and lotus flower, Arrow, Dhanush and Japa Mala in her right hands. Her vahan is a lion. 

In the previous birth, when sati burnt herself in the yagna, she took rebirth as Parvati. Parvati married Lord Shiva. On the day of their marriage, Lord Shiva came to King’s Himavan’s palace with Ghosts and aghoris to take Devi Parvati with him. His body was blackened with ash, with snakes around his neck and in the matted locks of his unkempt hair. On seeing this terrorizing form of Lord Shiva, Parvati’s parents and all guest left in the state of shock. To avoid any embarrassment to her family and to Lord Shiva, Maa Parvati transforms herself into a terrorizing form – Devi Chandraghanta.

Goddess Chandraghanta is all about fearlessness and bravery. It is believed that devi Chandraghanta blesses the devotees with her grace, bravery and courage. By her blessings, all the sins, distresses, physical sufferings and mental problems of the devotees are eradicated. Third day of Chaitra Navratri is associated with the gray color as it symbolizes zeal and determination to destroy evil. 

On this day, Maa Chandraghanta should be worshiped with chanting Akshat, Kumkum, Jasmine, vermilion, lamp, scent, etc. Offer her Kheer , sweets or milk. Conclude the worship with the aarti of Maa Chandraghant by using a ghee lamp or camphor.

Maa Chandraghanta Mantra:

ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः॥ या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ चन्द्रघण्टा रूपेण संस्थिता. नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Happy Navratri to you and your family ❤

May Maa Chandraghanta bless you with courage, bravery and determination.