Navratri (Day 3): Goddess Chandraghanta , the third form of Durga

 

                                                        Image Courtesy: Google

    Maa Durga’s third avatar Goddess Chandraghanta is worshipped on the this day of Navratri.Maa Chandraghanta is the reincarnation of goddess Durga which represents knowledge, justice and bliss. She is known to be the married form of mother Parvati who started wearing half moon after her marriage with Shiva. That’s how she came to be known as Chandraghanta which means half moon that looks like a bell.This form of Mother Goddess Durga protects her devotees from evil, and hence, she is seen equipped with myriad weapons. 

      Her pictorial depiction shows her with ten hands, and she is mounted on a tiger. She holds a trident (Trishul), a mace (gada), a sword (talwar), a pitcher (kamandal) in the left side and a lotus, a bow, an arrow and Japa mala in the right. She holds the vara mudra and the Abhaya mudra in the other two hands, respectively. 

       Chandraghanta rides a tiger or lion as her vehicle, representing bravery. This is a terrible aspect and is roaring in anger. This form of Durga is not completely different from earlier forms. It shows that when provoked she can be malevolent. Her malevolent form is said to be Chandi or Chamunda Devi. She is otherwise the very embodiment of serenity.

      The Goddess’ true devotees are said to be given divine energy that helps them to succeed in life. Even if she is the destroyer of evil spirits and powers, she will always remain a loving anf compassionate Devi to her devotees. According to Hindu mythology, during her battle with monsters and demons, her bell ringed a horrible and ferocious sound and thus, her name came into being.

      The devotees who adore and worship Chandraghanta develop an aura of divine splendor. Their persons emit invisible power-waves which exercise a great impact on those who come in contact with them. They easily achieve success in life.

       Her third eye is always open and she is ready for war against demons at all times. Devi Chandraghanta is depicted with ten hands and carries Trishul, Gada, Sword, and Kamandal in her four left hands and keeps the fifth left hand in Varada Mudra. She carries lotus flower, Arrow, Dhanush and Japa Mala in her four right hands and keeps the fifth right hand in Abhaya Mudra.

 

Corresponding colour of the day:

Red

This colour symbolises ultimate beauty and fearlessness and represents the Goddess on this day. Wear the stunning colour red this festive season to catch everyone’s eyes out there!

Chandraghanta Mantras:

"Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah॥"

"Pindaja Pravararudha Chandakopastrakairyuta।

Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Chandraghanta Rupena Samsthita। Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥"

       On Tritiya, worship Maa Chandraghanta and offer kheer made of milk and makhana as bhog.

       Conclude the puja by singing the Aarti and offer your salutations to her by lighting the camphor. After the puja, distribute prasad.

We hope you get some knowledge to read this article. Happy Navaratri.Maa Chandraghanta blesses you and your family.

                                         Thank you