Maa-Chandraghanta

The third day of Navratri is devoted to praying Devi Chandraghanta. Being the third avatar of Maa Durga, she carries a half-moon (Chandra) on her forehead. This moon appears like the shape of a bell (ghanta), so, the name Chandraghanta. This ten-handed goddess has a radiating golden body and a third eye. While her nine hands hold several weapons that are said to destroy evil spirits, her 10th hand showers blessings on the world. Loyal devotees of this Goddess worship her to seek forgiveness for their faults. They also honor her to obtain her blessings for long-lasting strength, as well as an obstacle-free life.

Origin and History

According to mythology, when Sati burned her body in the Yagya Agni, she took rebirth as Parvati to Parvatraj Himalaya. Parvati married Lord Shiva. On the day of their marriage, Lord Shiva visited with all his Aghoris and Ghosts to take Devi Parvati along with him. On seeing this form of Shiva, her parents and all the guests were terrified.

Looking at all this, Parvati changed herself into Goddess Chandraghanta and requested Lord Shiva. She asked him to reappear in the form of a handsome prince. In the meantime, she revived her family from the shock and erased all their unpleasant memories. Since then, Devi Parvati is invoked in her Chandraghanta avatar as the goddess of peace and mercy.

Customs And Rituals

Devi Chandraghanta is worship for her patience and power to destroy evil. Certain rituals are following when worshiping her:

Pooja

The pooja should be initiate by praying all the gods, goddesses and planets in the Kalash. Follow by prayers being with a prayer to Lord Ganesha and the entire family of Maa Durga. Towards the end of the pooja, Ma Chandraghanta should be worshiped. Finally, this ritual ends with the worship of Lord Shiva and Brahama.

     The Mantra

The mantra that is recited, when the prayers are sent, goes something like this:

Ya devi Sarvabhooteshu, Maa Chandraghanta Rupen Sansthita |
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai, Namo Namah||
Pindah Pravarudha Chandkopastrakayurta |
Prasand Tnute Mahayam, Chandraghanteti Vishruta ||

Meaning: “I join my hands in front of the powerful Goddess, one with the bell shaped moon on her forehead. I worship her to forgive all of my bad deeds.”

Goddess Chandraghanta is the goddess of peace and forgiveness. Therefore, she likes to be offered something white as her bhog. One can either prepare kheer for prasad or offer milk to please her.

Color for The Day

On this day, it’s good for adherents to wear something in red People wear red color on the third day of Navratri. It signifies beauty and fearlessness.while completing the rituals and pooja. Though the Goddess herself drapes a white saree, which symbolizes peace and forgiveness, it is said that her worshipers should wear red throughout the day.

Attires For The Day

salwar kameez: Salwar Kameez is a preferable ethnic attire among Indian women. A Red Salwar Kameez stitched with Georgette material can be seen as one of the most popular choices on this day. One can pick up many different hues and colors that perfectly blend with red to design their dress. Colors that go best with red are black, cream, blue, pink, magenta and navy blue.

Kurtis: These days, women, especially working women, prefer indo-western outfits rather than opting for complete ethnic wear. For these women, an advisable outfit can be Kurtis. Women can pair up their Kurtis with either leggings or jeans and even design their indo-western attire.

Accessories: One can add charm to her look by accessorizing herself. A Salwar Kameez or even Kurtis can be teamed up with dark silver and oxidized earrings. Women can also pair this outfit with a self embossed Kadha for a simple yet elegant look. Designer shoes and handbags can pep up your look as well.

Kurta Payjama for Men: Style is not just associated with women anymore; men are also active participants nowadays. For men who desire to dress in ethnic wear, there is an array of Kurta Pajamas available in the market. For those who prefer to not compromise on comfort, a cotton kurta with a red pajama is the perfect outfit.

Interesting Facts

On the third day of Navratri, a worshiper enters the Manipura Chakra and becomes capable of witnessing divine things.

Worshipping Devi Chandraghanta cultivates bravery and fearlessness in the worshipers, along with humility and serenity.