On the third day of Navratri, people worship Chandraghanta Mata, the third form of Goddess Durga. She symbolizes peace, courage, and strength. “Chandra,” which means moon, and “Ghanta,” which means bell, combine to form the name ‘Chandraghanta’. A crescent moon, resembling a bell, adorns her forehead, symbolizing her resonance in the universe and her ability to fend off evil. The form of Chandraghanta Mata radiates calmness, but she is also known for her ferocity when battling negativity.
Iconography and appearance
Chandraghanta Mata rides a tiger, showcasing her valor and warrior-like stance. She has ten arms, each holding weapons like a trident, bow, sword, and more, representing her power to protect and destroy evil forces. The crescent moon on her forehead glows like a bell, spreading peace and spirituality everywhere. She also carries a lotus and a japan mala (rosary) to signify her association with serenity and devotion. Her third eye, placed in the center of her forehead, symbolizes wisdom and the destruction of evil forces.
Significance of Worship
Worshipping Chandraghanta Mata brings peace and harmony to the devotee’s life. She is revered for:
- Protection from Negative Energies: Chandraghanta Mata shields her devotees from evil and negative forces. Her devotees experience a sense of fearlessness, mental strength, and spiritual growth.
- Courage and Fearlessness: It is believed that worshipping her empowers individuals with the strength to face any challenges in life and removes obstacles that cause fear and anxiety.
- Her serene form helps to balance emotions like anger, impatience, and frustration. She helps her devotees live a harmonious life filled with inner peace.
- Worshipping Chandraghanta Mata is believed to bring prosperity, good health, and success into the personal and professional lives of her devotees.
- Spiritual Awakening: As a goddess of wisdom and clarity, she helps to remove spiritual ignorance and guides devotees toward enlightenment.
The Auspicious Color of Worship
Chandraghanta Mata is associated with a golden or yellow color. This color symbolizes brightness, joy, and knowledge. Devotees wear yellow or golden attire on the third day of Navratri to attract the goddess’ divine blessings of wealth and wisdom.
Shubh Muhurat for Chandraghanta Mata Worship
The shubh muhurat, or auspicious time for worshipping Chandraghanta Mata, is on the third day of Navratri, also known as Tritiya Tithi. Performing the puja during this period is believed to maximize blessings from the goddess. You should typically conduct the puja during the early morning hours, after sunrise. However, the exact timings may vary each year, depending on the lunar calendar and the position of celestial bodies.
Mantra of Chandraghanta Mata
Chanting mantras dedicated to Chandraghanta Mata helps devotees receive her blessings and protection. The most popular mantra is:
ॐदेवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः
Om Devi Chandraghantaye Namah
Chanting this mantra invokes the goddess’s divine protection and seeks peace, prosperity, and courage. Regular chanting of this mantra is believed to remove mental blocks, instill confidence, and create a peaceful aura around the devotee.
Another powerful mantra is:
पिण्डज प्रवरारूढा चण्डकोपास्त्र कैर्युता।
प्रसादं तनुते मह्यं चन्द्रघण्टा यशस्विनी॥
Pindaj Pravararudha Chandakopastra Kairyuta
Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanta Yashaswini
We chant this mantra to ask for her blessings of valor, fearlessness, and spiritual strength.
Rituals and Offerings for Chandraghanta Mata
During Navratri, devotees perform special rituals to seek her blessings:
- Altar Decoration: We dedicate a clean space for the puja, then place the idol or image of Chandraghanta Mata on a decorated altar. We offer flowers, especially yellow or golden ones.
- Devotees offer fruits, sweets, and milk-based dishes because they are considered auspicious for Chandraghanta Mata. It is believed that she loves offerings made with devotion and purity.
- Aarti and Mantra Chanting: Performing aarti and chanting her mantras while lighting an oil lamp or diya is considered extremely auspicious. The bell’s resonating sound during the aarti symbolizes her divine presence.
Conclusion
Chandraghanta Mata, the goddess of courage, compassion, and serenity, is a significant form of Durga, revered for her power to remove obstacles and negativity from life. Her worship brings harmony, prosperity, and spiritual growth to her followers. By observing the shubh muhurat, wearing her associated color, and chanting her mantras with devotion, one can attract her blessings and experience peace and protection.
Her energy represents the balance between calmness and strength, making her a perfect embodiment of both inner peace and external power.