Shardiya Navratri, the nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of the Goddess Durga, began on September 22 and will conclude with Dusshera on October 2. Each day of this festival is dedicated to one of the nine Navadurgas. On the third day, the focus shifts to Maa Chandraghanta, the Goddess who is believed to bring happiness, peace, and relief from suffering to her devotees. This article delves into the significance of Maa Chandraghanta, the rituals associated with her worship, and the auspicious timings for the day.
Who is Maa Chandraghanta? What is Her Significance?
According to Hindu scriptures and Drik Panchang, Maa Chandraghanta is the married form of Goddess Parvati, symbolizing peace and welfare for her followers. After her union with Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati is said to have adorned her forehead with a half crescent moon (Chandra), resembling a bell (Ghanta), thus earning the name Maa Chandraghanta.
Depicted as a Goddess with ten hands, Maa Chandraghanta rides a tiger. In her left hands, she holds a Trishul (trident), Gada (mace), Sword, and Kamandal (water vessel), while her fifth left hand is in the Varada Mudra, offering blessings. In her right hands, she carries a lotus, Arrow, Dhanush (bow), and Japa Mala (rosary), with the fifth right hand raised in Abhaya Mudra, offering protection.
According to the Shiv Puranas, shortly after her marriage to Lord Shiva, Maa Chandraghanta defeated the bat-demon Jatukasura. The demon, sent by the evil Tarakasura, used his army of bats to cover the sky in darkness, wreaking havoc on earth. Seeking help, Maa Parvati invoked the crescent moon on her forehead to light her way and used a bell to weaken the bats, ultimately defeating the demon with her sword.
Maa Chandraghanta governs the planet Shukra (Venus) and resides over the Manipura or solar plexus chakra, which is associated with self-esteem, boundaries, and willpower. Worshipping her during Navratri is believed to dispel negativity, reduce suffering, and promote physical and mental well-being. Her story emphasizes grace, determination, and courage.
Auspicious Timings for the Third Day of Navratri:
For those observing the third day of Navratri, September 24 to 25, 2025, here are the shubh muhurats or auspicious timings, as per Drik Panchang:
Brahma Muhurta: 04:35 am to 05:23 am
Pratah Sandhya: 04:59 am to 06:10 am
Vijaya Muhurta: 02:14 pm to 03:02 pm
Godhuli Muhurta: 06:15 pm to 06:39 pm
Sayahna Sandhya: 06:15 pm to 07:27 pm
Amrit Kalam: 09:11 am to 10:57 am
Nishita Muhurta: 11:49 pm to 12:37 am (Sept 25)
Ravi Yoga: 04:16 pm to 06:11 am (Sept 25)
Navratri Day 3 Color: Royal Blue
The color associated with the third day of Navratri is royal blue, symbolizing richness, tranquility, and depth. It reflects the Goddess’ fierce yet calming nature. Wearing royal blue on this day is believed to invite the blessings of Maa Chandraghanta.
Navratri Day 3 Puja Vidhi and Samagri:
To perform Maa Chandraghanta’s puja, follow these steps as per Harishyam Arts:
Preparation: Begin by purifying the puja area and setting up the altar, followed by the installation of the Kalash (sacred water pot).
Dhyan: Face east or north and meditate on Maa Chandraghanta, visualizing her image adorned with the crescent moon on her forehead.
Avahan: Chant the mantra “Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah” to invoke the Goddess into your home.
Offerings: Begin by offering water (Aachaman) to the deity, followed by bathing the idol with Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar) or plain water. Perform a second round with Gangajal (holy water). Offer fresh clothes or a chunri (cloth) and apply sandalwood paste. Offer fresh flowers, garlands, kumkum, and rice grains.
Lighting Lamps and Incense: Light incense sticks and a ghee lamp, waving them in a circular motion.
Offer Prasadam: Present sweets, fruits, and bhog (food offerings) to the Goddess, followed by betel leaves and nuts.
Mantra Chanting: Chant the mantra of Maa Chandraghanta or the Durga Saptashati stotras.
Aarti: Perform the aarti using a diya (lamp) and camphor. Sing the aarti song with devotion.
Pradakshina: Walk around the idol in a clockwise direction three to seven times, offering flowers after each round.
Conclude the Puja: Offer prayers for inner strength, courage, and protection. Recite the Shanti Path for universal peace and distribute prasad among family and devotees.
This day is an opportunity for spiritual growth and self-reflection, inviting the Goddess' blessings for strength, protection, and harmony.
