Worshipping Divine Chandraghanta Devi: 3rd Day of Navratri

ASTROBHAVA

Navratri, the festival dedicated to the nine divine forms of Goddess Durga, is a period of devotion, fasting, and spiritual awakening. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga, each embodying a distinct power and purpose. On the third day of Navratri, devotees worship Chandraghanta devi, the third manifestation of Maa Durga. She symbolizes courage, grace, and spiritual enlightenment, instilling bravery and removing all forms of suffering from her devotees’ lives. Her blessings bring harmony, stability, and divine grace to those who seek her.

Who is Chandraghanta devi?

Chandraghanta devi is depicted as a ten-armed goddess riding a majestic tiger, signifying her fierce warrior aspect. She carries various weapons, including a sword, trident, mace, bow, and arrow, demonstrating her readiness to battle evil forces. The crescent moon on her forehead, resembling a bell (ghanta), gives her the name Chandraghanta. The sound of this celestial bell is said to ward off negative energies and demonic entities, filling her devotees’ lives with divine protection and positivity.

Her expression is serene yet powerful, embodying the perfect balance of courage and compassion. She is always prepared for war against injustice while simultaneously offering blessings of peace and prosperity to her worshippers. She is the goddess who eliminates suffering, anxiety, and negative thoughts, ensuring that her devotees remain steadfast on their spiritual journey.

Significance of Worshipping Chandraghanta

Chandraghanta devi is the third manifestation of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the third day of Navaratri. She represents courage, grace, and the power to eliminate suffering. Her name is derived from “Chandra” (moon) and “Ghanta” (bell), as she bears a half-moon in the shape of a bell on her forehead. She is often depicted as a fierce yet compassionate goddess, riding a tiger and wielding ten weapons. Worshiping her holds profound spiritual, psychological, and symbolic significance.

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Symbolism of Chandraghanta devi

Appearance & Attributes:
- She is depicted with ten hands, each carrying different weapons like a sword, trident, and bow, signifying her readiness to protect devotees.
- Her half-moon (Chandra) in the shape of a bell (Ghanta) represents wisdom, alertness, and the removal of negative energies.
- She rides a tiger, symbolizing bravery and fearlessness.
- She has a radiant golden complexion, embodying divine grace and benevolence.
Balance Between Fierce and Gentle Aspects:
- Despite her warrior-like appearance, Chandraghanta is kind and compassionate toward her devotees.
- She signifies the perfect balance between aggression and peace, teaching that strength and serenity can coexist.

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Spiritual Significance of Worshipping Chandraghanta

(i) Awakening of Inner Power

Chandraghanta is believed to bless her devotees with fearlessness, confidence, and inner strength. Worshiping her helps individuals:

Overcome fear and anxiety.
Face challenges with determination and courage.
Develop a disciplined and warrior-like mindset in life.

(ii) Protection from Negative Energies

It is believed that the sound of her bell (Ghanta) has the power to:

Repel evil spirits and negative energies.
Create a protective aura around her devotees.
Bring peace and harmony into their lives.

(iii) Enhancing Spiritual Awareness

Devotees pray to Chandraghanta to achieve:

Mental clarity and focus, crucial for spiritual progress.
A heightened sense of awareness and intuition.
A deeper connection with the divine consciousness.

(iv) Inner Peace and Emotional Stability

By worshiping her, devotees seek:

Emotional balance in times of turmoil.
Relief from stress, anxiety, and negative thoughts.
Strength to handle life’s challenges with calmness and wisdom.

Chandraghanta and the Manipura Chakra

In yogic tradition, Chandraghanta devi is associated with the Manipura Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra), which governs:

Self-confidence and determination.
Personal power and leadership abilities.
The ability to transform negative emotions into strength.

By meditating on Chandraghanta’s form, one can:

Activate the Manipura Chakra.
Attain courage, clarity, and spiritual enlightenment.
Release fears and doubts that hinder progress.

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Rituals of Day 3 of Navratri

Observing the sacred rituals dedicated to Chandraghanta devi enhances devotion and invites her divine blessings. The major rituals include:

Morning Rituals: Devotees wake up early, take a purifying bath, and wear yellow attire, which is considered auspicious for the day. Yellow symbolizes joy, brightness, and positive energy, creating an uplifting spiritual atmosphere.
Puja Setup: The idol or picture of Maa Chandraghanta is placed on a clean altar, decorated with fresh flowers, especially red and yellow ones. A sacred lamp (diya) is lit to symbolize the removal of darkness from one’s life.
Offerings: Devotees offer milk, sweets, fruits, honey, and kheer (rice pudding), which are believed to be dear to the goddess. The significance of offering milk is to seek her blessings for a healthy and prosperous life.
Mantra Chanting: Reciting the Chandraghanta Mantra with devotion enhances the spiritual vibrations and invokes her divine grace: “Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah” Chanting this mantra 108 times is considered highly beneficial for spiritual and mental strength.
Aarti and Bhajans: Singing devotional songs and performing aarti with a diya (lamp) create a sacred ambiance. The ringing of bells during aarti signifies the dispelling of negative energies.
Meditation & Prayers: Devotees meditate upon her form, focusing on her divine energy and attributes. Praying to her with sincerity is said to grant inner peace, wisdom, and divine protection. Practicing mindfulness during the puja fosters a deeper connection with the goddess.
Charity and Good Deeds: Many devotees distribute food, clothes, and other essentials to the needy, as offering service to humanity is considered a way to please the goddess. Donating food or feeding animals is also believed to bring the goddess’s blessings.
Reading Sacred Texts: Reading Durga Saptashati or Chandraghanta Stotra is considered highly auspicious and enhances the impact of the puja.

Color and Prasad of the Day

Color: Yellow is the color of the day, symbolizing energy, positivity, and spiritual wisdom. Devotees wear yellow to align themselves with the vibrational energy of the goddess.
Prasad: Kheer (rice pudding), honey, milk-based sweets, and fruits are offered as bhog to Maa Chandraghanta, seeking her blessings for health, happiness, and prosperity.

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Symbolism and Teachings

Maa Chandraghanta is the perfect embodiment of serenity and strength. She teaches her devotees the importance of staying calm in the face of adversity while standing strong against injustice and negativity. Her presence encourages people to embrace both their inner warrior and their compassionate nature, striking a balance between power and peace.

Lessons from Maa Chandraghanta’s form and persona include:

Fearlessness: She inspires her devotees to live without fear and face life’s challenges courageously.
Justice and Righteousness: She stands for truth and fairness, encouraging her devotees to walk the path of dharma.
Inner Harmony: She teaches the importance of self-control and maintaining inner peace even in difficult situations.
Divine Protection: Worshipping her is said to grant both material and spiritual success, safeguarding her devotees from harm.
Mental Strength: She teaches devotees to remain composed and balanced, even in the face of adversity.
Self-Discipline: She embodies the virtues of discipline and perseverance, showing the path toward spiritual progress.
Devotional Service: She encourages the practice of seva (selfless service) as a means of spiritual upliftment.

Her blessings are sought by those who seek protection, wisdom, and inner peace. She guides her devotees toward a higher state of consciousness, encouraging them to overcome negativity and lead a life of righteousness. Devotees who worship her with sincerity and faith are said to develop an aura of divine protection that shields them from harm.

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Worshiping Chandraghanta devi: An In-Depth Guide

Chandraghanta devi is revered as the fearless and compassionate form of Maa Durga. She is symbolic of balance—embodying both beauty and fierce strength. Devotees turn to her for protection, courage, and spiritual empowerment. Below is a comprehensive guide detailing the various rituals, mantras, and offerings to properly invoke her blessings.

Chandraghanta Devi Puja (Worship Rituals)

Puja is a structured ritual where every step is filled with symbolism, meant to honor the deity and prepare the mind for divine communion.

A. Preparation for Puja

Spiritual and Physical Cleanliness:
- Begin with a personal cleansing ritual: take a bath, wear freshly washed clothes—preferably in colors like red or yellow which are considered auspicious for Chandraghanta.
- Clean the puja space; a clutter-free and dedicated altar enhances the spiritual atmosphere.
Altar Setup:
- Place an idol or a clear image of Chandraghanta devi on an altar.
- Decorate the altar with fresh flowers (jasmine, lotus, marigold), garlands, and rangoli designs to invite divine energy.
- Keep a Kalash (sacred pot) filled with water, decorated with mango leaves and topped with a coconut, symbolizing life and purity.
Essential Items for Offerings:
- Flowers and Fragrances: Fresh blooms, incense sticks, and sandalwood paste.
- Edibles: Fruits, sweets, coconut, honey, and rice.
- Lighting: A ghee lamp (deepam) to kindle the sacred flame.
- Mantra Material: A bell (Ghanta) is important, as its ringing symbolizes the dispelling of negative energies and the awakening of the divine consciousness.

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B. Puja Steps and Procedures

Invocation and Sankalpa (Vow):
- Sit comfortably and take a few moments to meditate on the form of Chandraghanta devi.
- Make a sankalpa (vow) declaring your purpose for the puja. This mental commitment sets the intention for your worship.
- Recite the invocation mantra:
  “Om Chandraghantayai Namah” 108 times, using a mala (rosary) to keep count.
Offering of Materials (Upachara):
- Begin by offering water to the deity’s image or idol, symbolizing the purification of both body and mind.
- Gradually offer flowers, kumkum (red vermilion), haldi (turmeric), and sandalwood paste.
- Present edibles such as fruits, sweets, and coconut as a token of gratitude and devotion.
Lighting the Sacred Fire (Deepa Aarti):
- Light the ghee lamp and incense. Gently ring the bell to mark the commencement of the aarti.
- Sing devotional songs or recite hymns dedicated to Chandraghanta. The sound of the bell and the fragrance of the incense are believed to carry the prayers to the divine realm.
Concluding the Puja:
- Distribute prasad (the blessed food) among family members and any gathered devotees.
- Conclude with a final aarti, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the goddess’s blessings.

Chandraghanta Japa (Mantra Chanting)

Japa is the repetition of sacred mantras which serves as a powerful means of meditation and concentration. Chanting the mantras dedicated to Chandraghanta devi strengthens one’s connection with her divine energies.

A. Mantras for Japa

Beej (Seed) Mantra:
- “Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche”
- This mantra encapsulates the vibrational energy of Chandraghanta devi, invoking her protective and benevolent aspects.
Moola Mantra:
- “Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah”
- A simple, yet profound, mantra which centers the devotee’s focus on the goddess’s energy.
Navarna Mantra:
- “Om Aing Hring Kling Chamundayai Vichche”
- This mantra is rich in divine syllables (navarna) that resonate deeply within the spiritual field.

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B. Japa Procedure

Choosing a Quiet Time:
- The early morning (Brahma Muhurta) or early evening are considered ideal times for japa, as these times of day help calm the mind and focus the spirit.
Using a Mala:
- Use a mala made of Rudraksha or crystals. This not only aids in keeping count (traditionally 108 beads) but also enhances the spiritual vibrational energy.
Meditative Focus:
- Sit in a comfortable posture with your spine straight. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and focus on the sound and meaning of the mantra.
Chanting:
- Recite your chosen mantra slowly and rhythmically. Visualize the goddess’s form and invite her protective aura into your heart and mind.
Mindfulness in Repetition:
- Continue chanting for a set duration (for example, 15-30 minutes). Each repetition deepens your connection and concentration.

Chandraghanta Devi Homa (Fire Ritual)

The homa (fire ritual) is one of the most potent forms of worship in the Vedic tradition. It is performed to invoke the blessings of the goddess, purify the surroundings, and remove obstacles.

A. Preparations for Homa

Havan Kund (Sacred Fire Pit):
- Prepare a havan kund, which is the designated area for the sacred fire. Ensure that it is placed in a clean, undisturbed area.
Materials and Offerings:
- Gather mango wood (for the fire), ghee, dried herbs, sesame seeds, rice, and sugar.
- Have a container of Panchamrit (a blend of milk, honey, ghee, curd, and sugar) ready as a final offering.
Setting the Ritual Space:
- Clean the area around the havan kund thoroughly. Decorate the space with flowers and rangoli to create a sanctified environment.
- Place the deity’s picture or idol near the kund, aligning it with the direction of the rising or setting sun if possible, as this enhances the ritual’s efficacy.

B. Conducting the Homa

Initiation and Sankalpa:
- Begin by taking a sankalpa for the homa. Clearly state the purpose of the ritual (e.g., seeking protection, prosperity, or the removal of obstacles).
- Light the fire in the havan kund with dry mango wood, ensuring that it burns steadily.
Offerings into the Fire:
- Slowly offer ghee, rice, herbs, and sesame seeds into the fire. With each offering, chant:
  “Om Chandraghantayai Swaha”
- Maintain a rhythm by repeating the oblation 108 times, aligning each offering with the chant.
Engaging with the Elements:
- Visualize the transformative power of the fire as it burns away negativity and infuses the space with divine energy.
- Allow the flame to guide your meditation, focusing on the warmth and light as metaphors for divine protection and guidance.
Conclusion of Homa:
- Conclude the homa by offering Panchamrit to the fire, symbolizing the ultimate surrender and gratitude to the goddess.
- Perform a final aarti in front of the havan kund. Wave the lit lamp around the deity’s picture, inviting her blessings and expressing sincere gratitude.
- Ensure to distribute the sanctified offerings (prasad) among the devotees.

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Conclusion

The third day of Navratri is an important milestone in the spiritual journey of a devotee. By worshipping Maa Chandraghanta, one seeks courage, peace, and divine protection. As the goddess of fearlessness and grace, she inspires devotees to lead a life of righteousness, positivity, and unwavering devotion. She is both a fierce protector and a benevolent mother, ensuring that her devotees are free from fear and filled with divine energy.

May the blessings of Chandraghanta devi remove all hurdles, bestow divine wisdom, and bring peace and prosperity to all! Let her celestial bell ring through our hearts, driving away darkness and filling our lives with light and harmony.

May this Navratri bring you strength, positivity, and divine grace!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why is Chandraghanta devi worshipped on the third day of Navratri?
A: Chandraghanta devi represents courage, grace, and protection. Worshipping her on the third day helps devotees eliminate fear, negative energies, and obstacles in life while seeking peace and prosperity.

Q2: What is the significance of the crescent moon on her forehead?
A: The crescent moon, shaped like a bell, symbolizes divine awareness and spiritual enlightenment. It is also believed that the sound of her celestial bell wards off evil forces.

Q3: What is the best offering for Chandraghanta devi?
A: Devotees offer milk, honey, kheer (rice pudding), and sweets made of milk, as they are considered sacred and dear to her.

Q4: What mantra should be chanted to invoke Maa Chandraghanta’s blessings?
A: The mantra “Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah” should be chanted 108 times to invoke her divine presence and receive her blessings.

Q5: What are the benefits of worshipping Chandraghanta devi?
A: Worshipping her helps in overcoming fear, attaining inner peace, removing obstacles, achieving success, and receiving divine protection.