Third Day of Navaratri: Worship of Goddess Chandraghanta and Its Significance

ASTROBHAVA

Introduction

Navaratri is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Each day holds spiritual importance and is associated with a specific form of the Divine Mother. The third day of Navaratri is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, the goddess who symbolizes bravery, courage, and serenity. Devotees believe that worshipping her removes fears, obstacles, and negativities while blessing them with peace, prosperity, and spiritual strength.

In this blog, we’ll explore the rituals, significance, color of the day, story of Goddess Chandraghanta, and everything you need to know about the third day of Navaratri.

Goddess Chandraghanta – The Deity of the Third Day of Navaratri

The third day of Navaratri is dedicated to the divine worship of Maa Chandraghanta, the third manifestation of Goddess Durga. Her name is derived from the crescent moon (Chandra) shaped like a bell (Ghanta) that adorns her forehead, symbolizing bravery and divine energy. On this day, devotees seek her blessings to overcome fear, eliminate negativity, and achieve peace and courage.

Maa Chandraghanta is depicted as a radiant goddess with a golden complexion, mounted on a ferocious tiger that represents valor and fearlessness. Despite her warrior form, her expression is serene, symbolizing harmony between strength and calmness. This unique balance makes the third day of Navaratri special, as it encourages devotees to channel both courage and inner peace in their lives.

Iconography of Maa Chandraghanta

She is portrayed with ten hands, each holding powerful weapons such as a trident, mace, bow, sword, and kamandalu, representing divine powers that protect her devotees.
Her right hand is often shown in Abhaya Mudra (gesture of fearlessness), blessing her followers with protection and confidence.
The tiger she rides signifies her unmatched strength and readiness to destroy evil forces.
The crescent moon on her forehead resonates with her name and symbolizes divine wisdom and spiritual awakening.

Symbolic Importance of the Third Day of Navaratri

On the third day of Navaratri, Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped for her ability to bestow both courage and tranquility. She represents the power that helps devotees:

Destroy negativity and evil energies.
Attain peace, balance, and spiritual growth.
Gain confidence and fearlessness in personal and professional challenges.
Develop inner strength to face adversities with calmness.

By worshipping Maa Chandraghanta on the third day of Navaratri, devotees believe they receive divine blessings that bring stability, strength, and prosperity into their lives.

“Invoke divine courage and protection with a sacred Chandraghanta Homa. Book your homa with AstroBhava to remove negativity and attract strength, prosperity, and peace in your life.”

Significance of the Third Day of Navaratri

The third day of Navaratri holds immense spiritual and symbolic importance in Hindu traditions. On this day, devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta, who represents a powerful combination of courage, wisdom, and serenity. Her blessings are believed to eliminate fear, purify the mind, and empower individuals to live a righteous and successful life.

1. Spiritual Growth and Awakening

The third day of Navaratri is especially significant for spiritual aspirants. Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta strengthens meditation practices, enhances concentration, and awakens higher consciousness. Her divine vibrations help devotees connect with their inner selves, thereby walking on the path of self-realization and spiritual enlightenment.

2. Removal of Negativity and Evil Energies

Maa Chandraghanta is considered a fierce protector who destroys negative forces and evil spirits. On this day, devotees believe that her blessings shield them from black magic, bad karma, enemies, and obstacles in life. This is why many people perform special pujas on the third day of Navaratri to cleanse their aura and invite positivity.

3. Courage and Confidence to Overcome Challenges

Life is full of struggles, and the third day of Navaratri reminds devotees that with Maa Chandraghanta’s grace, no obstacle is insurmountable. She grants immense courage and inner strength, instilling confidence to face personal, professional, and emotional challenges. Devotees who worship her wholeheartedly experience an increase in willpower and determination.

4. Peace, Harmony, and Balance in Life

Despite her warrior-like appearance, Maa Chandraghanta radiates calmness and compassion. The third day of Navaratri emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance—between strength and peace, action and stillness. Devotees pray to her for harmony in relationships, family unity, and peace of mind, ensuring stability in both spiritual and worldly pursuits.

5. Planetary and Astrological Benefits

In Vedic astrology, worshipping Maa Chandraghanta on the third day of Navaratri is believed to reduce malefic effects of planets, especially those linked to aggression, fear, or instability. Her blessings strengthen the aura and protect devotees from negative planetary influences, ensuring prosperity and overall well-being.

“Experience the blessings of Maa Chandraghanta with a personalized Chandraghanta Puja on the third day of Navaratri. Connect with AstroBhava to perform puja as per authentic Vedic rituals.”

Rituals Performed on the Third Day of Navaratri

The third day of Navaratri is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, and performing the right rituals (puja vidhi) is considered highly auspicious. Devotees believe that proper worship on this day brings protection, courage, and blessings of peace.

Here are the detailed rituals observed on the third day of Navaratri:

1. Ghatasthapana and Kalash Puja

The ritual of Ghatasthapana, which begins on the first day of Navaratri, continues.
A kalash (sacred pot) filled with holy water, mango leaves, and a coconut placed on top is worshipped as a symbol of Goddess Durga’s energy.
This kalash remains throughout Navaratri as the central focus of the puja.

2. Invocation of Maa Chandraghanta

Devotees invoke Maa Chandraghanta with prayers and chanting of her mantras.
The most powerful mantra for this day is:
“Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah”, which is chanted 108 times for maximum blessings.
Some also recite the Durga Saptashati or Chandipath to honor the goddess.

3. Offerings and Bhog

On the third day of Navaratri, devotees prepare special bhog for Maa Chandraghanta.
Offerings include milk, kheer, jaggery, honey, sugar, and fruits.
Yellow-colored food items, especially sweets, are considered highly auspicious.
Red flowers and lotus are also offered, as they are dear to Maa Chandraghanta.

4. Use of Bells and Sound Energy

Maa Chandraghanta is associated with the ringing sound of a bell (ghanta), which removes negative energies and purifies the atmosphere.
Devotees ring bells while performing aarti and reciting mantras to seek her divine presence.

5. Fasting on the Third Day of Navaratri

Many devotees observe a fast (vrat) to honor Maa Chandraghanta.
Some keep a nirjala fast (without food and water), while others consume fruits, milk, and light satvik meals.
Fasting is believed to purify the body, strengthen discipline, and attract spiritual growth.

6. Meditation and Spiritual Practices

The third day of Navaratri is also dedicated to meditation and inner awakening.
Devotees meditate on the Manipura Chakra (solar plexus chakra), which is associated with power, confidence, and self-control.
Chanting mantras during meditation helps balance energy and invoke divine protection.

7. Evening Aarti and Devotional Singing

In the evening, devotees perform Durga aarti with diyas, incense sticks, and camphor.
Devotional songs, bhajans, and kirtans dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta are sung to spread divine vibrations.

“Chanting the mantras of Maa Chandraghanta brings immense inner strength and balance. Join the Chandraghanta Japa with AstroBhava and receive divine vibrations of peace and courage.”

Color of the Day – Yellow

Every day of Navaratri is associated with a symbolic color. On the third day of Navaratri, the auspicious color is Yellow. This color represents energy, brightness, and positivity. Devotees wear yellow clothes while offering prayers to Maa Chandraghanta to attract divine blessings and happiness.

Story of Maa Chandraghanta – Worshipped on the Third Day of Navaratri

The third day of Navaratri is celebrated in honor of Maa Chandraghanta, who represents the divine balance of power and peace. Her story is rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures and highlights her role as the fearless protector of the universe.

The Marriage of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva

According to Hindu mythology, after Goddess Parvati performed intense penance to win Lord Shiva as her husband, their divine marriage was arranged. On the day of her wedding, Goddess Parvati adorned her forehead with a crescent moon shaped like a bell (ghanta). From that moment, she came to be known as Maa Chandraghanta.

This form of the goddess marks the transformation of a gentle and devoted Parvati into a warrior-like protector, symbolizing courage, readiness, and divine strength.

The Battle Against Demons

Legends describe that shortly after her marriage, asuras (demons) tried to disturb peace on earth and in the heavens. To protect the world, Goddess Parvati took the form of Maa Chandraghanta.

Mounted on a fierce tiger, she armed herself with multiple weapons such as a trident, sword, mace, and bow.
She roared with the sound of her ghanta (bell), which echoed across the three worlds.
The resonance of the bell destroyed demonic forces, frightened enemies, and purified the environment.

Her roar and battle cry struck terror in the hearts of asuras, while her divine presence brought confidence and courage to her devotees.

Symbolism of Maa Chandraghanta’s Story

The story of Maa Chandraghanta, worshipped on the third day of Navaratri, carries profound lessons:

Inner Strength – She teaches that no matter how gentle or calm one may be, it is equally important to awaken inner courage when facing challenges.
Balance of Power and Serenity – While Maa Chandraghanta is fierce against evil, her face radiates compassion, reminding us that true power is not aggressive but balanced with kindness.
Victory Over Negativity – Her bell symbolizes spiritual sound vibrations that remove negativity and align the devotee with divine energy.

Thus, the third day of Navaratri inspires devotees to invoke both bravery and peace in their personal and spiritual lives, just as Maa Chandraghanta embodies both warrior energy and divine serenity.

“Celebrate Navaratri with devotion by performing Durga Puja under expert guidance. AstroBhava helps you connect with Maa Durga’s divine energy for spiritual upliftment and harmony.”

Benefits of Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta

Protection from negative energies and enemies.
Mental peace and emotional balance.
Courage to face struggles in life.
Spiritual progress and inner awakening.
Harmony in relationships and family life.

Who Should Worship Maa Chandraghanta?

The third day of Navaratri is considered especially powerful for invoking the blessings of Maa Chandraghanta. While everyone can worship her, certain devotees are believed to benefit the most from her divine grace.

1. Those Facing Fear, Anxiety, or Mental Stress

Maa Chandraghanta is known as the remover of fear. People struggling with anxiety, insecurity, or emotional imbalance should worship her to gain inner peace and confidence.

2. Individuals Battling Obstacles and Negativity

If you are constantly facing challenges, workplace politics, financial hurdles, or enemies, then the third day of Navaratri puja for Maa Chandraghanta can help remove negative energies and open doors to success.

3. Spiritual Seekers and Meditators

For people practicing meditation, yoga, or spiritual sadhana, Maa Chandraghanta’s blessings enhance concentration, awaken the Manipura Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra), and guide them toward higher consciousness.

4. Students and Professionals Seeking Confidence

Students preparing for exams or professionals facing career struggles should worship Maa Chandraghanta to gain courage, determination, and self-confidence.

5. Those with Astrological Imbalances

In Vedic astrology, worshipping Maa Chandraghanta on the third day of Navaratri is believed to reduce the malefic effects of planets, especially related to Mars and Moon. Anyone experiencing instability due to planetary doshas can benefit from her puja and mantra chanting.

6. Families Seeking Harmony

Couples and families who desire peace, love, and harmony in their relationships should pray to Maa Chandraghanta, as she ensures balance between strength and compassion in family life.

“Invoke divine courage and protection with a sacred Chandraghanta Homa. Book your homa with AstroBhava to remove negativity and attract strength, prosperity, and peace in your life.”

Conclusion – Connect with AstroBhava for Navaratri Guidance

The third day of Navaratri holds immense spiritual importance. By worshipping Goddess Chandraghanta, devotees can invite positivity, peace, and strength into their lives. If you wish to perform personalized Navaratri rituals, receive astrological guidance, or know how Maa Chandraghanta’s blessings can transform your life, AstroBhava is here to help.

👉 Connect with AstroBhava today for Navaratri pujas, japa, and personalized remedies to attract divine blessings.

FAQs on the Third Day of Navaratri

Q1. Which goddess is worshipped on the third day of Navaratri?
On the third day, devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta, the third form of Goddess Durga.

Q2. What is the color for the third day of Navaratri?
The auspicious color is Yellow, symbolizing energy, brightness, and positivity.

Q3. What are the benefits of worshipping Maa Chandraghanta?
She blesses devotees with courage, protection from negativity, peace of mind, and spiritual progress.

Q4. What mantra is chanted for Maa Chandraghanta?
The main mantra is “Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah”.

Q5. Can I keep a fast on the third day of Navaratri?
Yes, fasting is considered auspicious and helps in spiritual cleansing and receiving divine grace.