Day Three of Navratri: A Reverence to Maa Chandraghanta

The festival of Navratri is being celebrated with grandeur across India, as it does each year. Navratri, which translates to ‘nine nights’, is dedicated to honoring the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Each day is devoted to a different form, including Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, and others.

On October 5, 2024, devotees across the country honor the third form of Goddess Durga, Maa Chandraghanta. This form is known as the fierce yet graceful incarnation of the goddess. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared his prayers, posting a video of Maa Chandraghanta’s prayers on his X profile, encompassing his salutations to the deity.

The Prime Minister expressed his reverence in a tweet written in Hindi, conveying, “Millions of salutations to the feet of Maa Chandraghanta in Navratri today! May the Goddess bless all her devotees with a successful life. This prayer is for all of you.”

Maa Chandraghanta is associated with bravery, courage, and grace, and is described as the embodiment of serenity despite her fierce appearance. Her name combines “Chandra” (moon) and “Ghanta” (bell), aptly describing her crescent moon-shaped bell on her forehead. Traditionally, worshiping her is believed to bestow devotees with grace, bravery, and courage.

This year, the festival of Shardiya Navratri commenced on October 3 and will culminate with Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami celebrations on October 13. In regions such as West Bengal, Shardiya Navratri is part of the larger Durga Puja celebrations—a key cultural festival in the state.

The third day, symbolized by the color grey, reflects Maa Chandraghanta’s calmness and power. Grey clothing is worn by devotees as it represents the balance and composure associated with the deity.

Hindu mythology describes Maa Chandraghanta with ten arms, each carrying a weapon, a lotus, or a gesture of blessing, representing both protection and benevolence. Riding a tiger, she signifies fearlessness and strength, attributes that are believed to provide peaceful and protective energies to her followers.

Her legend is deeply interwoven with her marital life, where after years of penance and strict devotion as Brahmacharini, Maa Parvati married Lord Shiva. The demon Tarkasura, who anticipated his downfall due to their progeny, conspired against her but was vanquished as Maa Chandraghanta took form to protect her home.

Worship of Maa Chandraghanta is believed to remove physical and mental sufferings, endowing her devotees with the strength to overcome obstacles. Her blessings are sought for peace, bravery, and protection from negative influences.