Navratri 2024 Day 3: Devotees Celebrate Maa Chandraghanta

Navratri 2024, an important Hindu festival, continued on its third day, celebrated on October 5th, with devotees across the globe worshipping Maa Chandraghanta, one of the nine incarnations of Goddess Durga. These nine forms of Goddess Durga, popularly known as Navdurgas, include Maa Shailputri, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandamata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kalaratri, Maa Mahagauri, and Maa Siddhidatri.

Maa Chandraghanta, worshipped on the third day of Navratri, is known for her fierce yet serene nature. Her name is derived from “Chandra,” meaning moon, and “Ghanta,” meaning bell. According to traditional beliefs, the sound emanating from the moon and bell on her forehead is said to have expelled thousands of evil spirits during her battle against demons. Maa Chandraghanta is depicted riding a tigress, wielding ten arms equipped with various weapons and symbols, symbolizing bravery and protection.

Mythology suggests that Maa Chandraghanta is the embellished form of Maa Parvati, who, after marrying Lord Shiva, adopted this fierce form. Her divine presence is believed to bestow eternal strength and courage on her devotees, helping them to eliminate fear and conquer adversities. According to sources like Drik Panchang, her blessings grant both physical and mental peace to those who worship her.

On this auspicious day, devotees are encouraged to wear grey, a color symbolizing balance and calm, reflecting the qualities of Maa Chandraghanta. Rituals conducted during this day typically include adorning the idol with new clothes, offering yellow flowers, Jasmine, panchamrit, and mishri. A special kheer, a type of sweet dish, is also offered as bhog to the goddess.

The ceremonial timing includes Brahma muhurat from 4:38 AM to 5:27 AM, Abhijit muhurat from 11:46 AM to 12:33 PM, and Vijaya muhurat from 2:07 PM to 2:55 PM. Devotees focus on meditation and chanting mantras such as “Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah” to seek her divine grace.