Navratri is one of the biggest festivals of Hinduism, and it is celebrated with great fervor throughout India. The festival is celebrated for nine days, and on each day, there is the puja of a different manifestation of Goddess Durga. The nine manifestations of the Goddess symbolize different aspects of women’s power, energy, and divine might. Third day of Navratri is the day when devotees worship Goddess Chandraghanta, which is one of the most ferocious and strongest forms of Durga.
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Who is Goddess Chandraghanta?
Goddess Chandraghanta is the third incarnation of Durga who is worshipped during Navratri. The name “Chandraghanta” is derived from two words: “Chandra” referring to “moon” and “Ghanta” referring to “bell.” Thus, Goddess Chandraghanta is usually depicted in a warrior form with a crescent moon marking on her forehead and a bell in hand, symbolizing her divine authority and victory over evil forces.
She is generally shown sitting on a lion, holding some weapons in her hand like a sword, trident, and mace. Her body fills the heart with peace as well as fearlessness. The crescent moon over her head signifies peace and tranquility, and the bell symbolizes that she can safeguard her devotees by annihilating obstacles and evils from their way.
Symbolism of Goddess Chandraghanta
Goddess Chandraghanta represents courage, strength, and determination. She is also commonly associated with the annihilation of evil forces, promoting peace and harmony. The crescent moon on her forehead represents the combination of peace and power, signifying the fact that she can protect her devotees while remaining elegant and peaceful.
Her arms, which include the sword, trident, and mace, symbolize her readiness to fight evil and establish righteousness triumphing. The bell that she grasps, also a part of her physical presence, symbolizes her ability to repel evil spirits, cleanse the environment, and grant safety to her followers. She is believed to bring positive changes, bestowing peace and prosperity to devoted followers.
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Significance of Goddess Chandraghanta on 3rd Day of Navratri
Third day of Navratri belongs to Goddess Chandraghanta, and her worship is believed to grant her devotees heart strength along with inner courage. The day symbolizes good triumphing over evil, light over darkness, and virtue over vice. Goddess Chandraghanta’s divine grace is believed to annihilate fear, anxiety, and all negativity.
On this day, people worship Goddess Chandraghanta for peace of mind, good health, and prosperity in their line of work. It is believed that her prayer fills one’s life with healthy and positive vibes and puts an end to these troubles and hardships. The third day of Navratri is highly sacred for people who face troubles in their life because on this day Goddess Chandraghanta is believed to give the power to fight adversity.
The Rituals of Worship of Goddess Chandraghanta
The third day of Navratri is the day when Goddess Chandraghanta is worshiped after performing some rituals to obtain her blessings and protection. The following are the step-by-step procedures for the general rituals that are followed on this day:
Preparation of Puja Area: Begin with the cleaning of the house or puja area to maintain purity and cleanliness. Light incense sticks and have a clean cloth or an altar in the worship area. It is also usual to have a picture or idol of Goddess Chandraghanta on the altar.
Offerings to Goddess: Place fresh flowers, especially yellow and red flowers, in front of the idol or image of Goddess Chandraghanta. These hues symbolize energy and power. Sweets in the shape of ‘laddu’ and ‘prasad’ made from milk should be placed there as these are deemed to be the favorite offering of the goddess.
Chanting of Mantras: Recite the following mantra during the puja:
“ॐ देवी चंद्रघंटायै नमः”
This is a mantra that calls the divine power of Goddess Chandraghanta and requests her to bestow protection and prosperity upon her. Repeat the mantra with sincerity and focus on her picture and requesting her blessings for braveness and success.
Fasting: Fasting on the third day of Navratri is practiced by Goddess Durga devotees to purify the body as well as the mind. Fruits, milk, and other satvic food will have to be selected and no grains should be eaten during fasting. This fasting symbolizes self-control and goddess worship.
Recitation of the Durga Saptashati: The Durga Saptashati or Devi Mahatmya is a religious text that talks about the battles and victories of Goddess Durga. Listening to or reading the text on the third day of Navratri is said to provide divine protection and blessings.
Aarti and Bhajans: Complete the puja by singing the Aarti and bhajans of Goddess Chandraghanta. They are thanksgiving and worship songs to the goddess for blessings.
Benefits of Goddess Chandraghanta Worship
Worshiping Goddess Chandraghanta on the third day of Navratri is believed to bring many spiritual, emotional, and material benefits:
Overcoming Fear and Anxiety: Goddess Chandraghanta helps her devotees overcome fear, anxiety, and concerns. Her blessings help erase the mental blocks and bring inner peace.
Gaining Bravery and Strength: This form of Durga is said to give courage and strength to her devotees, enabling them to overcome all obstacles in life with courage.
Protection from Evil Energies: Goddess Chandraghanta is also worshiped because she can destroy evil energies and evil powers. Her worship is said to protect devotees.
Healing of Relationships: Goddess Chandraghanta heals broken relationships and maintains families and society peaceful and free from discord.
Success in Ventures: The worship of Goddess Chandraghanta is thought to bring success in business, studies, and other ventures because she gives power to her followers to overcome barriers.
Conclusion
Goddess Chandraghanta, being the third incarnation of Durga, is a fierce goddess that symbolizes bravery, strength, and armor. Her worship in the celebration of Navratri gives divine favor in overcoming fear, obstacles, and ill fortune. Devotees who worship her earnestly and authentically find peace, prosperity, and success in their life. On the third day of Navratri, while we pray to the power and blessings of Goddess Chandraghanta, may all of us receive the strength to overcome obstacles and attain success in all our endeavors.
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