Chaitra Navratri Day 3: Devotees Nationwide Worship Maa Chandraghanta for Cosmic Justice
The Navratri period holds immense auspiciousness and sacred significance for Hindus across India. Specifically, Chaitra Navratri, celebrated during the month of Chaitra, draws vast numbers of devotees who engage in prayers and fasting. Today, March 21, 2026, marks the third day of this grand festival, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Chandraghanta.
Maa Chandraghanta: The Divine Embodiment of Order and Dharma
Navratri day three is devoted to worshipping Maa Chandraghanta, a form of Goddess Parvati in her married state. It is widely believed that Maa Chandraghanta established justice and order throughout the cosmos. After her union with Lord Shiva, she adorned her forehead with a crescent moon, earning the name Chandraghanta, which translates to "one with a moon-shaped bell."
This goddess is depicted with a radiant golden complexion, three eyes, and ten hands, each holding various divine weapons such as a Kamandal, Lotus, Japa Mala, Trishul, Gada, sword, bow, and arrow. Her posture includes the Abhay Mudra with her right hand, symbolizing protection, and the Varada Mudra with her fifth left hand, representing benevolence. Mounted on a lion, she symbolizes Dharma, emphasizing righteousness and moral law.
Significance of Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta
Maa Chandraghanta governs the planet Sun and embodies a peaceful form of Goddess Parvati. Devotees who worship her with pure intentions are believed to receive blessings of joy, wealth, and robust health. The sound produced by the moon-shaped bell on her forehead is said to purify her aura and dispel all negativity, creating a harmonious environment.
Furthermore, as the Goddess of the Manipura Chakra, located at the navel, Navratri days are considered an ideal time for initiating meditation practices. This makes it particularly beneficial for individuals pursuing yoga and spiritual growth, as aligning with her energy can enhance inner balance and focus.
Puja Rituals for Maa Chandraghanta on Day 3
Devotees follow specific rituals to honor Maa Chandraghanta during Navratri:
- Begin the day early with a purifying bath and wear clean attire.
- Offer flowers or a garland to Goddess Durga and light a diya using desi ghee.
- Present fruits, shringaar products, and vermillion or kumkum as offerings.
- Recite sacred texts such as Durga Chalisa and Saptashati Paath.
- In the evening, chant Maa Durga Aarti after offering bhog prasad.
- Break the fast with sattvik food, avoiding onions, garlic, and other tamsik items to maintain purity.
Mantra for Maa Chandraghanta
The powerful mantra for invoking Maa Chandraghanta is: पिण्डजप्रवरारुढा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता। प्रसादं तनुते मह्यां चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता॥ In transliteration: Pindaj Pravara Rudha Chand Kopastra Keyurta, Prasadam Tanute Maham Chandra Ghanteti Vishruta. Chanting this mantra is believed to attract her divine grace and protection.
