As Navratri festivities continue in full swing, the third day of the nine-day celebration, falling on Saturday, October 5, is dedicated to the worship of Maa Chandraghanta. One of the revered forms of Maa Durga, Chandraghanta is worshipped by devotees for strength, peace, and divine protection. Shardiya Navratri, the most widely celebrated Navratri in India, marks the victory of good over evil, and each day is dedicated to one of the nine forms of Adi Shakti, collectively known as Navdurgas.
Maa Chandraghanta, who governs the planet Shukra (Venus), symbolizes bravery and strength. She is depicted as riding a tigress, signifying valor, with ten arms that hold various weapons including a trishul, sword, arrow, and gada, as well as symbols of peace like a lotus flower and japa mala. Her iconic half-moon or Chandra on her forehead, from which she derives her name, represents her serene and composed nature as the married form of Maa Parvati. Yet, in times of war, she transforms into a fierce warrior goddess, whose bell is said to expel spirits and demons with its powerful sound.
Navratri 2024 Day 3: Legend of Maa Chandraghanta’s power
According to mythology, Maa Chandraghanta’s bell played a crucial role in her battle against demons. The sound of her bell was so potent that it drove away countless evil forces and sent them to the God of Death’s domain. It is believed that worshipping this form of the goddess blesses devotees with eternal strength and power to overcome adversities in life.
Navratri 2024 Day 3: Puja rituals and auspicious timings
On Day 3 of Navratri, devotees follow specific rituals to honor Maa Chandraghanta. According to Drik Panchang, the auspicious timings (muhurats) for the day include:
Brahma Muhurat: 4:38 am to 5:27 am
Abhijit Muhurat: 11:46 am to 12:33 pm
Vijaya Muhurat: 2:07 pm to 2:55 pm
During the puja, the idol or image of the goddess is bathed with sacred substances like Kesar, Ganga Jal and Kewra, dressed in new clothes, and adorned with yellow flowers and jasmine. Devotees offer panchamrit, mishri, and a special kheer bhog as part of the rituals.
Navratri 2024 Day 3: Significance of colour Orange
Orange, the color of the day, is believed to represent warmth, joy, and positive energy. Wearing orange during the puja is said to invoke the goddess’s blessings of exuberance and peace, filling devotees with positivity and strength to overcome life’s challenges. The vibrant hue uplifts spirits, symbolizing the fire and light that Navratri brings to the lives of those who celebrate it.
With rituals, devotion, and the right energy, Day 3 of Navratri is a time to seek Maa Chandraghanta’s blessings for peace, prosperity, and inner strength.
