Navratri, a vibrant nine-night festival celebrated across India, honors the divine feminine and marks the victory of good over evil. On the third day, which falls on October 5, 2024, devotees pay homage to Maa Chandraghanta, one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. This day is particularly significant for seeking blessings of strength, courage, and protection.
Maa Chandraghanta: The Divine Warrior
Maa Chandraghanta is revered as a powerful manifestation of Goddess Parvati after her marriage to Lord Shiva. The name “Chandraghanta” translates to “the one with a moon-shaped bell,” symbolizing her serene yet formidable nature. She is depicted riding a tigress, embodying valor and strength, and is characterized by her ten arms that wield various weapons, including a trident (trishul), sword, arrow, and mace (gada), alongside symbols of peace like a lotus flower and prayer beads (japa mala).
Her half-moon adornment signifies tranquility, while her bell is believed to emit a sound that dispels negativity and evil spirits. According to mythology, the bell’s sound was so powerful that it could drive away demons, making her a fierce protector of her devotees.
Significance of Day 3
On this day, worshipping Maa Chandraghanta is believed to bring inner peace and spiritual growth. She governs the planet Shukra (Venus) and is associated with the Manipura Chakra, located at the navel, which represents personal power and self-esteem. Devotees seek her blessings to overcome fears and challenges in life. The rituals performed during this day are steeped in tradition and devotion. It is believed that those who worship Maa Chandraghanta with sincere intentions will receive joy, wealth, and wellness.
Rituals and Puja Vidhi
Devotees engage in specific rituals to honor Maa Chandraghanta:
- Early Morning Worship: Devotees wake up early and dress in clean clothes.
- Purification: The home is cleaned to create a sacred space for worship.
- Lighting the Diya: A lamp made from desi ghee is lit to invite positive energy.
- Offering Prasad: Offerings include vermillion (sindoor), sweets, and bhog (food offerings).
- Chanting Mantras: Reciting the Durga Saptashati and other mantras dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta is integral to the puja.
- Evening Aarti: In the evening, devotees perform an Aarti (a devotional song) dedicated to the goddess.
The auspicious timings for performing these rituals include:
- Brahma Muhurat: 4:38 AM – 5:27 AM
- Abhijit Muhurat: 11:46 AM – 12:33 PM
- Vijaya Muhurat: 2:07 PM – 2:55 PM
Symbolism of Color
The color associated with Day 3 of Navratri is orange, symbolizing warmth, joy, and positive energy. Wearing orange during puja is believed to invoke blessings from Maa Chandraghanta for exuberance and strength. This vibrant hue uplifts spirits and represents the fire that fuels devotion during Navratri.
Conclusion
Navratri Day 3 dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta serves as a reminder of the strength within each individual. By engaging in rituals filled with devotion and sincerity, devotees not only seek blessings for themselves but also cultivate inner peace and resilience against life’s adversities. As they chant mantras and offer prayers, they embrace the goddess’s virtues—courage, protection, and divine strength—propelling them towards a fulfilling life journey.
