Navratri 2025 Day 3: Worship of Maa Chandraghanta – Story, Significance, Rituals & Mantras
Introduction
Navratri, one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals, is dedicated to the worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, known as Navadurga. Each of the nine days highlights a unique form of the Goddess, symbolizing a spiritual lesson for humanity. On the third day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta, the fierce yet compassionate form of Parvati after her marriage to Lord Shiva.
In 2025, Day 3 of Sharad Navratri falls on 24 September. On this day, devotees seek the blessings of Maa Chandraghanta to overcome fear, invite peace, and develop inner strength. Her worship represents courage, discipline, and the ability to face challenges while staying rooted in calmness and compassion.
Who is Maa Chandraghanta?
The name Chandraghanta is derived from two Sanskrit words:
Chandra – meaning the moon
Ghanta – meaning a bell
After her marriage, Goddess Parvati adorned a half-moon on her forehead, which resembled the shape of a bell. This unique adornment gave her the name Chandraghanta. She is known as the warrior form of Goddess Durga, ready to protect her devotees from negative forces while also blessing them with serenity.
Iconography of Maa Chandraghanta
She is depicted with ten arms, each carrying a symbolic item. These include a trident, mace, bow, arrow, sword, lotus, rosary, kamandal, and ghanta (bell).
Two hands are in Abhaya Mudra (gesture of fearlessness) and Varada Mudra (gesture of blessing).
Her complexion is said to be golden, and she rides a tiger or lion, representing valor and fearlessness.
The crescent moon on her forehead enhances her divine radiance and symbolizes the removal of darkness.
This form of the Goddess signifies both destruction of evil and bestowal of peace.
The Legend of Maa Chandraghanta
According to Hindu tradition, after Goddess Parvati married Lord Shiva, she assumed this divine form to protect the world from demons.
One popular legend narrates that a powerful demon began terrorizing the heavens and earth with his army of dark creatures. The devas prayed to Goddess Parvati for protection. She then transformed into Maa Chandraghanta, radiating power and courage. With her bell echoing like a divine weapon and her ten arms wielding weapons, she charged into battle on her tiger and destroyed the demon forces.
This story reflects her dual nature: a motherly protector who nurtures devotees with compassion and a fierce warrior who never tolerates injustice or evil.
Significance of Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta
Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta on the third day of Navratri is believed to bring profound spiritual and personal benefits.
Removes Fear and Doubt – Her blessings give devotees courage to face life’s struggles.
Protects from Negativity – She shields her devotees from evil influences, jealousy, and unseen dangers.
Promotes Peace and Harmony – Though fierce towards demons, she blesses her devotees with inner calm and balance.
Encourages Discipline and Strength – Her form inspires people to fight injustice with confidence and resilience.
Awakens the Manipura Chakra – Yogic traditions associate her with the solar plexus chakra, which governs self-esteem and willpower.
Thus, her worship is not limited to rituals but is also a reminder of leading a life with bravery, justice, and compassion.
Navratri 2025 – Day 3 Details
Date: Wednesday, 24 September 2025
Day of the Week: Wednesday, a day connected with wisdom and clarity
Colour of the Day: Royal Blue – symbolizing depth, dignity, and divine strength
Food Offering (Bhog): Milk and kheer (sweet rice pudding) are often offered to Maa Chandraghanta, believed to bring health and prosperity.
Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Rituals)
Morning Preparation – Take a holy bath, wear clean clothes (preferably royal blue), and prepare the puja area with flowers, lamps, and incense.
Altar Setup – Place an image or idol of Maa Chandraghanta. Decorate with garlands, especially red and yellow flowers.
Invocation (Avahan) – Begin with prayers to Lord Ganesha and Kalash Sthapana (installation of a sacred pot). Invoke Maa Chandraghanta with devotion.
Offerings – Present fresh flowers, fruits, sweets, incense, diya, and bhog. Lotus flowers are considered most auspicious.
Abhishek (Ritual Bathing of Idol/Image) – Use water, milk, curd, honey, and ghee (panchamrit). Apply sandalwood paste after the abhishek.
Chanting and Mantra Recitation – Chant her mantras with devotion to seek courage and spiritual strength.
Aarti – Perform aarti with diya and bell, singing devotional songs dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta.
Prasad Distribution – Offer bhog to family members and guests as prasad.
Mantras of Maa Chandraghanta
Main Mantra
“Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah”
Dhyana Mantra (Meditation Verse)
This mantra describes her form and helps devotees visualize her divine image while meditating.
Pindaja Pravararudha Chandakopastrakairyuta,
Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta.
Meaning: O Goddess Chandraghanta, seated gracefully with weapons in your hands, you destroy fear and bless devotees with your divine grace.
Food and Offerings
Devotees offer different bhogs to Maa Chandraghanta to please her. Some popular offerings include:
Milk, curd, and kheer – believed to bring health and longevity
Honey – symbolizes sweetness and harmony
Fruits and jaggery – considered sattvic and energizing
It is also believed that offering milk to the needy on this day earns the blessings of the Goddess.
Spiritual Symbolism of Maa Chandraghanta
Maa Chandraghanta represents:
Valor: Her weapons symbolize readiness to fight for truth.
Protection: The lion or tiger represents power and protection.
Calmness: The crescent moon on her forehead signifies serenity amidst chaos.
Awakening: The bell on her forehead symbolizes the sound of consciousness that removes ignorance.
Thus, her form is a complete balance of Shakti (energy), Bhakti (devotion), and Shanti (peace).
Lessons from Maa Chandraghanta
Face Fear with Courage – Life is full of struggles, but Maa teaches us to fight with confidence.
Balance Strength and Compassion – True strength lies in protecting others while staying compassionate.
Rise Against Injustice – She inspires us to take action against wrongs instead of ignoring them.
Stay Calm in Adversity – Like the moon on her forehead, she reminds us to stay composed even during challenges.
Seek Inner Strength – Real victory lies not just in external battles, but also in overcoming internal fears and doubts.
How to Celebrate Day 3 of Navratri at Home
Decorate the home temple with flowers and lights.
Use bells during aarti, as it symbolizes her name and removes negativity.
Involve family members in puja rituals and chanting.
Prepare sattvic food like kheer and distribute among neighbors or the poor.
Spend a few moments in meditation, focusing on courage and positivity.
FAQ
FAQs About Day 3 of Navratri
She symbolizes bravery, courage, protection, and peace.
Royal Blue is the colour of the day.
Kheer, milk, and honey are considered most auspicious.
The Manipura (solar plexus) chakra.
Yes, chanting her mantra regularly helps reduce fear and increase inner strength.
Conclusion
On the third day of Navratri 2025, Maa Chandraghanta blesses her devotees with the strength to face adversities while guiding them toward peace and fearlessness. Her form is a reminder that true power is not in aggression alone but in balancing strength with compassion. By worshipping her with devotion, one can gain protection, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
As we celebrate Day 3 of Navratri, let us invite the divine energy of Maa Chandraghanta into our lives and strive to overcome challenges with courage, compassion, and grace.
Jai Maa Chandraghanta!