Navratri Day 3: Devotees Worship Maa Chandraghanta, Goddess of Courage and Peace

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Navratri — The nine-day Shardiya Navratri began on September 22 and will conclude with Dussehra on October 2. Each day honours one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Day 3 is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, who represents courage, peace and the welfare of devotees.

Why She Is Called Maa Chandraghanta

According to Hindu scriptures, Maa Chandraghanta is the married form of Goddess Parvati. After her marriage to Lord Shiva she wore a half-crescent moon shaped like a bell on her forehead, which gave rise to the name Chandraghanta.

How She Is Depicted

Maa Chandraghanta is typically shown with ten hands riding a tiger. Her arms hold weapons and sacred items: a Trishul, Gada, sword, Kamandal, lotus, arrow, bow and rosary. One hand is raised in Abhaya Mudra (protection) and another shows Varada Mudra (blessing).

Legend: Battle with Jatukasura

Ancient stories tell how, soon after her marriage, Chandraghanta fought the bat-demon Jatukasura. While Lord Shiva was in deep meditation, the demon sent swarms of bats and darkness over the world. Guided by the crescent moon on her forehead, Chandraghanta rang her bell to confuse the enemy and used her sword to defeat Jatukasura, restoring peace.

Spiritual Significance

Spiritually, Maa Chandraghanta is associated with the planet Venus (Shukra) and is said to preside over the Manipura Chakra (solar plexus), linked to self-confidence, willpower and personal boundaries. Devotees believe worshipping her dispels negativity, builds courage, and brings stability and harmony into life.

Auspicious Practices

Devotees observe special prayers, offer flowers and lamps, and often wear royal blue on Day 3 to invoke the Goddess’s blessings. According to Drik Panchang, the most auspicious times for worship fall on September 24–25, 2025 (check local panchang for exact muhurats).

Source: Asianet Newsable (rewritten)