Shardiya Navratri, a sacred nine-day festival rooted in devotion and divine feminine energy, began on September 22, 2025, and will culminate in the grand celebration of Dussehra on October 2. Each day is dedicated to one of the Navadurgas, and Day 3 is devoted to the valiant and compassionate Maa Chandraghanta. Revered for her powerful presence and tranquil grace, she is believed to grant her devotees peace, courage, and liberation from suffering.
Let’s explore the divine legend of Maa Chandraghanta, the significance of her worship, auspicious timings, puja rituals, and other spiritual insights for Day 3 of Navratri.
Who is Maa Chandraghanta?
The Warrior Goddess with a Bell-Shaped Moon
Maa Chandraghanta represents the married form of Goddess Parvati and symbolizes serenity and strength. After marrying Lord Shiva, Parvati began adorning a half-moon (Chandra) on her forehead resembling a bell (Ghanta), which earned her the name Chandraghanta.
Her divine form is awe-inspiring—ten-armed, riding a tiger, and wielding multiple weapons including a Trishul (trident), Gada (mace), Sword, Kamandal (water pot), Lotus, Bow and Arrow, Japa Mala (rosary). She blesses with her Abhaya Mudra (gesture of protection) and Varada Mudra (gesture of boon-giving), reflecting her compassionate nature.
The Legend of the Demon Slayer
According to the Shiv Puranas, shortly after her union with Shiva, Maa Chandraghanta faced the demonic bat-asura Jatukasura, a servant of the notorious demon Tarakasura. While Lord Shiva meditated, the earth was plunged into darkness by Jatukasura’s army of bats. In response, the Goddess illuminated her path using the crescent moon and rang her bell to disorient the demons. She then used her sword to vanquish Jatukasura, restoring light and peace.
This tale serves as a powerful reminder that inner strength and divine grace can overcome even the darkest of forces.
Spiritual Significance of Maa Chandraghanta
Maa Chandraghanta governs the planet Venus (Shukra) and resides in the Manipura Chakra—the energy center for personal power, self-esteem, and willpower. Worshipping her is believed to:
- Dispel fear and suffering
- Boost courage and determination
- Cleanse negative energies
- Strengthen inner boundaries and self-worth
Her presence represents the fusion of fierce protection and calm benevolence, guiding devotees on a path of spiritual clarity and strength.
Auspicious Timings (Shubh Muhurat) for Navratri Day 3
As per Drik Panchang, here are the auspicious muhurats for Day 3 of Navratri 2025 (from September 24 to 25):
- Brahma Muhurta: 04:35 am – 05:23 am
- Pratah Sandhya: 04:59 am – 06:10 am
- Vijaya Muhurta: 02:14 pm – 03:02 pm
- Godhuli Muhurta: 06:15 pm – 06:39 pm
- Sayahna Sandhya: 06:15 pm – 07:27 pm
- Amrit Kalam: 09:11 am – 10:57 am
- Nishita Muhurta: 11:49 pm – 12:37 am (Sept 25)
- Ravi Yoga: 04:16 pm – 06:11 am (Sept 25)
- Abhijit Muhurat: Not applicable on this day
Navratri Day 3 Colour: Royal Blue
The colour of the day is Royal Blue, symbolizing richness, tranquility, and deep devotion. It also reflects the dual nature of Maa Chandraghanta—fierce like the storm, yet calming like the moonlight. Wearing this hue during your rituals is believed to attract divine blessings and serenity.
Puja Vidhi and Ritual Guide for Maa Chandraghanta
To invoke the blessings of Maa Chandraghanta, follow this step-by-step puja vidhi:
1. Preparation
- Clean the puja area thoroughly
- Install the deity’s idol or picture on a decorated altar
- Perform Kalash Sthapana (installation of the sacred pot)
2. Dhyan (Meditation)
- Sit facing east or north
- Close your eyes and visualize the radiant form of Maa Chandraghanta
- Meditate on her crescent moon and tiger mount
3. Avahan (Invocation)
- Chant: “Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah” to welcome the Goddess into your home
4. Offerings (Samagri)
- Aachaman (Water Offering)
- Abhishekam (Bathing Ritual): Use Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar) or plain water
- Bathe again with Gangajal
- Offer fresh garments or chunri
- Apply sandalwood paste, kumkum, and akshat (rice grains)
- Decorate with flowers and garlands
- Light incense sticks and a ghee diya
5. Bhog and Prasad
- Offer sweets, fruits, and cooked bhog
- Present betel leaves and nuts
6. Mantra Chanting
- Recite Maa Chandraghanta’s mantra or verses from Durga Saptashati
7. Aarti
- Perform aarti with a camphor-lit lamp, singing the devotional song of the Goddess
8. Pradakshina (Circumambulation)
- Perform 3 to 7 rounds around the altar
- Offer flowers after each round
9. Conclusion
- End with Shanti Path (Peace Prayer)
- Pray for strength, courage, and divine protection
- Distribute prasad to family members and guests
Final Thoughts
Day 3 of Navratri honors Maa Chandraghanta—the embodiment of divine grace and warrior spirit. By worshipping her with devotion and observing the sacred rituals, one invokes peace, inner strength, and resilience against adversity. This day is a powerful opportunity to reflect on our own ability to face life’s challenges with both ferocity and compassion.
