Maa Chandraghanta: Navratri Day 3 Puja Vidhi, Story &…
Maa Chandraghanta: The Warrior Goddess (Navratri Day 3)
On the third day of Navratri, devotees worship the fierce yet compassionate form of the Goddess, Maa Chandraghanta. She is the third manifestation of the Navadurga (Nine Forms of Durga).
Her name comes from the half-moon (Chandra) on her forehead that looks like a bell (Ghanta). She represents the perfect balance between beauty and bravery. Worshipping her grants the devotee fearlessness, peace, and protection from negative energies.
📅 When to Worship Maa Chandraghanta in 2026?
For detailed timings of all Puja days, check our Hindu Festival Calendar 2026.
Date: March 21, 2026 (Saturday)
Date: October 13, 2026 (Tuesday)
The Story of the Wedding Avatar
According to mythology, Maa Chandraghanta is the married form of Goddess Parvati. After her intense penance as Brahmacharini, Lord Shiva agreed to marry her.
However, on the day of the wedding, Lord Shiva arrived with a terrifying procession of ghosts, goblins, and ascetics, covered in ash and snakes. Parvati’s mother, Menavati, fainted in terror. To save her family from fear, Parvati transformed herself into the radiant and fierce Chandraghanta. She appeared with ten arms, riding a lion, and convinced Lord Shiva to take a noble form (Chandrashekhar) for the marriage. This form represents the power to maintain peace and harmony in the family.
- Mount: She rides a Tigress or Lion, symbolizing bravery and Dharma.
- Arms: She has 10 hands. Four right hands hold a lotus, arrow, bow, and Japa Mala. Four left hands hold a trident, mace, sword, and Kamandalu. The remaining hands are in blessing mudras.
- Third Eye: Her third eye is always open, signifying her readiness to fight against evil.
Navratri Day 3 Puja Vidhi
Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta governs the Manipura Chakra (Solar Plexus). Here is the ritual to invoke her:
Cleanse the puja area. Sprinkle Gangajal and offer bright flowers to the Kalash installed on Day 1.
She loves Jasmine and Yellow/Red flowers. Offer them while ringing a bell (Ghanta) to please her.
Offer sweets made of Milk or Kheer. It is believed to bring relief from mental distress.
Perform the Aarti with camphor and chant her mantra 108 times for protection.
🕉️ Maa Chandraghanta Mantra
Pindaj Pravara Rudha Chandakopastra Kairyuta,
Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta.
“O Goddess Chandraghanta, who rides on a Tiger, holds powerful weapons, and is known for her fierce anger towards enemies, please bestow your grace upon me.”
🎨 Auspicious Color for Day 3: Grey or Red
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Conclusion
Maa Chandraghanta is the symbol of peace and bravery. Her worship removes all fears and obstacles from life. By chanting her mantras and performing the puja with devotion, one can attain spiritual bliss. Trust SmartPuja for all your religious needs during this holy festival.
