Sharad Navratri 2023: Maa Chandraghanta is one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, who are worshiped during the Navratri festival. The name “Chandraghanta” is derived from the words “chandra”, meaning moon, and “ghanta”, meaning bell. This form of Goddess Durga is depicted with a crescent moon on her forehead, giving her the name Chandraghanta. She is usually shown riding a tiger and has ten hands, each holding a different weapon and symbol, including a sword, trident, mace, bow and arrow.
Chandraghanta is worshiped on the third day of Navratri, which falls on the Tritiya Tithi (third day) of the Shukla Paksha of the lunar month Ashwin. Devotees worship her for peace, tranquility and prosperity. It is believed that her blessings remove all obstacles and provide courage and strength to face challenges.
During the nine days of Navratri, devotees worship, perform rituals and organize special ceremonies in honor of Maa Chandraghanta and seek her divine blessings. Devotees also chant hymns and mantras dedicated to him to invoke her divine presence and seek her blessings.
Spiritual significance
The third form of Goddess Durga, Maa Chandraghanta, holds great significance in Hindu mythology and spirituality. Here are some key aspects of their importance:
Symbol of courage and strength
Chandraghanta is a symbol of bravery and patience. Her worship is believed to instill immense courage and strength in her devotees, enabling them to face challenges and adversities in life.
Protection and blessings
Devotees believe that worshiping Chandraghanta brings her divine protection and blessings. She is considered the protector of her devotees, protecting them from evil forces and negative energies.
Overcome obstacles
It is believed that Chandraghanta has the power to remove all obstacles and hindrances from the life of her devotees. People pray to him for smooth resolution of problems and removal of obstacles in their personal and professional lives.
Spiritual growth
Chandraghanta is also related to spiritual development. It is believed that her worship purifies the mind and soul, leading devotees to the path of righteousness and spirituality.
Woman power
The worship of Chandraghanta emphasizes the divine feminine power and the importance of female energy in the universe. She symbolizes the power and nurturing qualities of the feminine aspect of the divine.
Balance and harmony
The crescent moon on Chandraghanta’s forehead symbolizes the cyclical nature of time and the continuous evolution of the universe. It represents balance and harmony in life, reminding devotees of the interconnectedness of all things.
Inspiration for devotees
The stories and legends associated with Chandraghanta serve as a source of inspiration for devotees. Her stories depict the triumph of good over evil and the triumph of righteousness, instilling faith and determination in the hearts of her followers.
Worship of Maa Chandraghanta during Navratri and other auspicious occasions is a way for devotees to seek her divine blessings for protection, strength and spiritual enlightenment, evoking a deep feeling of devotion and reverence among the worshippers.