Chaitra Navratri Day 3: Worship Mata Chandraghanta on the Third Day of Navratri

On Chaitya Navratri Day 3, devotees wake up early and offer prayers to Goddess Chandraghanta, seeking her blessings for strength and prosperity. They offer the goddess flowers, fruits, and sweets and perform puja rituals. Many devotees also observe fasts on this day and break them with a special meal at night. Continue reading below to know more.

Chaitra Navratri Day 3: Muhurat and Tithi timings

Start time: 10th April 05:32 PM
End time: 11th April 03:03 PM
Date: 11th April 2024, Thursday

The story of Mata Chandraghanta

According to Hindu mythology, a demon named Mahishasura had acquired the power of invincibility from Lord Brahma through his severe penance. Unfortunately, after receiving this boon, Mahishasura became arrogant and started to torment and harass the gods and humans. The gods were helpless against the demon, and they sought the help of the Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

Therefore, the three Gods combined their powers and created a female warrior goddess called Durga, endowed with divine powers and weapons. Durga battled Mahishasura for nine days and nights, and on the third day of the battle, she assumed the form of Goddess Chandraghanta. The goddess had a half-moon-shaped bell on her forehead, which produced a loud and terrifying sound that scared away the demon’s armies. Mahishasura was infuriated by the sound, and he sent his most powerful demon, Raktabeej, to fight against the goddess.

However, Goddess Chandraghanta easily defeated Raktabeej with her weapons and divine powers. After the victory over Raktabeej, the goddess continued to battle Mahishasura and ultimately defeated him on the ninth day of the battle. Thus, the victory of Durga over Mahishasura symbolises the triumph of good over evil and the restoration of peace and prosperity.

Also Read: Chaitra Navratri Day 2: Worship Mata Brahmacharini on the second day of Chaitra Navratri

Mata Chandraghanta

Chaitra Navratri Day 3: How to worship Goddess Chandraghanta

Worshipping the Goddess Chandraghanta during Navratri is a way to seek her blessings for strength, peace, and prosperity. Hence, the Maa Chandraghanta puja vidhi includes the following:

Clean the puja room: Begin by cleaning the puja room and setting up the altar. Decorate it with flowers, rangoli, and other auspicious items.
Install the idol or image of the goddess: Place an idol or image of the Goddess Chandraghanta on the altar, preferably on a red cloth. Offer flowers and light a diya or lamp.
Offer prayers: Offer prayers to the goddess and recite mantras such as “Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah” or “Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Chandraghantayai Namah.” Moreover, you can also offer milk, fruits, and sweets to the goddess.
Light incense: Light incense sticks or dhoop in front of the goddess and wave them in a circular motion.
Perform Aarti: Perform the Aarti of the goddess by lighting camphor or aarti diya in front of the idol or image. Sing Aarti songs dedicated to the goddess.
Seek blessings: Seek the blessings of the Goddess Chandraghanta for strength, peace, and prosperity. Also, you can offer charity to the needy and distribute prasad among the devotees.
End the Puja: End the puja by offering water to the goddess and seeking her permission to depart.

Devotees can perform this puja in the morning or evening on the third day of Navratri. Also, Fasting and meditation help seek the blessings of the goddess.

Mata Chandraghanta murti

Chaitra Navratri Day 3: Mata Chandraghanta Mantras

Mata Chandraghanta is the third form of Goddess Durga, and she is worshipped on the third day of Navratri. Here are some Navratri day 3 mantras that you can recite to worship Mata Chandraghanta:

Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah is the most commonly used mantra for worshipping Mata Chandraghanta. Hence, it means, “I bow to the Goddess Chandraghanta.”
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Chandraghanteti Vishruta – Thus, this mantra means “The Goddess Chandraghanta is well known and present in all living beings.”
Om Hreem Sreem Kleem Chandraghantayai Namah – This mantra brings prosperity, good fortune, and success in life. It is a powerful mantra that devotees chant during Navratri.
Sarvamangal Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike Sharanye Trayambake Gauri Narayani Namostute – Now, this mantra is a prayer to all the forms of the goddess, including Mata Chandraghanta. It brings blessings and protects us from negativity.
Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu, Shakti Rupena Samsthita, Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah – This mantra is a powerful prayer to the goddess, and it means “I bow to the goddess who is present in all living beings in the form of power and energy.”

Also Read: Chaitra Navratri Day 1: Worship Mata Shailputri on the first day of Navratri

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is Mata Chandraghanta?

Mata Chandraghanta is the third form of Goddess Durga, and she is worshipped on the third day of Navratri. She depicts a half-moon on her forehead, hence the name “Chandraghanta.” She is the embodiment of bravery and courage, and devotees worship her for her protective powers.

2. What is the half moon on Maa Chandraghanta significance?

The half-moon on Mata Chandraghanta’s forehead represents the waxing and waning phases of the moon. It also symbolises the feminine energy and the balance of the positive and negative energies in the universe.

3. What are the weapons and symbols associated with Mata Chandraghanta?

Mata Chandraghanta is usually holding a trident, lotus, and a sword in her four hands. This is because the trident symbolises her power, the lotus represents purity, and the sword signifies her courage and bravery.

4. Why is the meaning of the fast observed on the third day of Navratri?

Keeping fast on the third day of Navratri pleases Mata Chandraghanta and brings her blessings. Also, it purifies the mind and body and promotes good health.

5. What is the significance of offering sindoor to Mata Chandraghanta?

Offering sindoor to Mata Chandraghanta is auspicious and can please the goddess. It is also a symbol of married women’s devotion to their husbands.

6. Why is it advisable to wear red on the third day of Navratri?

Wearing red on Chaitra Navratri day 3 is auspicious as it is Mata Chandraghanta’s favourite colour. Moreover, it is a symbol of passion, strength, and courage.

Also Read: Chaitra Navratri 2023: Significance, Date, Muhurat And Rituals

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