Navratri: Devi Chandraghanta, worshipped on Day 3, represents total devotion

Neha Mangal

MAA CHANDRAGHANTA is the third form of Goddess Durga and is worshiped on the 3rd day in Navratri . Those who worship Devi Chandraghanta get eternal energy and strength. She is the Goddess of Manipura Chakra located at the Navel. Although Parvati was determined to have Lord Shiva as her husband, Shiva told her that he will now not marry anyone and remain celibate. Even upon hearing this, she did not lose hope, rather prepared herself for tapa. She stayed hungry for many many days, survived only on Bilva patra for many many days. Did a lot of jaapa and tapa to please Lord Shiva. After seeing her total dedication to himself, God Shiva agreed to marry Her.
Devi Chandraghanta is one that establishes justice. Maa Chandraghanta has a golden frame around her persona. She rides a lion that represents dharma; and possesses ten arms. Eight of her arms display weapons even as the last two are respectively within the mudras of boon giving and preventing harm. By her pooja, sorrows are dispelled and the warrior inside is evoked.
On the third day of Navaratri, the thoughts of the sadhak enters Manipura Chakra. He develops foresight and strength of leadership. By the grace of Maa Chandraghanta all sins of the sadhak are burnt and obstacles removed”                                  Goddess Chandraghanta mounts on a tigress. She wears the semi-circular moon (Chandra) on her forehead. The half-moon on her forehead looks like the bell (Ghanta) and because of that she is known as Chandra-Ghanta. She can be seen with ten hands. Maa Chandraghanta carries Trishul, Gada, Sword and Kamandal in her four left hands and keeps the fifth left hand in Varada Mudra. She carries lotus flower, Arrow, Dhanush and Japa Mala in her four right hands and keeps the fifth right hand in Abhaya Mudra.

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