On the sacred third day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta, the third manifestation of Adishakti Maa Durga, with deep faith and devotion. The Goddess derives her name from the beautiful crescent moon shaped like a bell that adorns her forehead. Her divine form represents a remarkable combination of peace, gentleness, courage, and fearlessness. According to religious belief, worshipping Maa Chandraghanta inspires courage, mental stability, and spiritual advancement. Her form teaches that compassion and humility should be accompanied by the strength needed to protect Dharma.
Introduction
Maa Chandraghanta is the third manifestation of Navdurga. In the Navdurga Namavali of the Devi Kavach, associated with the Markandeya Purana, she is mentioned as Tritiyam Chandraghanteti, identifying her as the third form of the Divine Mother. She is especially worshipped on the Tritiya Tithi of Navratri.
In popular Devi worship traditions, Maa Chandraghanta is revered as a divine and courageous manifestation of Goddess Parvati. According to certain traditional narratives, after her marriage to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati adorned her forehead with a crescent moon resembling a bell, becoming known as Chandraghanta. This form symbolises the harmonious union of maternal gentleness and the courage required to protect Dharma.
The divine form of Maa Chandraghanta embodies both tranquillity and strength. She is compassionate and benevolent towards her devotees while remaining fierce against injustice and Adharma. Her worship encourages devotees to face life's difficulties with patience, courage, and discernment.
Divine Form and Tradition
Maa Chandraghanta is described as having a radiant golden complexion. A distinctive crescent moon shaped like a bell adorns her forehead. The Goddess has ten arms and is commonly depicted riding a lion or tiger. Her Vahana (divine vehicle) symbolises courage, strength, and the protection of Dharma.
Maa Chandraghanta is depicted holding a Khadga (sword), bow, arrow, Trishul (trident), Gada (mace), lotus, Kamandalu (water vessel), and other divine weapons. Some representations also include a Japa Mala (prayer beads). Her hands displaying Abhaya and Varada Mudras symbolise protection and divine blessings. The arrangement of her weapons may vary across iconographic and meditation traditions.
Although the Goddess is depicted as prepared for battle, her expression remains serene and compassionate. This reflects the understanding that the true purpose of divine strength is not destruction for its own sake, but the protection of the innocent, the establishment of Dharma, and the preservation of harmony.
In the local Navdurga pilgrimage tradition of Varanasi, Maa Chandraghanta is associated with the Chitraghanta or Chandraghanta Devi Temple in the Chowk area. Devotees visit this sacred place for special Darshan and Puja on the third day of Navratri. Its religious significance is deeply connected with the traditional Devi worship practices of Kashi.
Maa Chandraghanta Mantra
On the Tritiya Tithi of Navratri, devotees chant the sacred name Mantra of Maa Chandraghanta with faith and concentration. Through this invocation, they remember the Divine Mother and seek her blessings for fearlessness, inner strength, and well-being.
Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah॥
Prayer to Maa Chandraghanta
The following traditional prayer is recited during the worship of Maa Chandraghanta. It remembers her courageous divine form and invokes her compassion and blessings.
Pindajapravararudha Chandakopastrakairyuta।
Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta॥
This prayer praises Maa Chandraghanta as the Goddess adorned with divine weapons who extends her grace to devotees. Through its recitation, worshippers contemplate her protective and benevolent nature.
Prayer of Praise to Maa Chandraghanta
In popular Devi worship traditions, the following prayer is also recited in honour of Maa Chandraghanta. It is a devotional adaptation inspired by the well-known 'Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu' hymn and should not be presented as an original, word-for-word verse from the Devi Mahatmya.
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Chandraghantarupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥
Religious Significance
In the Devi worship traditions of Sanatana Dharma, Maa Chandraghanta is revered as the Goddess of courage, fearlessness, peace, and the protection of Dharma. According to devotional belief, her worship inspires the inner strength and patience required to face fear and emotional unrest. Devotees seek her blessings for protection from difficulties, family well-being, and spiritual advancement.
The bell-shaped crescent moon upon her forehead is the distinctive feature of Maa Chandraghanta. According to popular religious belief, the divine resonance associated with her bell terrifies negative and demonic forces. Spiritually, this sacred sound may be understood as a symbol of awakening consciousness and overcoming ignorance, laziness, and harmful tendencies.
Her peaceful expression represents compassion and inner balance, while her divine weapons symbolise resistance to injustice and the protection of Dharma. The worship of Maa Chandraghanta therefore inspires devotees to remain firm in difficult circumstances while preserving inner peace.
In household worship, Maa Chandraghanta is also revered through prayers for happiness, harmony, mental peace, and family welfare. These benefits belong to the sphere of devotional faith and religious tradition.
Maa Chandraghanta Dhyan
The traditional Dhyan of Maa Chandraghanta describes her radiant form, lion Vahana, three eyes, divine weapons, and beautiful ornaments. Through meditation upon her sacred form, devotees seek concentration, courage, self-discipline, and inner peace.
Vande Vanchhita Labhaya Chandrardhakrita Shekharam।
Simharudha Chandraghanta Yashasvanim॥
Manipura Sthitam Tritiya Durga Trinetram।
Khanga Gada Trishula Chapashara Padama Kamandalu Mala Varabhitakaram॥
Patambara Paridhanam Mriduhasya Nanalankara Bhushitam।
Manjira Hara Keyura Kinkini Ratnakundala Manditam॥
Praphulla Vandana Bibadhara Kanta Kapolam Tungam Kucham।
Kamaniyam Lavanyam Kshinakati Nitambinim॥
This is a commonly circulated Dhyan text, and variations in wording and pronunciation may appear in different devotional compilations. For formal Mantra Sadhana, a verified Sanskrit text should be followed.
Maa Chandraghanta Stotra
The commonly circulated Stotra of Maa Chandraghanta praises the Goddess as the protector from adversity, the bestower of spiritual accomplishments and auspiciousness, and the compassionate Divine Mother. Devotees recite this hymn while praying for knowledge, peace, and well-being.
Apaduddharini Tvam Hi Adya Shaktih Shubhaparam।
Animadi Siddhidatri Chandraghata Pranamabhyam॥
Chandramukhi Ishta Datri Ishtam Mantra Swarupanim।
Dhanadatri Anandadatri Chandraghante Pranamabhyaham॥
Nanarupadharini Ichchhanayi Aishwaryadayinim।
Saubhagyarogyadayini Chandraghanta Pranamabhyaham॥
Through this Stotra, devotees praise the divine power and benevolent nature of Maa Chandraghanta. Certain Sanskrit words in the commonly circulated version require verification against an authoritative text.
Maa Chandraghanta Kavach
In Devi worship, a Kavach is recited as a prayer for spiritual protection, courage, and well-being. The following passage, circulated under the name of Maa Chandraghanta Kavach, speaks about faith, spiritual eligibility, and the significance of devotional practice.
Rahasyam Shrunu Vakshyami Shaiveshi Kamalanane।
Shri Chandraghantasya Kavacham Sarvasiddhidayakam॥
Bina Nyasam Bina Viniyogam Bina Shapoddha Bina Homam।
Snanam Shauchadi Nasti Shraddhamatrena Siddhidam॥
Kushishyam Kutilaya Vanchakaya Nindakaya
Cha Na Datavyam Na Datavyam Na Datavyam Kadachitam॥
This is a portion of a text commonly circulated under the name of Maa Chandraghanta Kavach. Its wording should be checked against the original Sanskrit before presenting it as a complete or authenticated scriptural Kavach. Specialised Mantra Sadhana should follow the guidance of a qualified Guru or Acharya.
Maa Chandraghanta Puja Vidhi
On the Tritiya Tithi of Navratri, begin the day with a bath and wear clean clothes. Purify the place of worship and install an image or idol of Maa Chandraghanta upon a clean altar. Light a Diya before the Goddess, meditate upon her divine form, and take a Sankalpa (sacred resolve) with sincere devotion.
According to your family tradition, begin by remembering Lord Ganesha, the deity invoked in the Kalash, your Kuladevata, and other revered Devas. Thereafter, offer Roli, Akshat (unbroken rice grains), Chandan, Dhoop, Deep, flowers, and Naivedya to Maa Chandraghanta. Yellow or white flowers are also traditionally offered during her worship.
Bhog and Naivedya
Offering milk and Sattvic preparations made from milk to Maa Chandraghanta is a popular devotional tradition. Devotees may offer Kheer, milk-based sweets, fruits, and other pure Naivedya. The specific offerings may vary according to regional customs and family traditions.
Mantra Japa and Stuti
During Puja, chant the sacred name Mantra 'Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah' with faith and concentration. This may be followed by the recitation of the Goddess's prayer, Dhyan, and Stotra. Devotees may also recite the Durga Saptashati or Devi Kavach according to their spiritual traditions.
Aarti and Prayer
At the conclusion of the Puja, perform the Aarti of Maa Chandraghanta. Pray to the Divine Mother for fearlessness, wisdom, inner strength, family harmony, and spiritual peace. Seek forgiveness for any mistakes made during worship and distribute Prasad among the devotees.
Major Festivals
Maa Chandraghanta is primarily worshipped on the Shukla Paksha Tritiya Tithi of Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri. This is the third day of Navratri, when devotees especially honour the peaceful yet courageous manifestation of the Divine Mother.
During Navratri, many Devi temples and Shakti Peethas organise special Pujas, Aartis, and recitations of the Durga Saptashati. In the Navdurga pilgrimage tradition of Varanasi, Darshan of Maa Chitraghanta or Chandraghanta holds special significance on Tritiya.
In certain Shakta traditions, special worship of different manifestations of the Divine Mother is also performed during Gupt Navratri. The specific methods of such Sadhana may differ according to the spiritual lineage and guidance of the Guru.
Spiritual Message
The divine form of Maa Chandraghanta teaches the importance of balancing courage with compassion. Her peaceful expression represents humility and inner stability, while her divine weapons symbolise the fearlessness required to protect truth and Dharma.
In certain traditions of Yoga and Devi worship, Maa Chandraghanta is associated with the Manipura Chakra, located in the navel region. Within Yogic symbolism, this Chakra is connected with the fire element, determination, and self-confidence. However, the associations between individual manifestations of Navdurga and the Chakras are not uniformly established across all ancient Yogic scriptures.
The bell-shaped crescent moon upon the forehead of Maa Chandraghanta may be understood as a symbol of spiritual awareness. The divine resonance of her bell inspires devotees to rise above ignorance, laziness, and fear and follow the path of truth and Dharma.
The spiritual message of Maa Chandraghanta is that genuine courage lies not only in confronting external challenges but also in mastering anger, ego, and fear within ourselves. When compassion, self-discipline, and courage come together in one's conduct, the challenges of life can be faced with greater wisdom and confidence.