Navaratri, one of the most celebrated festivals in India, is a nine-night and ten-day festival dedicated to the worship of the divine feminine energy. It symbolises the victory of good over evil and is a time for reflection, devotion, and cultural celebration.
Each day of Navaratri is associated with a different manifestation of the Goddess Durga, offering devotees a profound spiritual experience. On the third day of Navaratri, Goddess Chandraghanta is worshiped with great reverence.
Goddess Chandraghanta – The Deity of the Third Day
Goddess Chandraghanta is the third manifestation of Goddess Durga and is known by this name because of the “Chandra” or crescent moon-shaped ornament on her forehead, which resembles a bell (ghanta). She is depicted with a third eye on her forehead and ten hands holding various weapons and symbols of power.
Qualities and Symbolism of Goddess Chandraghanta
1. Courage and Strength: Goddess Chandraghanta is a symbol of immense courage and strength. Her ten hands hold weapons such as a trident, sword, bow, and arrow, which signify her readiness to combat evil forces and protect her devotees.
2. Bell (Ghanta): The crescent moon-shaped ornament on her forehead, resembling a bell, is a powerful symbol. It signifies the peaceful sound that dispels fear and negativity, creating a harmonious atmosphere for her worshipers.
3. Third Eye: The third eye on her forehead represents her spiritual wisdom and insight. It is a symbol of divine perception and the ability to see beyond the physical world.
4. Ten Hands: Her ten hands represent the ten directions of the universe, indicating her omnipresence and readiness to protect her devotees from all sides.
Why Goddess Chandraghanta is Worshiped
Goddess Chandraghanta is worshiped on the third day of Navaratri for her immense courage and protective nature. Devotees seek her blessings to overcome fear, adversity, and challenges in life.
Her name, which means “one who has the moon as the bell,” underscores her power to create a serene and peaceful environment. By worshiping Goddess Chandraghanta, devotees aspire to invoke her strength and courage to combat evil forces in their lives and maintain inner peace.
Navaratri is a time of spiritual reflection and celebration of the divine feminine energy. On the third day of Navaratri, the worship of Goddess Chandraghanta reminds us of the significance of courage, strength, and inner peace.