Navratri is a sacred Hindu festival dedicated to the different forms of Goddess Durga. Each day offers devotees an opportunity to reflect on a particular aspect of divine feminine power and the values it represents. On the third day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta, a form of the Goddess associated with courage, protection, peace and strength.
Maa Chandraghanta is recognised by the crescent-shaped bell on her forehead. Her appearance combines a calm, compassionate nature with the readiness to confront negativity and injustice. For devotees, her worship is a reminder that true courage does not require abandoning inner peace. Instead, it involves facing challenges with confidence, clarity and a steady mind.
In this guide, we explore the significance of Maa Chandraghanta, her traditional puja vidhi, the mantra associated with her worship, customary offerings and the spiritual lessons of Navratri Day 3.
Maa Chandraghanta is the third form of Navadurga worshipped during Navratri. Her name comes from two Sanskrit words: Chandra, meaning moon, and Ghanta, meaning bell. The name refers to the crescent-shaped bell associated with her forehead.
In traditional depictions, Maa Chandraghanta is shown riding a tiger or lion, with several hands carrying divine weapons and other symbolic objects. Her appearance represents both strength and grace. Although she is prepared to protect her devotees and confront harmful forces, her expression is often described as peaceful and compassionate.
The bell associated with her name is also understood symbolically as a call to awareness and spiritual focus. Her form reminds devotees that courage and compassion can exist together.
The third day of Navratri is dedicated to worshipping Maa Chandraghanta and reflecting on the importance of bravery, protection and emotional balance.
Her symbolism encourages devotees to approach difficult situations without losing their sense of calm. Whether facing personal challenges, professional responsibilities or uncertainty about the future, her story offers a reminder to act thoughtfully rather than allow fear to determine every decision.
Maa Chandraghanta is traditionally associated with:
Courage: Finding the strength to face difficult circumstances.
Protection: Seeking the Goddess’s blessings and remembering the importance of protecting what is right.
Inner peace: Maintaining composure during stressful situations.
Confidence: Approaching responsibilities with determination.
Compassion: Using strength with wisdom and consideration for others.
These qualities make Navratri Day 3 an opportunity for both religious devotion and personal reflection.
Devotees can worship Maa Chandraghanta at home by following their family customs and regional traditions. A simple puja provides an opportunity to express devotion and reflect on the meaning of the day.
Clean the prayer space and arrange an image or idol of Maa Chandraghanta on a clean altar. Prepare the flowers, incense, lamp and other items you traditionally use for worship.
Sit comfortably before the Goddess and take a few moments to settle your thoughts. Offer a prayer with sincerity and ask for guidance, courage and wisdom.
Present flowers, fruits, water or other customary offerings. Some devotional traditions associate fragrant flowers and sweets with Maa Chandraghanta, but the specific offerings can differ between households and regions.
Chant the Goddess’s mantra slowly and respectfully. You can repeat it according to your personal practice or family tradition.
If it is part of your household observance, perform aarti and offer your prayers. You may also recite a Durga stotra or listen to devotional hymns.
After completing the puja, consider how you can respond to a current challenge with greater confidence and patience. Let the day’s spiritual message guide your intentions.
The precise rituals and their order may vary. Follow the practices of your family or the guidance of a trusted religious teacher if you observe a particular tradition.
A commonly recited mantra dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta is:
ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः।
Transliteration: Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah.
Meaning: I bow to Goddess Chandraghanta.
Devotees may recite this mantra during their morning or evening worship. Repeating it with attention can help focus the mind on prayer and the qualities associated with the Goddess.
The mantra expresses reverence and devotion. It should not be interpreted as a guarantee that particular problems will disappear or that specific material outcomes will occur.
Traditional offerings for Maa Chandraghanta may include flowers, fruits, water and sweets. Some popular Navratri devotional traditions also associate milk-based sweets with her worship.
Practices can differ by region, temple and household, so there is no single offering that every devotee must follow. Choose offerings that are appropriate for your tradition and circumstances.
A thoughtful prayer, offered with sincerity, can be part of a meaningful observance without requiring elaborate arrangements.
The colour associated with the third day of Navratri varies across annual colour calendars and regional conventions. If you want to wear the traditional colour for a particular year, check a reliable calendar for that year’s sequence.
Navratri colours add joy and unity to the celebration, but wearing a particular shade is not a universal requirement for worshipping Maa Chandraghanta.
Her deeper spiritual message is about combining courage with calmness and strength with compassion.
The symbolism of Maa Chandraghanta offers several lessons that devotees can reflect on during Navratri.
Everyone encounters moments of uncertainty. Maa Chandraghanta’s warrior-like form can remind devotees that courage involves facing difficulties thoughtfully, even when circumstances feel uncomfortable.
Her powerful appearance is balanced by her compassionate nature. This offers a useful reminder that strength is most meaningful when it is used responsibly and with consideration for others.
Spiritual practice can provide a moment to pause before reacting to a challenging situation. Prayer and reflection may help devotees reconnect with their values and consider their next steps more carefully.
The protective symbolism associated with the Goddess can encourage people to value their families, relationships, responsibilities and principles while respecting the needs of others.
Maa Chandraghanta is one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga worshipped during Navratri. Within Hindu devotional traditions, her form represents the union of divine strength and compassionate protection.
Her bell-shaped crescent, weapons and mount carry symbolic meanings that are interpreted through religious stories, iconography and regional traditions. Interpretations may differ between communities and teachers.
For those interested in Vedic spirituality, her worship can be an invitation to reflect on the relationship between courage and balance. It encourages devotees to remain confident without becoming careless, and peaceful without avoiding necessary action.
Maa Chandraghanta, the third form of Navadurga, is worshipped on the third day of Navratri.
A commonly recited mantra is “Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah,” meaning “I bow to Goddess Chandraghanta.”
She is associated with courage, protection, peace, confidence and the ability to face challenges with strength and compassion.
Devotees may offer flowers, fruits, water and sweets. Some traditions also include milk-based sweets, but offerings vary by region and household.
The recommended colour depends on the annual Navratri colour calendar being followed. Check a reliable calendar for the relevant year.
Yes. Devotees can worship her at home with a clean prayer area, traditional offerings, mantra recitation and aarti, according to their family customs.
The day encourages devotees to cultivate courage, maintain inner peace, act with wisdom and use their strength compassionately.
Navratri Day 3 is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, whose powerful yet compassionate form represents courage, protection and inner balance. Her worship encourages devotees to face life’s challenges with confidence while remaining grounded in kindness and wisdom.
As you continue your Navratri journey, consider how these values can shape your daily choices. Through sincere prayer, thoughtful reflection and responsible action, the teachings associated with Maa Chandraghanta can become a meaningful part of everyday life.
Continue exploring the Navratri series on Bikram Astro Insights to learn about Maa Kushmanda on Day 4 and the remaining forms of Goddess Durga.
