According to the Vedas and Puranas, Maa Chandraghanta is the third form of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the third day of Navratri. Her name is derived from "Chandra," meaning moon, and "Ghanta," meaning bell. She is called Chandraghanta because she wears a half-moon shaped like a bell on her forehead. This form of the goddess represents peace and prosperity while also symbolizing courage and strength to combat evil forces.
In this form, Maa Chandraghanta is a warrior goddess, embodying both beauty and strength. She is known for her power to battle the forces of evil and bring peace to her devotees. In many depictions, she rides a tiger, representing her fearless nature and her readiness to fight for righteousness.
Her divine appearance includes ten arms, each holding a different weapon, such as a trident, mace, sword, and bow, symbolizing her ability to destroy all forms of negativity. Her gentle and calm face reflects the goddess’s power to offer blessings while also protecting her devotees from harm.
Important Points about Maa Chandraghanta:
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Known For:
Maa Chandraghanta is known for her bravery and warrior spirit. She fights against evil forces and offers protection and peace to her devotees. -
Associated Color:
The color linked with Maa Chandraghanta is golden or yellow, symbolizing courage and radiance. Devotees often wear these colors on the third day of Navratri to seek her blessings. -
Offerings (Food):
Devotees offer milk or sweets made from milk to Maa Chandraghanta. These offerings symbolize purity and are believed to bless the devotee with peace and serenity. -
Mode of Transport:
Maa Chandraghanta rides a tiger, symbolizing strength and fearlessness. The tiger represents her determination to protect her devotees from harm and her power to destroy evil forces.
Spiritual Significance:
Maa Chandraghanta’s blessings help devotees remove negative influences from their lives. She offers them the courage to overcome difficulties and the strength to face challenges with a calm and composed mind. Her energy promotes inner harmony, helping devotees achieve balance in both spiritual and material pursuits.
By worshipping Maa Chandraghanta on the third day of Navratri, devotees are believed to be filled with bravery, fearlessness, and a sense of serenity. She bestows peace upon her followers while protecting them from evil, guiding them toward a life of purity and righteousness.
Related FAQs:
Why is Maa Chandraghanta worshipped on the third day of Navratri?
Maa Chandraghanta represents courage and protection, and her worship on the third day of Navratri helps devotees seek her blessings for strength and inner peace.
What offerings are made to Maa Chandraghanta?
Devotees offer milk or sweets made from milk to Maa Chandraghanta, as they symbolize purity and are believed to bring peace and serenity.
Why does Maa Chandraghanta ride a tiger?
Maa Chandraghanta rides a tiger, symbolizing her fearless nature and her ability to destroy evil while protecting her devotees from harm.