On the third day of Shardiya Navratri, which is on October 5 2024, Hindu devotees today worship Maa Chandraghanta, the third form of the nine incarnations of Maa Durga, known as Navdurgas.
The nine avatar of Maa Durga is Maa Shailputri, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandamata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kalaratri, Maa Mahagauri, and Maa Siddhidatri.
On this sacred day of Navaratri, let us know about Maa Durga’s third incarnation Maa Chandraghanta and why do we worship her on Day 3 of Navratri?
Significance of Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta
Maa Chandraghanta, the third form of Durga, is revered on the third day of Shardiya Navratri. As the goddess governing the planet Shukra, she is depicted as riding a tigress, wielding ten hands that carry various weapons and symbols of protection and peace.
In her right hands, she holds a lotus flower, an arrow, a bow, and prayer beads, with the fifth hand in the Abhaya Mudra, symbolizing protection. Her left hands carry a trishul , gada, sword, and kamandal, with the fifth hand in Varada Mudra, offering blessings.
As per Drik Panchang, she is also considered the married form of Maa Parvati, named after she adorned her forehead with a half-moon (Chandra) following her marriage to Lord Shiva. The sound of her bell and the moon on her forehead is said to drive away evil spirits. Devotees who worship her are blessed with immense strength, courage, and eternal power.
Shubh Muhurat & Colour of the Day
As per Drik Panchang, devotees begin their worship early in the morning, ideally during the auspicious timings listed below:
Brahma Muhurat (Tritiya Tithi): 4:38 AM to 5:27 AM
Abhijit Muhurat: 11:46 AM to 12:33 PM
Vijaya Muhurat: 2:07 PM to 2:55 PM
The auspicious colour for Day 3 is orange, as it symbolizes warmth, energy, and enthusiasm. Wearing this colour during the puja is believed to invite the goddess’s blessings, thus, infusing positivity and vitality into devotees’ lives.
In order to perform the puja, devotees should place the idol of Maa Chandraghanta on a chowki or their worship area (puja sthaan).
After that, Maa Chandraghanta is bathed with kesar (saffron), Ganga Jal, and kewra water, then dressed in new clothes. The Offerings include yellow flowers, jasmine, panchamrit (a mixture of five holy substances), and mishri (rock sugar). Additionally, a special offering of kheer is prepared for the goddess on this day.
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