The Wrathful Grace of Goddess Chandraghanta
On the third luminous day of Navaratri, we worship Goddess Chandraghanta, the formidable yet benevolent warrior form of the Divine Mother. Her name, meaning “One who has a moon-shaped bell,” signals both celestial beauty and a clarion call to battle. This day commemorates the moment when Parvati, having won Shiva through her penance, adorned herself for their union—her gentle devotion now fortified by divine power.
The Legend: The Adorned Warrior
Upon Shiva agreeing to marry her, the celestial architect Vishwakarma presented magnificent ornaments to the goddess. Among them was a crescent moon pendant, which she wore upon her forehead like a bell (ghanta). This adorned form, radiant and majestic, is Chandraghanta.
She represents the moment of graceful transformation—when the ascetic maiden integrates her spiritual power into a form that is both beautiful and ready to protect the cosmic order. She rides a tiger, embodying controlled ferocity, and her ten arms hold weapons to vanquish negativity while two remain in gestures of blessing and protection.
Depiction & Symbolism: Beauty in Power
She is depicted with golden skin, riding a fierce tiger. Her third eye is open, and the crescent moon (Chandra) adorns her forehead like a bell. She is often shown with ten hands holding a trident, mace, sword, bow, arrow, lotus, rosary, kamandalu, and making the gestures of granting boons (varada mudra) and dispelling fear (abhaya mudra).
-
The Crescent Moon Bell (Chandraghanta): Symbolizes the control over time and the mind. The moon represents the cool, reflective, and cyclical nature of the mind, while the bell signifies the sound of the divine that shatters illusion and announces the presence of the Goddess.
-
The Tiger: Represents raw power, will, and courage that has been completely mastered and ridden by the Goddess. It is the vehicle of her divine will.
-
Her Ten Arms: Denote her readiness to protect her devotees from all directions and to multi-task in maintaining cosmic harmony. The weapons are for destruction of evil; the lotus, rosary, and water pot signify the spiritual power from which her strength flows.
Significance: The Warrior of Peace
Worshipping Chandraghanta is about awakening the Manipura Chakra, the solar plexus energy center associated with personal power, courage, and self-esteem. She embodies the truth that true strength is gentle, and true peace is powerful.
On this third day, we invoke her to:
-
Cultivate courage to face inner and outer battles with a serene mind.
-
Protect our spiritual energy from negativity, fear, and distractions.
-
Harmonize our inner fierceness with outer grace, learning to wield our personal power responsibly.
She removes all sorrows, fears, and psychic disturbances, bestowing peace, prosperity, and valor upon her devotees.
Rituals & Devotion
-
Color: Devotees wear royal blue or fiery red. Blue symbolizes infinite strength, tranquility, and spiritual depth. Red embodies the martial passion, vitality, and protective fury of the Mother. Altars are adorned with red or blue cloth and flowers.
-
Offering: Milk-based sweets (like kheer) are offered, symbolizing nourishment, purity, and the soothing of a fierce spirit with divine compassion.
-
Prayer: The sound of bells is considered auspicious. Mantras are chanted to invoke her protective aura. Fasting continues, emphasizing sattvic purity to hold the powerful energy invoked.
A Mantra for Day 3
ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः॥
Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah.
“Salutations to the Goddess who wears the Moon as a Bell.”
Goddess Chandraghanta teaches us that divinity is not separate from the world’s tumult; it enters into it, armed with grace. As we honor her, we are called to integrate our own spiritual insights with courageous action in our lives. Let the sound of her celestial bell dispel the noise of our fears, and let her majestic presence remind us that we, too, can face challenges with a heart both fierce and serene.
May the protective gaze of Chandraghanta surround you with courage and peace.
Wishing you a day of empowered grace and fearless devotion.
To book a reading with me, go to:
HINDUSTAN ASTROLOGY CONSULTATIONS
