NAVRATRI Day 3: Chandraghanta – The Goddess of Peace and Serenity

 Day 3: Chandraghanta – The Goddess of Peace and Serenity

On the third day of Navratri, devotees worship  Goddess Chandraghanta, a fierce yet serene form of Goddess Durga. Her name is derived from two words:  Chandra, meaning "moon," and Ghanta , meaning "bell." She is called Chandraghanta because she adorns her forehead with a crescent-shaped moon resembling a bell. This form of Durga symbolizes  peace, calm, and serenity , along with the warrior spirit needed to vanquish evil.

The Story of Chandraghanta

After Goddess Parvati married Lord Shiva, she assumed the form of Chandraghanta. According to Hindu mythology, her form reflects the need to strike a balance between gentleness and strength. After Parvati's marriage to Shiva, she appeared adorned with half-moon on her forehead, radiating beauty and grace. However, when needed, she transforms into a fierce warrior goddess to protect her devotees and maintain peace in the universe.

This duality reflects the essence of Chandraghanta. She is calm, gentle, and serene when at peace, but can swiftly take up arms to protect righteousness and defeat negative forces. Her form teaches that peace and serenity must be defended, and those who threaten them should be confronted with courage and strength.

Depiction of Chandraghanta

Goddess Chandraghanta is depicted with a golden complexion, riding a  tiger , symbolizing bravery and valor. She has  ten arms , each holding different weapons, like the trident (trishul), mace, sword, and bow and arrow. One of her hands is in a gesture of blessing and reassurance, signifying that she protects her devotees and brings them peace. The bell-shaped moon on her forehead signifies her capacity to destroy evil with the power of sound and resonance.

Despite her warrior appearance, her face radiates tranquility, symbolizing that her fierce form is only meant to protect peace and harmony.

Symbolism of Chandraghanta

Chandraghanta’s form represents the balance between  serenity and strength. On one hand, she represents the tranquil and peaceful aspect of the universe, but on the other hand, she embodies the warrior spirit that is necessary to fight injustice. She symbolizes the power of calmness in adversity and the ability to stay peaceful and composed even when facing challenges.

Her bell-like crescent moon represents the  sound of the cosmic universe , which has the power to dispel negative forces and cleanse the mind of all impurities. She also signifies bravery, encouraging devotees to be courageous and confident in the face of danger while maintaining inner peace.

Spiritual Significance of Worshipping Chandraghanta

The worship of Chandraghanta helps balance and cleanse the  Manipura Chakra  (Solar Plexus Chakra), which governs personal power, self-confidence, and control. By invoking her blessings, devotees can achieve harmony between their inner strength and outer actions, leading to a life of  inner peace and outer courage .

Her blessings bring serenity, wisdom, and fearlessness, helping devotees face their fears and challenges without losing their calm.

Rituals and Offerings

On this day, devotees offer sweets made of milk  to Goddess Chandraghanta. Milk is a symbol of purity and nourishment, aligning with her serene and motherly nature. Red flowers are often used in her worship, as they signify courage and strength. Devotees also chant mantras dedicated to the goddess, asking for her protection and blessings of peace and harmony.

The color associated with the third day of Navratri is  Green, symbolizing growth, energy, and prosperity.

The mantra often chanted for Goddess Chandraghanta is:

“ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः”

“Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah”  

Translation: "I bow to Goddess Chandraghanta."

Likes of Goddess Chandraghanta

1. Milk-based Sweets: 

   Offering milk or milk-based sweets like kheer or peda pleases the goddess. Milk symbolizes purity and motherly love, aligning with her peaceful nature.

   

2.  Red and White Flowers: 

   Red flowers represent her warrior spirit, while white flowers represent her calm and serene side. Both colors are appropriate for offerings.

3. Meditation and Prayers:  

   Goddess Chandraghanta values sincere prayers and meditation, which help to cultivate inner peace and balance. Devotion and focus during worship are seen as acts of reverence for her.

Dislikes of Goddess Chandraghanta

1. Chaos and Disturbance:  

   Since Chandraghanta symbolizes peace and harmony, any form of chaos, discord, or disturbances during worship is believed to displease her. Maintaining a serene environment is important.

2. Negative Emotions:
Chandraghanta represents calmness and control over one’s emotions. Anger, jealousy, and aggression are traits that go against her nature, and devotees are encouraged to let go of such emotions when seeking her blessings.

3. Indifference or Lack of Courage: 

   As a warrior goddess, Chandraghanta values bravery and self-confidence. Cowardice or a lack of courage in facing difficulties is contrary to her teachings of staying strong in adversity while maintaining inner peace.

Chandraghanta’s Message for Devotees

Goddess Chandraghanta teaches the importance of balancing inner peace with outer strength. She inspires devotees to face challenges with confidence while remaining serene within. Her form is a reminder that  peace and harmony must be protected , and sometimes this requires us to be warriors in our own lives, confronting negative forces with bravery while keeping our inner calm intact.

Worshipping Chandraghanta brings the qualities of  courage, serenity, and harmony  to the devotee’s life, empowering them to act with wisdom and strength while maintaining a peaceful mind and heart.