On the third day of Navratri, devotees worship Goddess Chandraghanta, the fierce and powerful form of Goddess Durga. Her name comes from two words: “Chandra,” meaning moon, and “Ghanta,” meaning bell. This form of the goddess is known for her courage and her ability to bring peace. With her blessings, devotees believe they can overcome fear, negativity, and obstacles in life.
Let’s dive into the significance of Navratri Day 3, the rituals performed, and the symbolism of worshipping Goddess Chandraghanta.
Who is Goddess Chandraghanta?
Goddess Chandraghanta is depicted as a fierce warrior goddess. She has ten arms, each holding a weapon, and she rides a tiger or lion. Her most distinctive feature is the crescent moon on her forehead, which gives her the name Chandraghanta. While she is powerful and ready for battle, her face radiates peace and calm.
According to Hindu mythology, after marrying **Lord Shiva**, Parvati adopted this form to protect her devotees from harm and evil. Chandraghanta symbolizes both strength and serenity, reminding us that even the most powerful beings can be gentle at heart.
Why Do We Celebrate Day 3 of Navratri?
Navratri Day 3 is dedicated to celebrating Goddess Chandraghanta’s courage and her role as a protector. Devotees pray to her for strength and bravery in facing life’s challenges, but they also seek her blessings for inner peace and balance.
This day teaches us that, while we must be strong in the face of difficulties, we should also strive to maintain harmony and calmness within ourselves. Goddess Chandraghanta is the embodiment of this duality—she shows us that peace and power can go hand in hand.
Rituals of Day 3: How Do We Celebrate?
The third day of Navratri involves various rituals to honor Goddess Chandraghanta. Devotees continue their fasts, prayers, and worship of the Kalash that was set up on Day 1, adding offerings and mantras to celebrate this specific form of the goddess.
Morning Prayers
On Day 3, devotees wake up early and begin the day with prayers to Goddess Chandraghanta. They offer flowers, sweets, fruits, and light incense sticks and lamps in her honor. Special mantras dedicated to Chandraghanta are chanted to invoke her blessings.
The chant for Goddess Chandraghanta is:
*”Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah“*
It is believed that chanting this mantra brings peace, protection, and positive energy into the home.
Fasting
Many people continue fasting on Day 3, as fasting is an important part of Navratri. Only specific foods like fruits, nuts, and dairy are consumed, while regular grains and spicy foods are avoided. Fasting is not just about abstaining from food but also about focusing on inner discipline and devotion.
Colors of the Day: Grey
The color associated with Navratri Day 3 is grey, which symbolizes balance, strength, and calmness. Grey represents the perfect harmony between good and evil, and wearing this color is a way to honor Goddess Chandraghanta’s balanced nature. It reminds devotees to stay calm and centered even when life feels chaotic.
Significance of Worshipping Chandraghanta
Goddess Chandraghanta is often seen as the goddess who fights for justice and protects her devotees from all forms of harm. She represents the inner strength we all have to face difficult situations with courage. By worshipping her on Day 3, devotees seek her blessings for both physical and emotional strength.
At the same time, her peaceful expression teaches us that real strength comes from within. She encourages her followers to remain calm and composed, even in the face of adversity. When we invoke her energy, we are reminded that we can be both powerful and peaceful, just like Chandraghanta.
Fasting and Food Traditions on Day 3
Fasting continues to be an important part of the third day of Navratri. The focus is on simple, healthy foods that are easy to digest and align with the spiritual practice of the festival. Common foods eaten during the fast include:
– Fruits: Apples, bananas, and other seasonal fruits.
– Sabudana (Tapioca): Sabudana khichdi or sabudana vada are popular dishes.
– Kuttu ka Atta (Buckwheat Flour): Used to make puris or rotis.
– Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, and paneer are commonly consumed.
– Simple Potatoes: Cooked in light spices or made into a fasting-friendly curry.
By following a fasting routine, devotees aim to purify their body and mind, making space for positive energy and devotion.
Life Lessons from Goddess Chandraghanta
The story of Goddess Chandraghanta provides several lessons that we can apply to our lives. Here are some key takeaways from worshipping her on Navratri Day 3:
1. Courage and Calmness Can Coexist: Chandraghanta shows us that we can be brave and calm at the same time. In difficult situations, it’s important to remain composed while still standing up for what’s right.
2. Inner Strength is Powerful: Just like the goddess, we all have an inner strength that can help us face challenges in life. When we trust in our own power, we become more resilient and fearless.
3. Balance is Key: The grey color associated with Chandraghanta symbolizes balance. Life is full of ups and downs, and we must find a way to stay balanced through it all.
4. Protection Comes from Peace: While Chandraghanta is a fierce warrior goddess, she also radiates peace. This reminds us that true protection comes from staying peaceful and centered within ourselves.
As we celebrate Navratri 2024, remember the lessons of Chandraghanta: be strong but stay calm, face your fears with courage, and keep a sense of peace in your heart. Whether you’re dealing with personal challenges or simply seeking inner balance, the blessings of Goddess Chandraghanta will guide you toward strength, harmony, and protection.