Sat Oct 05 10:47:33 UTC 2024: ## Maa Chandraghanta: Seeking Victory and Prosperity on the Third Day of Navratri
**New Delhi, October 3rd**: The third day of Shardiya Navratri, the nine-day Hindu festival, is dedicated to the worship of Maa Chandraghanta, the third manifestation of Goddess Durga. Devotees believe that worshipping Maa Chandraghanta on this day brings victory over enemies and ensures a life filled with happiness and prosperity.
According to the Devi Bhagavata Purana, Maa Chandraghanta embodies peace and auspiciousness. She is adorned with a crescent moon on her forehead, giving her the name Chandraghanta (“Moon Bell”). Her powerful form is depicted with ten hands, each wielding a different weapon like a sword, bow, arrow, and a trident. Her lion mount symbolizes her strength and courage.
The traditional rituals for worshipping Maa Chandraghanta include waking up before sunrise, taking a bath, and offering prayers to the Goddess. Devotees also perform the “kalash sthapana,” the installation of a ceremonial pot, and offer prayers to the other forms of Durga. The worship involves offering flowers, garlands, vermillion, and other auspicious items.
The most important offering for Maa Chandraghanta is a sweet dish made with saffron and milk, believed to be her favorite. Lighting a ghee lamp and incense is also a part of the ritual. Chanting the Chandraghanta Kavach, Durga Chalisa, and Durga Saptshati, along with special mantras dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, are essential aspects of the worship.
This year, the color for the third day of Navratri is green, representing nature and vitality.
“Worship of Maa Chandraghanta during Navratri is a time for seeking her blessings for courage, strength, and protection,” said Pandit Ram Sharma, a prominent Hindu priest. “By following the traditional rituals and offering prayers with devotion, devotees can seek her grace and attain spiritual growth and inner peace.”
First Piper 