Goddess Chandraghanta represents the married form of Goddess Parvati. (Image: Shutterstock)
Day 3 of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, the third incarnation of Goddess Durga. Grey is the colour of the day.
Shardiya Navratri, a vibrant Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, began on October 3 and will run until October 12. This nine-day celebration embodies devotion and community spirit as devotees engage in various rituals and customs to honour the goddess in her many forms. The festivities culminate on the tenth day with Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami), a significant day representing the victory of good over evil.
ALSO READ: Navratri 2024 Day 3 Colour: 5 Celebrity-Inspired Grey Outfits You’ll Love | PHOTOS
Navratri Day 3: Worshipping Goddess Chandraghanta
Day 3 of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, the third incarnation of Goddess Durga. On this day, devotees come together to offer sincere prayers and participate in rituals, showing their deep devotion and seeking her blessings. It is said that Goddess Chandraghanta represents the married form of Goddess Parvati.
Maa Chandraghanta is often depicted riding a tigress and has a crescent moon on her forehead that resembles a bell, hence the name Chandraghanta. She has ten arms, each holding various symbolic items. In her left hand, she carries Trishul, Gada, Sword and Kamandal and keeps the fifth left hand in Varada Mudra. Her right hands hold a lotus, arrow, Dhanush and Japa Mala, with the fifth right hand in Abhaya Mudra.
Shardiya Navratri 2024 Day 3: Puja Mantra, Stuti and Stotra
1) Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah॥
2) Pindaja Pravararudha Chandakopastrakairyuta।
Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta॥
3) Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Chandraghanta Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥
Navratri Day 3 Colour: Grey
On the third day of Navratri, wearing grey is a lovely way to pay tribute to Maa Chandraghanta. This colour shows balance and humility, making it a great choice for those who want to celebrate while looking simple. Dressing in grey allows devotees to join in the festivities while offering their prayers to Maa Chandraghanta.
IN PICS: Navratri Colours 2024: 9 Celebrity-Inspired Outfits to Match Each Day’s Colour
Navratri Day 3: Shubh Muhurat
According to Drik Panchang, these are auspicious muhurats for the day 3 of Navratri:
Brahma Muhurat
- Start Time: 4:39 AM
- End Time: 5:27 AM
Abhijit Muhurat
- Start Time: 11:46 AM
- End Time: 12:33 PM
Pratah Sandhya
- Start Time: 05:03 AM
- End Time: 06:16 AM
Amrit Kalam
- Start Time: 11:41 AM
- End Time: 1:29 PM
Navratri Day 3: Bhog To Offer
Navratri is filled with various religious activities dedicated to Navdurga and one important tradition is offering specific prasad to each form of the goddess.
Each avatar highlights the unique qualities of Goddess Durga, so different Bhog is presented to them to seek their blessings.
For Goddess Chandraghanta, it is believed offering kheer is considered significant.
This sweet dish not only honours her but also expresses gratitude for her guidance and support.
Navratri Day 3: Puja Vidhi
- Devotees are encouraged to wake up early in the morning.
- Take a bath and wear clean, traditional attire.
- Place the idol of the goddess on a platform or in a designated prayer space.
- Purify the idol using Kesar (saffron), Ganga Jal (holy water from the Ganges), and Kewra (screwpine water).
- Adorn the goddess with traditional garments after purification.
- Present jasmine flowers, as they are among the goddess’ favourites.
- Serve Kheer (a sweet rice pudding) as a bhog (offering).
- To seek the goddess’s blessings, devotees can chant various prayers, including Mantra, Stuti, Stotra, Kavacha and Aarti.
Significance Of Worshipping Goddess Chandraghanta
Maa Chandraghanta is the tranquil form of Maa Parvati. The sound of the moon and bell on her forehead is believed to chase away negative energies. In this form, she represents peace and looks out for the well-being of her followers. Worshipping her with devotion and sincerity can bring comfort and positivity into one’s life.