The warrior goddess and the creator of universe

his year, instead of one, two avatars of Nav Durgas will be worshipped on the third day of Shardiya Navratri. And they are Goddess Chandraghanta and Kushmanda. According to the Drikpanchang, the third and the fourth day of Shardiya Navratri will be observed on October 9, which is today. Today, since both Tithis – Tritiya (which began on October 8 and will continue till October 9 – 7: 48 AM) and Chaturthi Tithi are falling on the same day, the devotees of Shakti will be worshipping two forms of Durga at different timings.

Goddess Chandraghanta, who signifies spiritualism and internal power, is also known as Chandrakhanda, Chandika or Rannchandi. The goddess with ten arms who holds divine shastras in her hands is none other than Goddess Parvati — The better half of Lord Shiva. If we talk about the meaning of her name, it means the one who has a ‘half-moon shaped like a bell’. It is believed that Lord Shiva adorned Maa Parvati’s forehead with chandra (moon) made from chandan (sandalwood). Also, she holds a big bell in her hand; hence she earned the name Chandraghanta.

On Tritiya Tithi of Shardiya Navratri, the devotees can purify the Goddess with holy Gangajal or gaumutr. Chandraghanta Puja is performed on the Navratri Tritiya Tithi. Bathe the goddess with Gangajal or gaumutr. Apply haldi-kumkum, offer Akshat, flowers, fruits etc. Offer her sweets made of milk products as bhog and after performing aarti, distribute it as prasad.

By worshipping Maa Chandraghanta, one can get rid of all obstacles. And by her divine grace, a fellow devotee can be blessed with name, fame and power.