Maa Chandraghanta: Story, Significance, Puja Vidhi, Mantra and Spiritual Lessons for Navratri 2026

Publication Date: October 13, 2026

Festival: Sharadiya Navratri — Day 3

Sharadiya Navratri is a sacred Hindu festival dedicated to the nine divine forms of Goddess Durga, collectively known as Navdurga. Each day honours a different manifestation of Shakti, the divine feminine energy that protects the universe and inspires humanity to follow the path of truth.

The third day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta. She is worshipped as the Goddess of courage, protection, peace and strength. Her divine form reminds devotees that true bravery means standing against injustice while keeping the mind balanced and the heart compassionate.

Who Is Maa Chandraghanta?

Maa Chandraghanta is the third manifestation of Goddess Durga. Her name is formed from two words: Chandra, meaning moon, and Ghanta, meaning bell. She is known as Chandraghanta because the crescent moon on her forehead resembles a bell.

According to traditional descriptions, Maa Chandraghanta rides a tiger or lion and is depicted with multiple hands carrying divine weapons and sacred objects. The exact number of hands and the objects shown can vary across artistic and regional traditions.

Her appearance combines divine beauty with a powerful warrior form. The weapons represent her ability to protect devotees and overcome evil, while her calm and benevolent expression reflects peace, compassion and spiritual confidence.

The bell associated with her name is also understood symbolically. Its sound represents the awakening of awareness and the removal of negativity. Her image teaches devotees to remain alert, fearless and committed to righteousness.

The Story of Maa Chandraghanta

According to Hindu tradition, Goddess Parvati performed deep penance to marry Lord Shiva. After her marriage, she came to be worshipped in different divine forms representing various qualities of Shakti.

In her Chandraghanta form, the Goddess is described as a powerful warrior who protects the world from negative forces. Her divine appearance inspires confidence in devotees and reminds them that the forces of righteousness can overcome arrogance and injustice.

Traditional devotional accounts associate Maa Chandraghanta with the destruction of evil forces and the protection of the gods and the world. She is portrayed as ready to confront danger while remaining compassionate towards those who seek her blessings with sincere devotion.

Her story carries an important message: peace does not always mean remaining silent in the face of wrongdoing. Sometimes, protecting innocent people and defending what is right requires courage, preparation and decisive action.

Why Is Maa Chandraghanta Worshipped on the Third Day?

The nine forms of Durga are often understood as a spiritual journey. Maa Shailputri represents strength and a firm foundation, while Maa Brahmacharini represents discipline and devotion. Maa Chandraghanta adds the qualities of courage, confidence and readiness to face challenges.

Devotees worship her on the third day of Navratri to seek blessings for:

• Courage: The confidence to face difficult situations.
• Protection: Strength and reassurance during challenging times.
• Peace: The ability to maintain a calm mind under pressure.
• Justice: The determination to stand against wrongdoing.
• Self-confidence: The willingness to act responsibly without being controlled by fear.

Maa Chandraghanta Puja Vidhi

Devotees can worship Maa Chandraghanta at home or visit a temple. The following is a simple devotional routine that can be adapted according to family customs.

1. Prepare the prayer area: Clean the place of worship and arrange an image or idol of Maa Chandraghanta.
2. Begin with prayer: Sit peacefully and offer your respectful prayers to the Goddess.
3. Light a diya: Light a traditional lamp if appropriate for your household and circumstances.
4. Offer flowers: Present flowers, water and other customary offerings with devotion.
5. Offer prasad: Fruits, sweets or other vegetarian offerings may be presented according to family tradition.
6. Chant the mantra: Recite the Goddess's mantra with concentration and sincerity.
7. Read a devotional account: Reflect on the Goddess's role as a protector and destroyer of evil.
8. Perform aarti: Conclude the worship with aarti and distribute prasad among family members.

These steps are general suggestions. Puja procedures differ between regions, temples and families, so devotees may follow their customary rituals.

Maa Chandraghanta Mantra

Navdurga mantra:

ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः॥

Transliteration: Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah.

Meaning: I bow to Goddess Chandraghanta and offer my respectful prayers to her divine power.

Devotees may chant this mantra during morning or evening worship. Chanting with attention and devotion can provide an opportunity for quiet reflection and a renewed sense of purpose.

What Should Be Offered to Maa Chandraghanta?

Flowers, fruits, sweets and other customary vegetarian offerings may be presented to Maa Chandraghanta. Some devotional traditions associate milk-based sweets or kheer with her worship, although offerings can vary by region and household practice.

Gold and yellow shades are often associated with Maa Chandraghanta in Navratri devotional descriptions. However, the daily Navratri colour may differ according to regional calendars and local traditions. Check your preferred Panchang if you wish to follow a particular colour schedule.

Spiritual Significance of Maa Chandraghanta

1. Courage in Difficult Situations

Maa Chandraghanta reminds devotees that fear should not prevent them from doing what is right. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the ability to respond wisely despite uncertainty.

2. The Balance Between Strength and Peace

The Goddess's warrior appearance and peaceful expression represent a balance between power and compassion. Her message encourages people to be firm when necessary without becoming cruel or aggressive.

3. Protection of the Innocent

Her protective form inspires devotees to care for vulnerable people, oppose bullying and help those who cannot easily defend themselves.

4. Awareness and Alertness

The bell-like crescent on her forehead is a reminder to remain awake to our surroundings, thoughts and responsibilities. Awareness helps us recognise problems before they become more difficult to address.

5. Confidence and Inner Strength

Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta can encourage devotees to develop self-confidence and face their responsibilities with a clear mind.

Lessons We Can Learn from Maa Chandraghanta

• Stand against injustice: Do not encourage wrongdoing through silence when it is safe and appropriate to seek help or intervene.
• Control anger: Respond thoughtfully instead of allowing anger to control your decisions.
• Protect others: Show kindness and support to people facing difficulties.
• Be confident: Trust your preparation and work steadily towards your goals.
• Choose peace: Resolve disagreements through dialogue whenever possible.
• Act responsibly: Real courage includes understanding risks and making wise decisions.

How Students Can Apply the Teachings of Maa Chandraghanta

Students can take inspiration from Maa Chandraghanta when dealing with examinations, difficult subjects and the fear of failure. Instead of avoiding a challenging topic, they can break it into smaller tasks and practise regularly.

Her teachings also encourage students to stand against bullying, treat classmates respectfully and ask teachers or trusted adults for help when necessary. Courage should be combined with good judgement, not reckless behaviour.

How Families Can Celebrate the Third Day of Navratri

Families can begin the day with prayer, read a story about Maa Chandraghanta and discuss the meaning of courage and kindness. They may visit a Durga temple, prepare traditional vegetarian food or share prasad with neighbours.

Another meaningful way to honour the Goddess is to help someone in need, support a person experiencing difficulty or make a conscious effort to resolve a disagreement peacefully.

Conclusion

Maa Chandraghanta, the third form of Navdurga, represents courage, protection, awareness and the balance between strength and peace. Her divine form teaches us that bravery is most meaningful when it is guided by wisdom, compassion and a commitment to righteousness.

As we celebrate the third day of Sharadiya Navratri 2026, let us seek inspiration from Maa Chandraghanta to face difficulties with confidence, protect those who need help and maintain peace in our thoughts and actions.

May Maa Chandraghanta bless everyone with courage, happiness, protection and inner peace.

Jai Mata Di!

Disclaimer: This article presents general religious and cultural information. Stories, mantras, puja rituals, offerings and festival observances may vary by region and tradition.