Chandraghanta Avatar of maa shakti

Chandraghanta | Avatar of maa shakti

Maa Chandraghanta is the third form of Maa Durga and is worshipped on the third day of Navaratri. In this avatar, she is depicted as a warrior goddess who fights to protect her devotees from evil, suffering, and obstacles. The crescent moon on her forehead symbolizes that she is calm, yet powerful enough to destroy negative energies. Her bell (ghanta) signifies the shattering of evil and the beginning of spiritual victory.

“ॐ चंद्रघंटे महाक्रूरी महाक्रूरविनाशिनी।
विघ्नविनाशिनी शान्ति शान्ति शान्ति॥“

― Shri Chandraghanta Avatar

Maa Chandraghanta is the embodiment of fearlessness, divine power, and unwavering strength. She is the symbol of courage and determination, making her worship especially significant for those seeking protection, guidance, and strength to overcome challenges in life.

Mythological Significance of Chandraghanta Avatar

The Chandraghanta Avatar is rooted in several key mythological narratives, particularly involving Maa Durga’s role in battling evil and establishing righteousness.

Maa Parvati’s Transformation:

Maa Chandraghanta is another form of Maa Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva, who transforms into a powerful and fierce goddess when evil forces threaten the peace and safety of the universe. In her earlier form, she was Maa Shailaputri and Brahmacharini, known for their peaceful and ascetic nature. However, in this form, Maa Durga becomes an invincible warrior, equipped with all the divine powers to fight evil.
The moon on her forehead symbolizes the calmness that she retains even in the face of adversity. The bell signifies her readiness to strike, as the sound of the bell is said to alert and dispel negative forces.

The Battle Against Demons:

During this battle, Maa Chandraghanta destroyed Mahishasura’s army and symbolized the victory of good over evil. The form of Chandraghanta signifies the goddess’s bravery, her ability to conquer darkness, and her compassion toward her devotees, ensuring their protection.

According to the myth, Maa Durga took the form of Chandraghanta to fight the demonic forces that were threatening the cosmic balance. Mahishasura, the demon, had caused great trouble in the heavens, and all the gods and goddesses came together to create Maa Durga, who was armed with powerful weapons. Maa Chandraghanta’s bell represents the sound of divine warning to all evil.

Symbolism of Chandraghanta Avatar

The Chandraghanta Avatar of Maa Shakti is rich in spiritual symbolism, with each of her attributes representing a different aspect of divine power, protection, and spiritual victory.

The Crescent Moon (Chandra):

The crescent moon on Maa Chandraghanta’s forehead symbolizes peace, calmness, and the rhythm of the universe. The moon also represents feminine energy, beauty, and the divine feminine principle. The crescent indicates that she is not only fierce and powerful but also deeply calm and serene, maintaining balance in the universe.

The Bell (Ghanta):

The bell or Ghanta that Maa Chandraghanta holds in her hand is a key symbol in her iconography. The sound of the bell signifies the destruction of negative forces and the beginning of spiritual victory. The bell’s toll is said to ring out, warding off evil energies, obstacles, and demonic forces. It also represents the removal of ignorance and the calling of devotees to the divine truth.

Weaponry:

Maa Chandraghanta is depicted with various weapons in her hands, including tridents, swords, and maces. These weapons symbolize spiritual power, divine protection, and the ability to fight evil. They are reminders of the goddess’s strength and her ability to defend righteousness and truth in the universe.

Worship of Chandraghanta Avatar of Maa Shakti

The worship of Maa Chandraghanta on the third day of Navaratri is a powerful spiritual practice. It is said that Maa Chandraghanta grants fearlessness, spiritual strength, and protection from all forms of evil. The day is especially auspicious for invoking divine protection and seeking guidance to overcome obstacles.

Devotional Practices:

Chanting of Mantras: The Chandraghanta Mantra is chanted by devotees to invoke Maa Chandraghanta’s blessings for courage, protection, and victory over challenges. Regular chanting is believed to bring peace and strength to overcome fears and uncertainties.
Fasting and Puja: Devotees observe fasting and perform pujas to honor Maa Chandraghanta. Offerings of flowers, fruits, and milk are made, and special prayers are recited to seek her divine protection.
Aarti and Hymns: Devotees sing the Chandraghanta Aarti to honor the goddess and invoke her divine presence. The bell (ghanta) is also rung during the aarti to represent the dispelling of darkness and the calling of divine grace.

Chandraghanta’s Blessings:

Fearlessness and courage are the primary blessings of Maa Chandraghanta. Devotees who pray to her are believed to receive the strength to overcome fears, defeat obstacles, and achieve victory in all aspects of life.

Worship of Maa Chandraghanta helps devotees find spiritual strength and confidence to face difficult situations. She is the protector who shields her devotees from evil forces, bad influences, and negative energies.