March 20, 2026
Festival Fast
4 min read
Chaitra Navratri Day 3: Maa Chandraghanta Worship, Story and Spiritual
Chaitra Navratri Day 3 is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, the symbol of courage and protection. According to Bhaktinama, this day helps devotees overcome fear, gain confidence, and invite peace and positivity into their lives.
Introduction:
The third day of Chaitra Navratri marks a powerful shift in the spiritual journey of devotees. After establishing devotion and discipline in the first two days, this day represents courage, strength, and divine protection. It is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, the third form of Goddess Durga, who symbolizes bravery and the removal of negativity. According to Bhaktinama, this day is especially important for overcoming fears and gaining inner strength.
Date, Nakshatra & Puja Muhurat (2026):
In 2026, the third day of Chaitra Navratri falls on 21 March, Saturday, and is observed as Tritiya Tithi (third lunar day). On this day, the moon transitions from Revati Nakshatra to Ashwini Nakshatra. The auspicious time for performing the puja begins in the early morning from around 06:10 AM to 09:00 AM, while the Abhijit Muhurat, considered highly favorable, occurs between approximately 12:05 PM and 12:55 PM. Devotees may also perform evening worship between 05:45 PM and 07:20 PM. These timings are considered suitable for worshipping Maa Chandraghanta, although slight variations may occur depending on location.
Day 3: Worship of Maa Chandraghanta:
On the third day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta. Her name is derived from the crescent moon (Chandra) shaped like a bell (Ghanta) on her forehead. She is depicted with ten arms, holding various weapons, and riding a tiger or lion. Her form is both fierce and compassionate, representing the balance between power and peace.
Bhaktinama explains that Maa Chandraghanta blesses her devotees with courage, confidence, and protection from all negative energies. Her divine presence removes fear and brings peace and prosperity into life.
The Story of Maa Chandraghanta:
According to Hindu mythology, Maa Chandraghanta is a form of Goddess Parvati after her marriage to Lord Shiva. When she adorned the crescent moon on her forehead, she came to be known as Chandraghanta. In this form, she took on a warrior appearance to destroy evil forces and protect her devotees.
It is believed that whenever demons troubled the world, Maa Chandraghanta rode into battle with immense strength and defeated them. Despite her fierce form in battle, she is extremely gentle and kind toward her devotees. Bhaktinama highlights that her story teaches us to remain fearless and strong while also maintaining compassion and balance in life.
Worship Method and Rituals:
On this day, devotees wake up early, take a bath, and prepare the place of worship with cleanliness and devotion. Maa Chandraghanta is offered milk, sweets, and kheer, which are believed to bring peace and happiness. Devotees light a lamp, offer flowers, and chant mantras with full faith. Many people observe fasts and consume only sattvic food. According to Bhaktinama, worship on this day helps remove obstacles and fills life with positivity and confidence.
Mantras of Maa Chandraghanta:
Chanting mantras dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta is considered highly powerful. The Beej Mantra, тАЬOm Devi Chandraghantayai Namah,тАЭ and the Dhyan Mantra, тАЬPindaj Pravara Rudra Chandraghanta Prasiddhita Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta,тАЭ are believed to bring courage, peace, and spiritual strength when recited with devotion. Bhaktinama emphasizes that mantra chanting helps connect deeply with divine energy.
Spiritual Significance:
The third day of Navratri is associated with the Manipura Chakra, which represents energy, confidence, and transformation. Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta activates this chakra, helping devotees gain control over fear, anger, and negativity.
This day teaches that true strength comes not only from physical power but also from mental clarity and emotional balance. According to Bhaktinama, Maa Chandraghanta guides devotees toward fearlessness and inner harmony.
Conclusion:
Chaitra Navratri Day 3, dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, represents courage, protection, and divine strength. Her worship empowers devotees to face challenges with confidence and removes negativity from life. By sincerely praying on this day, one can attain peace, bravery, and spiritual growth. Bhaktinama highlights this day as a turning point in the Navratri journey where inner power begins to rise.
The third day of Chaitra Navratri marks a powerful shift in the spiritual journey of devotees. After establishing devotion and discipline in the first two days, this day represents courage, strength, and divine protection. It is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, the third form of Goddess Durga, who symbolizes bravery and the removal of negativity. According to Bhaktinama, this day is especially important for overcoming fears and gaining inner strength.
Date, Nakshatra & Puja Muhurat (2026):
In 2026, the third day of Chaitra Navratri falls on 21 March, Saturday, and is observed as Tritiya Tithi (third lunar day). On this day, the moon transitions from Revati Nakshatra to Ashwini Nakshatra. The auspicious time for performing the puja begins in the early morning from around 06:10 AM to 09:00 AM, while the Abhijit Muhurat, considered highly favorable, occurs between approximately 12:05 PM and 12:55 PM. Devotees may also perform evening worship between 05:45 PM and 07:20 PM. These timings are considered suitable for worshipping Maa Chandraghanta, although slight variations may occur depending on location.
Day 3: Worship of Maa Chandraghanta:
On the third day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta. Her name is derived from the crescent moon (Chandra) shaped like a bell (Ghanta) on her forehead. She is depicted with ten arms, holding various weapons, and riding a tiger or lion. Her form is both fierce and compassionate, representing the balance between power and peace.
Bhaktinama explains that Maa Chandraghanta blesses her devotees with courage, confidence, and protection from all negative energies. Her divine presence removes fear and brings peace and prosperity into life.
The Story of Maa Chandraghanta:
According to Hindu mythology, Maa Chandraghanta is a form of Goddess Parvati after her marriage to Lord Shiva. When she adorned the crescent moon on her forehead, she came to be known as Chandraghanta. In this form, she took on a warrior appearance to destroy evil forces and protect her devotees.
It is believed that whenever demons troubled the world, Maa Chandraghanta rode into battle with immense strength and defeated them. Despite her fierce form in battle, she is extremely gentle and kind toward her devotees. Bhaktinama highlights that her story teaches us to remain fearless and strong while also maintaining compassion and balance in life.
Worship Method and Rituals:
On this day, devotees wake up early, take a bath, and prepare the place of worship with cleanliness and devotion. Maa Chandraghanta is offered milk, sweets, and kheer, which are believed to bring peace and happiness. Devotees light a lamp, offer flowers, and chant mantras with full faith. Many people observe fasts and consume only sattvic food. According to Bhaktinama, worship on this day helps remove obstacles and fills life with positivity and confidence.
Mantras of Maa Chandraghanta:
Chanting mantras dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta is considered highly powerful. The Beej Mantra, тАЬOm Devi Chandraghantayai Namah,тАЭ and the Dhyan Mantra, тАЬPindaj Pravara Rudra Chandraghanta Prasiddhita Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta,тАЭ are believed to bring courage, peace, and spiritual strength when recited with devotion. Bhaktinama emphasizes that mantra chanting helps connect deeply with divine energy.
Spiritual Significance:
The third day of Navratri is associated with the Manipura Chakra, which represents energy, confidence, and transformation. Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta activates this chakra, helping devotees gain control over fear, anger, and negativity.
This day teaches that true strength comes not only from physical power but also from mental clarity and emotional balance. According to Bhaktinama, Maa Chandraghanta guides devotees toward fearlessness and inner harmony.
Conclusion:
Chaitra Navratri Day 3, dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, represents courage, protection, and divine strength. Her worship empowers devotees to face challenges with confidence and removes negativity from life. By sincerely praying on this day, one can attain peace, bravery, and spiritual growth. Bhaktinama highlights this day as a turning point in the Navratri journey where inner power begins to rise.
