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Things You Need To Know About Goddess Chandraghanta

On the occasion of Chandraghanta pooja, let us learn more about the Goddess Chandraghanta. Take a look.

By Subodini Menon

Today is the third day of the Navratri festival. The third day of the festivities is dedicated to Goddess Chandraghanta. The Goddess Chandraghanta is the married form of the Mother Goddess, Goddess Durga.

The Goddess Chandraghanta is one among the 'Raudra' forms of Mother Durga. She appears as a horrific and a fear-inducing form to the evil and wicked of the mind.

Her name alone can instill terror into the minds of the Asuras and those who terrorize the simple-minded devotees. But to her devotees, she appears to be benevolent and loving.

It is said that she is like a mother; she showers her love and affection on her children. But when someone harms her children, she turns into a formidable person and punishes the person who hurt her beloved children.

On the occasion of the Chandraghanta pooja, let us learn more about the Goddess Chandraghanta.

The story of Goddess Chandraghanta

The Appearance Of The Goddess Chandraghanta
The Goddess Chandraghanta has a golden hue that radiates from her body. She has three eyes and has ten hands. Eight of the ten hands sport various weapons and the remaining two are in a blessing and boon-giving pose. She is usually depicted as riding a tiger or lion. The choice of the Vahan shows her bravery and fearlessness. She is forever ready for a battle and to protect the needy from evil.

The story of Goddess Chandraghanta

The Name Of The Goddess
The name Chandraghanta is a combination of two words - "Chandra" which means 'the moon' and "Ghanta" which means 'the bell'. The half moon is always shown adorning her forehead and it is depicted to be in a bell shape. This is how the Goddess gets her name. The bell is also thought to be a signal of warning to those who are evil and wicked. The chime of the bell can also be heard by the devotees as a promise of protection.

The story of Goddess Chandraghanta

The Story Of Goddess Chandraghanta
The form of the Goddess Chandraghanta is that of a newly married woman. The story tells us that after years of austerity, Lord Shiva agreed to marry Goddess Parvati. On the day of the wedding, the Groom, Lord Shiva, arrived along with his entourage at Goddess Parvati's Palace. The form that Lord Shiva was in was terrifying. He was accompanied by ghosts and the Shiva Ganas. Seeing all this, Goddess Parvati's mother fainted in fright.

To make Lord Shiva repent, Goddess Parvati took the form of the ferocious Goddess Chandraghanta and forced her would-be husband to appear in a more pleasant form.

Accordingly, Lord Shiva changed his form to appear like a handsome prince decked in finery and jewellery. This way, the Goddess got married to Lord Shiva.

The story of Goddess Chandraghanta

Yogic Significance Of The Day Three Of Navratri
In the tantric and yogic aspect, the Navratri is an important period. The practitioners of yoga and tantra are able to wake their spiritual chakras during the Navratri. During the third day of the Navratri, they perform the pooja for the Goddess Chandraghanta and wake the Manipura chakra. When this chakra is awakened, the practitioner can be more receptive to the spiritual and the paranormal world. They can pick up unearthly sounds and smells. Many will be able to experience the supernatural power during this time. The Sadhak or the practitioner needs to be very careful during this time and focus on the worship of the Goddess Chandraghanta.

The Planet Of The Third Day Of Navratri
The Shukra planet is the presiding planet of the third day of Navratri. Praying to the Goddess Chandraghanta and worshipping the planet Shukra can help remove any malefic effects that the planet may have on your life.

Story first published: Saturday, September 23, 2017, 14:27 [IST]
Read more about: navaratri