The third day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Chandraghanta, who is the third divine form of Goddess Durga. Offering prayers to Maa Chandraghanta on this auspicious day helps eliminate all kinds of fears and removes every obstacle in life. This form of Goddess Durga is considered extremely benevolent for her devotees. Any worshipper who invokes Maa Chandraghanta with a pure heart is always protected by the divine mother. She gets her name because a bell-shaped crescent moon adorns her forehead.
Maa Chandraghanta is regarded as a fierce form of Goddess Durga. She rides a lion and possesses ten hands. Her four right hands hold a lotus flower, a bow, a prayer beads rosary, and an arrow, while the fifth hand remains in the Abhaya Mudra posture of reassurance. Meanwhile, her four left hands carry a trident, a mace, a water pot, and a sword, with the fifth hand held in the Varada Mudra posture of bestowing boons. Let us delve into the mythological legend connected to the creation of the third manifestation of Goddess Durga.
The Mythology And Legend Behind Maa Chandraghanta
The worship of Maa Chandraghanta takes place on the third day of Navratri, and she is revered as a benevolent protector of her devotees. Accounts related to Goddess Chandraghanta are found within our ancient Puranas. According to scriptures, she is an avatar of Goddess Durga herself. Legend states that a demon named Mahishasura had spread sheer terror across the three worlds. At one point, a fierce war was ongoing between Mahishasura and the deities, as the demon desired to usurp the throne of Lord Indra. Upon learning of his evil intentions, the gods approached the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh to share their deep concerns.
When the trinity learned about this crisis, they grew extremely angry, and immense energy emerged from their faces. From this very divine energy, Maa Chandraghanta manifested. Upon her descent, Lord Shiva gifted her his trident, Lord Vishnu provided his chakra, Indra gave his sacred bell, and the Sun God bestowed his radiant light. Empowered with these weapons and divine strengths from the deities, Maa Chandraghanta ultimately defeated and destroyed Mahishasura, thereby saving the gods.
