Maa Chandraghanta: The Third Goddess Of Navratri

Maa Chandraghanta is the third form of Maa Durga. Her name Chandraghanta, means "one who has a half-moon shaped like a bell". Maa Chandraghanta is the married form the Maa Parvati. After getting married to Lord Shiva, Mahagauri started adorning her forehead with half Chandra and due to which she was known as Maa Chandraghanta. She is also known as Chandika or Rannchandi. Maa Chandraghanta mounts on the tigress. She is depicted with ten hands. Maa Chandraghanta carries lotus flower, Arrow, Dhanush and Jap Mala in her four right hands and keeps the fifth right hand in Abhaya Mudra. She carries Trishul, Gada, Sword and Kamandal in her four left hands and keeps the fifth left hand in Varada Mudra. It is believed that the planet Shukra is governed by Maa Chandraghanta. In this form Maa Chandraghanta is ready for the war with all her weapons. It is believed that the sound of the moon-bell on her forehead expel all type of spirits away from her devotees. This form of Maa Parvati is peaceful and for welfare of her devotees.

Mantra -

                                                                         

ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः॥

Prarthana -

पिण्डज प्रवरारूढा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता। 

प्रसादं तनुते मह्यम् चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता॥