Devi Chandraghanta: Story, Iconography and Auspicious Meaning of Worship

Devi Chandraghanta is the third among the nine revered forms of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the third day of Navratri. Named for the bell-shaped (Ghanta) half-moon (Chandra) adorning her forehead, she embodies both fearlessness and peace. Her golden complexion, warrior attire, arsenal of weapons and fierce tiger mount make her the embodiment of valor, protection and auspiciousness. She follows Devi Shailaputri and Devi Brahmacharini as the third form of Shakti celebrated during Navratri.

Click here to see why Navratri will be celebrated for 10 days instead of 9 this year!

The Legend: Devi Chandraghanta and Mahishasura

When the battle between the gods (Devatas) led by Indra and the demons (Danavas) led by Mahishasura raged, Mahishasura emerged victorious, defeating the gods and ruling Swarga (heaven). The dejected Devatas approached Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva for a solution. Homeless and wandering, Indra, Chandra, Surya, Agni, Vayu, Varuna and other Devatas pleaded for help.

The Creation of Devi Chandraghanta

Enraged, the TridevBrahma, Vishnu and Shivacreated a radiant new Goddess. Their combined energies, along with those of the other gods, merged to manifest the form of Devi Chandraghanta. Shiva bestowed his trident (Trishul), Vishnu his chakra, Indra his vajra and a ringing bell, Surya his brilliance, sword and a lion. Other gods offered unique gifts and powers.

Symbolism of Devi Chandraghanta

Depicted as a beautiful, valiant Goddess, Chandraghanta wields multiple weapons and ornaments. Upon confronting Mahishasura, her awe-inspiring gaze froze him. Though Danavas and Asuras attempted to resist, Devi overpowered them, ultimately slaying Mahishasura and restoring the gods’ rightful abode. She personifies anger, protective maternal love and the combined energies of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

Her appearance transcends creation (Brahma), preserves order (Vishnu) and destroys evil (Shiva). Her glowing horns ornaments and weapons illustrate the gifts of the gods. Her motherly love and concern echo Vishnu’s nurturing qualities, while her fierce destruction parallels Shiva’s role as destroyer. She revives and safeguards the Devatas, ensuring their rights and cosmic balance.

The Deeper Significance

Devi Chandraghanta embodies the universal feminine force physically and within her essence. She represents a woman’s ideal qualities: a mother’s heart and a warrior’s spirit. Her beauty and ornamentation symbolize the eternal qualities of womanhood, yet she teaches that inner qualities matter more than external appearance.

Her name unites Chandra (intelligence) and Ghanta (victory)implying intelligence must lead to righteous victory. Mahishasura, representing ignorance and indulgence, achieved a hollow victory; Devi Chandraghanta personifies triumph of dharma (truth) over adharma (falsehood).

The Symbolism of Milk and Red Color

Devotees offer milk and milk-based delicacies like kheer, rasmalai, rabri to Devi Chandraghanta. Milk signifies fertility, motherhood and universal nourishment. Studies show breastfed children flourish both intellectually and emotionallyjust as Devi Chandraghanta is the universal mother bestowing sublime attributes.

Red, worn on the third day of Navratri, symbolizes power, danger and competition. Scientific research confirms red signals threat to adversaries. The Devi’s red attire intensifies the spiritual and psychological impact on demons, protecting devotees from negativity.

The Half-Moon (Chandra) on Her Forehead

Her half-moon signifies her identity as Shiva’s consort and the divine Shakti. The third eye represents insight and cosmic power. Her features signify eternal union with Lord Shiva (Chandrasekhar).

Complete Mantras and Prayer for Devi Chandraghanta

Main Mantras:
|| मणिपूर चक्राय चण्डघण्टायै नमः।|

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु चण्डघण्टा रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah

English Translation:
O Goddess Chandraghanta, who rides a tiger, whose wrath destroys enemies, who holds many weapons in her ten handsbe merciful to me.

Rituals and Temple

The temple of Devi Chandraghanta is in Jaiptur, Varanasi. Devotees visit it on the third day of Navratri, offering red cloth ornaments, milk sweets and Dakshina. Rituals hold deep spiritual meaning, inviting blessings of courage, prosperity and peace.

Astrological Significance: The Moon’s Power

Astrologically, the Moon rules our emotions, mind and subconscious responses. The third day of Navratri is dedicated to balancing and stabilizing the Moon’s energy. Meditation on Devi Chandraghanta helps those with emotional turmoil, anxiety or a weak Moon in their horoscope. The Moon typically transits Ashwini, Bharani or Krittika Nakshatra on this day, each associated with the qualities Devi Chandraghanta bestows: discipline, heroism and transformation.

Those undergoing Moon-related Mahadasha or Antardasha or with a debilitated Moon, should perform remedies todaychanting her mantra, offering milk, lighting a diya (lamp) for calmness and clarity. Devotees facing Chandra-Rahu or Chandra-Ketu combinations will find her blessings help overcome illusions, fears and karmic burdens.

Read about the Day 4 of Navratri and Maa Kushmanda here.

Color, Remedy and Astrology for Day 3

• Color of the Day: White or light yellow symbolizes purity and peace.
• Offerings: Kheer, milk-based sweets.
• Recommended Mantra: Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah
• Remedy Tip: Keep a silver item or donate milk for harmony in the horoscope.

Chakras and Inner Message

Chandraghanta Devi is connected to the Manipura (Solar Plexus) Chakra, controlling willpower, self-esteem and transformation. Activating this chakra brings courage, emotional balance and clarity amid adversity.

What We Learn from Devi Chandraghanta

Devi Chandraghanta inspires us to integrate both peace and valor, balance fear and confidence and pursue truth and justice. She teaches us to be graceful yet powerful, to defend what is right and to cherish both inner and outer beauty.

FAQs: Third Day of Navratri and Devi Chandraghanta

Which Chakra is associated with Devi Chandraghanta?

The Manipura (Solar Plexus) Chakra.

Which planet should devotees focus on this day?

The Moonruler of emotions, mind and subconscious.

Which color is most auspicious for worship?

Red, white or light yellow.

What offering pleases Devi Chandraghanta?

Milk sweets, kheer, silver items and red clothes.

What are the effects of her worship?

Courage, emotional stability, protection from negativity, victory over adversity.