The third day of Navaratri 2018 also termed as Navratri will be observed on October 12 (Thursday). As we all know that on each day different forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped, and on the third day Goddess Chandraghanta is revered. Goddess Chandraghanta is the married form of Goddess Parvati. Her forehead is bedecked with the crescent moon meaning ‘Chandra’ resembling the shape of a temple bell meaning ‘Ghantaa’, thus the name Chandraghanta. It is also believed that the planet Shukra is governed by Goddess Chandraghanta. Below we discuss the story behind Chandraghanta puja, more about the Goddess, puja vidhi (rituals) and mantras to chant. Navratri 2018 Day 3 Colour, October 12 – Green: From Kangana Ranaut to Hina Khan, Wear the Colour of Prosperity with Elegance This Festival.

Story of Goddess Chandraghanta

After Lord Shiva agreed to marry Parvati, he came in a terrorizing form at Parvati’s place with the marriage procession, accompanied by gods, mortals, sages and ascetics. Parvati appears as Chandraghanta and persuades him to change his form to a more charming one so that her mother does not get scared. Shiva thus reappeared as a charming prince bedecked with many jewels. Shiva and Parvati’s marriage was solemnised as per rituals. Navratri 2018 Greetings in Hindi for Friends: Best Durga Puja GIF Images, WhatsApp Messages, Quotes, SMSes & Facebook Status to Wish Happy Navaratri

Iconography

Goddess Chandraghanta mounts on a tigress which represents bravery and courage and is depicted with 10 hands. In her four left hands she carries Trishul, Gada, Sword and Kamandal keeps the fifth left hand in Varada Mudra. In her four right hands she carries Lotus flower, Arrow, Dhanush and Japa Mala and keeps the fifth right hand in Abhaya Mudra. This form of Goddess Parvati is peaceful and for welfare of her devotees. It is also believed that the moon-bell on her forehead expel all type of spirits away from her devotees.

Chandraghanta Mantra and Prarthana

Goddess Chandraghanta puja vidhi. (Photo Credits: File Image)

Chandraghanta Mantra – Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah

Chandraghanta Prarthana – Pindaja Pravararudha Chandakopastrakairyuta | Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta||

This form of Goddess Parvati depicts that Adi Shakti can be terrible and malevolent towards her enemies while being compassionate and motherly towards her devotees. By worshipping Goddess Chandrghanta, it is believed that all sins, distresses, physical sufferings, mental tribulations and ghostly hurdles of the devotees are eradicated. While riding on a tigress exudes fearlessness, she also embodies serenity. She is ever ready to destroy the wicked but to a devotee she always appears as the kind and compassionate mother showering love, peace and prosperity.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 12, 2018 08:51 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).