Introduction.
Explain what is Navratri Day 3 , when is it celebrated, and why is it important for Hindus.
Body: Describe the significance, puja vidhi, colour, bhog, mantra, and aarti of Maa Chandraghanta, the goddess worshipped on the third day of Navratri.
Conclusion: Summarize the main points and express your wishes for the festival.
Content:
Navratri is one of the most auspicious and celebrated festivals in India. It is a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms, known as Navadurgas. Navratri means “nine nights” in Sanskrit, and each night is devoted to a different aspect of the divine feminine power. Navratri is observed four times a year, but the most popular one is Shardiya Navratri, which falls in the lunar month of Ashwin (September-October). This year, Shardiya Navratri began on October 15 and will end on October 24. During this period, devotees worship Maa Durga with fasting, prayers, rituals, and cultural activities. Navratri is a festival of joy, devotion, and celebration that honours the victory of good over evil.
The third day of Navratri, also known as Tritiya Tithi, is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, the married form of Goddess Parvati. She is the third manifestation of Maa Durga and represents beauty and bravery. She is called Chandraghanta because she wears a crescent moon (Chandra) on her forehead like a bell (Ghanta). She rides a tigress and has ten arms, holding various weapons and symbols in her hands. She has three eyes and a golden complexion. She rules over the Manipura Chakra (solar plexus) and the planet Sun. She is the goddess of peace, tranquility, and prosperity. She also protects her devotees from evil forces and grants them courage and strength.
To worship Maa Chandraghanta on the third day of Navratri, devotees should follow these steps:-
• Wake up early in the morning and take a bath.
• Wear new or clean clothes, preferably red in colour, as it is considered auspicious for this day.
• Place the idol or picture of Maa Chandraghanta on a chowki or altar and decorate it with flowers, garlands, kumkum, and tilak.
• Offer water mixed with saffron (Kesar), holy water (Ganga Jal), and screwpine (Kewra) to the goddess.
• Dress the goddess in gold-coloured clothes and jewellery.
• Offer yellow flowers, jasmine flowers, Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee), and sugar candy (Mishri) to the goddess.
• Light a lamp with ghee or oil and incense sticks.
• Recite the following mantra to invoke Maa Chandraghanta:-
Pindaj Pravaarudh Chandkopastrakairyutaa
Prasaadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishrutaa
Meaning: O Goddess Chandraghanta, who rides on a tiger and holds weapons like bow, arrow, trident, sword, etc., in your ten hands, please bestow your grace on me.
• Perform the puja during the auspicious timings of Brahma Muhurat (4:42 am to 5:33 am), Abhijit Muhurat (11:43 am to 12:29 pm), or Amrit Kal (11:23 am to 1:02 pm). Sing or listen to the following aarti to praise Maa Chandraghanta:-
Jai Ho Maa Chandraghanta
Jai Ho Maa Jagdamba
Tumhi Ho Shakti Swaroopa
Tumhi Ho Mahishasura Mardini
Tumhi Ho Kaalika Devi
Tumhi Ho Bhavani
Tumhi Ho Tripura Sundari
Tumhi Ho Lalita Rani
Meaning: Hail Maa Chandraghanta! Hail Maa Jagdamba! You are the embodiment of power. You are the slayer of Mahishasura. You are Kaalika Devi. You are Bhavani. You are Tripura Sundari. You are Lalita Rani.
• Offer coconut (Nariyal), milk-based sweets (Kheer), or sesame seeds (Til) as bhog or prasad to the goddess.
• Distribute the prasad among your family members and friends.
• Seek blessings from Maa Chandraghanta for peace, happiness, and success.
This is how you can celebrate Navratri Day 3 by Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta, the goddess of beauty and bravery. She is the one who removes all the obstacles and fears from your life and fills it with joy and prosperity. May Maa Chandraghanta bless you and your loved ones with her grace and protection. Happy Navratri!