परिचय
नवरात्रि के तीसरे दिन की पूजा माँ चन्द्रघण्टा को समर्पित है। उनके मस्तक पर अर्धचन्द्र के आकार की घंटी (घण्टा) सुशोभित रहती है, इसी कारण उन्हें चन्द्रघण्टा कहा जाता है। माँ की उपासना से भय दूर होता है और साहस, शांति और समृद्धि प्राप्त होती है।
कथा
भगवान शिव से विवाह के बाद माता पार्वती ने अपने मस्तक पर अर्धचन्द्र धारण किया, जो घंटा के समान प्रतीत होता था। इसी कारण उनका नाम पड़ा चन्द्रघण्टा।
उनके दस भुजाएँ हैं, जिनमें त्रिशूल, गदा, धनुष, तलवार और कमंडल जैसे अस्त्र-शस्त्र हैं। वे सिंह या बाघ पर सवारी करती हैं, जो वीरता का प्रतीक है।
माँ चन्द्रघण्टा का रूप एक ओर राक्षसों के विनाश के लिए उग्र है, तो दूसरी ओर भक्तों के लिए अत्यंत करुणामयी है।
महत्व
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माँ चन्द्रघण्टा वीरता और निडरता का प्रतीक हैं।
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उनकी पूजा से दुख, पाप और बाधाएँ दूर होती हैं।
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वे शुक्र ग्रह की अधिष्ठात्री देवी हैं, जिनकी कृपा से जीवन में प्रेम और सामंजस्य आता है।
पूजा विधि
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इस दिन माँ को लाल फूल, दूध, मिठाई और फल अर्पित किए जाते हैं।
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पूजा में घंटी बजाना शुभ माना जाता है।
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उनका मंत्र जपने से सुरक्षा और आंतरिक शक्ति प्राप्त होती है।
मंत्र
“ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः॥”
Introduction to Maa Chandraghanta
Who is Maa Chandraghanta?
Maa Chandraghanta is the third form of Goddess Durga symbolizing courage justice and peace. She is depicted with a half-moon shaped like a bell on her forehead.
Significance of Day 3
Day 3 of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta to invoke her blessings for strength protection and the removal of obstacles.
Iconography of Brahmacharini
Maa Chandraghanta is depicted with ten hands holding weapons like trishul gada dhanush sword
Mount and Appearance
Maa Chandraghanta rides a tiger or lion symbolizing courage and strength. Her attire is red representing passion and energy.
Connection to Lord Shiva
Maa Chandraghanta is considered a manifestation of Goddess Parvati who performed intense penance to unite with Lord Shiva.
Mythological Significance
Origin Story of Chandraghanta
After marrying Lord Shiva Goddess Parvati adorned her forehead with a half-moon shaped like a bell earning her the name Chandraghanta.
Legends and Stories
Ancient scriptures narrate that worshipping Chandraghanta on Day 3 removes obstacles and blesses devotees with strength and wisdom.
Connection with Other Goddesses
Chandraghanta is linked to Parvati and Sati and represents the solar plexus chakra and divine feminine energy.
Spiritual Benefits
Praying to Maa Chandraghanta increases inner strength spiritual awareness and devotion.
Why Worship Her Third
She is worshipped third to purify the mind and soul creating a strong spiritual foundation for Navratri.
Puja Rituals and Practices
How to Perform Chandraghanta Puja
Begin with Kalash Sthapana offer flowers incense and chant "ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः" to seek her blessings.
Offerings and Prasad
Red flowers fruits and sweets are offered as prasad during Chandraghanta Puja.
Time and Duration of Puja
Puja is performed in the morning preferably during Brahma Muhurat to maximize spiritual benefits.
Mantras and Chants
Chanting "ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः" or reading Chandraghanta Chalisa invokes divine energy and blessings.
Fasting Guidelines
Devotees fast on Day 3 by consuming fruits milk and light vegetarian meals to honor Maa Chandraghanta.
Symbolism and Attributes
The Meaning of the Moon Bell
The half-moon shaped like a bell on her forehead symbolizes the removal of evil and the dispelling of darkness.
Weapons and Tools
Her ten hands hold weapons like trishul gada dhanush sword and kamandal
Red Color Significance
Red is the color of passion and energy worn by devotees to align with the goddess’s energy.
Connection to the Solar Plexus Chakra
Chandraghanta is associated with the Manipura chakra providing confidence strength and willpower.
Spiritual Significance of Symbols
Every element in Chandraghanta’s iconography teaches courage justice and the dispelling of negativity.
Global Celebrations and Traditions
Navratri Practices Across India
Different states celebrate Day 3 with unique rituals songs and dances honoring Maa Chandraghanta.
International Observances
Navratri is celebrated worldwide in Indian communities with pujas cultural programs and devotion.
Community Events
Temples and community centers organize group prayers bhajans and aarti to honor Maa Chandraghanta.
Importance of Group Worship
Worshiping in groups amplifies energy devotion and spiritual merit.
Modern Adaptations
Many now celebrate digitally or online sharing rituals and devotional content to keep tradition alive.
Conclusion and Blessings
Blessings from Maa Chandraghanta
Seek her blessings for courage protection and the removal of obstacles in your life.
Daily Practice Recommendations
Begin your day with prayer meditation and offering gratitude to Maa Chandraghanta for guidance.
Spiritual Growth Tips
Focus on devotion self-discipline and purity to maximize the benefits of Navratri worship.
Incorporating Rituals into Life
Regular puja chanting mantras and meditation can bring peace stability and spiritual enlightenment.
Encouraging Devotion
Share the knowledge and devotion of Maa Chandraghanta with family and friends to enhance spiritual connection.
Maa Chandraghanta is the third form of Goddess Durga symbolizing courage justice and peace. She is depicted with a half-moon shaped like a bell on her forehead.
Day 3 of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta to invoke her blessings for strength protection and the removal of obstacles.
Maa Chandraghanta is depicted with ten hands holding weapons like trishul gada dhanush sword
Maa Chandraghanta rides a tiger or lion symbolizing courage and strength. Her attire is red representing passion and energy.
Maa Chandraghanta is considered a manifestation of Goddess Parvati who performed intense penance to unite with Lord Shiva.
After marrying Lord Shiva Goddess Parvati adorned her forehead with a half-moon shaped like a bell earning her the name Chandraghanta.
Ancient scriptures narrate that worshipping Chandraghanta on Day 3 removes obstacles and blesses devotees with strength and wisdom.
Chandraghanta is linked to Parvati and Sati and represents the solar plexus chakra and divine feminine energy.
Praying to Maa Chandraghanta increases inner strength spiritual awareness and devotion.
She is worshipped third to purify the mind and soul creating a strong spiritual foundation for Navratri.
Begin with Kalash Sthapana offer flowers incense and chant "ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः" to seek her blessings.
Red flowers fruits and sweets are offered as prasad during Chandraghanta Puja.
Puja is performed in the morning preferably during Brahma Muhurat to maximize spiritual benefits.
Chanting "ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः" or reading Chandraghanta Chalisa invokes divine energy and blessings.
Devotees fast on Day 3 by consuming fruits milk and light vegetarian meals to honor Maa Chandraghanta.
The half-moon shaped like a bell on her forehead symbolizes the removal of evil and the dispelling of darkness.
Her ten hands hold weapons like trishul gada dhanush sword and kamandal
Red is the color of passion and energy worn by devotees to align with the goddess’s energy.
Chandraghanta is associated with the Manipura chakra providing confidence strength and willpower.
Every element in Chandraghanta’s iconography teaches courage justice and the dispelling of negativity.
Different states celebrate Day 3 with unique rituals songs and dances honoring Maa Chandraghanta.
Navratri is celebrated worldwide in Indian communities with pujas cultural programs and devotion.
Temples and community centers organize group prayers bhajans and aarti to honor Maa Chandraghanta.
Worshiping in groups amplifies energy devotion and spiritual merit.
Many now celebrate digitally or online sharing rituals and devotional content to keep tradition alive.
Seek her blessings for courage protection and the removal of obstacles in your life.
Begin your day with prayer meditation and offering gratitude to Maa Chandraghanta for guidance.
Focus on devotion self-discipline and purity to maximize the benefits of Navratri worship.
Regular puja chanting mantras and meditation can bring peace stability and spiritual enlightenment.
Share the knowledge and devotion of Maa Chandraghanta with family and friends to enhance spiritual connection.
