Chandraghanta is the third form of Navadurga. In this form, Durga is 10-armed and rides a tiger. This is a terrible aspect and roaring in anger. This form of Durga is completely different from earlier forms and shows when provoked, she can be terrible or malevolent. Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day of Navarathri.
Her forehead is bedecked with the crescent moon resembling the shape of a ghanta. That is why she is called Maa ‘Chandraghantaa’ by devotees.
By her grace, all the sins, distresses, physical sufferings, mental tribulations, and ghostly hurdles of the devotees are eradicated. Riding on the lion, the Mother inspires her devotees with fearlessness. She is the very embodiment of serenity. The devotees who adore and worship her with their deeds, minds, and speech develop an aura of divine splendor. Their persons emit out invisible power waves which exercise a great impact on those who come in contact with them. They easily achieve success in every walk of life. Maa Chandraghanta is ever ready to destroy the wicked but to her devotees, she is ever visible as the kind and compassionate Mother showering peace and prosperity.
The complexion possessed by Maa Chandraghanta is golden. She possesses ten arms that wield weapons and missiles like the sword, the bow, the mace, the arrows, and the like. During the battle between the gods and demons, the horrible sound produced by her ghanta had sent thousands of wicked demons to the abode of Death-god. She is ever in a warring posture which shows her eagerness to destroy the foes of her devotees so that her devotees may ever live in peace and prosperity. Divine vision is acquired by her grace. If a devotee happens to enjoy the divine fragrance and hears diverse sounds, he is said to be blessed by Mother.
Maa Chandraghantaa should be adored and worshipped with great purity in mind and heart observing all the rites properly. Having acquired her grace, we get rid of all worldly turmoil and enjoy Supreme bliss. Devotees should always have her gentle form in their minds while meditating on her.
Mantras for Chandraghanta Devi
Om Devi Chandraghantayayi Namah (108 recitations of this mantra)
Pindaj Pravaarudh chandkopastrkairyuta | Prasadam Tanute Madhyam Chandraghanteti vishrutaa ||
This means, O Goddess Chandraghanta, who rides on Tiger, is angry at enemies, holds many weapons in 10 hands, be propitious to me. Devotees who have many enemies and obstacles in their life should worship Devi Chandraghanta on the third day of Navaratri. Goddess Chandraghanta then destroys all obstacles and fears of devotees and destroys enemies and demons.
