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Thursday, October 15, 2015

Nine forms of Durga worshipped during Navaratri - 03 Chandraghanta

The third facet of Goddess Durga is ‘Chandraghanta’, who is worshipped on the third day of Navaratri, for peace, tranquility and prosperity in life. She has a ‘chandra’ or half moon in her forehead in the shape of a ‘ghanta’ or bell. That is why she is called ‘Chandraghanta’. She is charming, has a golden bright complexion and rides a tiger. She has ten hands, three eyes and holds weapons in her hands. She is the apostle of bravery and possesses great strength to fight in the battle against demons. One of her hands is in abhaya mudra where she is showering blessings on her devotees.

Goddess Chandraghanta is the married form of Goddess Parvati. After getting married to Lord Shiva , the Goddess started adorning on her forehead, the half moon and due to which Goddess Parvati was known as Goddess Chandraghanta. It is also said when Shiva had come to marry her with his followers who primarily ugly, horrible looking, the Goddess requested Shiva to appear as a charming prince. On seeing this beautiful form the Goddess, Shiva agreed.

This form of Durga is not completely different from earlier forms. It shows that when provoked she can be malevolent. Her malevolent form is said to be Chandi or Chamunda Devi. She is otherwise the very embodiment of serenity.

You need to follow simple rituals to worship Goddess Chandraghanta. You should first worship all the Gods, Goddesses and Planets (General prayers) and then offer prayer to Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya and Goddess Saraswati, Lakshmi, Vijaya, Jaya – the family members of Goddess Durga. The pooja should be concluded by worshipping Goddess Chandraghanta followed by a heartfelt prayer to Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma.


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