Maa Chandraghanta: Significance, Puja Vidhi, Mantra & Third Day of Navratri

Maa Chandraghanta is the third form of Goddess Durga and is worshipped on the third day of Navratri. Known for her courage, grace and protective energy, she represents the strength to face challenges while maintaining inner peace. Her worship reminds devotees that true strength lies not only in confronting difficulties but also in responding to them with courage and wisdom.

The name Chandraghanta comes from the crescent moon shaped like a bell on her forehead. In 2026, the third day of Sharad Navratri falls on October 13. Devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta to seek her blessings for courage, peace, prosperity and protection from negativity.

Who Is Maa Chandraghanta?

Maa Chandraghanta is described as one of the nine avatars of Goddess Durga and thus signifies the third form of her goddess’s name. The word used for her is made up of two terms Chandra (which means moon) and Ghanta (which means Bell).  

According to traditional texts about Maa Chandraghanta, she is depicted as having 10 hands and three eyes on her forehead. She holds a sword, trident, arrows and a bow in her arms as well as shows mudra or hand gestures to protect her devotees. In most cases, she is shown riding a lion or tiger which makes her even more powerful.  

The goddess Chandraghanta has an interesting and terrifying appearance but at the same time she is kind-hearted towards her devotees. She teaches us that power should always go together with gentleness and people can’t be powerful and cruel in their actions.

Navratri Day 3 2026: Date, Timings and Colour

Navratri Day 3 Details	2026
Date	Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Goddess	Maa Chandraghanta
Tritiya Tithi Begins	10:14 PM on Oct 12, 2026
Tritiya Tithi Ends	11:29 PM on Oct 13, 2026
Colour of the Day	Red
Chakra	Manipur Chakra

Maa Chandraghanta Significance on the Third Day of Navratri

Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day of Navratri and the indications of her fierce but tender appearance convey that she represents the power to overcome obstacles and fight for righteousness and remain calm in the most difficult situations. Worshippers believe that by following the path of Maa Chandraghanta they can gain the qualities of courage, confidence and spiritual discipline.

Her significance is associated with several qualities:

• Spiritual growth
• Justice and righteousness
• Protection from negativity
• Peace and serenity
• Courage and strength

Maa Chandraghanta Puja Vidhi

On the third day of Navratri, people worship Chandraghanta according to their customs and traditions.   

The puja procedure is very straightforward:

1. You start with cleaning the puja area, and then place an idol or picture of Maa Chandraghanta in that area.
2. A diya and some incense are lit to pray.
3. The puja involves placing flowers, fruits and prasad before the goddess.
4. Offer the prayers and convey your fears to the goddess.
5. Chant the mantra of Maa Chandraghanta carefully and sincerely.
6. Finally, the puja is completed with the aarti.  

Maa Chandraghanta Mantra

Chanting the Maa Chandraghanta mantra is a traditional way to express devotion and seek the Goddess’s blessings on the third day of Navratri.

मंत्र:

पिण्डज प्रवरारूढा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता।
प्रसादं तनुते मह्यं चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता॥

Maa Chandraghanta Mantra in English:

Pindaja Pravararudha Chandakopastrakairyuta,
Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta.

Devotees can recite this mantra during their daily puja or meditation. It is traditionally associated with seeking the Goddess’s grace, courage and protection.

What Does Maa Chandraghanta Symbolise?

The appearance of Maa Chandraghanta carries several layers of spiritual symbolism. Her crescent moon, weapons, multiple hands and powerful mount each represent different qualities. 

• Crescent moon: Gives Maa Chandraghanta her name.
• Ten hands: Symbolise divine power and protection.
• Weapons: Represent strength and the fight against injustice.
• Tiger or lion: Symbolises courage and fearlessness.

How to Seek Maa Chandraghanta’s Blessings During Navratri

Navratri allows individuals to mix old-fashioned worship with contemplation and mindful living. Devotees can pay respect to Maa Chandraghanta by being sincere in their actions and ready to improve themselves spiritually.  

You can observe the day by:

• Spending time in meditation or spiritual reflection.
• Standing up for fairness and treating others with compassion.
• Practising patience when dealing with difficult situations.
• Offering prayers and chanting her mantra.
• Practising patience when dealing with difficult situations.
• Maintaining a peaceful environment for worship.

Why Is Maa Chandraghanta Worshipped During Navratri?

Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta brings about the view of valour, protection and mental peace. Her fierce look stands for a brave approach in tackling the hardships of life whereas her motherly nature signifies that there should be a balance of peace and goodness in one’s life as well. 

Maa Chandraghanta is viewed as the third form of Navadurga and holds an important place in the nine-day worship of Navratri. The devotees pray to her for the courage to live their lives in the right manner.

In the course of this Navratri, one can perform various rituals related to the worship of Maa Chandraghanta with the help of services provided by the GaneshaSpeaks portal.

Read about Maa Kushmanda.