Shri Chandraghanta Mata is known for her fierce form and bravery. She is one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga and is worshipped during Navratri. The goddess is known to possess immense power and courage, and her worship is said to bring spiritual and emotional benefits.
The Mythology of Shri Chandraghanta Mata
The legend of Shri Chandraghanta Mata is associated with the story of Goddess Parvati’s marriage to Lord Shiva. It is said that Lord Shiva came to marry Goddess Parvati, but her father, Himalaya, was hesitant to let her go. In order to prove his worthiness, Lord Shiva appeared in a fierce form, with a half-moon on his forehead and a tiger as his mount. This fierce form of Lord Shiva impressed Goddess Parvati, and she decided to marry him.
After their marriage, Goddess Parvati took on the form of Shri Chandraghanta Mata. Her appearance is striking, with a half-moon-shaped bell on her forehead. She rides a tiger, which represents her bravery and courage. The goddess is a symbol of the ideal of feminine strength and is worshipped for her power and fearlessness.
The Significance of Worshipping Shri Chandraghanta Mata
Worshipping Shri Chandraghanta Mata is said to bring spiritual and emotional benefits. The goddess is a symbol of power and courage, and her worship is believed to help devotees tap into their own inner strength. She is also associated with Lord Shiva, and her worship is said to help in harmonizing and balancing the energies of the universe.
Shri Chandraghanta Mata is also a symbol of feminine strength, and her worship helps in promoting the idea of women’s empowerment. Her fierce form and powerful presence inspire devotion and fearlessness in her followers, making her an important figure in Hindu mythology.
The Celebration of Navratri and Shri Chandraghanta Mata
Navratri is a Hindu festival that is celebrated over nine days, and each day is dedicated to the worship of a different form of Goddess Durga. Shri Chandraghanta Mata is worshipped on the third day of Navratri.
The festival of Navratri is celebrated across India, and it symbolizes the victory of good over evil. During this time, devotees offer prayers, perform rituals, and fast in order to show their devotion to the goddess.
On the day of Shri Chandraghanta Mata’s worship, devotees wear the color yellow, which is associated with the goddess. They offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the goddess and chant her mantras in order to seek her blessings.
The Chanting and Mantras of Shri Chandraghanta Mata
The chanting of Shri Chandraghanta Mata’s mantras is said to bring spiritual benefits and help in tapping into the goddess’s power and strength. The most popular mantra associated with the goddess is “Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah”. This mantra is chanted with a peaceful and focused mind while visualizing the goddess in her powerful form.
Mantra
ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः॥
Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah॥
Prarthana
पिण्डज प्रवरारूढा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता।
प्रसादं तनुते मह्यम् चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता॥
Pindaja Pravararudha Chandakopastrakairyuta।
Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta॥
Stuti
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ चन्द्रघण्टा रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Chandraghanta Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥
The Temples of Shri Chandraghanta Mata
There are several famous temples across India that are dedicated to Shri Chandraghanta Mata. Some of the most well-known temples are located in Varanasi, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.
The temple of Shri Chandraghanta Mata in Varanasi is located inside the Kashi Vishwanath Temple complex. It is said to be one of the oldest temples in Varanasi and is visited by thousands of devotees during Navratri.
The temple of Shri Chandraghanta Mata in Jharkhand is located in the town of Madhuvan, near the city of Bokaro. This temple is known for its unique architecture and is visited by devotees from across India.
The temple of Shri Chandraghanta Mata in Rajasthan is located in the city of Jodhpur and is known for its beautiful carvings and intricate architecture. The temple is located on a hill, and devotees have to climb a series of stairs in order to reach the sanctum sanctorum.
The temple of Shri Chandraghanta Mata in Maharashtra is located in the town of Mahurgad, in the district of Nanded. This temple is visited by devotees throughout the year, but it is especially crowded during Navratri.
Worship Importance
It is believed that through the grace of Goddess Chandraghanta, seekers can be freed from their sins and overcome obstacles in their lives. The goddess is known for bestowing courage and fearlessness upon her devotees, as well as protecting them from negative energies and evil spirits. Worship of the goddess is said to develop qualities of bravery, mildness, and humility, and can have a positive impact on one’s physical appearance.
Devotees often seek the blessings of Goddess Chandraghanta on Tritiya, the third day of Navratri. Milk is considered to be a sacred offering to the goddess on this day, and it is customary to offer it to a Brahmin after the puja has been performed. Additionally, it is common to apply vermilion as a mark of devotion to the goddess on this day.
Overall, the worship of Goddess Chandraghanta is believed to bring blessings of strength, protection, and spiritual growth to those who seek it with sincerity and devotion.
What Color Clothes Should be Worn and What Should be Offered
There are varying beliefs regarding the color of clothing that should be worn while worshipping Goddess Chandraghanta. Some believe that wearing brown-colored clothing can please the goddess, while others believe that golden-colored clothing is auspicious, as it represents the lion, which is the goddess’s vehicle and is considered sacred.
In terms of offerings, it is believed that white-colored sweets like kheer or milk-based sweets should be offered to the goddess. Additionally, honey is also considered to be a sacred offering to Goddess Chandraghanta. However, it is important to note that while there may be specific beliefs regarding offerings and clothing, what is most important is to approach the puja with a pure heart and sincere devotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is goddess Chandraghanta?
Goddess Chandraghanta is the third form of Goddess Durga in Hinduism. She is often depicted with ten arms, riding a lion, and wearing a crescent moon-shaped ornament on her forehead.
What are the benefits of Chandraghanta?
The worship of Goddess Chandraghanta is believed to bring blessings of strength, protection, and spiritual growth to those who seek it with sincerity and devotion. Devotees may also receive blessings of courage, fearlessness, and humility.
What is the significance of the Chandraghanta goddess?
Goddess Chandraghanta is believed to symbolize bravery, courage, and serenity. Her name comes from the crescent moon (Chandra) on her forehead and the bell (Ghanta) that she is often depicted holding. She is also associated with protection and the destruction of negative energies and evil spirits.
What is the story of Chandraghanta Devi?
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati took on the form of Chandraghanta to fight against the demon army led by Mahishasura. She rode a lion and wielded weapons in her many arms, ultimately defeating the demon and restoring peace to the world.
Why Parvati is called Chandraghanta?
Parvati took on the form of Chandraghanta during the battle against the demon Mahishasura. Her forehead was adorned with a crescent moon (Chandra) and the sound of her bell (Ghanta) filled the air, leading to her being called Chandraghanta.
Which chakra is Chandraghanta?
Chandraghanta is associated with the Manipura Chakra, which is located at the navel and is associated with personal power and self-esteem.