Chaitra Navratri Day 3: Who is Maa Chandraghanta? Timings, Significance, colour Mantras and Stotra

Day 3 of Chaitra Navratri 2024 celebrates Maa Chandraghanta, a symbol of strength, peace, and tranquility. This guide covers the significance, puja rituals, auspicious timings, color of the day, mantras, and stotras for the third day of Navratri.

Chaitra Navratri 2024 Overview

Chaitra Navratri, an important Hindu festival celebrated globally, takes place during the Hindu month of Chaitra. The word “Navratri” comes from “nav” (nine) and “ratri” (nights), representing nine nights of devoted worship. During this time, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga: Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandamata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kalaratri, Maa Mahagauri, and Maa Siddhidatri. This year, Navratri is celebrated from April 9 to 17, with Ram Navami marking the end of the festival. During these nine days, devotees observe fasting, prayers, and rituals.

Who is Maa Chandraghanta?

On the third day of Navratri, devotees honor Maa Chandraghanta, also known as the married incarnation of Maa Parvati. After marrying Lord Shiva, Maa Parvati adorned her forehead with a crescent moon (Chandra), which is why she is called Goddess Chandraghanta. She symbolizes peace, serenity, and courage. Maa Chandraghanta is depicted riding a tigress, with ten hands holding weapons like a lotus, bow, arrow, Japa Mala, and others. Her Abhaya Mudra represents fearlessness, while her Varada Mudra symbolizes blessings and protection.

According to legend, the sound of her moon-shaped bell has driven away evil spirits and helped destroy demons during battles.

Chaitra Navratri 2024 Day 3: Shubh Muhurat and Auspicious Timings

Chaitra Navratri Day 3 falls on Thursday, oct 05, 2024. The Tritiya Tithi begins at 5:32 pm on this day. Other auspicious timings include:

• Moonrise: 7:33 pm
• Vijaya Muhurat: 2:30 pm to 5:21 pm
• Ravi Yoga: 6:00 am on April 11 to 1:38 am on oct 05

Color of the Day: Yellow
On the third day of Navratri, the color yellow is considered highly auspicious. Devotees wear yellow to honor Maa Chandraghanta, as this vibrant hue symbolizes optimism, joy, and positive energy. Yellow is believed to promote happiness and uplift the spirit throughout the day.

Puja Vidhi and Rituals for Maa Chandraghanta
On the third day of Chaitra Navratri, devotees perform puja to seek Maa Chandraghanta’s blessings for peace and prosperity. The rituals include:

1. Offering Flowers and Abhishek: Jasmine flowers, rice, and sandalwood are offered to Maa Chandraghanta in a kalash. The deity is then bathed with milk, curd, and honey.
2. Special Bhog: A sugar-based prasad is offered, and devotees prepare homemade sweets to seek her blessings.
3. Lighting the Lamp and Decor: Devotees wake up early, adorn themselves, and light a ghee lamp. Vermilion or kumkum is presented to the goddess along with garlands.
4. Durga Saptashati Paath and Durga Chalisa: Recitations are done to honor Maa Durga.
5. Evening Aarti and Prasad: Bhog is offered, followed by chanting the Maa Durga Aarti. After breaking the fast, devotees consume satvik food, avoiding any tamsik food like onions or garlic.

Chaitra Navratri Day 3: Mantras, Prayers, and Stotra for Maa Chandraghanta

Devotees chant the following mantras and stotras to honor Maa Chandraghanta:

1. Maa Chandraghanta Mantra:

• “Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah॥”

1. Prathana for Maa Chandraghanta:

• “Pindaja Pravararudha Chandakopastrakairyuta। Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta॥”

1. Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu:

• “Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Chandraghanta Rupena Samsthita। Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥”

1. Chandraghanta Stotra:

• “Apaduddharini Tvamhi Adya Shaktih Shubhparam। Animadi Siddhidatri Chandraghante Pranamamyaham॥ Chandramukhi Ishta Datri Ishtam Mantra Swarupinim। Dhanadatri, Anandadatri Chandraghante Pranamamyaham॥ Nanarupadharini Ichchhamayi Aishwaryadayinim। Saubhagyarogyadayini Chandraghante Pranamamyaham॥”

By celebrating Maa Chandraghanta, devotees seek inner peace, serenity, and protection from negative energies. Embrace the spiritual significance of Day 3 of Chaitra Navratri by observing these rituals, colors, and mantras to feel Maa Chandraghanta’s divine blessings.