Navratri is a special occasion, a time for new beginnings and offering your dedication and reverence to the Goddess Shakti. The third day of Navratri is celebrated to worship the manifestation of Goddess Durga known as Chandraghanta. Maa Chandraghanta has a Chandra or half moon, in the shape of a Ghanta (bell), on her forehead, hemce she is addressed as Chandraghanta. Maa Chandraghanta has a body of gold and she rides on a lion. She has ten hands, out of which eight carries weapons to destroy the evil and wrongdoer while two are in a position of giving blessings and stopping harm. She establishes justice and gives Her devotees the courage and strength to fight against the struggles and challenges. Maa Chandraghanta is a symbol of serenity, peace and prosperity. She showers Supreme bliss and knowledge on her devotees.

As per Tantra spiritual practice, Maa Chandraghanta is the goddess of the Manipūra Chakra. On the third day of Navdurga, devotee enters the Manipura Chakra. After we have passed through the levels of unconscious and subconscious – the Mūlādhāra Chakra and the Svādishthāna Chakra - our consciousness reaches the third level, the Manipūra Chakra. With the realisation of the Manipūra Chakra the aspirant has reached an important stage on the spiritual path. For once the consciousness has unfolded in the Manipūra Chakra there is a greater likelihood that – under the guidance of a Realised Master – one can attain the goal of Supreme Consciousness in this lifetime. At the Manipūra Chakra more than of half the journey towards realisation has already been completed.

Chant this mantra to worship Maa Chandraghanta

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ चंद्रघंटा रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।।
पिण्डज प्रवरारुढ़ा चण्डकोपास्त्र कैर्युता |
प्रसादं तनुते मह्यं चंद्र घंष्टेति विश्रुता ||