On the third day of Sharad Navratri, devotees honor Maa Chandraghanta, the fierce and powerful form of Goddess Durga. Known for her radiant and peaceful appearance, she rides a tiger and adorns a crescent moon on her forehead, symbolizing bravery and serenity. Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta on this auspicious day brings peace, courage, and prosperity into the lives of devotees.

In this blog, we'll explore the significance of Day 3 of Navratri, including Maa Chandraghanta's muhurat, appearance, puja samagri, vidhi, katha, and the traditional aarti.

Date of the 3th Day of Navratri : 21 March 2026 (Saturday)

Goddess of the day: Maa Chandraghanta
Color of the Day: Royal Blue
Flower of the Day: Lotus
Sweet / Prasadam of the Day: Milk / Kheer.
Other Names: Chandrakhanda, Chandika, and Rannchandi
Importance: Associated with happiness, prosperity and good health

Who is Maa Chandraghanta? | कौन हैं मां चंद्रघंटा?

Maa Chandraghanta is the third form of the Hindu goddess Durga, worshipped on the third day of Navratri. She is known for her fierce and warrior-like appearance, symbolizing strength and bravery. The name "Chandraghanta" derives from the crescent moon (Chandra) shaped like a bell (Ghanta) adorning her forehead. Maa Chandraghanta rides a tiger or lion, signifying her readiness to fight against evil. She holds weapons in her ten hands, representing protection and the power to destroy negative forces. Devotees pray to her for courage, peace, and prosperity.

Appearance of Maa Chandraghanta

Maa Chandraghanta is depicted with a radiant and powerful appearance, embodying both grace and strength. She has ten arms, each holding different weapons like a trident, mace, bow, arrow, sword, lotus, and rosary, symbolizing her readiness to combat evil. In one hand, she carries a kamandal, and in another, she blesses her devotees.

Her complexion is golden, and she wears a crescent moon on her forehead, which resembles a bell, giving her the name "Chandraghanta." She rides a fierce lion or tiger, representing her courage and fearlessness in the face of adversity. Her serene expression reflects her protective nature and her ability to bring peace to her devotees.

Navratri 2026 Day 3 Significance

On Day 3 of Navratri 21 March 2026 (Saturday), devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta, the third form of Goddess Durga. She represents peace, bravery, and serenity, symbolizing the calmness that comes after victory in battle. The goddess is depicted with a half-moon (Chandra) on her forehead, resembling a bell (Ghanta), which explains her name.

Maa Chandraghanta is known for her fierce form, but she also brings harmony and happiness into the lives of her devotees. She rides a lion, symbolizing courage, and has ten arms holding weapons, flowers, and a conch, signifying strength and grace. Worshipping her helps remove obstacles, instills inner peace, and blesses devotees with a fearless heart.

Navratri Day 3 Puja Samagri List | नवरात्रि दिवस 3 पूजा सामग्री सूची

or performing the Navratri Day 3 Puja dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, you will need the following puja samagri (items):

1. Idol or Picture of Maa Chandraghanta – For worship.
2. Chowki (Altar) – To place the idol or picture.
3. Red or Yellow Cloth – To cover the chowki.
4. Fresh Flowers – Preferably red or yellow marigold or lotus.
5. Garland (Mala) – To adorn the deity.
6. Kalash (Water Vessel) – Filled with water, covered with mango leaves, and a coconut on top.
7. Roli or Kumkum – For tilak and offering to the goddess.
8. Akshat (Rice Grains) – Unbroken rice grains for offering.
9. Sandalwood Paste – For applying tilak.
10. Incense Sticks (Agarbatti) – To create a fragrant atmosphere.
11. Dhoop – For offering fragrance to the deity.
12. Diya (Lamp) – Made of ghee or oil, symbolizing light and positivity.
13. Camphor – For aarti.
14. Sweets (Naivedya) – Preferably kheer, halwa, or any sweet of your choice.
15. Paan (Betel Leaves), Supari (Betel Nuts) – For offering.
16. Fruits – Fresh seasonal fruits for offering.
17. Coconut – With its husk, to be offered as part of the puja.
18. Panchamrit – A mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar.
19. Gangajal – Holy water for purification.
20. Clothes (Vastra) – New clothes for offering, if possible.
21. Chunri (Scarf) – To offer to the goddess.
22. Moli (Sacred Thread) – To tie around your wrist and for offering.
23. Mata Ki Chunni – To drape over the idol or picture.
24. Panchpatra and Achmani – For offering water and other liquids.
25. Ghee – For the lamp and offering.
26. Flowers and Garland – For decoration and offering.
27. Bhog – Cooked food for offering, like puris, chana, etc.
28. Aarti Thali – For performing the aarti with all items in place.

These items are used to perform the puja with devotion, inviting blessings, prosperity, and happiness from Maa Chandraghanta.

Maa Chandraghanta Puja Vidhi | माँ चंद्रघंटा पूजा विधि

Performing the puja for Maa Chandraghanta on the third day of Navratri involves specific rituals to honor and invoke the goddess's blessings. Here is the detailed

Maa Chandraghanta Puja Vidhi:

1. Purification: Begin by cleaning the puja area and taking a bath to purify yourself.
2. Setting up the Altar: Place the idol or picture of Maa Chandraghanta on a chowki (altar) covered with a red or yellow cloth. Decorate the area with flowers, especially red and yellow ones.
3. Kalash Sthapana: Set up a kalash filled with water, topped with mango leaves and a coconut, symbolizing the presence of divine energy.

Puja Procedure:

1. Dhyan (Meditation): Sit facing east or north and meditate on Maa Chandraghanta, visualizing her with a golden complexion, riding a lion, and adorned with the crescent moon on her forehead.
2. Avahan (Invocation): Chant the mantras to invite Maa Chandraghanta into your home and heart. You may use the mantra: “Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah”
3. Offerings (Upacharas):

• Aachaman: Offer water for the goddess to sip.
• Abhishekam (Bathing the Deity): Offer Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar) or plain water, followed by a bath with Gangajal.
• Vastra (Clothing): Offer fresh clothes or a chunri to the goddess.
• Scent (Chandan): Apply sandalwood paste to the deity.
• Flowers: Offer fresh flowers and garlands.
• Kumkum and Akshat: Apply kumkum and rice grains on the idol or picture.
• Dhoop and Deep: Light incense sticks and a ghee lamp, and wave them in a circular motion.
• Naivedya (Food Offering): Offer sweets, fruits, and bhog to Maa Chandraghanta.
• Paan and Supari: Offer betel leaves and nuts.

4. Mantra Chanting: Recite Maa Chandraghanta's mantra or any Durga Saptashati stotras. You can also chant: “Pindaj Pravara Rudha Chand Kopastra Keyurta | Prasadam Tanute Maham Chandraghanteti Vishruta ||”
5. Aarti: Perform the aarti with devotion, using a diya or camphor. Sing the aarti song while waving the aarti thali in front of the goddess.
6. Pradakshina (Circumambulation): Perform three or seven rounds around the deity, offering flowers with each round.

Concluding the Puja:

• Prayers: Offer your prayers and ask Maa Chandraghanta for courage, strength, and protection.
• Shanti Path: Recite the Shanti Path to conclude the puja with a prayer for universal peace.
• Distribution of Prasad: Distribute the prasad to all the family members after the puja.

Performing this puja with devotion and sincerity is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and divine blessings from Maa Chandraghanta.

Navratri Day 3 Maa Chandraghanta ki Katha | माँ चंद्रघंटा की कथा

नवरात्रि के तीसरे दिन माँ चंद्रघंटा की पूजा की जाती है। माँ चंद्रघंटा का यह रूप शांति, साहस, और शक्ति का प्रतीक है। माँ चंद्रघंटा की कथा इस प्रकार है:

एक बार राक्षस महिषासुर ने देवताओं को हराकर स्वर्ग पर कब्जा कर लिया। सभी देवता अत्यधिक परेशान हो गए और भगवान शिव से सहायता की प्रार्थना करने लगे। भगवान शिव ने देवी पार्वती से विवाह किया, और इस विवाह के पश्चात देवी ने अपने भयंकर रूप में महिषासुर से युद्ध किया। विवाह के समय माँ चंद्रघंटा ने अपने मस्तक पर चंद्र के आकार की घंटा धारण की, जिससे उन्हें चंद्रघंटा कहा गया।

माँ चंद्रघंटा का रूप अत्यंत दिव्य और तेजस्वी है। उनके दस हाथ हैं, जिनमें वे अस्त्र-शस्त्र धारण करती हैं। माँ का वाहन सिंह है, जो उनकी शक्ति और साहस का प्रतीक है। उनके माथे पर चंद्रमा की भांति घंटा सुशोभित है, जिससे माँ का नाम "चंद्रघंटा" पड़ा।

कहा जाता है कि माँ चंद्रघंटा के घंटे की आवाज से ही असुरों में भय व्याप्त हो जाता था और वे मैदान छोड़कर भाग खड़े होते थे। देवी चंद्रघंटा का यह रूप राक्षसों के संहार के लिए जाना जाता है, लेकिन उनके भक्तों के लिए वे हमेशा करुणा और शांति का प्रतीक बनी रहती हैं। माँ चंद्रघंटा की आराधना करने से साधक को साहस, धैर्य, और मानसिक शांति की प्राप्ति होती है।

इस प्रकार, नवरात्रि के तीसरे दिन माँ चंद्रघंटा की कथा और पूजा हमें यह संदेश देती है कि चाहे जीवन में कितनी भी कठिनाइयाँ क्यों न आएं, यदि हम माँ की भक्ति से जुड़े रहेंगे, तो वे हमारी रक्षा अवश्य करेंगी।

Maa Chandraghanta Mantra | माँ चंद्रघंटा मंत्र

Mantra 1

• ॐ देवी चंद्रघंटायै नमः
• Transliteration: Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah
• Meaning: The mantra "Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah" is a reverent salutation to Goddess Chandraghanta, who is adorned with a crescent moon shaped like a bell on her forehead. By chanting this mantra, devotees seek her blessings for strength, courage, and protection.

Mantra 2

• या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां चंद्रघंटा रूपेण संस्थिता।
• नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम: ||
• Transliteration: Yaa Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Chandraghanta Roopena Sansthita | Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah ||
• Meaning: This mantra praises Goddess Chandraghanta, acknowledging her divine presence in all beings and offering repeated salutations to her for her blessings and grace.

Mantra 3

• पिण्डज प्रवरारूढा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता।
• प्रसादं तनुते महयं चंद्रघण्टेति विश्रुता
• Transliteration: Pindaja Pravara Roopaa Chandakopaastra Kairyuta |
• Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteeti Vishruta ||
• Meaning:This mantra acknowledges Maa Chandraghanta’s divine form, armed with various weapons, and prays for her grace and blessings. It highlights her revered status and her ability to bestow divine favor upon her devotees.

Chandraghanta Mata Ji Ki Aarti Lyrics in Hindi | चंद्रघंटा माता जी की आरती

जय चंद्रघंटा माँ, जय चंद्रघंटा माँ।
जय चंद्रघंटा माँ, जय चंद्रघंटा माँ।।

शंख चक्र गदा धनुष बाण,
गहना धारण किए हो स्वामिनी।।

शंख चक्र गदा धनुष बाण,
गहना धारण किए हो स्वामिनी।।

द्रवति मदन चंद्रघंटा,
बासुरी बजाते हो ग्वालिन।।

शंख चक्र गदा धनुष बाण,
गहना धारण किए हो स्वामिनी।।

मंगल वाणी गाती हो,
रुद्राक्ष बीज से सौंपा।।

शंख चक्र गदा धनुष बाण,
गहना धारण किए हो स्वामिनी।।

शुभ घड़ी पंडित धरे,
श्रीमती बृंदा व्रत उपवासी।।

शंख चक्र गदा धनुष बाण,
गहना धारण किए हो स्वामिनी।।

रात दिन ध्यान करिए,
पुण्य लाभ परम सुख पाए।।

शंख चक्र गदा धनुष बाण,
गहना धारण किए हो स्वामिनी।।

जय चंद्रघंटा माँ, जय चंद्रघंटा माँ।
जय चंद्रघंटा माँ, जय चंद्रघंटा माँ।।

नवरात्रि 2026 के तीसरे दिन से जुड़े सामान्य प्रश्न

प्रश्न 1 नवरात्रि के तीसरे दिन का भोग क्या है?

उत्तर: नवरात्रि के तीसरे दिन मां चंद्रघंटा को दूध और उससे बने प्रसाद का भोग लगाया जाता है, विशेष रूप से खीर को शुभ माना जाता है।

प्रश्न 2 नवरात्रि के तीसरे दिन कौन से रंग के कपड़े पहने चाहिए?

उत्तर: नवरात्रि के तीसरे दिन ग्रे रंग के कपड़े पहनने चाहिए। यह रंग संतुलन और शांति का प्रतीक है।

प्रश्न 3 मां चंद्रघंटा को कौन सा फूल चढ़ाया जाता है?

उत्तर: मां चंद्रघंटा को कमल का फूल चढ़ाया जाता है, जो शांति और पवित्रता का प्रतीक है।

प्रश्न 4 मां चंद्रघंटा की सवारी क्या है?

उत्तर: मां चंद्रघंटा की सवारी सिंह है, जो साहस और शक्ति का प्रतीक है।

प्रश्न 5 मां चंद्रघंटा किसका प्रतीक है?

उत्तर: मां चंद्रघंटा शक्ति, साहस, और शांति की प्रतीक हैं। उनका आशीर्वाद संकटों से मुक्ति और आंतरिक शांति प्रदान करता है।

प्रश्न 6 चंद्रघंटा का अर्थ क्या होता है?

उत्तर: चंद्रघंटा का अर्थ है चंद्रमा के आकार का घंटा। उनके माथे पर अर्धचंद्र है, जो घंटे के आकार का है, इसी कारण उन्हें चंद्रघंटा कहा जाता है।

Conclusion

On Day 3 of Navratri 21 March 2026 (Saturday), devotees honor Maa Chandraghanta, the third form of Goddess Durga, known for her embodiment of peace, bravery, and serenity. Her name is derived from the half-moon (Chandra) adorning her forehead, shaped like a bell (Ghanta). She rides a fierce lion, symbolizing strength and courage, while her ten arms holding various weapons represent the balance of power and grace.

Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta is believed to bring inner peace, remove obstacles, and instill fearlessness in her devotees. Offerings of milk, sweets, and flowers are made to seek her blessings for a peaceful and prosperous life.

At Harishyam Arts, we offer intricately designed Maa Chandraghanta marble murtis, handcrafted with devotion and care, perfect for your home temple. Explore our collection and bring the divine presence of Maa Chandraghanta into your home this Navratri.