Navratri, a festival celebrated with great fervor and devotion, marks the victory of good over evil. It is a Hindu festival that spans nine nights and is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga in her various forms. Each day of Navratri holds special significance and is associated with a different avatar of the goddess. In this article, we will delve into Navratri Day 3, which falls on Tuesday, 17th October 2023, and is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta.
Navratri 2023 begins on the 15th of October, and it will culminate on the 23rd of October. It’s a festival that celebrates the divine feminine power, and each day is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga. Devotees celebrate with fasting, prayer, dance, and music. It’s not just a religious festival but also a cultural extravaganza that brings people together.
Also Read: Navratri Day 1: Maa Shailputri Puja, Date, Tithi, Colour
On Navratri Day 3, the color of the day is red. Red is a symbol of power and passion. It signifies the fierce energy and determination of Maa Chandraghanta. Devotees often wear red attire and decorate their homes with red flowers and decorations to honor the goddess.
Maa Chandraghanta, the third avatar of Goddess Durga, is depicted with a moon-shaped Ghanta (bell) on her forehead. The name “Chandraghanta” comes from the half-moon (Chandra) shape on her forehead, resembling a bell (Ghanta). She is a symbol of bravery and fortitude.
Maa Chandraghanta is the embodiment of courage and strength. She is believed to destroy all the obstacles and troubles in the lives of her devotees. Worshipping her brings a sense of fearlessness and helps one overcome challenges. Her iconography represents her readiness to go to war against evil forces to protect her devotees.
Performing the Maa Chandraghanta puja on Navratri Day 3 is a significant part of the celebration. Here is a simple puja vidhi (worship ritual) that you can follow:
Cleanse: Start by cleaning the puja area and taking a bath to purify yourself.
Idol or Image: Place an idol or image of Maa Chandraghanta in your puja area.
Prayers: Offer flowers, incense, and a ghee lamp while reciting prayers and mantras dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta.
Bell: Ring a bell, symbolizing the bell on her forehead.
Offerings: Present red flowers, milk, sweets, and other favorite offerings to the goddess.
Arati: Conclude the puja with the singing of the traditional aarti and seek her blessings.
To perform the Maa Chandraghanta puja, you will need the following items:
Idol or image of Maa Chandraghanta
Incense sticks and holder
Ghee lamp
Bell
Red flowers
Milk
Sweets
Camphor
Sandalwood paste
Red cloth for the goddess
Offering bhog (food) to Maa Chandraghanta is an essential part of the puja. Devotees prepare special dishes and sweets to offer to the goddess. Some of the popular items that can be included in the bhog are:
Kheer: A sweet rice pudding.
Halwa: A rich, sweet dish often made with semolina or wheat.
Puri: Deep-fried bread.
Fruit: Offer a variety of fruits as a token of your devotion.
Coconut: Break a coconut as an offering.
It’s believed that the food is blessed by the goddess, and after the puja, it can be distributed as prasad (blessed food) to the devotees.
Navratri Day 3 is a time to celebrate the strength and determination of Maa Chandraghanta, the warrior goddess who protects her devotees from evil forces. By following the puja vidhi and offering bhog, devotees seek her blessings and inner strength. The color red, symbolizing power and passion, is a prominent part of the celebration. As we continue to embrace the spirit of Navratri, may Maa Chandraghanta’s blessings guide us through life’s challenges, just as her crescent-shaped bell guides her devotees towards victory.
Incorporating these rituals and customs into your Navratri celebrations can help you connect more deeply with the goddess and experience the transformative power of the festival. May Maa Chandraghanta’s grace and strength fill your life with positivity and courage.
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