Mata Chandraghanta – The Moon Crowned Goddess
Mata Chandraghanta, the third form of Navdurga, is a powerful and dynamic embodiment of courage and strength. Her name is derived from the words Chandra (moon) and Ghanta (bell), signifying the half-moon she adorns on her forehead, which resembles the shape of a bell. Known for her valor and readiness for battle, she is worshipped on the third day of Navratri and is revered as a fierce protector of her devotees.
Origin and Story
After Goddess Parvati married Lord Shiva, she began wearing the half-moon (Chandra) on her forehead, symbolizing her union with Shiva. In this form, she is known as Chandraghanta, a form that radiates both beauty and ferocity. Her transformation into Chandraghanta represents her readiness to combat the forces of evil and protect righteousness. This form reflects her warrior aspect, prepared for battle while simultaneously embodying the welfare and peace of her devotees.
Iconography and Symbolism
Mata Chandraghanta is depicted as a beautiful golden-hued Goddess with a powerful presence. She has three eyes, symbolizing her ability to see the past, present, and future. Her ten hands carry various weapons such as the Trishul (trident), Gada (mace), Sword, Kamandal, Lotus, Arrow, Bow, and a Jap Mala (rosary), signifying both her spiritual and martial prowess.
In two of her hands, she holds the Varada Mudra (gesture of granting boons) and the Abhaya Mudra (gesture of protection), symbolizing her benevolence and readiness to bless her devotees. She rides a tiger, representing courage and strength, and her bell-like sound reverberates to expel evil spirits and demonic forces. The fierce sound of her bell is said to strike fear in the hearts of demons, villains, and all those who threaten her devotees.
Significance in Navratri Worship
On the third day of Navratri, devotees worship Goddess Chandraghanta to invoke her protection and strength. She is believed to bestow her devotees with bravery, courage, and the power to face any challenge. Her devotees seek her blessings for peace, success, and the removal of obstacles in life. By worshipping her, one can eliminate fears and attain spiritual balance.
Her governing planet is Shukra (Venus), which symbolizes beauty, love, and harmony. It is said that worshipping Chandraghanta helps devotees control the malefic effects of Venus and attain a life filled with joy and prosperity.
Peaceful Warrior
Although Mata Chandraghanta is a warrior Goddess, her form is also peaceful, compassionate, and protective. She is ever-ready to protect her devotees from harm and ensure their welfare. The sound of the moon-bell on her forehead has the mystical power to drive away all negative energies, evil spirits, and harmful entities.
Mantra and Prayer
Devotees chant her mantra and offer Jasmine flowers, her favorite, while performing her puja to seek her blessings.
ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः॥
Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah॥
Prarthana:
This prayer praises Mata Chandraghanta for her fierce and formidable power, while also acknowledging her ability to grant blessings and bestow prosperity upon her devotees.
पिण्डज प्रवरारूढा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता।
प्रसादं तनुते मह्यम् चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता॥
Pindaja Pravararudha Chandakopastrakairyuta,
Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta.
Spiritual Significance
Mata Chandraghanta teaches the importance of courage, mental strength, and grace in adversity. She symbolizes the perfect blend of compassion and power, showing that even the most gentle can become a warrior when required. Devotees believe that worshipping her can help eliminate physical and mental ailments, bring about prosperity, and help them stay calm even in the most challenging situations.
Her stuti further highlights her qualities:
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ चन्द्रघण्टा रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Chandraghanta Rupena Samsthita,
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah.
Dhyana (Meditation)
When meditating on Mata Chandraghanta, devotees visualize her majestic form seated on a lion, with her half-moon-shaped bell shining brightly on her forehead. Her ten hands hold powerful weapons, yet her face radiates kindness and peace. She is adorned with beautiful jewelry and dressed in golden attire, reflecting her divine beauty and splendor.
वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
सिंहारूढा चन्द्रघण्टा यशस्विनीम्॥
Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam,
Simharudha Chandraghanta Yashasvinim.
This meditation verse pays homage to Mata Chandraghanta as the radiant Goddess riding a tiger, bestowing blessings on her devotees and granting their desires.
Chandraghanta Stotra
The stotra of Chandraghanta acknowledges her as the remover of sufferings and the bestower of spiritual powers:
आपदुध्दारिणी त्वंहि आद्या शक्तिः शुभपराम्।
अणिमादि सिद्धिदात्री चन्द्रघण्टे प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
Apaduddharini Tvamhi Adya Shaktih Shubhparam,
Animadi Siddhidatri Chandraghante Pranamamyaham.
This stotra describes her as the one who grants both worldly and spiritual prosperity, embodying both material and spiritual fulfillment.
Kavacha (Armor of Protection)
Chanting the Chandraghanta Kavacha provides protection from all evil forces and negative energies. It acts as a spiritual armor for devotees, safeguarding them from harm.
रहस्यम् शृणु वक्ष्यामि शैवेशी कमलानने।
श्री चन्द्रघण्टास्य कवचम् सर्वसिद्धिदायकम्॥
Rahasyam Shrinu Vakshyami Shaiveshi Kamalanane,
Shri Chandraghantasya Kavacham Sarvasiddhidayakam.
Conclusion
Mata Chandraghanta represents the transformative power of bravery, spiritual awakening, and protection. She is a source of strength for those who seek to overcome their fears and fight against the injustices of life. Worshipping her brings immense peace, courage, and the ability to confront life’s challenges head-on, with grace and wisdom.