On the third day of Navratri, devotees honor Maa Chandraghanta, the radiant third form of Goddess Durga. She is known for the crescent moon shining on her forehead, shaped like a bell (ghanta), which gives her the name Chandraghanta. Her form reflects both grace and fierce power. Riding a majestic tiger, she carries ten weapons in her hands, symbolizing divine strength, while one hand is raised in abhaya mudra, blessing devotees with fearlessness and peace.
According to the legend, after Goddess Parvati was married to Lord Shiva, she took this divine form. The crescent moon on her forehead symbolizes serenity, but her warrior stance represents readiness to destroy evil. When demons threatened the heavens, it was Maa Chandraghanta who roared into battle, her bell resounding across the universe. With unmatched courage, she protected the gods and annihilated the forces of darkness, proving that she is both a loving mother and a fierce protector.
Devotees believe that worshipping Maa Chandraghanta removes fear, suffering, and obstacles from life. She blesses her children with strength, courage, and inner peace. Spiritually, she represents balance, the harmony of calm devotion and fearless action. On this day, worshippers offer prayers, chant mantras, and meditate upon her golden form, seeking protection from negativity and the courage to walk the path of righteousness.
The story of Maa Chandraghanta reminds us that when we surrender with faith, the Divine Mother not only guards us but also awakens bravery within our own hearts.
Navratri Day 4: The Radiance of Maa Kushmanda
On the fourth day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Kushmanda, the fourth manifestation of Goddess Durga. She is revered as the creator of the universe, the one whose divine smile brought light to the cosmos. Her very name reflects this, Ku means little, Ushma means energy, and Anda means cosmic egg. Thus, Maa Kushmanda is the mother who generated the universe with her radiant energy when there was nothing but darkness.
According to legend, before creation began, the universe was void and shrouded in darkness. It was Maa Kushmanda who, with her dazzling smile, produced a cosmic spark that gave birth to life, time, and the celestial bodies. She is depicted with eight arms, holding weapons, a rosary, and a jar of nectar, while riding a lion. Her form radiates warmth and vitality, reminding us of the sun’s energy that sustains the world.
Devotees believe Maa Kushmanda resides in the heart of the sun, bestowing health, energy, and prosperity upon her worshippers. She is the source of life force, granting inner strength, courage, and positivity. Worship on this day is said to remove diseases, sorrows, and negative energies, filling one’s life with brightness and balance.
On the fourth day of Navratri, devotees offer flowers, fruits, and the sacred pumpkin (Kushmanda), which is considered her favorite. By meditating on her form, one invokes creativity, clarity, and divine blessings.
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