On Tuesday, 13 October 2026, the third day of Sharad Navratri, devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta. She combines calm and courage: peaceful towards her devotees, and fearless against anything that threatens them.
Who is Maa Chandraghanta?
Her name joins chandra (moon) and ghanta (bell). She wears a half-moon on her forehead shaped like a bell, and this gives her the name. She is the married form of Parvati, after her union with Lord Shiva.
The Story of Maa Chandraghanta
A popular account connects her form with the wedding of Shiva and Parvati. Lord Shiva arrived at Himavan's palace with a wedding party of ascetics, ghosts and spirits, and the sight frightened Parvati's family. Parvati then took the radiant and powerful form of Chandraghanta. She calmed the situation and asked Shiva to appear in a pleasing form, and the wedding went ahead peacefully.
Other accounts describe her as the form in which the Goddess fights demons, with the sound of her bell alone driving away evil beings. In both versions, she protects order and peace.
Symbolism and Iconography
Maa Chandraghanta is represented in the following form:
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Vehicle: A tiger (some depictions show a lion).
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Arms: Ten arms, holding weapons such as a trident, mace, sword, bow and arrow, along with a lotus, japa mala and kamandalu. One hand is raised in blessing.
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Forehead: A bell-shaped half-moon, with a third eye.
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Complexion: Golden.
She is ready for battle, yet her face is peaceful. The bell stands for a sound that clears away fear and negativity. She represents the fact that one should never fight a battle without inner peace.
Maa Chandraghanta Puja Vidhi at Home
Maa Chandraghanta should be worshipped in the following way at our home:
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Bathe early and wear clean clothes.
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Clean the altar and sprinkle Gangajal.
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Worship the kalash with fresh flowers and water.
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Place a picture of Maa Chandraghanta and offer red flowers, kumkum, sandalwood and akshat.
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Light a ghee lamp and incense. Ring the puja bell during the worship, since the bell is her symbol.
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Chant her dhyana mantra and stuti.
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Offer the bhoga and perform aarti.
Maa Chandraghanta Mantra
Dhyana mantra
पिण्डजप्रवरारूढा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता।
प्रसादं तनुते मह्यं चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता॥
Pindaja-pravararudha chanda-kopastrakair yuta, prasadam tanute mahyam chandraghanteti vishruta.
Meaning: May the Goddess known as Chandraghanta, who rides the best of tigers and carries fierce weapons, extend her grace to me.
Stuti
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ चन्द्रघण्टा रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Simple mantra: ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः (Om Devi Chandraghanta Yai Namah)
Bhoga and Colour for Day 3
Learn about what the colour and bhoga should be for Day 3 of Navratri:
Bhoga: Milk and sweets made from milk, such as kheer, are the traditional offering. Keep the bhoga sattvic.
Colour: In the weekday-based tradition followed in Maharashtra, Day 3 in 2026 falls on a Tuesday, and the colour is red. Other regions use different lists.
A Devotional Reflection: The Power of Sacred Sound
The bell on Maa Chandraghanta's forehead points to something every devotee knows from temple life. The bell rings at every aarti, and the sound of kirtan fills the temple hall. Sound carries the mind towards the Lord.
In the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, the most powerful sound is the holy name. Chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra is described as cleansing the heart and removing fear. On day 3 of Navratri, worship Maa Chandraghanta to remove fear and build confidence. A good practice for today is to join or hold a kirtan at home and give full attention to the sound of the names.
Maa Chandraghanta shows that peace and courage can live together. She is calm towards her devotees and fearless against anything that threatens them, and the bell on her forehead is a reminder that sacred sound clears away fear. As you offer kheer, ring the puja bell and chant her mantra, you can ask for the same balance of calm and strength. Then take one step further: hold a kirtan at home today.
May Maa Chandraghanta bless you and your family with courage, peace and devotion. To experience the power of kirtan with a community, join ISKCON Bhiwandi, where you can take part in kirtans, festivals and seva throughout the year.
FAQs
When is Navratri Day 3 in 2026?
Navratri Day 3, dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, falls on Tuesday, 13 October 2026.
Why is she called Chandraghanta?
She wears a half-moon on her forehead shaped like a bell (ghanta), which gives her the name.
What is Maa Chandraghanta's vehicle?
She rides a tiger, though some depictions show a lion.
What bhoga is offered on Navratri Day 3?
On day 3, milk and milk-based sweets such as kheer are the traditional offering.
Read next: [Maa Brahmacharini: Navratri Day 2] | [Maa Kushmanda: Navratri Day 4] | [Navratri 2026 guide]
