One of the worshipped incarnations of Durga on the third day of Navratri is Devi Chandraghanta – whose name translates to supreme bliss and knowledge, the one who showers peace and serenity like breeze on a full moon night. Known to be the married form of Parvati, this incarnation is known to adorn a half moon-shaped bindi on her forehead, after she was married to Lord Shiva. The incarnation also derives her name from the resemblance of the half-moon to a bell shape, that devotees believe is someone who dispels negative energy and evil spirits. She is also known by names like Chandika, Chandrakhanda and Rannchandi – who is believed to reward people for their courage and grace.
Iconography
Seated on a tigress, the incarnation is portrayed having 10 hands – each holding an object of significance. While the set of left hands hold weapons like the trishul (trident), gada (club) and a sword, among other things, the right set of hands display the goddess holding a set of chanting beads, lotus flower – meant to be her flora of choice, a bow and an arrow. On the third night of the nine-day auspicious festival of Navratri, devotees often perform a sacred ritual of worship where a shallow pan with a clay base holds three layers of mud and seven different grains that are offered to the goddess.
Rituals
A holy pot or kalash is also filled with water from the Ganges, a few coins and raw rice mixed with turmeric (akshat). A few drops of water is sprinkled over this and Durva grass is then placed at the base as four or five mango leaves adorn the crown of this holy pot, which is then covered by a coconut. Devotees are known to adorn the colour red as a way of representing prosperity, passion and strength. On a spiritual realm, Devi Chandraghanta is known to represent the energy of the Manipura Chakra, located in the solar plexus. The golden-hued goddess is also offered a sweet dish of milk pedas, which is known to be one of the incarnation’s favourite types of offerings.
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Timings
The tritiya tithi for worship on the third day begins today at 1:13 AM and ends tomorrow at 1:26 PM.