Shardiya Navratri 2025, the nine-day festival of devotion and celebration, began on September 22 and will conclude with Dussehra on October 2.
Each day of this festival is dedicated to one of the Navadurgas. The third day honours Maa Chandraghanta, believed to bless her devotees with happiness, peace, and protection from suffering.
Significance of Maa Chandraghanta
Maa Chandraghanta is the married form of Goddess Parvati. After her union with Lord Shiva, she began adorning a half-crescent moon on her forehead resembling a bell (Ghanta), which gave her the name Chandraghanta. She is depicted with ten hands, riding a tiger, symbolising courage and fearlessness.
According to the Shiv Puranas, Maa Chandraghanta once defeated the bat-demon Jatukasura who plunged the world into darkness. Using the light of her crescent moon and the sound of her bell, she destroyed the demon and restored peace. She governs the planet Shukra (Venus) and presides over the Manipura (solar plexus) chakra, linked to confidence, willpower and self-esteem.
Navratri Day 3 Timings (Sept 24-25, 2025)
-
Brahma Muhurta: 4:35 am – 5:23 am
-
Pratah Sandhya: 4:59 am – 6:10 am
-
Vijaya Muhurta: 2:14 pm – 3:02 pm
-
Godhuli Muhurta: 6:15 pm – 6:39 pm
-
Sayahna Sandhya: 6:15 pm – 7:27 pm
-
Amrit Kalam: 9:11 am – 10:57 am
-
Nishita Muhurta: 11:49 pm – 12:37 am (Sept 25)
-
Ravi Yoga: 4:16 pm – 6:11 am (Sept 25)
Auspicious Colour of the Day
The colour for Day 3 is Royal Blue, representing richness, tranquility and depth, reflecting the Goddess’ fierce yet calming energy. Devotees are encouraged to wear royal blue during prayers.
Puja Vidhi & Rituals
-
Preparation: Purify the puja space, perform kalash sthapana.
-
Dhyan & Avahan: Face east/north, meditate on the Goddess, and chant “Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah” to invoke her presence.
-
Offerings: Perform Panchamrit abhishekam, dress the idol in fresh clothes, apply sandalwood paste, flowers, kumkum, and rice. Light a ghee lamp and incense sticks.
-
Bhog & Mantra: Offer sweets, fruits, and chant Durga stotras or Maa Chandraghanta mantra.
-
Aarti & Pradakshina: Perform aarti with devotion, then circumambulate three to seven times.
-
Conclusion: Pray for strength and protection, chant the Shanti Path, and distribute prasad.
Chanting her aarti is believed to invite divine blessings and dispel negative energies.
