ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”
Goddess Chandraghanta
Goddess Chandraghanta is the third form of Goddess Durga and is worshipped on the third day of Navaratri. The deity possesses ten hands and has a bell shaped half moon on her forehead.
Goddess Chandraghanta is the third form of Goddess Durga among the Nava Durga. The goddess is worshipped on the third day of Navaratri. By worshipping the goddess devotees receive eternal strength.
Attributes of Goddess Chandraghanta
Goddess Chandraghanta is golden in colour and has a bell shaped half moon on her forehead. It is for this reason that the goddess is known as Chandraghanta. The goddess rides a lion which is her vehicle. The goddess possesses ten hands. With five hands she holds weapons such as bow, arrow, trident, sword and a mace. With other three hands she holds rosary, lotus and a kamandala i.e. a pitcher. The last two hands depict the abhaya mudra and varada mudra. The goddess has three eyes. ‘Chandra Ghanta’ means supreme bliss and knowledge. Her gesture portrays that she is always ready to proceed for the battlefield for a war. Thus, the goddess poses as an advocator of bravery and strength. The worshipper is also blessed with power and courage.
Worship of Goddess Chandraghanta
The worship of Goddess Chandraghanta as prescribed in the scriptures is performed on the third day of Navaratri. On this day the mind of the worshipper enters Manipura Chakra. While worshiping the goddess the devotee must worship all the gods, goddesses and planets in the kalash. Then all the other family members which includes Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Lakshmi and Jaya-Vijaya are to be worshipped. Finally the goddess is to be worshipped. The following mantra is chanted while praying to the goddess.
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Chandraghanta Rupen Sansthita | Namastaseya Namastaseya Namastaseya Namo Namah ||
Pindah Pravarudha Chandkopastrakayurta | Prasand Tnute Mahayam Chandraghanteti Vishruta ||
Chandraghanta Mata – Navratri Third Day
Chandraghanta Mata is worshipped on the third day of Navratri. Her name means: ‘Chandra’ – the Moon, ‘Ghanta’ – hanging like bell. When Goddess Parvati adorned her forehead with the crescent Moon, she got this name. She is also known as Chandrakhanda. This form of Goddess gives courage and valor to the worshippers. She also takes away the problems related to the paranormal as well. Goddess Chandraghanta is the fierce form Parvati. But, her angry form can only be seen if she is provoked; otherwise, she is quite calm.
About Chandraghanta
Maa Chandraghanta rides on a tigress and has a golden skin tone. She has 10 arms. The 4 left arms carry Trishul (trident), Gada (mace), Sword, and Kamandal (stoup); the fifth arm remains in the Varada Mudra. Her 4 right arms carry lotus, arrow, bow (Dhanush), and Japa Mala (rosary); the fifth arm stays in Abhaya Mudra. In this form, she appears all set for a war.
Legend
When Lord Shiva told her finally that he will not marry anyone, she started suffering badly. He could not resist her pain and eventually they had quite an emotional reunion. After that, he visited King Himavana along with his Barat (the procession of family and friends along with the groom to be married). His Baaraat included all creatures including goblins, ghosts, gods, ascetics, Shivaganas, Aghoris, and many more.
The procession scared Pravati’s mother, Mena Devi and she got fainted in terror. In order to settle down all her family members, she took the form of Chandraghanta and arrived in front of Shiva. After that, in a very polite manner, she requested Shiva to look like a princely groom. Shiva agreed and came in a mesmerizing form, just like a prince. Also, he adorned himself with all those precious jewels that actually enchanted Parvati’s family.
Astrological Aspect
Chandraghanta Maa governs the planet Venus in astrology. Worshiping her can eliminate all the ill effects of Venus.
Mantras
ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः॥
Prarthana Mantra:
पिण्डज प्रवरारूढा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता।
प्रसादं तनुते मह्यम् चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता॥
Stuti:
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ चन्द्रघण्टा रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Dhyana Mantra:
वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
सिंहारूढा चन्द्रघण्टा यशस्विनीम्॥
मणिपुर स्थिताम् तृतीय दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम्।
खङ्ग, गदा, त्रिशूल, चापशर, पद्म कमण्डलु माला वराभीतकराम्॥
पटाम्बर परिधानां मृदुहास्या नानालङ्कार भूषिताम्।
मञ्जीर, हार, केयूर, किङ्किणि, रत्नकुण्डल मण्डिताम॥
प्रफुल्ल वन्दना बिबाधारा कान्त कपोलाम् तुगम् कुचाम्।
कमनीयां लावण्यां क्षीणकटि नितम्बनीम्॥
Stotra:
आपदुध्दारिणी त्वंहि आद्या शक्तिः शुभपराम्।
अणिमादि सिद्धिदात्री चन्द्रघण्टे प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
चन्द्रमुखी इष्ट दात्री इष्टम् मन्त्र स्वरूपिणीम्।
धनदात्री, आनन्ददात्री चन्द्रघण्टे प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
नानारूपधारिणी इच्छामयी ऐश्वर्यदायिनीम्।
सौभाग्यारोग्यदायिनी चन्द्रघण्टे प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
Kavacha Mantra:
रहस्यम् शृणु वक्ष्यामि शैवेशी कमलानने।
श्री चन्द्रघण्टास्य कवचम् सर्वसिद्धिदायकम्॥
बिना न्यासम् बिना विनियोगम् बिना शापोध्दा बिना होमम्।
स्नानम् शौचादि नास्ति श्रद्धामात्रेण सिद्धिदाम॥
कुशिष्याम् कुटिलाय वञ्चकाय निन्दकाय च।
न दातव्यम् न दातव्यम् न दातव्यम् कदाचितम्॥
Navratri 2020 (Day 3) – The Story of Maa Chandraghanta
The festival of Navratri signifies a time of celebration and togetherness. Apart from being one of the oldest festivals in India, Navratri is also celebrated by people all over the country over a period of 9 days.
It is a sacred festival where devotees express their devotion by praying and observing fasts. Goddess Durga, along with her multiple avatars, is worshipped over a period of 9 days.
A special color is associated with each day of Navratri, which signifies the importance and meaning of each day. Maa Shailaputri is worshipped on the first day of Navratri, while devotees offer prayers to Maa Bramhacharini on the second day.
Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta
The third day of Navratri is signified by peace, calm and purity. It is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, who is also believed to be the Shakti of Lord Shiva.
Maa Chandraghanta is also referred to as the “married” form of Devi Parvati. She is known to protect her devotees from all types of evil spirits and has a half-moon (shaped like a temple bell) sitting on her forehead.
History and Origin
Maa Chandraganta was known as Devi Sati in her previous birth. In this incarnation, she was married to Lord Shiva and even sacrificed her life when her father insulted him.
She was then born again as Parvati, the daughter of mountains, and observed severe penance to marry Lord Shiva. Due to her continued dedication, she came to be known as Maa Bramhacharini and Lord Shiva agreed to marry her.
The marriage preparations were in full swing and everyone was happy for Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. However, on the day of their marriage, Lord Shiva arrived with a huge, but strange marriage procession.
Ghosts, sages, goblins, ghouls, aghoris and ascetics were all part of this unusual marriage procession. Lord Shiva, himself, had multiple snakes around his neck and his whole body was smeared with ash.
Moreover, Lord Shiva had snakes in his hair too, which gave him a scary and horrifying look. Maa Parvati’s relatives were left shocked upon seeing such a terrifying form of Lord Shiva and almost everyone fainted out of pure horror.
Ghosts, sages, goblins, ghouls, aghoris and ascetics were all part of this unusual marriage procession. Lord Shiva, himself, had multiple snakes around his neck and his whole body was smeared with ash.
Moreover, Lord Shiva had snakes in his hair too, which gave him a scary and horrifying look. Maa Parvati’s relatives were left shocked upon seeing such a terrifying form of Lord Shiva and almost everyone fainted out of pure horror.
She carried a Trishula (Trident) with two hands and a Kamandalu (Watering Pot) in another hand. Also, Maa Chandraghanta carried a Gada (Mace), a bow and arrow, a sword, a Ghanta (Bell) and a Kamala (Lotus).
In this terrifying form, Maa Chandraghanta approached Lord Shiva and convinced him to take a noble form. Lord Shiva agreed and transformed himself into a handsome prince. Also, he was now bedecked with beautiful jewels and ornaments.
Finally, Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati’s marriage took place with all the prayers and rituals. Their marriage was celebrated all over the world and is observed till today as Maha Shivratri.
Goddess of the Third Day of Navratri
Maa Chandraghanta’s vehicle is a lion. This avatar of Maa Durga shows that she can both – compassionate towards her devotees and terrifying towards her enemies.
About Devi Chandraghanta
Devi Chandraghanta
Devi Chandraghanta is propitiated on the third day of Navratri and is believed to be the married form of Goddess Parvati. ‘Chandra’ means Moon and ‘Ghanta’ means bell. Once she married Lord Shiva, she adorned her forehead with half Moon, which gave her the name – Chandraghanta. In this form, the divine Goddess is depicted with all her weapons ready to battle against evil forces.
Unique Traits of Devi Chandraghanta
Devi Chandraghanta is depicted riding a tigress and glows like a golden angel, wearing a half-moon and a bell on her forehead. She is seen with ten hands each holding a different weapon. The Goddess holds Trishul, Gada, Sword and Kamandala (sacred water pot) in her four left hands and keeps her fifth left hand in Varada Mudra. Devi carries lotus flower, Arrow, Dhanush and Japa Mala in her four right hands and keeps the fifth right hand in Abhaya Mudra.
Mythology behind Devi Chandraghanta
According to legend, on the day of marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the mother Goddess took the form of Chandraghanta. While, Lord Shiva arrived with an army of gods, sages, ghosts, goblins etc. Parvati’s parents fainted in terror upon seeing the threatening appearance of the Lord with a huge body, long hair, skulls and serpent around his neck and tiger skin as clothes. Chandraghanta then requested him to take his charming form, when Lord Shiva appeared as a prince adorned with jewelry and married the beautiful Goddess.
Devi Chandraghanta – Dispels Evil Forces
The divine Mother Chandraghanta is adorned with a divine Moon-bell on her forehead, the sound of which is believed to expel all the evil forces away from her ardent devotees. The Goddess is symbolized with a third eye at the center of the forehead like her consort, Lord Shiva.
Goddess Chandraghanta is the personification of supreme knowledge and bliss who can eradicate all your sins, miseries and negative energies.
Another aspect of Chandraghanta is her gentle and graceful form for the welfare and spiritual enlightenment of her devotees.
Devi Chandraghanta Mantra & Benefits
Om Hreem Shri Chandraghanta Durgaaye Namaha
Adoring Devi Chandraghanta with this sacred mantra can relieve from worldly sorrows and help attain supreme bliss.
Unique Offering to Devi Chandraghanta
Mother Chandraghanta loves to be offered kheer (pudding) or milk to please her and receive her eternal blessings and a sin-free life.
Goddess Chandraghanta
Origin
Goddess Chandraghanta is the married form the Goddess Parvati. After getting married to Lord Shiva Goddess Mahagauri started adorning her forehead with half Chandra and due to which Goddess Parvati was known as Goddess Chandraghanta.
Navratri Worship
Goddess Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day of Navratri.
Governing Planet
It is believed that the planet Shukra is governed by Goddess Chandraghanta.
Iconography
Goddess Chandraghanta mounts on the tigress. She wears the semi-circular moon (Chandra) on her forehead. The half-moon on her forehead looks like the bell (Ghanta) and because of that she is known as Chandra-Ghanta. She is depicted with ten hands. Goddess Chandraghanta carries Trishul, Gada, Sword and Kamandal in her four left hands and keeps the fifth left hand in Varada Mudra. She carries lotus flower, Arrow, Dhanush and Japa Mala in her four right hands and keeps the fifth right hand in Abhaya Mudra.
Details
This form of Goddess Parvati is peaceful and for welfare of her devotees. In this form Goddess Chandraghanta is ready for the war with all her weapons. It is believed that the sound of the moon-bell on her forehead expel all type of spirits away from her devotees.
Devanagari Name
चन्द्रघण्टा
Favourite Flower
Jasmine (चमेली)
Mantra
ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः॥
Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah॥
Prarthana
पिण्डज प्रवरारूढा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता।
प्रसादं तनुते मह्यम् चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता॥
Pindaja Pravararudha Chandakopastrakairyuta।
Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta॥
Stuti
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
वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
सिंहारूढा चन्द्रघण्टा यशस्विनीम्॥
मणिपुर स्थिताम् तृतीय दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम्।
खङ्ग, गदा, त्रिशूल, चापशर, पद्म कमण्डलु माला वराभीतकराम्॥
पटाम्बर परिधानां मृदुहास्या नानालङ्कार भूषिताम्।
मञ्जीर, हार, केयूर, किङ्किणि, रत्नकुण्डल मण्डिताम॥
प्रफुल्ल वन्दना बिबाधारा कान्त कपोलाम् तुगम् कुचाम्।
कमनीयां लावण्यां क्षीणकटि नितम्बनीम्॥
Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam।
Simharudha Chandraghanta Yashasvinim॥
Manipura Sthitam Tritiya Durga Trinetram।
Khanga, Gada, Trishula, Chapashara, Padma Kamandalu Mala Varabhitakaram॥
Patambara Paridhanam Mriduhasya Nanalankara Bhushitam।
Manjira, Hara, Keyura, Kinkini, Ratnakundala Manditam॥
Praphulla Vandana Bibadhara Kanta Kapolam Tugam Kucham।
Kamaniyam Lavanyam Kshinakati Nitambanim॥
Stotra
आपदुध्दारिणी त्वंहि आद्या शक्तिः शुभपराम्।
अणिमादि सिद्धिदात्री चन्द्रघण्टे प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
चन्द्रमुखी इष्ट दात्री इष्टम् मन्त्र स्वरूपिणीम्।
धनदात्री, आनन्ददात्री चन्द्रघण्टे प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
नानारूपधारिणी इच्छामयी ऐश्वर्यदायिनीम्।
सौभाग्यारोग्यदायिनी चन्द्रघण्टे प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
Apaduddharini Tvamhi Adya Shaktih Shubhparam।
Animadi Siddhidatri Chandraghante Pranamamyaham॥
Chandramukhi Ishta Datri Ishtam Mantra Swarupinim।
Dhanadatri, Anandadatri Chandraghante Pranamamyaham॥
Nanarupadharini Ichchhamayi Aishwaryadayinim।
Saubhagyarogyadayini Chandraghante Pranamamyaham॥
Kavacha
रहस्यम् शृणु वक्ष्यामि शैवेशी कमलानने।
श्री चन्द्रघण्टास्य कवचम् सर्वसिद्धिदायकम्॥
बिना न्यासम् बिना विनियोगम् बिना शापोध्दा बिना होमम्।
स्नानम् शौचादि नास्ति श्रद्धामात्रेण सिद्धिदाम॥
कुशिष्याम् कुटिलाय वञ्चकाय निन्दकाय च।
न दातव्यम् न दातव्यम् न दातव्यम् कदाचितम्॥
Rahasyam Shrinu Vakshyami Shaiveshi Kamalanane।
Shri Chandraghantasya Kavacham Sarvasiddhidayakam॥
Bina Nyasam Bina Viniyogam Bina Shapoddha Bina Homam।
Snanam Shauchadi Nasti Shraddhamatrena Siddhidam॥
Kushishyam Kutilaya Vanchakaya Nindakaya Cha।
Na Datavyam Na Datavyam Na Datavyam Kadachitam॥
Aarti
जय माँ चन्द्रघण्टा सुख धाम। पूर्ण कीजो मेरे काम॥
चन्द्र समाज तू शीतल दाती। चन्द्र तेज किरणों में समाती॥
मन की मालक मन भाती हो। चन्द्रघण्टा तुम वर दाती हो॥
सुन्दर भाव को लाने वाली। हर संकट में बचाने वाली॥
हर बुधवार को तुझे ध्याये। श्रद्दा सहित तो विनय सुनाए॥
मूर्ति चन्द्र आकार बनाए। शीश झुका कहे मन की बाता॥
पूर्ण आस करो जगत दाता। कांचीपुर स्थान तुम्हारा॥
कर्नाटिका में मान तुम्हारा। नाम तेरा रटू महारानी॥
भक्त की रक्षा करो भवानी।
CHANDRAGHANTA STORY
Chandraghanta is the 3rd form of Goddess Durga and is worshiped on the 3rd day in Navratri . Those who worship Devi on this shape get eternal energy and strength. She is the Goddess of Manipura Chakra located at the Navel that is ruled by using the Sun.Although Parvati turned into determined to have Lord Shiva as Her husband, Shiva told Her that He will now not marry absolutely everyone and remain celibate.Upon hearing this sour fact, She suffered like hell in pursuit of marrying Shiva.After Seeing Her sufferings, God Shiva gave in to Her demand and agreed to marry Her.
Shiva in the aspect of other gods, ascetics, ghosts,sages and special spiritualists arrived at the palace of King Himavat, father of Parvati and the ruler of Himalaya.. There Shiva displayed His horrible as part of His eternal pastimes. Seeing such ghastly form Menavati, Parvati’s mom, fainted. Soon, Paravati assumed the form of Goddess Chandraghanta which startled all and sundry together with Shiva.
She prayed to Shiva that He go back to His fascinating, calm shape. Upon Her request, Shiva changed into a young charming guy. Menavati by using the grace of Shiva again to her senses and have become thrilled along with her daughter’s divine marriage ceremony.
Devi Chandraghanta is one that establishes justice and subject inside the international. The shade of her frame is golden; she rides at the lion that represents “dharma”; possesses ten palms and 3 eyes; eight of Her arms display weapons even as the last two are respectively within the mudras of boon giving and preventing harm. Devi Maa is posed as if to be geared up for struggle.”Chandraghanta’s high-quality bliss and expertise, showering peace and serenity, like a fab breeze in a moonlit night. By Her advantages the sorrows are dispelled and the warrior inside is evoked.
On the third day of Navaratri, the thoughts of the sadhak enters Manipura Chakra. He develops foresight and strength of leadership. By the grace of Maa Chandraghanta all sins of the sadhak are burnt and obstacles removed. Her worship is instantly fulfilled. She is always in a gesture as if prepared to continue for the battlefield and accordingly she gets rid of the difficulties of devotees very right away. The vehicle of Chandraghanta maa is a lion and so her worshiper becomes valorous and fearless like a lion. The sound of her bell constantly protects her devotees from evil spirits.
GODDESS CHANDRAGHANTA MANTRA & PUJA VIDHI:
Goddess Chandraghanta is the married shape of Parvati. Goddess Mahagauri was married to Lord Shiva and began applying 1/2 Chandra on Her brow because of which She is known as Chandraghanta. She is worshipped 3rd on Navratri. Parvati is peace loving and blesses Her devotees with welfare, peace, prosperity and happiness!. She is also prepared for war with all Her guns. Her devotees consider that the sound of the moon bell on Her brow dispels negativity and evil spirits away.
The vahana of the Goddess is tigress. She ornaments the Chandra in a semi-circular form on Her brow. The 1/2-Moon seems like the form of the bell (Ghanta), and as a result the call Chandraghanta. She is shown with 10 arms. Her left palms convey Trishul, Gada, Sword and Kamandal and Her right arms hold the lotus flower, Arrow, Dhanush and Japa Mala. Her fifth left hand is in Varada Mudra and Her 5th proper hand is within the Abhaya Mudra.
CHANDRAGHANTA PUJA VIDHI
The 3rd night of Navratri starts with worship of Chandraghanta which is performed by way of the usage of sacred puja. The devotee uses a shallow pan like utensil fabricated from clay as base.Three layers of dust and Sapta Dhanya/Navadhanya (grains) seeds are poured into the pan.. The next is a little water is sprinkled so that seeds get enough moisture. A Kalasha (holy water pot) packed with Ganga jal, Supari, some coins, Akshat (raw rice blended with turmeric powder) and Durva grass is located in the base. Then the five Mango tree leaves are placed around the neck of the Kalash which is then covered by coconut.
Dhyana Mantra
Pindaj Pravara Rudha Chand Kopastra Keyurta |
Prasadam Tanute Maham Chandra Ghanteti Vishruta ||
Goddess Chandraghanta
Chandraghanta Devi
(3) Devī Chandraghaṇṭa
ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः॥
Om Devi Chandraghaṇṭayai Namah॥
Chandraghaṇṭa Devi is the third archetype of Goddess Durga, and we worship Her on the third day of Navaratri.
Chandra means moon, which represents
the mind. Ghanta means bell. Her name Chandra-Ghanta means “one who has a half-moon shaped like a bell.”
There are many theories for her name:
She has a half-moon the shape of a bell on her forehead
She is the wake-up call/bell for the mind (moon)
She is the bell of time, like the church bell which strikes every hour- ticking away time (consciousness unfolding)
the Moon also represents the mind, and the bell represents the inner sound (nāda) calling the mind back to its source.
So Chandraghaṇṭa is the bell of the Moon, or the bell that calls our minds back to the Goddess (Source). She does this by blessing us with devotion (quality of the moon) for spiritual practices (delight for the mind) and protecting us (warrior goddess with several weapons) from distraction.
In the Chandi Path, during the battle between the Goddess and the demons, the horrible sound produced by her bell sent thousands of demons to their death, such is the sound of her bell.
So the bell here is actually a weapon that stops negative thoughts in their tracks. It is a tool for the peace of mind. It is also a tool used in ritual worships (pujas, homas), but its aim is always to focus the mind.
The ringing of the bell is a call to awaken to the present.
To leave the past, our attachments, to something that was and to be with what is right now.
(To learn more on the significance of the bell as depicted in the Chandi Path,
please read the excerpt at the end of this post)
Chandraghaṇṭa Devi is She who rings the bell of devotion. She keeps you on the spiritual path by charming the mind with the supreme bliss, wisdom, peace, and contentment that comes through spiritual practice (sadhana). Her blessings remove all hindrances coming in the way of a person’s spiritual advancement.
When She is pleased, She compels devotees to demonstrate their devotion through spiritual practices, such as ringing the bell, doing the pujas, reciting the scriptures, and singing bhajans.
Chandraghaṇṭa protects the mind from wrong thoughts. She also protects us from thieves, deceit, anxiety, and false accusations. She gives clarity, is important for removing depression, and keeps us on our path, even when things disturb us.
So stepping back for a moment to take note of the progression, we have the first Goddess, Shailaputri, who blesses us with inspiration. Goddess Brahmacharini, the second form, graces us with knowledge. The blessings of the third archetype, Goddess Chandraghaṇṭa, endows us with the devotion (and protection) to perform spiritual practices. Beautiful, isn’t it?
Chandraghaṇṭa is depicted surrounded by gold, riding on a tiger that is roaring in anger.
Look at her face – her attitude can be interpreted as potentially angry or perturbed, but her demeanor is also sweet, tranquil and peaceful. She carries all sorts of weapons, all the while exuding radiant light. So she symbolizes both beauty and courage, both sweetness and fierceness.
To her devotees she is a sweet, protective Mother, but to a devotee’s enemies, she can turn fierce.
Here is the significance of her depiction, starting with her ten hands:
trishula (trident): three gunas (create, maintain, destroy)
gada (mace): can deliver concentrated blow to the enemy
khadga: sword of wisdom, discrimination
gyan mudra: moving from ignorance to wisdom
kamandal (waterpot): self sufficient, lives self contained
lotus flower: peace, wisdom
baan (bow-arrow): potential and kinetic energy
snake: kundalini shakti
abhayamudra: freedom from fear
tiger (or lion): represents dharma, bravery, and courage,
half moon on forehead: infinite consciousness, devotion
ghanta (bell): brings mind back to the present, to the Source
Chandraghaṇṭa Maa is posed to be ready for war against the demons, showing her eagerness to destroy the foes of her devotees so that they may live in peace and continue their spiritual practices.
Invoke this Goddess and she will not only protect you, but you will also develop protective qualities. You will build strength and courage to fight challenges – eternal power, strength, discipline, and a sense of dharma will be the fruit of your worship.
By Her grace all sins, distresses, sufferings, and mental tribulations will be dissolved and negative forces will be removed – and the results are quick! She is always ready to proceed to the battlefield to remove our difficulties. As soon as we invoke her, her bell immediately becomes active and starts to protect the devotee.
How does She move so quickly? How can She transform from sweet to fierce? In the human anatomy, Chandraghaṇṭa Devi resides in the third chakra, just above the navel. The third chakra contains fire energy (for digestion), so by Her nature She is reactive or explosive under the right conditions. She is a powerhouse of prana, attracting it from the cosmos when required.
Chanting her mantra and meditating on the Manipura Chakra, can bring clarity of mind, self-confidence, empowerment, confidence, discrimination and wisdom.
Navaratri: The third day of Navaratri is important to the sadaka, for on this day you can super-charge the sankalpa (spiritual goal) and get protection to stay focused. Let the mind focus on the Manipura Chakra (third chakra, just above navel).
Perform the cosmic puja (samasti upasana) first, then a simple puja to Chandraghaṇṭa Devi. Pray to Her for supreme devotion so that the mind stays focused on sadhana. Ask her for protection from distractions and be aware when the mind wanders. When it does, just bring it back with Her mantra: Om Devi Chandraghaṇṭayai Namah. She surely will respond! Jai Maa!
In case you were wondering…
Why do we Ring the Bell?
In the Devī Māhātmya (Chandi Path), the bell was given to the manifest form of Durga by Indra from his elephant Airavata (2.22). In the battle against the demons of Egomania (Mahiśaṣāsura), the goddess uses her bell to bewilder (vimohitā) the demons with its resounding ring (2.56). These demons represent the negative attributes of the mind, and the bell is that which stops these negative thoughts in their tracks.
If one is meditating and a continuous thought continues to bother the mind, the ringing of a bell will help clear the mind and clear a fresh space.
When pūjā begins or ends, or when you walk into a temple, a bell is rung to clear the space of both the inner and outer. The sound of the bell is a tool for the peace of the mind and the peace of a location.
While preparing for battle, Durga’s lion roars and she magnifies the load roar with the clanging of her bell (8.9). And in battle, she fills the directions with the ringing of her bell, which vanquishes the foundation of the strength (tejas) of the demons (9.20).
Tejas is not an easy word to translate, but can mean strength, vital energy, brilliance as well as the fire of cognition. When we call someone brilliant, we are referring to their tejas. On an external interpretation, the bell destroys the demon energies, chases away bad energy.
Daitya is a term translated as demon, but literally means ‘those born of Diti.’ There is a Vedic story of two sisters, Diti and Aditi. Diti, meaning difference, gave birth to all the demons. Aditi, meaning no-difference, gave birth to the Vedic gods. Those born of Diti, are those born of dualistic thinking. They see differences, have prejudice, lack empathy, etc.; these are the demons within us.
On an internal interpretation, the bell (nāda) removes the energy of the negative thoughts, or on an even deeper level, removes the dualistic thought (daitya-tejas).
By the fact of being born, we are enmeshed in the pulls of life. Our soul having taken birth is overcome by the myriad forms of manifestation. Our deeper nature is beyond the transitory situation before us, but yet we still are attached to objects and people that will leave us and cause us pain.
It is not the loss of anything that causes us pain, but our attachment to those objects. Everything will one day go away. It is the ringing of the bell that is a wake-up call to awaken to the present. To leave the past, our attachments, to something that was, and to be with what is.
In the second verse of the instilling of the Goddess (Saptaśatīnyāsa), it says,
“Oh Goddess, protect us with your triśula, oh Mother, protect us with your sword,
Protect us with the sound of your bell and the twang of your bow.”
triśula is the three pronged energy of the three guṇas and their balance
sword is the discrimination of the balanced mind
bell is the awareness to the nature of who we are
sound of the bow is the focus and aim of our attention.
Sound-words-talk can pollute our minds or purify our minds. In the praises of Durga, it is requested, “May the bell, that fills the world with its sound, destroy the demon-tejas,
Oh Goddess, protect us like a mother to her children.”
By awareness of our thoughts, feelings and actions we have a choice in what we do. Without awareness we are just pushed around by our past mental impressions.
In the wakeful state we see through our personal delusion created by our desires and the larger illusion of permanence.
Pray for Goddess Chandraghaṇṭa’s blessing and listen for the inner bell!