Read Navratri Day 2 – Brahmacharini Puja
The 3rd day of Navratri is devoted to a special manifestation of the Goddess Adi Shakti. On this day, NavaDurga’s Chandraghanta avatar is worshipped. Chandraghanta Devi is known as the Goddess of spiritual and inner strength. After marrying Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva adorned the goddess’ forehead with a moon (Chandra) made out of sandalwood (Chandan) and thus Goddess Parvati is also referred to as Chandraghanta. Goddess Chandraghanta is believed to oust issues and minor demons from our life. She is depicted with ten arms and three eyes, as well as Shiva’s crescent moon on her forehead. She is golden complexioned and is geared up for battle. She wears a garland of bells. She rides a tiger and safeguards her devotees while also bringing peace and bestowing supreme grace. She wears a half-moon on her head and holds a large bell or gong. It is believed that Goddess Chandraghanta rules over Venus.The Story of Goddess Chandraghanta
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Chandraghanta Puja Rituals
On the Tritiya Tithi on Navratri Tritiya Tithi, Chandraghanta Puja is performed. The pooja area is cleansed and purified with Ganga Jal or Gomutra (cow urine). A coconut is then placed on the water-filled pot (Kalash) made from either Silver, Copper, or Earth to perform Kalash sthapna. The worshipper then takes a Sankalp for the puja and performs the shodopchar puja for Goddess Chandraganta. Then, for each deity, relevant puja items are offered. Finally, an aarti is performed and the prasad is then distributed among the devotees. The goddess is offered milk and milk products to appease her. By performing the puja, Goddess Chandraghanta is appeased, and she removes all obstacles.Given below is a puja Vidhi for performing the Chandraghanta puja.
- The following pujas are performed to invoke the Goddess after the installation of the Goddess’s idol or picture.
- To begin, an atma puja is performed to cleanse oneself.
- Following that, the worshipper applies tilak to their forehead and drinks holy water from their palms.
- A Sankalp (vow) is made to the Goddess with the water in one’s hand to observe the Navratri fast with unwavering devotion and righteousness.
- Flowers are then offered to the deity. The Goddess’s feet are then washed in holy water.
- Camphor, water, pure cow milk, ghee, honey, sugar, and panchaamrita are then used to anoint the deity.
- The Goddess is then draped in a Saree or cloth.
- A tilak of sandalwood is applied to the deity. Kumkum, kajal, Durva leaves, and Bilwa leaves are presented to the Goddess.
- An aarti with the dhoop and deep is performed, and prasad is offered to the deity, which is then distributed to the devotees.
Significance of Chandraghanta Puja
By performing the Chandraghanta Puja, devotees witness spiritual grace of Goddess Chandraghanta. They may encounter heavenly scents and mystical sounds. It is believed that the goddess always keeps her devotees safe from harm and provides happiness in their lives. It is said that praying to Goddess Chandraganta with a pure heart, removes all negativity from our lives. All of our sins, unearthly hardships, negativity, distress, mental anxiety, tribulations, and troubles are erased with the divine grace of the goddess. When she rides a lion, she exudes positivity, fierceness, and a motherly aura toward her devotees.Chandraghanta Puja Mantra
Mantra:
Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namaha॥Prarthana:
Pindaja Pravararudha Chandakopastrakairyuta।Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta॥
Stuti:
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Chandraghanta Rupena Samsthita।Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha॥
Dhyana:
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॥
