As the vibrant hues of Navratri continue to paint our world with joy and devotion, we embark on the sacred journey of day 4. On this day, devotees come together to celebrate Maa Chandraghanta, an embodiment of Maa Parvati's serene grace. Shardiya Navratri, a nine-day festival that commenced on October 15 and will conclude on October 24, is a time when Hindus across the globe immerse themselves in the divine energies of Maa Durga and her nine incarnations, the Navadurgas.
Among the Navadurgas, Maa Chandraghanta is adored on the third day of Navratri. She is revered as the married form of Maa Parvati, known for her distinctive adornment of a half-moon or Chandra on her forehead after her union with Lord Shiva. This divine union bestowed upon her the name 'Chandraghanta,' with the 'Chandra' symbolizing the moon. Depicted riding a fierce tigress, Maa Chandraghanta possesses ten hands. In her right hands, she holds a lotus flower, an arrow, a bow (Dhanush), and a Japa Mala, while her fifth right hand is raised in the Abhaya Mudra, a gesture of fearlessness, and her fifth left hand is in Varada Mudra, symbolizing the granting of boons.
Maa Chandraghanta is celebrated as the peaceful and benevolent form of Maa Parvati. It is believed that the sound of the moon and the bell hanging on her forehead resonates with the power to dispel malevolent spirits from the vicinity of her devotees. Legends recount her battle with demons, during which the melodious chime of her bell drove thousands of wicked beings into the realm of the God of Death.
Navratri 2023 Day 4 Puja Vidhi, Samagri, Color, and Timing
The third day of Shardiya Navratri in 2023 falls on October 17, a day when devotees eagerly anticipate the divine blessings of Maa Chandraghanta. To align with the celestial rhythms, it is essential to be mindful of the auspicious timings for puja.
Brahma Muhurat: Commencing at 4:42 am and concluding at 5:33 am.
Abhijit Muhurat: From 11:43 pm to 12:29 pm.
Amrit Kal: Extending from 11:23 am to 1:02 pm.
On this day, the color of choice is red, signifying the vibrant energy and passion associated with Maa Chandraghanta. Devotees should begin their day early, adorning themselves in new attire as a mark of reverence. The idol of the Goddess should be placed on a chowki or a dedicated puja sthaan, then bathed in Kesar, Ganga Jal, and Kewra to purify the surroundings.
Following this, the Goddess is adorned in resplendent gold-colored attire, and offerings of yellow flowers, Jasmine, panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar), and mishri (sugar crystals) are made. A special bhog of kheer, a sweet rice pudding, is also lovingly presented to Maa Chandraghanta, as a gesture of devotion. Finally, the Goddess is offered kheer as prasad, which is distributed to the devotees as a symbol of her blessings and grace.
Navratri 2023 Day 3 Puja Mantras and Devotions
For a devout celebration of Maa Chandraghanta, it is essential to recite the following mantras, prathana (prayers), stuti (hymns), and stotra (verses) as a way of invoking her divine presence and seeking her benevolence:
Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah
Pindaja Pravararudha Chandakopastrakairyuta
Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Chandraghanta Rupena Samsthit
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah
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
.png)
0 Comments