3rd Day of Navratri: Maa Chandraghanta Puja Guide 2026
Why is Maa Chandraghanta worshipped on the third day of Navratri?
The 3rd Day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, the divine and powerful third manifestation of Goddess Durga. Worshipped as the goddess of courage, peace, and protection, she is believed to bless her devotees with fearlessness, prosperity, positivity, and spiritual strength. Her warrior form symbolises the triumph of good over evil and inspires devotees to overcome life’s challenges with confidence and devotion.
In 2026, devotees will celebrate Maa Chandraghanta on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. On this auspicious day, millions of devotees offer prayers, chant sacred mantras, observe fasts, and perform special puja.
Maa Chandraghanta – 3rd Day of Navratri 2026
3rd Day of Navratri dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta will be celebrated on 13 October 2026.
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Who is Maa Chandraghanta?
Maa Chandraghanta is the third manifestation of Goddess Durga and is worshipped on the third day of Navratri. She derives her name from the crescent moon shaped like a bell (Ghanta) adorning her forehead. Her divine appearance represents fearlessness, courage, peace, and righteousness.
Maa Chandraghanta has tremendous powers that can break evil powers to her heart, but at the same time she is compassionate and benevolent towards her devotees. It is thought that she will give her followers:
- Courage and confidence
- Spiritual enlightenment
- Success and prosperity
- Protection from negative energies
- Mental peace and positivity
- Strength to overcome challenges
Those who are going through hard times and need strength and direction from God may personify her worship especially during such periods.
The Story of Maa Chandraghanta
In Hindu mythology, from the time of the marriage of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, Chandraghanta appeared as the Goddess.
Lord Shiva, in his fierce and ascetic form, came to their marriage, alarmingly terrified the celestial beings and their family. Goddess Parvati took a majestic shape of Maa Chandra Ghanta in order to pacify everyone and create divine harmony.
She was accompanied by a crescent moon that looked like a bell on her forehead, mounted by a tiger, and shrouded with weapons of God in her hands and hands over her head in a state of grace and astounding power.
This divine form signifies:
- Strength with compassion.
- Courage with humility.
- Protection with benevolence.
- Peace through righteousness.
Her heavenly bell is considered to slay the demons and keep her followers safe from harm.
What Does the Crescent Moon Symbolise?
The crescent moon on Maa Chandraghanta's forehead is one of her most distinctive features.
It represents:
- Spiritual enlightenment
- Divine consciousness
- Victory over darkness
- Protection from evil
- Inner peace and positivity
It is thought that the sound she produces from her celestial bell can act as a protective force against the negativity and purifies the environment.
Navratri Day 3 Colour – White
The auspicious colour associated with Maa Chandraghanta is:
White
White symbolises:
- Purity
- Peace
- Harmony
- Spirituality
- Wisdom
- Positivity
People who attend the puja usually wear white until attending it to pay respect to the goddess and seek her blessings.
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Favourite Bhog of Maa Chandraghanta
It is an auspicious debt that one can pay during Navratri by offering a little bhog.
Popular offerings include:
- Kheer
- Milk-based sweets
- Makhana Kheer
- Coconut
- Mishri
- Bananas
- Dry fruits
- Homemade sweets
- Fresh fruits
Why is Kheer Offered?
Kheer symbolises:
- Prosperity
- Purity
- Happiness
- Divine blessings
It is one of the most recommended offerings for Maa Chandraghanta.
Maa Chandraghanta Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step)
Here are some easy instructions on how to do the puja at home.
Step 1: Take a Holy Bath
Start your day with a bath and in white or traditional clothing.
Step 2: Clean the Worship Area
Have a clean and peaceful puja space.
Step 3: Place the Idol
Hang the idol or picture of Maa Chandraghanta on an altar that is decorated.
Step 4: Invoke the Goddess
Pray and meditate on her divine form.
Step 5: Offer Flowers
Plant a flower pot with fresh flowers and rice and recite her sacred mantras.
Step 6: Light the Diya
Light a ghee lamp and incense sticks.
Step 7: Offer Bhog
Serve milk desserts, like Kheer, with respect.
Step 8: Chant the Mantras
Recite her mantra with concentration and sincerity.
Step 9: Perform Aarti
Sing the Aarti compiled for Navratri and pray for blessings.
Navratri Day 3 Wishes and Messages
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is Maa Chandraghanta worshipped in 2026?
Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, which is the third day of Sharad Navratri.
Why is Maa Chandraghanta worshipped?
She is the goddess of courage, peace, protection, prosperity and spiritual development.
Ma Chandraghanta is with which colour?
The third day of Navratri is considered to be the auspicious colour day, in which the colour is white.
What is the favourite bhog of Maa Chandraghanta?
Sweets made of kheer and milk are usually given to Chandraghanta.
What mantra is to be chanted?
The most popular mantra is:
Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah
Read Also: Dussehra 2026 Date: Vijayadashami Timing & Significance
Final Words
The third Tika is a holy occasion to implore the divine blessing of Goddess Chandraghanta – Goddess of courage, peace and spiritual strength. Her worship reminds us that real power is not just to be found in physical strength, but also in the heart, with flesh, with righteousness, and with steadfast faith.
Sincerely celebrating Navratri to Maa Chandraghanta on 13th Oct 2026, it is believed that the pros are that the devotees have happiness, strength, and positivity in their lives.
