The festival of Shardiya Navratri 2025 began with great devotion across India. Each day is dedicated to one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. On the third day, devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta, the third divine manifestation of the goddess. This year, the third day of Navratri falls on Wednesday, September 24. Maa Chandraghanta is known for her fierce power to destroy demons and protect devotees. The goddess carries weapons like trident, sword, and mace, symbolizing her readiness to protect righteousness. Her name comes from the crescent moon shaped like a bell on her forehead. Worship of Maa Chandraghanta is believed to remove obstacles, instill courage, and bring peace.

Maa Chandraghanta Puja Vidhi for Navratri Third Day

The puja rituals for the third day begin early in the morning. Devotees wake up before sunrise, take a holy bath, and wear clean clothes. The worship space is cleansed thoroughly to maintain sanctity. The idol or picture of Maa Chandraghanta is bathed with sacred Ganga water. After this, offerings of incense, lamps, sandalwood paste, vermilion, and flowers are made. Devotees then present sweets, especially milk-based preparations, as bhog to the goddess.

Chanting of the sacred mantra “Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah” is an essential part of the ritual. After chanting, devotees perform aarti of Maa Durga and recite Durga Chalisa. This puja is considered complete only when performed with devotion, purity, and faith. Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta is said to bring balance in life, giving devotees inner peace and strength.

Auspicious Timings and Muhurat for Puja

The Navratri third day puja is most effective when done during specific auspicious periods. The Brahma Muhurat on September 24 will begin at 4:35 AM and end at 5:23 AM. The Vijay Muhurat, considered highly favorable for success, will be from 2:14 PM to 3:02 PM. Amrit Kaal, another auspicious time, will last from 9:11 AM to 10:57 AM. Devotees are encouraged to perform prayers and rituals during these time slots for maximum spiritual benefits.

Mantras Dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta

Chanting mantras is a crucial part of worship on Navratri’s third day. The primary mantra for Maa Chandraghanta is:
“Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah.”

Another popular mantra recited is from the Devi Stuti:
“Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Chandraghanta Rupena Samsthita,
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah.”

These mantras are believed to invoke divine energy and bless devotees with courage, prosperity, and harmony. Repeated chanting during puja strengthens faith and removes negativity.

Bhog Offerings for Maa Chandraghanta

Every day of Navratri has specific offerings dear to the goddess. On the third day, Maa Chandraghanta is especially pleased with milk and milk-based sweets. Devotees prepare kheer, pedas, or other milk dishes as bhog. Offering sugar, mishri, and panchamrit is also considered auspicious. It is said that such offerings bring health, peace, and happiness to the family. The bhog is later distributed among devotees as prasad, symbolizing divine blessings.

Favorite Flowers of Maa Chandraghanta

Offering flowers is an integral part of Navratri rituals. Maa Chandraghanta is believed to be fond of white lotuses and yellow roses. These flowers are considered sacred and symbolize purity, devotion, and divine grace. Devotees decorate the altar with these flowers and offer them while reciting mantras. Worshipping the goddess with her favorite flowers is believed to ensure blessings and remove negativity from life.

Auspicious Colors for Navratri Third Day

Each day of Navratri is associated with a particular color considered lucky for worship. On the third day, devotees are advised to wear golden or yellow-colored clothes. These shades are believed to represent positivity, energy, and prosperity. Wearing these colors during the puja is said to attract divine energy and strengthen the bond with the goddess.

Symbolism of Maa Chandraghanta

Maa Chandraghanta symbolizes bravery, power, and serenity at the same time. She is often depicted riding a lion, carrying weapons, and spreading divine light. The bell-shaped crescent moon on her forehead is said to destroy evil vibrations. She is also considered the goddess who blesses her devotees with both fearlessness and compassion. Worshipping her during Navratri helps devotees achieve balance between material life and spiritual growth.

Spiritual Benefits of Worship

Devotees believe that offering prayers to Maa Chandraghanta on Navratri’s third day grants freedom from fear. She is known as the destroyer of evil forces and protector of dharma. Her blessings are said to instill confidence, discipline, and inner strength. Regular chanting of her mantras during this day helps devotees achieve peace of mind and clarity of thoughts. Those seeking marital happiness and harmony also worship Maa Chandraghanta with devotion.

Celebrations Across India

On the third day of Navratri, temples dedicated to Maa Durga witness large gatherings. Special pujas and havans are organized by devotees across cities. In northern India, devotees observe fasts and visit temples adorned with flowers and lights. In other parts of the country, cultural programs, devotional songs, and dance performances like Garba and Dandiya continue in full spirit. The celebration reflects the cultural and spiritual significance of Maa Chandraghanta in Indian tradition.

The Navratri third day 2025 dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta holds immense spiritual value. From the rituals of puja to the chanting of mantras, every element has deep meaning. The offerings of milk sweets, the use of white lotuses and yellow roses, and the preference for golden or yellow attire make this day unique. Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta with devotion on this day is believed to remove obstacles, destroy negativity, and grant divine blessings. For devotees, the third day of Navratri is not only about rituals but also about connecting with inner strength and embracing peace.