Guwahati:  It’s the third day of Navratri. The puja of the day is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, the third avatar Of Goddess Durga.

On Navratri, the nine avatars of Navdurga or Shakti is worshipped. Navratri days are considered as the most auspicious by Hindu devotees across India. 

Navratri and Durga Puja are celebrated across the country and each region has its unique rituals and festivities but the common factor binding all is the worship of ‘Shakti’.

Maa Chandraghanta, the third form of Goddess Durga, symbolises bravery and welfare. She rides a tigress and wears bright yellow.

Maa Chandraghanta has half moon or chandra on her forehead. She has ten hands – the four on the left carry Trishul (trident), Gada (mace), Sword, and Kadal (stoup). Her fifth hand is in the Varada Mudra.

The four arms on the right carry lotus, arrow, bow and japa mala or beads. The fifth arm on the left is in Abhaya Mudra.

Puja Vidhi: 

After taking a bath early morning, the idol of Goddess Chandraghanta is placed in the Mandir. Then a shallow pan, which is made of clay, is placed next to the idol. Later, water is sprinkled on the pan along with rice. A Kalash filled with Akshat, coins, Dhruva grass, Ganga Jal, supari and coins is kept next to the idol of the Goddess. The Kalash is surrounded with mango leaves followed by the mantra.

Maa Chandraghanta puja stotra, prarthana

The Tritiya tithi upto 2:07 PM today.

Devotees recite Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah a hundred and eight times

Prarthana: Pindaja Pravararudha Chandakopastrakairyuta || Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta

Stuti: Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Chandraghanta Rupena Samsthita || Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah