Maa Chandraghanta: Navratri Day 3, Puja Vidhi, Bhog, Mantra and Significance (2026)

Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day of Shardiya Navratri. She is the third form of Goddess Durga and is known as a symbol of courage, strength, peace, and protection. In 2026, Navratri Day 3 falls on Tuesday, October 13.

According to Hindu beliefs, worshipping Maa Chandraghanta with devotion helps devotees seek blessings for courage, confidence, and peace of mind. Her divine form reminds us that we can remain kind and calm while finding the strength to face difficult situations.

In today's busy life, her teachings are especially meaningful for young people dealing with studies, careers, friendships, and relationships. Her message is simple: be kind to others, stand up for what is right, and protect your peace.

Who Is Maa Chandraghanta?

Maa Chandraghanta is the third manifestation of Goddess Durga and is worshipped on the third day of Navratri. According to Hindu traditions, she represents Maa Parvati in her married form after her marriage to Lord Shiva.

The goddess is shown riding a tiger, with ten hands holding different weapons and sacred objects. A crescent moon shaped like a bell rests on her forehead, giving her the name Chandraghanta.

Her weapons represent courage and her readiness to protect the innocent and fight evil. Her peaceful expression represents calmness and inner strength.

Devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta to seek blessings for protection, confidence, and the courage to face life's challenges.

Why Is Maa Chandraghanta Worshipped on Navratri Day 3?

During the nine days of Navratri, devotees worship nine forms of Goddess Durga. Each form represents different qualities associated with divine feminine power.

Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day because her form represents courage, bravery, and protection from negative forces.

Her worship reminds devotees to overcome fear and face difficult situations with confidence. It also teaches an important lesson for everyday life: being strong does not mean being unkind.

We can respect others while maintaining our self-respect. We can forgive people without accepting repeated hurtful behaviour. And we can stand up for ourselves without losing our peace of mind.

What Is the Significance of Maa Chandraghanta?

Maa Chandraghanta's divine form holds several meanings in Hindu tradition.

• Courage and strength: Her powerful form represents the ability to face challenges without giving up.

• Protection: Her weapons symbolise readiness to fight evil and protect the innocent.

• Peace of mind: Her calm expression reminds devotees to remain composed during difficult times.

• Confidence: Her worship inspires devotees to overcome fear and trust themselves.

• Kindness and self-respect: Her symbolism reminds us that kindness should not mean accepting disrespect.

For young people, these lessons can be applied to everyday situations, from handling academic pressure to dealing with difficult friendships. Her story encourages us to stay kind while learning when to speak up and set healthy boundaries.

Maa Chandraghanta Puja Vidhi for Navratri Day 3

Devotees can follow these simple steps to worship Maa Chandraghanta at home.

1. Clean the puja area: Begin by cleaning the space where you will offer prayers.

2. Prepare the altar: Place an image or idol of Maa Chandraghanta in the puja area.

3. Offer prayers: Light a diya and offer flowers, incense, and other traditional puja items.

4. Offer bhog: Prepare kheer, milk, or another traditional offering according to your family customs.

5. Chant the mantra: Recite Maa Chandraghanta's mantra with devotion.

6. Perform aarti: Conclude the puja with Maa Durga's aarti and prayers for your family's well-being.

Puja customs may vary across regions and households. Devotion and sincerity are more important than following every ritual perfectly.

Maa Chandraghanta Bhog: What Should You Offer?

Kheer, milk, and other milk-based sweets are commonly offered to Maa Chandraghanta on the third day of Navratri.

Devotees prepare these offerings with devotion and pray for happiness, peace, and prosperity. You can prepare bhog at home according to your family's traditions and offer it with respect.

After the puja, the offering may be distributed as prasad among family members, following customary practices.

Navratri Day 3 Colour 2026

The colour for Navratri Day 3 in 2026 is red.

Red is associated with energy, strength, and courage. Devotees may wear red clothes during the puja as part of the day's tradition.

However, wearing a particular colour is not compulsory. You can participate in the celebration according to your beliefs and family customs.

Maa Chandraghanta Mantra

Devotees can chant the following mantra while worshipping Maa Chandraghanta:

ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः॥

Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah.

The mantra means, “I bow to Goddess Chandraghanta.”

Devotees chant this mantra while seeking the goddess's blessings for courage, strength, protection, and peace of mind. You can recite it during your daily puja according to your personal faith and practice.

What Does Maa Chandraghanta Teach Us in Today's World?

Maa Chandraghanta's message goes beyond religious rituals. Her symbolism offers an important lesson about balancing kindness with self-respect.

Sometimes, we remain silent because we do not want to hurt someone we love. We forgive people repeatedly because we hope they will change. We may even accept unfair treatment because we are afraid of being left alone.

Her teachings remind us that being kind does not mean agreeing with everyone. We can forgive someone while maintaining boundaries. We can say no when something feels wrong. We can also support people who are being bullied or treated unfairly.

Courage does not always mean fighting a battle. Sometimes, it means speaking honestly, asking for help, accepting our mistakes, or finding the confidence to start again.

The message is simple: keep your heart kind, your mind calm, and your self-respect strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is Maa Chandraghanta worshipped in 2026?

Maa Chandraghanta will be worshipped on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the third day of Shardiya Navratri.

2. What is the bhog for Maa Chandraghanta?

Kheer, milk, and other milk-based sweets are commonly offered to Maa Chandraghanta. Customs may vary between households and regions.

3. What is the colour for Navratri Day 3 in 2026?

Red is the colour associated with the third day of Navratri in 2026. It represents strength, energy, and courage.

4. What is the mantra of Maa Chandraghanta?

The mantra is “Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah” (ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः॥).

5. Why do devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta?

Devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta to seek blessings for courage, protection, confidence, and peace of mind.

6. Can Maa Chandraghanta be worshipped at home?

Yes. Devotees can worship Maa Chandraghanta at home by offering prayers, flowers, bhog, and chanting her mantra according to their family traditions.

Celebrate Navratri Day 3 with Devotion

Navratri is a time to reconnect with our faith, reflect on our actions, and welcome positive values into our lives. As devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta, they remember the importance of courage, kindness, and inner strength.

This Navratri, take a moment to pray, spend time with your family, and bring the goddess's teachings into your everyday life.

May Maa Chandraghanta inspire you to face challenges with confidence, treat others with kindness, and protect your peace while standing up for what is right.