Devotees across Nepal are worshipping Goddess Chandraghanta on the third day of Navaratri, the nine-day period at the start of Dashain.
She is third form of Navadurga and is linked to Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. Worshippers see her as a symbol of courage, protection, peace and the strength to face evil. Customs may vary between families, temples and regions.
Who is Chandraghanta?
Her name combines two Sanskrit words: "chandra" meaning moon, and "ghanta" meaning bell. It refers to the crescent moon on her forehead which looks like a bell. In Hindu belief, she joins a peaceful, caring nature with the strength to fight evil and protect her devotees.
How the day is observed?
Rituals differ from one household or temple to another, but worship commonly follows these steps:
- Devotees bathe, put on clean clothes and clean the place of worship.
- They pray to Durga in her Chandraghanta form, asking for blessings and protection.
- They offer flowers, fruit, incense, a lit oil lamp, water and sweets. Some traditions also offer milk or other dairy products.
- Some may chant "Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah" while meditating on the goddess.
- Some recite passages from the Durga Saptashati, sing devotional hymns or perform aarti.
- Offerings are shared as prasad after worship.
The rituals continue the observances that began with Ghatasthapana.
What the symbols mean
Traditional interpretation give each symbol a meaning:
- Crescent moon and bell: The bell stands for sacred sound and, in belief, the power to drive away negative forces and awaken spiritual awareness.
- Lion or tiger: She is shown riding a lion, in some traditions, a tiger, which stands for courage and fearlessness.
- Ten arms and weapons: Her weapons can include a trident, sword, mace, bow and arrow. They stand for the power to face different forms of evil and protect the righteous.
- Calm yet powerful look: She is both a warrior and a caring mother, which shows that real strengthen protects others.
Why it matters during Dashain?
For devotees, the worship brings courage, protection, peace and a remainder of the victory of good over evil. Daily prayers during Navratri also let worshippers practice devotion and self-discipline. Some read the first three days as a path: Shailaputri stands for a foundation, Brahmacharini for discipline and devotion, and Chandraghanta for the courage to act against evil.
Dashain is more than the worship of Durga's forms. It also brings families together and pases on religious traditions. It ends on VIjaya Dashami, when family members receive tika and jamara blessings from their elders.
