Chaitra Navratri Chandraghanta Puja 2026

Chandraghanta Puja is held on Chaitra Shukla Tadiya, the third day of Chaitra Navratri, in honour of Goddess Chandraghanta, the third Navadurga. She is named for the bell-shaped half-moon on her forehead, and she blesses devotees with both serenity and courage.

Her Form and Story

Chandraghanta has a golden complexion, rides a lion and has ten hands holding weapons such as the trident, mace, sword, bow and arrow, along with a kamandalam, lotus and japamala; one hand shows the abhaya mudra. One account says this is the form Parvati took at her wedding with Lord Shiva after her penance. Though ready for battle, her face remains calm. It is believed that demons flee at the sound of her bell — and that the fears in a devotee's heart dissolve the same way.

Pindaja pravararudha chandakopastrakair yuta | Prasadam tanute mahyam chandraghanteti vishruta ||

Puja Vidhanam

• After bathing, worship the kalasham and the Goddess with turmeric and kumkuma.
• Decorate with red roses, kanakambaram and marigolds.
• Ring the bell while offering deepam and dhoopam — the sound of the bell is special on this day.
• Chant "Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namaha" 108 times.
• In some traditions milk or a milk payasam is offered as naivedyam.
• After harathi, share the prasadam with family and neighbours.

This Day in Vasanta Navratri

In North India Chaitra Navratri is widely celebrated as Navadurga worship. In the Telugu states, Vasanta Navratri is kept by devotees of Ammavaru and also as Sri Rama Navaratrulu, with Ramayana parayanam continuing in many homes on Tadiya. As Chaitra brings the start of summer, those fasting should take buttermilk, fruits and enough water, and keep a niyama that suits their health.

Blessings

Yogic tradition links this day's worship to the Manipura chakra. Devotees believe Chandraghanta reduces fear and anxiety, builds courage and confidence, and replaces negativity at home with calm. Gentle speech and a steady mind are the lessons this Mother teaches.

May the sacred bell of Mother Chandraghanta drive away our fears and fill our lives with peace.