Devi Chandraghanta Puja 2026

Chandraghanta Puja is held on Ashwayuja Shukla Tadiya, the third day of Dasara Sharannavaratri. Goddess Chandraghanta, the third Navadurga form, is named for the bell-shaped half moon on her head. On this day we remember the warrior form of Durga, ready for battle with Mahishasura.

Her form and story

One account says Chandraghanta is the radiant form Parvati assumed at her wedding to Shiva. Another says that when the asuras overran the heavens, the terrible ringing of her bell alone set them trembling. Ten-armed and golden, holding a trident, mace, sword, kamandalu, bow and arrows, lotus and japa mala, and seated on a lion, she is gentle to devotees and fierce to the wicked. Since Sharannavaratri celebrates the slaying of Mahishasura, Chandraghanta, the Goddess poised for battle, holds a special place in Dasara.

How to do the third-day puja

• Bathe in the morning and do the daily puja for the kalasham and akhanda deepam.
• Decorate Chandraghanta's picture with red cloth or red flowers; mandaram (hibiscus) and red roses are ideal.
• Keep ringing the bell throughout the puja, which is special to this day.
• Recite the dhyana shloka "Pindaja pravararudha chandakopastrakairyuta, prasadam tanute mahyam Chandraghanteti vishruta".
• Chant "Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah" 108 times, and read Durga Saptashati or the Mahishasuramardini stotram if you wish.
• Milk payasam or ksheerannam is the customary naivedyam in many homes.

Dasara customs

By the third day, Dasara excitement builds across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Devotees queue for darshan of Kanaka Durgamma in Vijayawada, and many take Bhavani deeksha and serve the Goddess dressed in red. At home, muttaiduvas are invited in the evening and given pasupu-kumkum and tambulam, and children visit homes with Bommala Koluvu for perantam.

Significance

Devotees believe Chandraghanta's worship removes fear and restlessness and brings courage and calm. Elders say the sound of the bell drives negativity out of the home.

May Mother Chandraghanta bless us all with courage and victory.