Magha Gupta Navratri Chandraghanta Puja 2026

Chandraghanta Puja is observed on Magha Shukla Tadiya, the third day of Magha Gupta Navratri. Goddess Chandraghanta, the third Navadurga form, is named for the bell-shaped half moon (chandra-ghanta) on her forehead. She is serene towards devotees yet always ready for battle against evil.

Form of the Goddess

Golden in complexion, Chandraghanta rides a lion and has ten arms holding a sword, trident, mace, bow and arrows, lotus and kamandalu, with hands in abhaya and varada mudras. The sound of her bell is said to send demons fleeing. Some traditions describe her as the form Parvati took after her marriage to Lord Shiva. In yogic terms she presides over the Manipura chakra.

The meaning of the bell

We ring a bell during every puja at home; its sound gathers a scattered mind and turns it towards the divine. Chandraghanta is that sacred sound in the form of the Goddess. For those keeping the quiet sadhana of Gupta Navratri, this day is seen as one that gives the courage to move past fear and inner restlessness.

How to worship

• After the morning bath, worship the kalasham and the Goddess with turmeric and kumkum.
• Offer red flowers, especially mandaram (hibiscus).
• Ring the bell while reciting the dhyana shloka "Pindaja pravararudha chandakopastrakairyuta, prasadam tanute mahyam Chandraghanteti vishruta".
• Chant "Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah" 108 times.
• Milk, payasam or milk sweets are the customary naivedyam in many homes.
• Those reading Durga Saptashati or Devi Khadgamala can continue their parayanam.

Observances

Through the nine days of Magha Gupta Navratri, upasakas keep to sattvic food, speak little and practise restraint, avoiding onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food. Those fasting usually take fruit or a light meal after the evening puja. Any niyamam should be taken up according to one's own capacity.

Significance

Devotees believe Chandraghanta removes fear and grants courage and peace of mind. Because she unites gentleness with valour, elders say she gives the strength to remain calm and yet stand firm against injustice.

May the divine sound of Mother Chandraghanta fill our homes with peace and auspiciousness.