Navratri Day 3 is 13 Oct 2026 (Tuesday). On this day we worship Maa Chandraghanta - the one who wears the half moon shaped like a bell (ghanta) on her forehead. This page gives her story from scripture, her form, how to do the puja at home, her mantra and the traditional offering, in simple English.
Day 3: Maa Chandraghanta
चन्द्रघण्टा
13 Oct 2026, Tuesday. The one who wears the half moon shaped like a bell (ghanta) on her forehead.
| Navratri day | Day 3 of 9 |
| Date | 13 Oct 2026, Tuesday |
| Goddess | Maa Chandraghanta (चन्द्रघण्टा) |
| Meaning | The one who wears the half moon shaped like a bell (ghanta) on her forehead |
| Traditional offering (bhog) | Milk, or kheer (rice pudding made with milk) |
| Mantra | Om Devī Candraghaṇṭāyai Namaḥ |
| Scriptural source | Devi Kavacham, Durga Saptashati |
Who is Maa Chandraghanta?
After the wedding of Shiva and Parvati, Parvati took on this form. When Shiva arrived for the wedding in a form frightening to ordinary beings - with snakes, ghosts and Bhoots in his procession - Parvati took the fearless warrior form of Chandraghanta to welcome him and calm her family's fear. She is the married form of the Goddess, the protector who drives away fear and negative forces. The sound of her bell (ghanta) is said in tradition to drive away Asuras.
Her form
She rides a tiger. She has ten arms, each carrying a weapon or mudra. She holds a trishul, gada, sword, kamandalu, bow, arrow, japa mala, and shows abhaya (fearlessness) and varada (blessing) mudras. She has a half moon shaped like a bell on her forehead. She has three eyes and ten arms. Her colour shines like gold.
Puja at home
Offer milk or kheer made from milk to Maa Chandraghanta. Ring a small bell during the aarti - the sound of the bell is her emblem. Pray to be free from fear and to face your challenges with courage. This is a good day to begin something you have been putting off out of fear.
Traditional offering (bhog): Milk, or kheer (rice pudding made with milk). Offerings follow family and regional tradition; offer with love whatever you have.
Mantra
Scriptural source: Devi Kavacham names her as the third Navadurga. Her vahana is a tiger as described in the traditional Navadurga dhyana shlokas. Her ten arms and form are described in the same shlokas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions
Why does Chandraghanta ride a tiger and not a lion?
Her vahana is a tiger, not a lion. This is described in the Navadurga dhyana shlokas. The lion is the vahana of Goddess Durga in her main Mahishasura-Mardini form. Each Navadurga has her own distinct vahana.
What does the bell (ghanta) represent?
The half moon on her forehead is shaped like a ghanta (bell). The sound of a bell in a temple drives away negative energies and signals the presence of the divine. Her name unites these two symbols: the purifying moon and the awakening bell.
Why does she have ten arms?
The ten arms represent her ability to protect her devotees on all ten directions (the eight cardinal directions plus up and down). Each arm carries a different power for her devotee's benefit.
Can elderly people or those with health problems keep the Navratri fast?
Yes. Our tradition has always allowed a lighter phalahar fast (fruits, milk and sattvik foods) for the elderly, the unwell and pregnant women. The Devi Bhagavata Purana says the Goddess values sincere devotion above physical austerity. If you have diabetes, blood pressure or take regular medicines, please speak to your doctor before keeping a strict fast. Devotion of the heart is what reaches the Goddess.
What foods are avoided during the Navratri vrat?
The vrat tradition, as observed across India, avoids wheat, rice, lentils, onion, garlic, non-vegetarian food and regular table salt. Allowed foods include fruits, milk, paneer, ghee, sendha namak (rock salt), kuttu (buckwheat) flour, singhara (water chestnut) flour, rajgira (amaranth) flour, sabudana, potatoes and all fresh fruits and nuts.
Do I need a pandit to do Navratri puja at home?
No. The Navratri puja at home can be done simply and sincerely by any member of the family. Light a lamp, offer flowers and bhog, chant the Goddess's mantra or read from the Durga Saptashati, and do the aarti. The Devi Bhagavata Purana says the Goddess herself comes to homes where she is invited with a pure heart.
Navratri 2026 series
- Navratri 2026: complete guide and dates
- Ghatasthapana: kalash sthapana at home
- Day 1 (Orange): Maa Shailaputri
- Day 2 (White): Maa Brahmacharini
- Day 3 (Red): Maa Chandraghanta
- Day 4 (Royal Blue): Maa Kushmanda
- Day 5 (Yellow): Maa Skandamata
- Day 6 (Green): Maa Katyayani
- Day 7 (Grey): Maa Kalaratri
- Day 8 (Purple): Maa Mahagauri
- Day 9 (Peacock Green): Maa Siddhidatri
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Jai Mata Di. Navratri Day 3: Maa Chandraghanta. Sharad Navratri 2026.