The form of the Goddess
worshipped on the third day of Navaratri is Chandraghanta
(‘bell-shaped moon’ - a reference to her forehead ornament).
Chandraghanta is
depicted as eight armed, holding a bow-and-arrow, trident, mace, sword, bell,
lotus, and, kamandalu (water vessel).
Her other hand is raised in abhayamudra
(gesture of protection and blessing). Her complexion is golden; she has a third
eye on her forehead that is also adorned with a crescent moon; and, she rides a
tiger as her vahana (divine mount).
Her countenance is serene and gracious.
As Shailaputri, Shakti
had won over Lord Shiva. He then comes to her father’s abode for the marriage
ceremony, accompanied by his horde of ganas
and bhoothas, who were fearsome and
otherworldly in their appearance. The bridal party is terror-stricken at the sight.
Unmoved by the frightful display, Shakti goes out to meet her bridegroom in the
form of Chandraghanta and entreats him to take on a more auspicious aspect.
Shiva obliges and assumes a princely form. The wedding takes place.
Chandraghanta’s tiger
symbolizes courage. Her own visage is that of divine splendor. The weapons and
the abhayamudra represent her
protective grace towards her devotees. With the third eye and crescent moon on
her forehead, she is the equal of Shiva. This is shown in her willingness to meet
him on his terms and request his benevolence towards her own, while
demonstrating her ability to defend those who are hers.
Among the Navagrahas,
she governs Venus. The sacred offering to Chandraghanta is milk. The worship of
the benevolent form of Chandraghanta blesses the devotee with courage, peace, prosperity,
and divine vision.
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