New Delhi: Navaratri is a festival celebrated in the honour of Goddess Durga. Navratri is a Sanskrit word which means 'nine nights'. Though there are four Navaratris in a year, big celebrations are observed for two of them--first in the month of Chaitra (Chaitra Navaratri), and again in the month of Ashvin (Sharad/Shardiya Navratri).
Sharad Navaratri occurs at the onset of the autumn season, whereas Chaitra Navaratri occurs in the spring. The religious traditions of both--Sharad Navaratri and are Chaitra Navaratri--are the same.
This time Sharad Navaratri begins on October 15 and will last till October 23. The nine-day celebrations are devoted to honouring Goddess Durga in her nine forms and all of them have different significance.
These nine Incarnation are:
1. Shailaputri
2. Brahmacharini
3. Chandraghanta
4. Skandamata
5. Kushmanda
6. Katyayini
7. Kaalratri
8. Mahagauri
9. Siddhidatri
Dynamite News brings you the significance of these nine incarnations of Goddess Durga on the day they are worshipped.
Third Navaratri October 17 Tuesday: Chandraghanta
The third day is dedicated to the Goddess Chandraghanta. Chandra-Ghanta, means "one who has a half-moon shaped like a bell". Her third eye is always open, signifying her perpetual readiness for battle against evil. She is also known as Chandrakhanda, Vrikahvahini or Chandrika.
Chandraghanta is believed to reward people with her grace, bravery and courage. By her grace, all the sins, distresses, physical sufferings, mental tribulations and ghostly hurdles of the devotees are eradicated.
The puja of Chandraghanta removes all fears from the heart and instils hope and faith. The sound of the moon bell on her forehead is said to dispel the spirits and all evil energies. Hence Chandraghanta puja can help purify the homes and keep the negative energies at bay.
