Chandra Ghanta -The third Navadurga
How Goddess Chandra Ghanta incarnated?
Brahmacharani, after a taking a word from Lord Rudra, came to the kingdom with a rich procession by his father Himavantha. Upon a condition by Brahmacharani to Lord Rudra to request her parents to get married. Lord Rudra came as Nataraja and convinced her parents took a word from them.
Even after that, he tested their parents by approaching them as Vaishnava in disguise. He abused Rudra in different ways. Listening to his words, they lost their faith in him and refused to give their daughter.
As they stood on this decision, Lord Rudra sent Saptarishis to address it. They tried to persuade them, especially Menadevi, in different ways by explaining the glory of Lord Rudra. She was partially convinced for marrying her daughter to Lord Rudra. All deities across universe received invitations to grace the occasion.
On the day of marriage, all of them, including Yama, Kubera, Vasu, Ishana, Lord Brahma, and Lord Vishnu arrived at the destination. Unaware of the physical appeal of Lord Rudra, Mena Devi asked Narada whether he was Lord Rudra by showing them one by one. Narada replied no.
Finally, a terrifying personality with five facets, ashes smeared on his body, snakes surrounding his neck, and the tiger skin covering his body arrived there along with a strange escort comprising ghosts, sages, aghoris etc. Seeing him, Narada said to Mena Devi that he was Lord Rudra. Sooner she saw him and his retinue, she fainted and raised a heated argument with Saptarishis, Lord Brahma and other deities, who glorified Lord Rudra before.
Then Lord Vishnu approached her and explained the glory of Lord Rudra. He said “Lord Rudra is the lord of lords who appears himself in 50crores forms. One day of Lord Rudra is equal to the lifetime of 1 crore of Lord Brahma. Even my lifetime ends with a day ending for Lord Rudra. He lives a luxurious life and eternal life.”
Meanwhile, Brahmacharini arrived there and saw her mother abusing Lord Rudra. She firmly said to her mother, Menadevi, that she will marry only Lord Rudra. Outraged by her stubborn hood, Menadevi raised her hand to beat Parvati. Seeing this, Parvati shown her original identity to Mena Devi, which resulted in the incarnation of her other appearance “Chandra Ghanta Devi”. This appearance astonished everyone present there.
Even after showing her original identity, Mena Devi was not convinced. She asked her to prove the charming side of Lord Rudra. As she convinced him to take the form of his charming prince. Menadevi was wondered at his charm and fully convinced. During marriage, when they are going round the Agni Kund, Lord Brahma fell in love with AMMA’s divine feet, which created sexual desire in him. Being omniscient, Lord Rudra went to kill him. Lord Vishnu and all other deities chanted stotras to please lord shiva. Finally, they too got married.
How she looks like?
Chandraghanta means she wears a half-moon and ghanta means she rings bell showing her courage and readiness for the war. When she rings the bell, the sound produced itself killed demons. She rides a lion as her vehicle, which represents courage. She has ten arms and holds varied weapons in her hands.
How to worship Chandra Ghanta Devi?
The associated colour of Chandraghanta Devi is yellow. Offer Pulihora to Goddess Durga on the third day of Navaratri. Yellow Dhoti and yellow saree during puja are preferable. Perform Shodasha puja with the following mantra-
Chandraghanta Devi’s Mantra:
- Chandraghanta mahakopaa, Sarvapida Nivarni!
Dashabhuji Mahashouri, Ugrakshi Karkashaa Hara!! - Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Nidra Rupena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah - Om Sri Chandraghanta Mahadevyai Namah
- Om Virat Swarupinyai Sri Chandraghanta Mahadevyai Namah
- Om Maharudra Mahapriyayi Sri Chandraghanta Mahadevyai Namah
- Om Paripoorna Siddha Swarupinyai Sri Chandraghanta Mahadevyai Namah
- Om arva Bhaya Vinashinyai – Abhaya Pradayiinyai Sri Chandraghanta Mahadevyai Namah
- Om Dukha Nashinyai – Paramananda Pradayinyai Sri Chandraghanta Mahadevyai Namah
- Om Dushta Nashinyai Rakshasa Samharinyai Om Sri Chandraghanta Mahadevyai Namah
- Om Maha Saurya Swarupinyai Sri Chandraghanta Mahadevyai Namah
- Om Maha Shakthi Shalinyai Sri Chandraghanta Mahadevyai Namah
- Om Anantha Swarupinyai Sahasra Shobhitayai Sri Chandraghanta Mahadevyai Namah
- Ram Tejastatvatmane Namah
Benefits of Chandraghanta Devi’s worship
One who worships her will get the fruit of mental peace, life protection, evil torments elimination and being courage.
How to Meditate Chandraghanta Devi?
- Chandraghanta Devi is associated with Manipuraka Chakra, on the right of Navel. It is her abode. There are ten petals associated with this chakra.
- The mudra associated with it is Samana mudra, meeting all our fingers with thumb.
- “Ram” is the beejakshara mantra for Manipuraka chakra. Chant this mantra with your mind till it concentrates on this chakra. Ram mantra is related to shiva.
- Once you can concentrate well, be in a position by locking your fingers (Put your right fingers on the left fingers one on one as shown in the image.