Shardiya Navratri 2026 Day 3: Maa Chandraghanta Puja Muhurat, Vidhi, Katha, and Bhog

The third day of Shardiya Navratri honours Maa Chandraghanta, the third manifestation of Goddess Durga. Revered for her serene yet courageous disposition, she is believed to bestow grace, ward off negative energies, and swiftly alleviate obstacles faced by her devotees.
Signification and Iconography

The deity derives her name from the bell-shaped crescent moon (Chandra-ghanta) adorning her forehead. Mounted on a tigress or lion, Maa Chandraghanta possesses ten arms, brandishing weapons such as a sword, mace, trident, bow, arrow, disc, and noose, along with a kamandalu. Her bell-like sound is believed to protect devotees from spirits and negative cosmic forces while evoking peace and internal strength.

Shubh Muhurat for Day 3 (13 October 2026)

• Tritiya Tithi Begins: 12 October 2026 at 10:13 PM
• Tritiya Tithi Ends: 13 October 2026 at 11:27 PM
• Abhijit Muhurat: 11:44 AM – 12:30 PM
• Amrit Kaal: 4:14 PM – 5:57 PM

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Rituals)

1. Morning Purification: Wake up during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear fresh, clean attire (preferably shades of red, yellow, or golden).
2. Sanctifying the Altar: Clean the prayer space and place an idol or image of Maa Chandraghanta alongside Goddess Durga.
3. Sankalp & Lamp Lighting: Light a ghee lamp (diya) and incense, and take a formal vow (sankalp) for the day’s prayers.
4. Offerings: Offer red and yellow flowers, vermilion (kumkum), unbroken rice (akshat), and sandalwood paste to the deity.
5. Chanting & Recitation: Recite the sacred mantras of Maa Chandraghanta followed by the Durga Saptashati or Durga Chalisa.
6. Bhog Offering: Present traditional sweets and dairy-based dishes to the goddess.
7. Aarti: Conclude the puja by performing the Aarti of Maa Chandraghanta alongside family members, followed by distributing the prasad.

Favourite Bhog (Food Offering)

Devotees offer milk-based sweets, particularly kheer (rice pudding cooked in milk), to please the goddess. Preparations infused with saffron, cardamom, and dry fruits are considered especially auspicious.

Vrat Katha (Significance & Legend)

According to Hindu scriptures, when the demon king Mahishasura terrorised the three worlds and drove the Devas out of Swarga (heaven), the gods approached the Trimurti—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—for deliverance. Combining the radiant energies of all gods, a supreme goddess emerged. Shiva granted her his trident, Vishnu gave his Sudarshana Chakra, and Indra gifted his divine bell. Fully armed, Goddess Chandraghanta challenged Mahishasura to battle, defeating his demonic forces and restoring cosmic balance and righteousness.

Mantras

Invocation Mantra:

पिण्डजप्रवरारूढा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता।

प्रसादं तनुते मह्यं चंद्रघण्टेति विश्रुता॥

(Pindaja Pravararudha Chandakopastrakairyuta |

Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta ||)

Beej Mantra:

ऐं श्रीं शक्तयै नमः

(Aim Shreem Shaktayai Namah)

Disclaimer: The information above is derived from traditional religious texts and panchang schedules. For precise regional tithi calculations or astrological guidance, consult a qualified Vedic scholar.