Worship Maa Chandraghanta On Navratri 2026 Day 3; Know Shubh Muhurat, Mantras, Bhog, Puja Vidhi And Auspicious Colour

On the third day of Navratri, Maa Chandraghanta, the third form of Goddess Durga, is worshipped. This day falls on the Tritiya Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the Ashwin month. This year, the day is being celebrated on 13th October 2026.

Let's understand the auspicious timings, puja vidhi, mantras, bhog and which colour a devotee should wear on this day.

Navratri 2026 Day 3: Date And Shubh Muhurat

According to the Drik Panchang, Tritiya Tithi of the Shukla Paksha is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta. Here are the auspicious timings for the day:

Who Is Maa Chandraghanta?

Maa Chandraghanta, also known as Chandika, Rannchandi, or Vrikahvahini, derives her name from the half-moon (Chandra) shaped like a bell (Ghanta) adorning her forehead. She is often depicted with a radiant golden complexion and ten hands, holding weapons such as a trident, mace, and spear; in other forms, she carries a lotus, sacred pot, and bell, with one hand in a blessing mudra. She is also riding a tigress.

Unlike her fierce form, Chandraghanta represents her readiness to confront and remove negative forces. She symbolises bravery and courage, strength against injustice, misery, and suffering.

Worshipping her is believed to awaken the Manipura Chakra (navel chakra), ruled by the Sun, instilling supreme confidence, leadership skills and inner strength.

Day 3: Navratri Colour

Day 3 Colour: The auspicious colour for the third day of Navratri is Red.

Red symbolises passion and love and is also the most preferred colour of chunri that is offered to the Goddess. Wearing this colour brings vigour and vitality.

Maa Chandraghanta Bhog

Offering milk-based products is believed to please Maa Chandraghanta and invite health, wealth, and prosperity into the household.

Primary Bhog: Sacred milk kheer garnished with saffron and almonds.

Other Offerings: Pedha, Rabri, or pure fresh milk with honey.

Pro-Tip: Distribute the kheer as prasad to priests and loved ones after the evening aarti.

Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi For Day 3

To perform Maa Chandraghanta Puja correctly at home, here are some steps that are traditionally followed:

1. Wake up during Brahma Muhurat, take a holy bath, and wear fresh clothes (preferably in the colour red)

2. Clean the puja space and place an image or idol of Maa Chandraghanta on a sacred cloth beside the Kalash.

3. Then offer flowers, especially yellow flowers associated with the Goddess, akshat (unbroken rice), kumkum, and chandan to the Goddess.

4. Prepare fresh Kheer and place it before the idol.

5. Recite the Maa Chandraghanta Mantras 108 times using a Rudraksha or Sphatik mala.

6. Perform the Durga aarti with a ghee lamp and camphor.

7. Conclude the puja by praying for protection, courage, strength and guidance. Also express your gratitude towards the Goddess for her blessings.

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Powerful Mantras To Chant On Day 3

1. Beej Mantra

Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah

2. Dhyan Mantra

Pindaja Pravararudha Chandakopastrakairyuta
Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta

3. Prathana Mantra

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Chandraghanta Rupena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah

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Thus, worshipping Goddess Chandraghanta on the third day of Navratri brings profound spiritual benefits, helping the devotee achieve inner peace and divine protection.

FAQs

1. Which flower should be offered to Maa Chandraghanta?

Lotus or yellow flowers are considered extremely auspicious for Maa Chandraghanta.

2. What is the main benefit of worshipping Maa Chandraghanta?

She removes fear, negative energy, and anxiety while instilling courage, strength, leadership skills, and mental peace.