Celebrating Chandraghanta Bhagwati: Third day of navratri during Dashain festivities

KATHMANDU: Today marks the third day of Navratri during the Dashain festival, dedicated to the worship of Chandraghanta Bhagwati.

In Hindu tradition, the nine forms of Navadurga are revered, starting with the Ghatasthapana ceremony of Dashain.

Chandraghanta represents one of these forms, specifically the third aspect of Goddess Durga Bhavani. She is honored on the third day of Ashwin Shukla, a significant day in Nepali culture.

The sequence of worship during Dashain begins with Shailputri on the first day, followed by Brahmacharini on the second day, and continues with Chandraghanta on the third day.

The subsequent days honor Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri, culminating in the ninth day.

Chandraghanta, also known as the third name of Jagdamba, embodies both calmness and power.

Her worship is particularly significant on this day, as she is associated with a crescent moon shape that adorns her head, symbolizing tranquility and artistry. This lunar representation signifies coolness and aesthetic beauty.

According to scriptures, the goddess harnesses the powers of nature and lunar beauty to enhance the world’s prosperity and splendor.

Goddess Chandraghanta is often depicted wearing a bell-shaped crescent headdress, and she is revered as Mother Chandraghanta.

Special devotional activities for Navratri are held at notable sites such as Taleju Bhavani near Dashainghar in Hanumandhoka, as well as at various Shakti Peeths including Guheshwari, Maitidevi, Naxal Bhagwati, Kalikasthan, Bhadrakali, Sankata, Raktakali, Dakshinkali, and Shobhabhagwati temples throughout the Kathmandu Valley.