Today's Navaratri Worship: Chandraghanta, the remover of sins and suffering

Chandraghanta avatar of Goddess Durga is worshipped on the third day of Navratri. The third day of Navratri is also a symbol of peace, calm, and purity.

The name ‘Chandraghanta’ is a combination of two words — ‘Chandra’ which means the moon, and ‘Ghanta’ which means bell. So, Chandraghanta implies a bell-shaped half-moon .

It is claimed that Devi Chandraghanta removes the problems, sins, and emotional and physical suffering of her devotees. Goddess Chandraghanta’s avatar is the embodiment of dignity, humbleness, and grace. She is believed to be the Shakti of Lord Shiva, for which the third day is dedicated to the Chandraghanta avatar.

In depictions, Goddess Chandraghanta is shown seated atop a tiger or lion.  Each of her ten hands (Dashabhuja) is holding a precious object. She still maintains the blessings gesture, or abhayamudra, with one hand.