Ma Chandraghanta: Form and Meaning

From a calm ascetic to a fierce warrior, Devi Chandraghanta’s Katha is that of inner awakening, courage, and discovery of one’s potential.  Let’s uncover the profound wisdom hidden in this third form of Nav Durga. 

Devi Chandraghanta’s Radiant Form

Ma Chandraghanta has a golden complexion and ten arms. In her hands, she carries the following: trident, mace, bow, arrow, sword, lotus, bell, a rudraksha mala, and a kamandalu (water pot). One of her hands is in Abhaya mudra—a gesture symbolising the removal of fear. She adorns a bell-shaped half moon on her head and gets her name from the same. Durga Saptashati (also known as Devi Mahatmyam) describes how her bell produced a thundering boom that shocked and paralysed the demons during the battle.

The third eye is visible at the centre of her forehead. Dressed in orange, she rides a lion or tiger, a symbol of her strength and courage. 

Symbolism and Meaning: The Mind and the Bell

In the Chandraghanta Swaroop, Devi Ma adorns the bell-shaped half- moon on her head. Chandra (Moon) is also related to our mind or Manas, which has its ups and downs. Isn't it our constant struggle to tame the mind? Negative thoughts, such as jealousy and hatred keep rising, and we struggle to get rid of them. The mind is like our shadow.

We try to get rid of negativity from our minds using different techniques, but it works only for a short while. The mind resets to its usual state again. Do not struggle to get rid of that; instead, befriend the mind and give it direction. It is only possible with self-reflection, inner thinking, and Sadhana.

Chandra (moon) also signifies the various feelings or shades of emotions and thoughts (similar to the different phases of the moon). ‘Ghanta’ is a bell. Do you ever hear multiple sounds from a bell? No matter how you play, the bell only makes one type of sound. In the same way, when a scattered mind—caught in different thoughts and emotions— gets established at one point, then our divine energy awakens and rises upwards.

Do not run away from the mind, for it is also a form of Mother Divine. Everything in nature is nothing but a manifestation of Mother Divine. The key is to accept everything—good or bad, harmonious or unpleasant—as one whole. 

The form of Devi Chandraghanta teaches us to harmonise the chaos within, turning scattered emotions into focused energy. Her story reminds us that challenges are not obstacles but opportunities to awaken our latent strength. By invoking her grace, we align our mind and spirit to conquer our inner and outer battles.

Nav Durga Sadhana

In the potent Nav Durga Sadhana, Ma Chandraghanta is invoked as the third form of Ma Durga. She symbolises our inner power that helps us overcome difficult circumstances with a steady mind.

The Sanskrit word ‘Durg’ means a ‘fort.’ The one who seeks Devi Ma is ever-protected by the strongest of forts —her grace and protection. She becomes the Sadhak’s Durg, a fort that would never fail them.

Wish to start the Nav Durga Sadhana? Don’t worry. Sadhana App has you covered! To Start Nav Durga Sadhana, follow these steps:

• Download Sadhana App. (100% Free. No hidden subscription! No pesky Ads. All features unlocked & available.)
• Click on the lion icon on 26 June '25 to know all the details.
• Follow the day-wise instructions in the app.
• Begin your sadhana by doing the first Japa on 26 June’ 25 and the first yagna on 27 June ‘25.
• The mantra of the day will get updated everyday.
• For the next ten days (26 June- 5 July), perform the Devi japa every evening and yagna in the morning.

All the rituals are completely guided. Grab the opportunity to seek the love and blessings of Mother Divine!

Sadhana Se Sambhav Hai!