**Shardiya Navratri: A Festival Dedicated to Goddess Durga**
Shardiya Navratri is an auspicious festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, observed for nine days with great devotion. This festival holds special significance and is celebrated four times every year, including two Gupt Navratris. Among them, Shardiya Navratri and Chaitra Navratri are the most prominent.
Chaitra Navratri falls in the month of Chaitra, while Shardiya Navratri is observed in the month of Ashwin. During these sacred days, devotees fast, offer prayers, perform pujas, and light lamps throughout the nine days to honor the Goddess.
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### About Maa Chandraghanta
The third day of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Maa Chandraghanta. It is believed that by worshipping her, devotees can cleanse themselves of sins and overcome fears in life.
Maa Chandraghanta is the third manifestation of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the third day of Chaitra Navratri. She is named “Chandraghanta” because of the crescent moon (Chandra) shaped like a bell (ghanta) on her forehead.
She embodies peace and serenity, yet also symbolizes fearlessness and bravery. Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta is said to remove obstacles, fears, and negativity from one’s life.
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### Significance of Shardiya Navratri
Shardiya Navratri is one of the most significant festivals after Chaitra Navratri, celebrated by millions of Hindus worldwide. Falling in the Ashwin month, the festival begins on Shukla Paksha Pratipada and continues until Navami.
This Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Durga because, according to legend, it commemorates the day she killed the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Devotees observe various rituals and celebrations during this period to honor the Goddess.
*Shardiya Navratri | Photo Credit: Amertha Rangankar*
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### Maa Chandraghanta Rituals
Maa Chandraghanta represents the married aspect of Goddess Parvati and is worshipped on the third day of Navratri. Her name is derived from the crescent moon on her forehead, giving her a distinctive bell-like appearance.
To seek her divine blessings, devotees traditionally follow these rituals:
– **Morning Bath & Sankalp:** Begin the day with a holy bath and take a solemn pledge (sankalp) to worship the Goddess with full devotion.
– **Kalash Sthapana:** If not already established on the first day, set up the Kalash (sacred pot) for Navratri puja.
By performing these rituals faithfully, devotees invite peace, courage, and protection into their lives.
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Celebrate Shardiya Navratri with devotion and reverence to experience the divine grace of Goddess Durga in her many powerful forms.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/lifestyle/sharidya-navratri-2025-day-3-maa-chandraghanta-puja-vidhi-significance-and-more