Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day of Shardiya Navratri. She is one of the nine forms of Maa Durga and governs the planet Shukra. The goddess mounts the tigress and is depicted with ten hands. She also carries a lotus flower, arrow, dhanush, and japa mala (prayer beads) in her four right hands and keeps the fifth right hand in Abhaya Mudra. Meanwhile, she carries trishul, gada, sword, and a kamandal in her four left hands and keeps the fifth left hand in Varada Mudra.
According to Drik Panchang, Maa Chandraghanta is the married avatar of Maa Parvati. After marrying Lord Shiva, she started adorning her forehead with a half-moon or Chandra. Therefore, she came to be known as Maa Chandraghanta. She is the peaceful form of Maa Parvati.
According
to mythology, the sound of the moon and bell on her forehead can expel all
types of spirits. During her battle with the demons, the sound produced by her
bell sent thousands of wicked demons to the abode of the God of Death. Those
who worship Devi in this form get eternal power and strength.
