Navratri Day 3 is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta. She is the fierce yet compassionate form of Goddess Durga. After seeking the blessings of Maa Shailaputri and Maa Brahmacharini during the first two days, devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta to gain courage, confidence, protection, and inner peace.
This day signifies the transformation from spiritual discipline to fearless action. Maa Chandraghanta is revered as the destroyer of evil and the protector of her devotees. She inspires us to face life’s challenges with confidence while remaining calm and compassionate.
Who is Maa Chandraghanta?
Maa Chandraghanta, the third manifestation of Goddess Durga, possesses immense courage and a protective nature. The crescent moon shaped like a bell (ghanta) that adorns her forehead gives her the name Chandraghanta.
After marrying Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati assumed this powerful form to destroy demons and protect the universe from evil forces. Unlike her serene appearance before marriage, Maa Chandraghanta represents bravery, righteousness, and divine power.
She is depicted riding a majestic tiger. She has ten arms, carrying various celestial weapons and holding a trishul, a sword, a mace, a lotus, a bow, an arrow, and a kamandalu. One hand is raised in the Abhaya Mudra, blessing devotees with protection and fearlessness.
Furthermore, Maa Chandraghanta associates with the Manipura Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra), which governs courage, confidence, determination, and personal power.
Date, Timing and Shubh Muhurat
Navratri Day 3 Date: Tuesday, 13 October 2026
Tithi: Ashwin Shukla Tritiya
Goddess of the Day: Maa Chandraghanta
Navratri Day 3 Colour: Grey
Tritiya Tithi Timings: 10:13 PM on 12 October 2026 to 11:28 PM on 13 October 2026 (IST)
Auspicious Puja Time: Morning after sunrise or as per your local Panchang
Main Ritual: Maa Chandraghanta Puja
Bhog: Milk, Kheer and Milk-based Sweets
Associated Chakra: Manipura Chakra
Associated Planet: Venus (Shukra)
Navratri Day 3 Colour: Grey
The traditional colour associated with Navratri Day 3 is grey. Grey symbolises stability, maturity, resilience, and emotional balance. It reminds us that life is not simply black or white but often requires patience, wisdom, and thoughtful decisions.
Wearing grey reflects the qualities of Maa Chandraghanta. She is strong yet compassionate, fearless yet calm. It also represents the ability to remain grounded while overcoming obstacles with confidence.
Grey Outfit ideas for Navratri
Celebrate the third day of Navratri by incorporating elegant shades of grey into your festive attire. The following is an outfit guide for you this Navratri:
Outfit ideas for women:
- Grey silk saree with silver embroidery.
- Grey Anarkali suit with oxidised jewellery.
- Grey lehenga paired with a silver dupatta.
- Grey kurti with white or silver palazzo.
- Silver bangles and statement earrings.
For Men:
- Grey kurta with white pyjamas.
- Charcoal grey Nehru jacket over a cream kurta.
- Grey drapes and traditional footwear.
For Children:
- Grey ethnic dresses.
- Grey kurta-pyjama sets.
- Comfortable festive outfits with silver accents.
Bhog ka Prasad
Milk and milk-based sweets are traditionally offered to Maa Chandraghanta. Some of the most popular offerings include the following: kheer, rabri, milk peda, sweetened milk, and homemade milk sweets. It is believed that offering milk brings peace, good health, and freedom from suffering.
Mantra jaap
ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः॥
Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah॥
Meaning: I bow to Goddess Chandraghanta, who removes fear, protects her devotees, and blesses them with courage and peace. Chanting this mantra with devotion is believed to eliminate negativity and attract divine blessings.
Simple Puja Vidhi
Follow these simple steps to worship Goddess Chandraghanta
- Wake up early and take a holy bath.
- Wear clean clothes, preferably in grey.
- Place an idol or image of Maa Chandraghanta in the puja area.
- Offer fresh flowers, milk, fruits, incense, and sweets.
- Light a diya and incense sticks.
- Chant the mantra 108 times or according to your devotion.
- Perform Durga Aarti.
- Distribute prasad among family members.
Conclusion
Navratri Day 3 teaches us that true strength is not just about defeating challenges but also about maintaining peace, balance, and compassion along the way. By worshipping Maa Chandraghanta and embracing the auspicious grey colour, devotees seek protection, courage, and emotional stability for themselves and their families.