The Power of Maa Chandraghanta: The Destroyer of Demons

Chaitra Navratri is a celebration of the Goddess and all Her nine forms. The festival is celebrated in the spring, culminating in the celebration of Ram Navami, or the celebration of Lord Ram’s birth. The third day of this festival is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, or the “Destroyer of Demons.”

On the day of the wedding between Maa Parvati & Lord Shiva, Maa Parvati’s mother fainted upon seeing Lord Shiva’s form. He had not groomed Himself to be a groom. Rather, he was in his usual form, with snakes adorning Him, matted hair, and ash spread across his body. Maa Parvati took on a fierce form that would match His intense form, in order to mellow down her Lord. This form is worshipped as Maa Chandraghanta.

It was this form that destroyed one of Tarakasura’s demons, Jatukasara. During the battle with the bat-demon, Maa Chandraghanta asked Chandra Deva, or the God of the Moon, to rest upon her head to illuminate the field. To destroy the demon once and for all, Maa Chandraghanta used a giant bell and hit him over the head.

Maa Chandraghanta, known as the "Destroyer of Demons," is a powerful form of Shakti. She symbolizes the strength of devotion, inner peace, and the conquering of negative energies. Revered in Hindu mythology, she embodies both benevolence and fierceness. Often depicted seated upon a fierce tiger, she represents the balance of strength and compassion, ensuring that her devotees are shielded from harm and guided towards spiritual progress.

The Divine Form of Maa Chandraghanta

Chandraghanta is typically shown with ten hands, each holding a different divine weapon or symbol. These items represent her vast powers and unique abilities:

Trident (Trishula): Represents the three gunas (qualities) of nature: sattva (goodness), rajas (activity), and tamas (inertia).
Mace (Gada): A tool to destroy enemies and destroy negative forces in the mind.
Bow & Arrow: The bow signifies potential, while the arrow represents kinetic energy. Together, they emphasize the power to act and make progress.
Lotus: Symbolizes purity, beauty, and spiritual growth.
Sword (Khadga): Represents wisdom and the cutting through of ignorance.
Bell (Ghanta): Represents the bell-shaped half-moon on her forehead and is a weapon that stops negative thoughts in their tracks.
Waterpot (Kamanda): Signifies self-sufficiency and spiritual nourishment.
Blessing Hand: One hand is raised in a gesture of blessing, offering peace and guidance to her devotees.

Symbolism of the Bell: A Sound of Devotion and Inner Peace

Maa Chandraghanta’s can be split into two parts: Chandra (the moon) & Ghanta (the bell). The bell has a deep significance, beyond it being a weapon. The bell is a tool for devotion, a symbol of spirituality. It serves as a mental wake-up call, helping clear distractions and maintaining devotion. The sound of the bell can be seen as an invitation to leave behind past attachments and worldly distractions, allowing for a fresh, present-focused mindset. As Sri Sri Ravi Shankar states, when the mind, scattered in the world of thoughts, becomes consolidated and directed towards the Divine, the bell's sound resonates within, signaling the awakening of inner peace and wisdom.

The clear sound of the bell also serves as a reminder to maintain focus and devotion, cutting through distractions and leading us back to our higher purpose. The bell is unique in that it produces only one pure sound, no matter how it is struck. This sound symbolizes the mind being unified and focused on the Divine.

Maa Chandraghanta and the Manipura Chakra

Maa Chandraghanta is closely associated with the Manipura Chakra, also known as the Solar Plexus Chakra. This chakra is the center of self-confidence, personal power, and leadership. It governs our sense of self-worth. During Navratri, on the third day of worship, devotees focus on awakening the energy of the Manipura Chakra, aligning with Chandraghanta’s energy to enhance foresight and leadership abilities.

Conclusion

Maa Chandraghanta is a guiding force that encourages us to develop inner wisdom, self-confidence, and the ability to conquer both external and internal obstacles. Worshipping her during Navratri, especially on the third day, helps devotees align with their inner power. Her guidance teaches that with devotion, clear focus, and a deep connection to the Divine, we can navigate life’s challenges and emerge victorious. As the bell she holds rings, so too does the call to awaken to the truth within ourselves, shedding attachments and embracing a new, focused mindset.. As we celebrate her during Navratri, we honor the divine energy that resides within all of us, empowering us to take charge of our spiritual journey and manifest our highest potential.

Shloka

पिण्डजप्रवरारूढा चन्दकोपास्त्रैर्युता
प्रसादं तनुते मह्यं चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता ॥
Pinnddaja-Pravara-[A]aruuddhaa Canda-Kopa-Astrair-Yutaa
Prasaadam Tanute Mahyam Candraghanntte[aa-I]ti Vishrutaa ||

Maa Chandraghanta, presented by Isha Joshi of Sur Sangat

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