--> Skip to main content


How To Worship Maa Chandraghanta In Hinduism - A Comprehensive Guide

Comprehensive Guide to Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta in Hinduism

Maa Chandraghanta, the third form of Goddess Durga, is worshipped during Navratri and represents courage, grace, and bravery. The name "Chandraghanta" comes from the crescent moon (Chandra) adorning her forehead, shaped like a bell (Ghanta). She is depicted riding a tiger, symbolizing fearlessness.

Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta is believed to eliminate all sufferings, attract positivity, and bring prosperity, inner peace, and spiritual progress. Below is a detailed guide on how to properly and eco-consciously worship her:


1. Cleanliness and Preparation:

Cleanliness is an essential aspect of Hindu worship. To invite divine blessings, both the physical surroundings and the worshipper should be clean and pure.

  • Home Cleanliness: Clean the home, especially the area where the puja will take place. Mop the floor with water mixed with turmeric or sandalwood for added sanctity.
  • Personal Cleanliness: Take a bath early in the morning and wear fresh, clean clothes.
  • Puja Space: Clean the puja room or the altar with water and cow dung for an eco-friendly approach. Arrange the space neatly, and set up an altar with Maa Chandraghanta's idol or image.

2. Time for Puja:

  • Morning: The most auspicious time for worshipping Maa Chandraghanta is during the Brahma Muhurta (around 4:30 AM to 6:00 AM).
  • Evening Aarti: Perform evening aarti around sunset, as this time is also considered sacred for invoking divine energy.

3. Color of Clothes:

Each day of Navratri is associated with a particular color, and for Maa Chandraghanta, the preferred color is Golden or Yellow, which represents radiance, joy, and divinity.

4. Eco-Friendly Puja Items Required:

Make sure to use traditional and eco-friendly puja products that are biodegradable and support sustainable practices.

  • Kalash (Copper or Clay Pot): Filled with clean water and adorned with mango leaves.
  • Fresh Flowers: Marigold, hibiscus, and lotus (Avoid plastic or artificial flowers).
  • Fruits and Sweets: Offer seasonal fruits like bananas, apples, and eco-friendly, home-made sweets like besan laddoo or coconut ladoo.
  • Cow Ghee Diya (Lamp): Made from terracotta or brass, and lit using ghee (clarified butter).
  • Incense Sticks and Camphor: Use natural, eco-friendly incense sticks (made from sandalwood or dried flowers).
  • Durva Grass and Bel Patra: Traditional sacred items.
  • Haldi (Turmeric), Kumkum (Vermilion), and Chandan (Sandalwood): Used for tilak and decorations.
  • Natural Rangoli Colors: Made from rice flour or turmeric.

5. Simple Steps for Performing the Puja:

Step 1: Setting up the Altar

  • Place the idol or picture of Maa Chandraghanta on a clean and decorated altar.
  • Place the Kalash with water and mango leaves in front of her image.

Step 2: Invoking Maa Chandraghanta

  • Mantra to Invoke Her Presence:
    • "ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः"
    • "Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah"
  • Chant this mantra while mentally inviting Maa Chandraghanta to bless your home and heart.

Step 3: Offering

  • Offer fresh flowers, sandalwood paste, fruits, and sweets (avoid using plastic plates; use banana leaves or clay bowls).
  • Light the ghee diya and the incense sticks.

Step 4: Reciting Mantras

  • Recite the Chandraghanta Stotra or chant her 108 names (Ashtottara Shatanamavali) for devotion and focus.
  • You can also chant her Beej Mantra:
    • "ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे"
    • "Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche"

Step 5: Performing Aarti

  • Perform the aarti with camphor and a ghee diya while singing the Chandraghanta Aarti.
  • Circumambulate the deity three times while offering flowers.

6. Prasad Preparation:

Prasad is an integral part of the puja, symbolizing gratitude and sharing of blessings. Prepare eco-friendly prasad using natural ingredients.

  • Suggested Prasad:
    • Coconut Laddoo (made from grated coconut and jaggery),
    • Besan Laddoo (made from gram flour and ghee),
    • Kheer (made with rice, milk, and jaggery).

7. Concluding the Puja:

After performing the aarti and offering the prasad, sit in silence for a few minutes to meditate and absorb the divine energy of Maa Chandraghanta.

  • Mantra for Conclusion:
    • "Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti"
  • Thank Maa Chandraghanta for her blessings and seek her continued protection and guidance.

8. What to Do with the Leftover Puja Items:

Ensure that all leftover items are disposed of in an eco-friendly manner:

  • Flowers and Leaves: Compost the organic materials like flowers, leaves, and garlands in a garden or a compost bin.
  • Kalash Water: Use the water from the Kalash to water plants or trees, symbolizing nourishment to the earth.
  • Diya and Incense Ashes: Bury the ashes from the incense sticks and camphor in the soil.
  • Leftover Prasad: Share the prasad with family, friends, or the needy to spread blessings and reduce waste.

9. Importance and Benefits of Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta:

  • Blessings of Peace and Harmony: Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta helps bring calm, balance, and tranquility in life. Her energy wards off negativity and promotes inner strength.
  • Removes Obstacles and Fear: Maa Chandraghanta is known to destroy all forms of evil, fear, and obstacles in the devotee’s life.
  • Spiritual Awakening: Devotees gain confidence, courage, and a heightened spiritual connection.
  • Health and Prosperity: She blesses her devotees with good health, wealth, and happiness.

10. Mantras and Prayers:

The following mantras can be chanted to invoke the blessings of Maa Chandraghanta:

  • Chandraghanta Gayatri Mantra:
    • "Om Chandraghantaye Vidmahe, Khadgahasthaye Dhimahi, Tanno Devi Prachodayat"
  • Chandraghanta Kavach: (A protective prayer invoking her grace and strength)
    • "Omkarah Me Shiro Rakshet, Muladhara Stithai Mama."

By performing this eco-friendly and spiritually powerful puja for Maa Chandraghanta, you connect with her divine energy in a way that respects both tradition and the environment. The use of natural and biodegradable materials ensures that the worship remains sustainable, preserving nature while invoking the divine.