Significance of the Third Day
The third day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Chandraghanta, the third form of Goddess Durga. She is known for her beauty and bravery and is depicted with a half-moon (chandra) on her forehead in the shape of a bell (ghanta). Worshiping her is believed to remove all sins, physical sufferings, and mental tribulations.
Bhog for Goddess Chandraghanta
The food offered on this day should be prepared using milk, as it holds special significance. Milk-based dishes are considered pure and are believed to please the goddess, bringing blessings of happiness and well-being to the devotee. The preparation of food with milk symbolizes purity and devotion.
Typical Offerings
Kheer: A traditional Indian dessert made from milk, rice, and sugar, often flavored with cardamom, saffron, and garnished with nuts such as almonds and pistachios.
Chaval: Simple cooked rice, which can be offered plain or sometimes prepared as sweet rice (meetha chaval) by adding milk, sugar, and spices.
These offerings are placed in front of the deity during the puja (prayer) and later distributed among devotees as prasad, sharing the blessings of the goddess.
Additional Preparations
Apart from kheer and chaval, other milk-based dishes like sweetened yogurt (mishti doi), milk fudge (kalakand), or paneer-based sweets can also be prepared and offered.
Ritual and Blessings
Performing the ritual with a pure heart and devotion is crucial. The act of offering bhog to the goddess signifies surrendering one’s ego and material desires. In return, it is believed that Goddess Chandraghanta bestows her devotees with serenity, courage, and protection from evil.
By observing these traditions and making offerings with sincere devotion, worshippers seek the divine blessings of Maa Chandraghanta, aiming to attain peace, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment.