BHUBANESWAR: Maa Chandraghanta, who is the ultimate source of power and dispeller of pain, is worshipped on the third day of Navratri. It is believed that she fulfils all the desires of her devotees due to her generous nature. She is also believed to be the controller of various sound forms across the world. Therefore, one can be connected with celestial sounds through her blessings.
She is worshiped as the slayer of demons and saviour of devas, humans and many other living creatures. She holds a bell (gong), which possesses many astonishing sounds. She also keeps the moon on her forehead which substantiates her name Chandra-ghanta.
Her fair yet golden complexion gives her the look of divinity. She has ten arms. In her right arms she holds lotus, arrow, bow and rosary. In the left arms she holds trishula, sword, gada and kamandalu. The goddess rides a lion and kills demonic forces to save the world. This form of goddess Durga is the prime destroyer of evil forces and enemies. Orissa Post interacted with some devotees to delve deeper into the subject.
Latika Jaypuri, a lawyer and homemaker said, “In Gujarat we celebrate the third day of Navratri in a grand way. We place a Kalash before Amba or Chandraghanta and women of our community wear colourful bangles. We dress up to do the upasana of Mata rani.”
Baishali Achraya, a resident of Unit-8, said, “I decorate my home with a colourful flower Rangoli to welcome Maa Chandraghanta. Every year, my mother-in-law makes sure that we perform a special puja of the Goddess by offering her green and white coloured barfi, payasam, rasgolla, betel leaves and supari.”
Sinduri Durga, a resident of Laxmisagar said, “My husband Ramswami and I are great devotees of Goddess Durga. We celebrate durga puja every year in a grand way as I cook free meals for the needy and hungry people to appease Maa Chandraghanta.”
Pinki Mahakud, a student of KIIT University said, “My sister-in-law is a Rajasthani who makes delicious prasad during Navratri. She gets up early in the morning and prepares it. My mother offers it to goddess Chandraghanta as bhog. We also visit a Durga temple near our home on this day.”
Saibal Ganguly, a priest of Cuttack Durga Mandir near CDA, said, “One must know how to appease the Goddess during Navratri. We offer her malpua, honey and jaggery based sweets to calm her down. She needs to be relaxed after the vicious fight with Mahisasura.
One has to practice dhyanam (meditation) and stay calm and focussed while worshipping of Maa Chandraghanta for the prayers to come to fruition.