On the third day of Navaratri we worship Chandraghanta Ma, who is also Parvati, but AFTER her marriage to Shiva, and this is marked by Shiva’s 5 day crescent moon she now wears on her forehead.
But, what distinguishes Her is the bell, for it is this ghanta which frightens away the demons. The ringing of bells in temples across India, and for that matter, in religious institutions around the world signify that Sacred Speech is about to be offered to the God(s) and Goddesses, but even more important, ringing the bell signifies Sacred Speech Itself, which demons abhor, and they hide from this overwhelming power. The bell also marks time through the rhythm of its ringing, and as such has reminded the public of time everywhere since bells first appeared.
Even if her manifestation is aggressive and frightening to Demons, She is gentle and compassionate to Her devotees and Her worship brings peace and contentment. She is always ready to protect Her devotees, so Her worship becomes an antidote to unjust persecution and any oppression.
Let Her bells ring throughout the world!
She may be invoked and worshipped with the following mantra:
YA DEVI SARVABHUTESHU MAM CHANDRAGHANTA RUPENA SAMSTHITA
NAMASTASYAI NAMASTASYAI NAMASTASYAI NAMO NAMAH
PINDAJPRAVARARUDHA CHANDKOPASTRAKAIRYUTA
PRASADAM TANUTE MAHYAM CHANDRAGHANTETI VISHRUTA
Chandraghanta Ma
