Chandraghanta
चन्द्रघण्टा
CHUN-druh-GHUN-taa
Tradition
Shakta
Vahana
Tiger (Vyaghra)
Weapons
Trishula (Trident), Gada (Mace), Dhanush (Bow), Bana (Arrow), Khadga (Sword), Kamala (Lotus), Ghanta (Bell), Kamandalu (Water Pot), Japa Mala (Rosary)
Consort
Shiva (Mahadeva)
Sacred Names
Iconography
Chandraghanta is depicted with a resplendent golden complexion that radiates warmth and divine brilliance. Her most distinguishing iconographic feature is the half-moon (ardha-chandra) adorning her forehead, curved in the shape of a bell (ghanta), from which her name derives. She is portrayed with ten arms (Dashabhuja), each bearing a distinct weapon or sacred object: the trident, mace, bow, arrows, sword, lotus, bell, water pot, and rosary, while one hand remains in the Abhaya Mudra bestowing fearlessness upon devotees. Her posture is that of a warrior goddess seated or riding upon a fierce tiger, symbolizing courage and mastery over wild forces. Her three eyes — representing the sun, moon, and fire — convey omniscience and divine vigilance. She is adorned with elaborate gold jewelry, including armlets, anklets, necklaces, and a brilliant crown. Her garments are often rendered in deep red or saffron hues, symbolizing shakti and auspiciousness. In traditional paintings and temple sculptures, the crescent moon on her forehead emits a gentle celestial glow, contrasting with her battle-ready posture. Artists often depict the sound waves emanating from her bell, representing the cosmic vibration that dispels evil. Her expression balances fierce determination with maternal compassion, embodying the duality of protection and grace.
Mythology
The story of Chandraghanta is rooted in the divine marriage of Parvati and Shiva, one of the most celebrated narratives in Hindu mythology. After rigorous tapas spanning many lifetimes, Parvati had won the heart of Lord Shiva, and the day of their celestial wedding arrived. King Himavan, Parvati's father, arranged a magnificent ceremony at his mountain palace. Guests from all three worlds — Devas, Gandharvas, Apsaras, and Rishis — gathered in joyous anticipation.
When the wedding procession (baraat) of Lord Shiva approached, however, terror gripped the assembly. Shiva arrived in his fearsome Aghori form — his body smeared with cremation ash, serpents coiled around his neck and matted hair, his entourage of ghosts (bhutas), goblins (pretas), ganas, and Aghoris dancing wildly to the beat of damarus. His third eye blazed, skulls adorned his garland, and the very sight of him struck fear into the hearts of all present. Queen Mena Devi, Parvati's mother, fainted in terror. The assembled guests trembled and many fled. King Himavan stood frozen, unable to reconcile this terrifying form with the bridegroom of his beloved daughter.
At this critical moment, Parvati understood that the marriage and her family's honor were at stake. Drawing upon her infinite shakti, she transformed herself into Chandraghanta — a magnificent and awe-inspiring form. A half-moon shaped like a bell appeared upon her forehead, ten arms manifested bearing divine weapons, and she mounted a great tiger. Her golden radiance illuminated the heavens. The sound of her celestial bell (ghanta) resonated through all the realms, a vibration so powerful that it calmed the chaos and dispelled fear from every heart.
With gentle yet firm authority, Chandraghanta approached Lord Shiva and requested him to appear in his most magnificent form — Rajeshwara, the King of Kings. Moved by her devotion and her radiant display of shakti, Shiva complied. He transformed into a breathtakingly handsome prince adorned with jewels, mounted upon Nandi, accompanied by an orderly and divine procession. Queen Mena revived, King Himavan wept with joy, and the wedding proceeded with unmatched splendor.
This story teaches that Chandraghanta represents the transformative power of courage and grace working together. She did not fight Shiva or reject him; she matched his energy with her own divine power, inspiring transformation rather than forcing it. Her bell symbolizes the primordial sound that restores cosmic harmony. Devotees worship her on the third day of Navratri, seeking her blessings to overcome fear, summon inner courage, and transform challenging circumstances through divine grace rather than conflict.
Significance
Chandraghanta holds profound significance in Hindu tradition as the embodiment of bravery, grace, and transformative courage. As the third Navadurga, she represents the spiritual stage where a devotee, having established devotion (Shailaputri) and undergone austerity (Brahmacharini), now awakens inner strength and readiness to face life's battles. Her crescent-bell symbolizes the merging of beauty (chandra — moon) with alertness (ghanta — bell), teaching that true power lies in combining compassion with vigilance. The perpetual sound of her bell is believed to repel all negative energies, evil spirits, and asura forces, creating a protective sphere around her devotees. In the chakra tradition, she governs the Manipura (solar plexus) chakra, the seat of willpower, self-confidence, and personal transformation. Worshipping her on the third day of Navratri is said to burn away accumulated sins and bestow the devotee with an aura of divine grace that commands respect without aggression. She represents the ideal that one need not choose between gentleness and strength — that the most powerful force in the universe is fierce compassion. Her golden hue signifies spiritual refinement, and her tiger mount represents mastery over one's animal instincts. For women especially, Chandraghanta stands as a powerful archetype of dignity, self-possession, and the courage to shape one's own destiny.
5 Sacred Temples
Chandraghanta Devi Temple
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Maa Chandraghanta Mandir
Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Naina Devi Temple (Shakti Pitha)
Nainital, Uttarakhand
Chamundeshwari Temple
Mysuru, Karnataka
Durga Mandir (Navadurga Shrine)
Ramnagar, Uttar Pradesh
Primary Mantra
ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः
Oṁ Devī Chandraghaṇṭāyai Namaḥ
Om, I bow to the Goddess Chandraghanta, the one who bears the crescent moon shaped like a bell upon her forehead.
Associated Festivals
Navratri (Third Day - Tritiya Tithi)
Durga Puja
Vasanta Panchami (Chaitra Navratri Tritiya)
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