shardiya navratri 2026 day 3 maa chandraghanta puja vidhi blog banner After worshipping Maa Shailaputri on the first day and seeking the blessings of Maa Brahmacharini on the second, devotees celebrate Shardiya Navratri 2026 Day 3 by offering prayers to Maa Chandraghanta, the third divine manifestation among the Navadurga.

Known as the Goddess of courage, fearlessness, and divine protection, Maa Chandraghanta inspires devotees to face life’s challenges with confidence while remaining devoted to righteousness. Her worship is believed to remove negativity, bring peace of mind, and bless devotees with strength, prosperity, and spiritual progress.

Shardiya Navratri 2026 Day 3 falls on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, and is observed on Ashwin Shukla Tritiya. On this day, devotees perform special puja, observe Navratri vrat, offer bhog, chant sacred mantras, and seek the blessings of Maa Chandraghanta for courage, harmony, and success.

If you want to know about about the Navratri Day 3 goddess, the correct Day 3 Navratri colour, Puja Vidhi, mantra, bhog, and spiritual significance, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Shardiya Navratri 2026 Day 3 Date

  • Festival: Shardiya Navratri Day 3
  • Date: Tuesday, 13 October 2026
  • Tithi: Ashwin Shukla Tritiya
  • Day 3 Navratri Goddess: Maa Chandraghanta
  • Main Ritual: Maa Chandraghanta Puja
  • Navratri Day 3 Colour: Red

Who Is the Day 3 Navratri Goddess?

The Day 3 Navratri Goddess is Maa Chandraghanta, the third form of Goddess Durga worshipped during the nine sacred days of Navratri.

The name Chandraghanta is derived from the crescent moon (Chandra) that adorns her forehead in the shape of a bell (Ghanta). This divine form symbolises bravery, alertness, and protection against negative forces.

According to Hindu scriptures, after marrying Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati assumed this magnificent form to protect the universe from evil. Unlike her earlier ascetic form as Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta appears as a warrior Goddess, always ready to uphold dharma and restore peace.

She is portrayed riding a tiger, carrying various divine weapons in her ten hands, while displaying the Abhaya Mudra, assuring devotees of her blessings and protection.

Maa Chandraghanta represents:
  • Courage
  • Fearlessness
  • Justice
  • Inner confidence
  • Compassion
  • Divine protection
In yogic philosophy, her worship is associated with the Manipura Chakra, the energy centre connected with confidence, willpower, self-esteem, and determination. It is believed that sincere worship of Maa Chandraghanta helps devotees overcome fear, strengthen their resolve, and move forward with greater positivity.

Why Is Maa Chandraghanta Worshipped on Navratri Day 3?

why is maa chandraghanta worshipped on navratri day 3 Every day of Navratri reflects a different stage of the spiritual journey.

While the first two days encourage purity, discipline, and devotion, Navratri Day 3 reminds devotees to develop the courage needed to overcome obstacles on the path of righteousness.

Maa Chandraghanta teaches that true strength is not only physical but also mental and spiritual. Her blessings inspire devotees to remain calm during difficult situations, act with confidence, and protect truth and justice.

Many devotees also believe that worshipping Maa Chandraghanta helps remove fear, negative energies, and unnecessary anxiety while creating an atmosphere of peace and positivity at home.

Maa Chandraghanta Puja Vidhi

The worship of Maa Chandraghanta is performed with devotion and simplicity. Before beginning the puja, devotees first offer prayers to the Kalash established on Navratri Day 1 and then invoke the blessings of the Goddess.

Puja Samagri

  • Idol or image of Maa Chandraghanta
  • Red flowers
  • Kumkum and turmeric
  • Akshat (rice)
  • Gangajal
  • Ghee diya
  • Incense sticks
  • Coconut
  • Fruits
  • Milk
  • Panchamrit
  • Betel leaves and supari
  • Sweets or kheer

Puja Procedure

  • Wake up early in the morning or in  Brahma Muhurta. After that, take a bath, and wear clean clothes.
  • Clean the puja area and light a ghee lamp before the Goddess.
  • Offer Gangajal, kumkum, turmeric, Akshat, flowers, and fruits.
  • Present the bhog with devotion.
  • Chant Maa Chandraghanta’s mantra while meditating on her divine form.
  • Read Durga Saptashati, Durga Chalisa, or other devotional hymns.
  • Conclude the worship by performing the morning or evening aarti. Generally, devotees should perform puja in the morning and evening as well. 
Those observing the Navratri fast continue their vrat while following a satvik diet and maintaining purity in thoughts, words, and actions.

Maa Chandraghanta Mantra

One of the most widely recited mantras dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta is:

ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः॥
Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah॥

Devotees chant this mantra during the puja to invoke the blessings of the Goddess for courage, peace, and protection.

Another popular dhyana mantra is:

पिण्डजप्रवरारूढ़ा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता।
प्रसादं तनुते मह्यं चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता॥

Reciting these mantras with faith is believed to strengthen inner confidence and remove fear and negativity from one’s life.

Navratri Day 3 Colour and Bhog

Day 3 Navratri Colour – Red

According to the Navratri colour sequence for Shardiya Navratri 2026 Day 3, the auspicious colour is Red.

Red represents:
  • Strength
  • Energy
  • Courage
  • Determination
  • Auspiciousness
Many devotees wear red-coloured traditional attire while worshipping Maa Chandraghanta, as it symbolises her powerful and protective form.

Bhog Offered to Maa Chandraghanta

Milk and preparations made from milk are considered especially auspicious on Navratri Day 3.

Popular bhog offerings include:
  • Kheer
  • Milk
  • Rabri
  • Paneer-based sweets
  • Makhana Kheer
  • Panchamrit
  • Fresh fruits
It is believed that offering milk-based bhog to Maa Chandraghanta brings peace of mind, promotes good health, and invites prosperity into the home.

You may also like to read: 9 Special Bhog Offered During Navratri That Make Your Puja Complete

Spiritual Significance of Shardiya Navratri 2026 Day 3

Every form of Maa Durga represents a different virtue, and Maa Chandraghanta reminds us that courage is most meaningful when it is guided by wisdom and compassion.

Her divine form encourages devotees to remain calm during difficult situations instead of being overwhelmed by fear or uncertainty. The ringing bell represented by the crescent moon on her forehead is believed to drive away negative energies and awaken positive vibrations.

Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta is also seen as a reminder to:
  • Face challenges with confidence.
  • Stay committed to truth and righteousness.
  • Develop emotional resilience.
  • Cultivate inner peace through devotion.
  • Move ahead in life with faith and determination.
Many devotees dedicate this day to mantra chanting, meditation, and prayers, seeking both spiritual strength and mental clarity.

A Simple Way to Worship Maa Chandraghanta at Home

Not everyone is able to perform elaborate rituals during Navratri. Even a simple prayer offered with devotion is considered meaningful.

You can worship Maa Chandraghanta by following these easy steps:
  • Begin your day with a bath and wear clean clothes.
  • Light a ghee diya before Maa Durga.
  • Offer red flowers and a milk-based bhog.
  • Chant “Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah” 11, 21, or 108 times.
  • Perform a short aarti.
  • Spend a few quiet moments in prayer or meditation.
The sincerity of your devotion matters far more than the scale of the ritual.

Do’s and Don’ts for Navratri Day 3

For detailed Navratri observances, you can also read our complete guide on the Do’s and Don’ts During Shardiya Navratri.

Do’s

  • Worship Maa Chandraghanta with faith and concentration.
  • Wear clean clothes; many devotees choose red on this day.
  • Offer fresh, satvik bhog with devotion.
  • Continue observing your Navratri vrat with discipline.
  • Chant the Goddess’s mantras or read Durga Saptashati.
  • Maintain a peaceful and positive atmosphere at home.

Don’ts

  • Avoid consuming onion, garlic, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food.
  • Refrain from arguments, anger, and negative behaviour.
  • Do not eat food that is not permitted during your Navratri fast.
  • Avoid hurting others through words or actions.
  • Do not neglect your daily prayers and spiritual practices.
Also read: Significance & Rituals of Shardiya Navratri

Closing Thoughts

Shardiya Navratri 2026 Day 3 is a beautiful reminder that true strength comes from courage balanced with compassion and faith. Through the worship of Maa Chandraghanta, devotees seek the confidence to overcome difficulties, the wisdom to make the right choices, and the determination to continue on the path of righteousness.

May Maa Chandraghanta bless you and your family with peace, protection, good health, and the strength to overcome every obstacle this Navratri.