चन्द्रघण्टा
Navdurga
Chandraghanta is the third form of Durga — 'the one with a bell-shaped moon on her forehead'. She is the married form of Parvati after her wedding to Shiva. Her appearance is fierce — a half-moon crowned warrior ready to fight — yet her essence is peace and grace. Her worship is on Day 3 of Navratri. She destroys all sins, enemies, and negative energies. Day 3 is associated with the colour yellow (or royal blue). Devotees offer milk and pray for peace and protection. The sound of her bell is said to drive away evil spirits.
Ten arms holding various weapons — trident, mace, bow, arrows, sword, lotus, bell, and kamandalu. A bell-shaped half-moon on her forehead (chandraghanta). Golden complexion. Riding a tiger or lion.
ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः ॥
पिण्डजप्रवरारूढा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता । प्रसादं तनुते मह्यं चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता ॥
Part of the Navdurga collection