KATHMANDU: On the third day of Dashain, Goddess Chandraghanta is being revered at various temples and homes across the country.
People have flocked to sacred sites since morning.
According to tradition, worship of Durga Bhawani begins on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada and continues until Dashain Purnima.
Yesterday, on the second day of Dashain, Brahmacharini Devi was honored.
The tradition includes the worship of the nine forms of Navadurga alongside this ceremony.
During the nine days of Navaratri, the forms of the Goddess are celebrated as follows: Shailiputri on the first day, Brahmacharini on the second, Chandraghanta on the third, Kushmanda on the fourth, Skandamata on the fifth, Katyayani on the sixth, Kalratri on the seventh, Mahagauri on the eighth, and Siddhidatri on the ninth.
Goddess Chandraghanta, as mentioned in various ancient texts, is named after the crescent moon (Chandra) bell (Ghanta) she holds. According to former associate professor at Nepal Sanskrit University, Shri Ram Sapkota, worshipping this goddess during Navaratri is believed to bestow strength and power.
The Markandeya Purana describes her as ‘Chandra Ghantayaam Yasya Sa’— the one who holds the crescent moon. Goddess Chandraghanta is depicted with a yellow complexion, and she is known for vanquishing evil forces. On this day, devotees focus on the Manipura Chakra during meditation and believe that visualizing her form grants immense strength.
Assistant Professor Chintamani Bhattarai from Balmiki Bidyapeeth shared that the blessings of Goddess Chandraghanta are said to cleanse all sins. Her appearance is peaceful and compassionate, which is why she is also specially revered by those in the fields of music and arts. Meditating on her today is believed to bring brilliance to one’s forehead, symbolizing enlightenment.
In Kathmandu, temples such as Taleju Bhawani, Guheswari, Dakshinkali, Kalikasthan, Maitidevi, Indrayani, Bijeshwari, Shobhabhagawati, Naxal Bhagawati, and Bhadrakali have seen a significant influx of devotees since early morning.
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