चन्द्रघण्टा
Chandraghanta
Iconography
A ten-armed warrior form riding a tigress. She bears the trident, mace, sword, bow, arrow, lotus, and japa-mala, with hands in the varada and abhaya mudras. A bell-shaped crescent moon marks her brow — the source of her name.
Significance
The Devi in her composed-yet-fierce form, armed and ready. The sound of the bell-shaped moon on her brow is said to drive fear from her devotees; she is worshipped for courage.
Worship mantra
Mantra text
oṁ devī candraghaṇṭāyai namaḥ
Transliteration is under scholarly review — treat as provisional.
Om, salutations to Goddess Chandraghanta.
Dhyana shloka
Mantra text
piṇḍajapravarārūḍhā caṇḍakopāstrakairyutā | prasādaṃ tanute mahyaṃ candraghaṇṭeti viśrutā ||
Transliteration is under scholarly review — treat as provisional.
Mounted on the foremost of beasts, equipped with the weapons of fierce wrath — she who is renowned as Chandraghanta bestows her grace upon me.
Bhog for the day
Kheer (milk-rice pudding)