Figure in the Hindu festival stories
Chandraghanta
Third Navadurga — the crescent-belled warrior
In short
Chandraghanta is the third of the nine Navadurga forms, worshipped on the third night of Navratri. Named for the crescent moon shaped like a bell (ghanta) upon her brow, she rides a tiger, bears ten arms filled with weapons, and unites fierce valour with a serene, blessing calm.
Reviewed by the Godify team · Last updated
Chandraghanta’s story and role
Third in the Navadurga sequence of the Devi Kavacha, Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third night of Navratri. Her name joins 'chandra' (moon) and 'ghanta' (bell): a crescent moon curved like a bell adorns her forehead. In traditional accounts she is the goddess in her married form, radiant and golden, after her union with Shiva.
She is depicted riding a tiger (in some accounts a lion), with ten arms bearing weapons such as the trident, sword, mace, bow and arrow, alongside a hand raised in blessing. Fierce as she appears, her expression is calm and gracious. The bell of the moon on her brow is said to sound a note that drives away demons and negativity, so that her presence is both a warning to evil and a comfort to the faithful.
On her night she is invoked for bravery, protection and inner peace. She teaches that true strength is not restless aggression but courage held steady by serenity, ready to defend yet at rest within.
What Chandraghanta represents
Chandraghanta symbolises courage married to peace, the protective warrior-strength that drives away fear and evil while the sound of her bell brings serenity to the devoted heart.
Festivals with Chandraghanta
Related figures
More figures
About Chandraghanta
Why is she called Chandraghanta?
Her name means 'moon-bell': a crescent moon shaped like a bell (ghanta) rests on her forehead. Its sound is said to dispel fear, negativity and demons.
What does Chandraghanta ride and carry?
She rides a tiger (a lion in some accounts) and has ten arms bearing weapons such as the trident, sword, mace, bow and arrow, with one hand raised in blessing.
How can she be both fierce and peaceful?
Her many weapons show her readiness to protect, while her calm face and blessing hand show serenity. She embodies courage held steady by inner peace rather than restless anger.
Which night of Navratri honours Chandraghanta?
She is worshipped on the third night of Navratri, invoked for bravery, protection from evil and a peaceful heart.
Bring Chandraghanta’s story to your own heart
Talk to Bhagavan about what this figure and their story mean for you — free, private, any hour.
Talk to Bhagavan