Every passing day of Navratri is multiplying the air of celebration, manifold. As we enter day 3 of this elating, festive stretch, it is important to acknowledge the tale of divinity associated with this day. So as you pay your respects to Maa Chandraghanta, the third of the Navadurgas, read on to acquaint yourself with her tale.
With 'Chandra' making up one half of her divine name, Maa Chandraghanta's greatest identifier is the half-moon that adorns her crown. For those wondering, the purpose of the half-moon is far from ornamental. It actually makes up a very crucial detail of the Goddess' legacy in congruence with her perpetually open third eye, signifying her agency and alertness to battle evil.
Also a form of Parvati, Maa Chandraghanta's lore begins at a time shortly after she was settled in her marriage to Lord Shiva. While she tended to the Kailah Parvat, Lord Shiva, true to his nature, was in deep tapas. It was during this time, that the demon Tarakasura decided to pursue his own intentions.
As per the Shiva Puranas, Tarakasura's biggest blessing was, that he could only be ended by Parvati and Lord Shiva's holy child. So as to prevent the same, the demon sought the assistance of Jatukasura, the bat-demon. Using his army of bats, Jatukasura managed to entirely cover the sky, plunging the earth into complete darkness, also wreaking havoc on Parvati's marital abode.
She approached Lord Shiva for help but was soon enough reminded that her being represents Shiv's 'Shakti'..
