Parvati, the daughter of King Himavan, was finally going to marry the man she had loved for many lifetimes—Lord Shiva. After years of waiting, she could barely contain her excitement. The whole kingdom was buzzing with preparations for the grand day.
The stage was set for the most divine wedding—everything from decorations to food and even the guests from all across the universe were ready to celebrate.
And then… Shiva arrived.
But, wait, not in the way anyone expected.
Instead of a royal groom dressed in silks and jewels, Shiva appeared covered in ashes. His hair was a wild mess, and he wore a garland of skulls around his neck. And the procession behind him? Well, it was nothing short of terrifying—filled with ghosts, demons, and spirits from the underworld, making loud noises and laughing in a creepy manner.
Imagine this for a moment: you’re at a wedding, and instead of the bridegroom looking majestic, he walks in with his whole "creepy" crew—frightening spirits and strange creatures—and suddenly, it feels less like a celebration and more like a nightmare.
Complete chaos broke out.
King Himavan’s face swear and judgment in everyone’s eyes. But she also knew one thing—this was her moment to make a difference.
Parvati's Bold Step: The Transformation into Mata Chandraghanta
Instead of running away or giving up, Parvati took a deep breath. She closed her eyes and focused on the divine energy that flowed through her. When she opened her eyes again—she had transformed into Mata Chandraghanta.
In the blink of an eye, Parvati’s appearance changed completely. She became radiant, and a crescent moon appeared on her forehead, shaped like a bell (Ghanta), symbolizing power and divine presence. She rode a mighty lion, her ten hands holding divine weapons, glowing like the brightest stars in the sky.
The entire universe seemed to stop, watching her. The spirits and demons from Shiva’s procession froze, and even the gods watching from the heavens were silent, amazed at her power.
And then, Mata Chandraghanta spoke. Not in anger, but with immense grace.
"Mahadev, I love you and accept you for who you are, but today, the world needs to see your other side—the loving, kind, and protective side of you."
The air seemed to hold its breath. Shiva, still standing in his fierce form, smiled softly. He understood Parvati’s message. Without a word, he began to transform.
Gone were the ashes, the wild hair, and the skulls. Shiva became his most divine and graceful form, radiating pure light. The procession of spirits and demons changed too—they turned into beautiful, divine beings, singing and dancing joyously.
Suddenly, everything seemed to calm down. The chaotic wedding had turned into a celebration of love, strength, and respect.
The Grand Wedding of Shiva and Parvati
Shiva and Parvati’s wedding was now a grand, peaceful ceremony. The gods and sages blessed them, and flowers rained down from the heavens. The entire kingdom, and the universe, celebrated their union with joy.
But the real magic of the day wasn’t just in the wedding itself. It was in what happened when Parvati took a stand. She has shown the world that sometimes, you need to step up and make people see the truth.
The guests, who had been fearful and judgmental, were now in awe. King Himavan and Queen Maina looked at their daughter with pride. They saw the goddess within her, not just the bride.
How Can You Invite Strength and Protection
with Mata Chandraghanta’s Blessings?
Step 1: Setting Up the Pooja
So, you’re ready to welcome Mata Chandraghanta into your home, right?
First things first—get your space ready!
Clean the space: Start by tidying up your prayer area or wherever you want to set up the altar.
Create the altar:
- Place a picture or idol of Mata Chandraghanta. If you don’t have one, it’s perfectly okay—just focus your mind on her energy.
- Add flowers, especially white and yellow ones, as they are linked with purity and strength.
- Light a diya (lamp), and let the light bring in good vibes. And don’t forget the incense sticks for a calming fragrance that adds to the atmosphere.
Offer fruits and sweets: Now, for the fun part—offering fruits! Apples, bananas, and pomegranates are great choices. They’re simple, pure, and symbolize health. You can also make something sweet like Kheer (a sweet rice pudding) or Laddu. If you’re fasting, a Sabudana Khichdi can be perfect, too!
Step 2: Chanting the Mantras
Okay, this part is essential—it’s time to connect with Mata Chandraghanta through mantras. You don’t need to be a pro at chanting. Just say it with devotion and feel her energy surround you. A simple mantra to chant is:
"ॐ देवी चंद्रघंटायै नमः"
(Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah)
When you say this, think of it as sending out a little prayer to the universe, asking Mata Chandraghanta to bless you with strength, clarity, and protection. Don’t rush, take your time. You can say it 11, 21, or 108 times—whatever feels good for you.
Step 3: What to Wear Today?
So, you might be wondering—what should I wear today? The color to wear is white. Yes, white—because it represents purity and peace, which is exactly what Mata Chandraghanta blesses us with. Plus, you’ll feel light, calm, and ready to face anything that comes your way.
Can’t Wear White? No Problem! Here’s What You Can Do InsteadNo worries if you can’t wear white! Traditions and personal choices matter, and that’s completely okay. If white isn’t an option, you can go for something close—maybe a soft pastel like cream, light pink, or sky blue. These colors also bring a sense of peace and calm, just like Mata Chandraghanta’s blessings.
Step 4: Cooking for Mata Chandraghanta
This day isn’t just about pooja—it’s also about preparing food with love. Whatever you make, keep it simple and sattvic (pure). Here are a few ideas:
Sabudana Khichdi: Light, filling, and perfect for fasting. Just make it with some potatoes, peanuts, and a pinch of black pepper. Super easy and delicious!
Kheer (Rice Pudding): The sweet, comforting taste of milk, rice, and sugar will bring happiness and sweetness into your life.
Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits like apples, bananas, and pomegranates—simple and nourishing. You can even add a little honey or lime for extra flavor.
Laddu: A warm, ghee-filled laddu made from wheat flour or besan—a sweet offering that symbolizes joy and abundance.
Remember, it’s not just about cooking—it's about offering your love through these preparations. When you cook with the right mindset, it’s like you’re giving a little piece of yourself to Mata Chandraghanta.
Conclusion
Mata Chandraghanta’s story really hits home, doesn’t it? When things go off course, just like Parvati, we all have the strength to turn things around. Life may throw unexpected challenges at us, but it's how we respond that truly matters. Just like Parvati faced the chaos with grace and transformed the situation, we can too—by trusting in our own inner power. This Navratri, take a moment to reflect on how you can tackle your challenges with strength and positivity. Let Mata Chandraghanta’s energy guide you to face life’s wild turns with confidence and peace.
