Inspiring Lessons From Navratri :: Day 3 :: Goddess Chandraghanta

From the Simplicity with Power and Wisdom, of Goddess Brahmacharini, the Day 3 unveils the manifestation of Goddess Durga in form of Goddess Chandraghanta,

Her energy helps balance the divine qualities of Durga, Goddess Chandraghanta is often depicted with a serene yet fierce countenance.

Depicted with a crescent moon adorning her forehead, resembling a bell, giving her the name "Chandraghanta”

She has ten arms, holding various weapons and symbols, and she rides a tiger, symbolizing courage and strength - Two hands hold a Trishula (trident - courage), Gada(mace – loyalty and love), bow-arrow ( Energy) , khadak (sword - discrimination), Kamala (lotus flower - Beauty), Ghanta(bell – the sound keeps evil away) and kamandalu (waterpot – symbol of fertility), Japa mala (sacred beads – concentration) while one of her hands remains in blessing posture or Abhayamudra(Fear dispelling).

She has a third eye in the middle of her forehead, which is always open, signifying her perpetual readiness for battle against evil.

Her complexion is golden. Shiva sees Chandraghanta's form as a great example of beauty, charm and grace.

 

·       Lesson 1: Bravery and Fearlessness, Focussing on Solutions:

ü  According to the legend, when the demons attacked mount Kailasa, Shiva was in his state of meditation and he internally empowered Parvati to self realise her ability to fight the demon.

ü  During the battle, Parvati invoked Chandradev to rest on her head to provide illumination to the darkness that surrounded her.  Similarly, she sought the help of the wolves to fight and used the bell to cause fear among the bats who energised the demon

ü  This illustrates the significance of acknowledging our limitations, reaching out for assistance, seeking help, leverage the strengths of our  ecosystem to respond to unexpected situations and when confronted with difficulties and the utmost quality to shift our focus from problems to solutions

·       Lesson 2: Balanced authority, Empowerment, Delegation, dealing with contradictions

ü  Her physical manifestation including that of her ten arms holding various symbols and weapons,  leave a deep rooted learning. A warrior ready and apparently aggressive form on one hand, while embodying the qualities of care and benevolence, often representing motherly qualities to her devotees.

ü  While the primary cause of this form was the destruction demons, her rather fierce depiction carries with it the assurance of protection and fearlessness.

ü  This signifies the need to balance authority and responsibilities.

ü  It’s also a depiction of multitasking through delegation while being tied to the common body – meaning controlled delegation.

·       Lesson 3: Faith and Surrender,  Protection & Support:

ü  Through her depiction, faith and surrender to the almighty power are emphasised. An acceptance of vulnerabilities with courage, believing in oneself to conquer the unknown with this almighty power are presented.  

ü  She encourages us to acknowledge that we cannot control everything and that we need to trust the process

ü  In her essence, we learn the need to be  epitomes of serenity and Protective Guardians especially during times of distress or danger.

 

Overall, Goddess Chandraghanta represents a powerful and protective aspect of the divine, encouraging us to cultivate courage, inner strength, and a deep connection to the divine feminine energy. Incorporating these lessons can nurture our leadership to become more courageous, resilient, and supportive, fostering an environment of trust, growth, and fearlessness within our teams.

Wishing you a blessed festivities !!!