Manipura

**Day 3 of Navaratri: The Worship of Goddess Chandraghanta**



Navaratri, the nine nights of devotion and celebration, brings us deeper into our spiritual journey each day as we honor the nine forms of Goddess Durga. On the third day of Navaratri, we worship **Goddess Chandraghanta**, the third manifestation of Durga, known for her strength, courage, and fierce determination to protect her devotees from evil. This day represents the transformation of energy into action and the embodiment of divine power.

### **Who is Goddess Chandraghanta?**
Goddess Chandraghanta gets her name from the crescent moon ("Chandra") shaped like a bell ("Ghanta") adorning her forehead. She is depicted riding a tiger, symbolizing fearlessness, and she carries various weapons in her ten arms, ready to combat evil forces. Yet, despite her warrior-like form, she emanates peace and serenity, symbolizing that true power is balanced by inner calm.

Chandraghanta’s form reflects both her fierce protective nature and her gentle, motherly aspect. She is the embodiment of **Shakti**, or divine feminine energy, and devotees believe that worshiping her on this day removes all obstacles and fears from their lives. Her presence blesses her devotees with courage, strength, and an unshakeable sense of inner peace.

### **The Symbolism of Goddess Chandraghanta**
Chandraghanta represents the power of the divine feminine to protect, nurture, and transform. She teaches us that while strength is necessary to face the challenges of life, it must be balanced with grace and compassion. Her fierce appearance is a reminder that sometimes, we must confront our fears and stand up for ourselves, but we must also approach life with love and understanding.

This goddess is associated with the **Manipura Chakra**, the energy center in the body connected to self-esteem, power, and warrior-like determination. When you meditate on Goddess Chandraghanta, you are invoking the qualities of willpower, discipline, and courage.

### **The Spiritual Significance of Day 3**
Day 3 of Navaratri represents the overcoming of obstacles and challenges. It’s a day to channel the divine energy of Goddess Chandraghanta, who teaches us that we have the inner strength to face life’s difficulties and rise above them. This is a day for self-empowerment, where we tap into our own inherent power and take bold steps forward in our spiritual journey.

Devotees pray to Goddess Chandraghanta to remove any negative energies, internal or external, that may be hindering their growth. Her blessings help to transform fear into faith, and aggression into productive, focused energy.

### **Rituals and Prayers for Day 3**
On the third day of Navaratri, devotees perform special prayers and rituals to honor Goddess Chandraghanta. The day typically starts with a cleansing bath, followed by offerings of flowers, fruits, and sweets to the goddess. Many people fast on this day and recite **mantras** dedicated to Chandraghanta to invoke her divine protection and blessings.

The **Chandraghanta mantra** is chanted to receive her grace:

_"Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah"_ 

This powerful mantra is believed to awaken the warrior spirit within, helping devotees face life's challenges with determination and strength.

### **The Color of the Day: Red**
The color associated with Day 3 of Navaratri is **Red**, symbolizing passion, energy, and power. Red is the color of the warrior, and it reflects the active, transformative energy of Goddess Chandraghanta. On this day, devotees often wear red as they perform their prayers, invoking the strength and protection of the goddess.

### **Lessons from Day 3 of Navaratri**
The third day of Navaratri reminds us that true power is not in controlling others, but in controlling our own fears and inner turmoil. It teaches us to balance our strength with peace and to fight for what is right while remaining grounded in love and compassion. As we connect with the energy of Goddess Chandraghanta, we are called to embody these qualities in our own lives.

Through her, we learn the lesson that in order to overcome challenges, we must act with both courage and mindfulness, and that our inner strength comes from a place of calm and centeredness.

May Goddess Chandraghanta bless you with courage, strength, and serenity as you continue your journey through the sacred festival of Navaratri.

Meet Prakash Chegu

 

 Name: Prakash Chegu
Background: Prakash Chegu is a highly experienced Kundalini Yoga teacher with over four decades of dedicated practice and two decades of teaching in the field. Born and raised in a deeply spiritual family in a small town in Southern India, the spiritual practice at the core of the life-style is ingrained in all aspects of life. Prakash's journey into Kundalini Yoga began at a very young age. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in yogic practices viz., Kriyas, Mantras, and Meditation, he developed a profound connection with the ancient practice.
 
Education and Training: Prakash pursued a rigorous and traditional education in yoga, alongside a strong engineering and technology, that nurtured his insatiable curiosity into everything life has to offer including Yogic Philosophy from the ancient scriptures, Vedas, and Upanishads. He further honed his skills by studying under renowned Kundalini Yoga masters across the world and undertaking advanced training in Kundalini Yoga therapy, meditation, and an ancient yogic healing modality called Sat Nam Rasayan.
 
Teaching Style: Prakash's teaching style is deeply rooted in authenticity and spirituality. He believes in the transformative power of Kundalini Yoga and seeks to share its immense benefits with his students. His classes are dynamic, inspiring as well as harmonious, and a blend of traditional techniques and modern understanding, making the practice accessible to people from all walks of life.
 
Prakash is known for his:
  1. Compassion: He creates a nurturing and inclusive environment where students feel supported in their personal journeys. Prakash understands that everyone's path is unique and offers individualized guidance to help students reach their full potential.
  2. Expertise: With his extensive knowledge of life-time of learning including Kundalini Yoga, Prakash can guide students through even the most complex kriyas and meditations. His in-depth understanding of the bodies, Ayurveda, chakras, and Vedic astrology allows him to facilitate profound experiences of awakening and self-realization.
  3. Holistic Approach: Prakash emphasizes the integration of mind, body, and spirit in his teachings. He incorporates pranayama, mantra chanting, and meditation to help his students achieve a state of balance and harmony.
  4. Innovation: While deeply rooted in tradition, Prakash is open to weaving modern techniques and scientific insights related to yoga and energy work. He continually deepens his teaching methods by integrating scientific research that keeps increasingly validating ancient technologies to provide his students with a well-rounded and relevant experience.
Value Generation: Prakash Chegu is not just a yoga teacher; He's a spiritual alchemist, a guide who empowers his students to unlock their full potential. His immense domain experience and deep spiritual connection allow him to:
  • Help individuals release physical and emotional blockages, enabling them to experience greater vitality and emotional well-being.
  • Assist students in tapping into their inner wisdom and intuition, fostering personal growth and self-awareness.
  • Guide individuals on a journey of self-discovery, helping them connect with their purpose and passion.
  • Foster a sense of community and support among her students, creating a network of like-minded individuals dedicated to personal growth and spiritual evolution.
 
Additionally, Prakash Chegu is a successful entrepreneur, and Engineer from a reputed university that brings depth and adequate practical knowledge of Yogic Philosophy in technology and life in general.
 
Prakash Chegu's classes are sought after by those who seek not only physical health but also spiritual transformation. His dedication to Kundalini Yoga and his ability to generate immense value in the lives of the students make him a respected figure in the world of yoga and holistic wellness.
 

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