Introduction
The third day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Chandraghanta, known for her fierce yet compassionate form. She wears a crescent moon (Chandra) on her forehead shaped like a bell (Ghanta), giving her the name Chandraghanta. While her appearance is majestic and powerful, she is also a loving mother who protects her devotees from harm.
At Sai Seva Sangh, a non-profit organization for girls in Hyderabad that provides free education for orphan girls, we see Chandraghanta Devi as a beacon of courage. Just as she inspires fearlessness, we encourage our girls to rise with confidence, face challenges bravely, and protect their values.
Mythological Background
After her marriage to Lord Shiva, Parvati took the form of Chandraghanta. In this form, she rides a lion, carries ten weapons in her multiple hands, and her roar strikes fear in the hearts of demons. Yet, to her devotees, she is filled with kindness and blessings.
She is worshiped as the goddess of bravery, strength, and protection. Legends say that during battles, her bell (ghanta) echoes like thunder, scaring away negative forces. This balance of gentleness and might teaches us that true courage is not aggression, but the strength to protect and uphold righteousness.
Symbolism and Qualities
Goddess Chandraghanta represents:
Courage and Fearlessness – The ability to stand firm against injustice.
Protection – Guarding her devotees like a mother protects her child.
Balance of Strength and Compassion – Power tempered with kindness.
These qualities resonate with our mission of supporting underprivileged girls and empowering them with knowledge, skills, and moral strength. At our orphan girls’ residential school in Hyderabad, we want every girl to grow up courageous — strong enough to face difficulties, but gentle enough to spread kindness.
Educational and Subject Connection
Chandraghanta’s lessons connect beautifully to education and modern life:
History Connection: Her courage is similar to that of women warriors in Indian history, like Rani Lakshmi Bai, who stood against injustice. Learning about such figures inspires students to be brave in their own journeys.
Life Skills: Courage is not just for battle; it is also about speaking up in class, presenting confidently, or standing firm in exams. Through skill training for underprivileged girls, we give them the tools to face the future with strength.
Holistic Growth: Courage also means protecting one’s values. At our charitable organization in Hyderabad, we focus on value-based education, where integrity and honesty are as important as academics.
Lessons for Students and Educators
For our girls at the free residential school for girls:
Courage means not fearing mistakes but learning from them.
Protection means standing up for friends, supporting one another in the hostel and classroom life.
Bravery also means having the confidence to dream big and work hard, even if one’s circumstances seem limiting.
For teachers and mentors:
Encourage students to be outspoken and confident.
Use opportunities like public speaking, debates, and presentations to cultivate inner courage.
Teach them that protection is not only physical but also about protecting values and character.
Closing Reflection
On Day 3 of Navratri, we bow to Goddess Chandraghanta, the goddess who blends courage with compassion. Her roar teaches us to stand up against wrong, while her motherly grace reminds us to protect and uplift those around us.
At Sai Seva Sangh, we strive to raise fearless yet compassionate girls through free residential education for orphan girls in Hyderabad. Alongside academics, we provide education with skill development, cultural learning, and values that empower them to walk in the world with courage.
“True courage is not the absence of fear, but the strength to face it with grace.”
May Chandraghanta Devi bless all our students with bravery in their studies, strength in their struggles, and compassion in their hearts.
