New Delhi, April 1 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes to the nation on the third day of Chitra Navratri, emphasizing that worshiping fills the mind with immense peace.

In a message shared on X, PM Modi remarked, “Worshiping Goddess Maa during Navratri brings profound tranquility to the mind.”

He further shared a devotional song by the renowned classical vocalist Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, expressing, “This enchanting bhajan dedicated to the Goddess is truly mesmerizing…”

The song seeks the blessings of the Goddess.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also took to social media to wish the devotees on this auspicious occasion.

Posting a Sanskrit Shlok, he conveyed in Hindi, "It is a prayer ...on the sacred third day of Chaitra Navratri, the grand festival celebrating Jagajjanani Maa Jagdamba, may Maa Chandraghanta bless the citizens and devotees of the state."

Devotees gathered in large numbers at temples nationwide, with people queuing up outside early in the morning.

On this third day of Navratri, Goddess Durga is honored in her form as Mata Chandraghanta, depicted with ten arms, each holding a weapon, a lotus, or a gesture of blessing (Abhaya Mudra). She embodies a calm yet powerful presence, believed to bestow peace, courage, and success upon her followers. The Goddess sports a half-moon on her forehead, hence the name Chandraghanta. She is revered for alleviating hardships and imparting inner strength.

Navratri, translating to 'nine nights' in Sanskrit, is a Hindu festival celebrating Goddess Durga and her nine avatars, collectively known as Navdurga. The festival is marked by significant devotion throughout India, featuring rituals and prayers honoring the goddess in her various incarnations.

In Delhi, the morning aarti was performed at Jhandewalan Temple on the third day of the nine-day Chaitra Navratri festival, attracting a large congregation of devotees seeking darshan.

Substantial crowds also gathered at Kalkaji Temple for Mata Kalka's darshan. “The darshan was exceptional, and there is undoubtedly strong faith in Mata Rani...,” remarked one devotee.

In Ayodhya, devotees flocked to temples, with significant turnout at the Ram temple and Hanuman Garhi.

Thousands of pilgrims visited the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, to offer prayers. Situated atop the Trikuta Hills, the cave shrine witnessed an influx of devotees since the start of the nine-day Navratri festival on Sunday. Authorities have implemented comprehensive safety and security measures for the pilgrims.