New Delhi, Sep 24 (NationPress) On the sacred third day of Shardiya Navratri, a multitude of devotees flocked to temples throughout Uttar Pradesh, particularly the revered Shaktipeeths in Vindhyachal and Prayagraj, to pay homage to Goddess Durga in her celestial form of Maa Chandraghanta, a representation of peace, power, and prosperity.

In Vindhyachal, nestled along the banks of the holy Ganga at the base of the Vindhya mountains, the celebrations for the third day of Navratri were characterized by grand festivities, specialized rituals, and an atmosphere filled with devotional zeal.

According to tradition, Goddess Vindhyavasini, one of the most respected avatars of Adi Shakti, is worshipped as Chandraghanta, the third incarnation of the nine divine forms of Durga during Navratri.

Chandraghanta, adorned with a crescent moon on her forehead shaped like a bell, rides a lion and possesses ten arms, each holding various weapons. Devotees believe that the resonant sound of her divine bell (ghanta) vanquishes evil forces and alleviates the suffering of her followers.

“For ages, Vindhyachal has been a hub of profound spiritual belief,” remarked a temple priest at Vindhyachal.

“Goddess Vindhyavasini, seated on the sacred Shri Yantra at the confluence of the Vindhya mountains and the Ganga, is revered as Chandraghanta on this day. The sound of her bell is believed to awaken the energy centers within the human body and guide all beings towards righteousness,” he elaborated.

Kush Kumar Dwivedi (Scholar and Priest) stated, “Maa Chandraghanta motivates her devotees to pursue the path of truth and virtue. Offering pomegranates and sweets like peetha to the Goddess today fulfills all wishes. The bell, both religiously and scientifically, activates the Manipurak chakra (solar plexus) in practitioners, generating spiritual energy.”

Meanwhile, in Prayagraj, large crowds amassed at the Shaktipeeth Maa Kalyani Devi Temple seeking divine blessings. The temple management made special provisions for the differently-abled, the elderly, and remote devotees to participate online.

Sushil Pathak, President of Maa Kalyani Devi Temple Trust, mentioned, “This is one of the most ancient and awakened Shakti Peeths. During Navratri, devotees receive blessings of prosperity, health, and the fulfillment of desires. We ensure that even those who cannot physically attend can join virtually.”

Devotees at both locations expressed feelings of renewed energy, serenity, and devotion. They believe that merely glimpsing the Goddess during Navratri fills their hearts with positive energy and clears obstacles from their lives.

With stringent security measures and comprehensive arrangements by temple authorities and local administration, the festivities proceeded smoothly throughout the state. Floral decorations, traditional music, and offerings contributed to the divine ambiance. The Navratri celebrations will continue until Maha Navami, with each day dedicated to one of the nine potent forms of Goddess Durga.