The third day of Navratri belongs to Maa Chandraghanta, the third form of Maa Durga. Her name comes from the half-moon that adorns her forehead, shaped like a bell: “chandra” for the moon and “ghanta” for the bell.
According to Hindu tradition, after Parvati married Lord Shiva, she adorned her forehead with a crescent moon and came to be known as Chandraghanta. Golden in complexion and seated on a tiger, she has ten arms that carry weapons, a lotus and a kamandalu. Though she looks ready for battle, her face stays calm and serene.
It is believed that the sound of her bell drives away fear and negativity. Devotees turn to her for protection and for the inner strength to face whatever lies ahead. With her blessings, they say, fear loses its hold.
That is why those going through a difficult time pray to her on this day. She teaches that courage does not come from being fearless. It comes from the calm of knowing you are not alone.
A soft echo of that spirit lives in Star Plus’ Apsara, where Sunehri, played by Samiksha Jaiswal, is learning to face her fears. Samiksha says, “Fear doesn’t disappear for Sunehri. She learns to walk with it, and that is where her courage begins.”
View Apsara only on JioHotstar, dropping soon on – Check post-
Apsara premieres on 21st Oct at 10:30pm on Star Plus and JioHotstar.
