Chandraghanta and the Moon Bell

High in the snowy mountains, the palace was ready for a wedding. Parvati was going to marry Shiva! Marigold garlands hung on every wall. Queen Mena, Parvati's mother, waited at the gate. "I can't wait to see my daughter's groom," she said.

Then came a noise. Boom, boom, BOOM! Up the path came Shiva, covered in grey ash. Behind him danced his mountain friends, with wild hair, banging drums and shouting happy songs. Queen Mena had never seen anything like it. "Oh my!" she gasped, and ran inside to hide.

Parvati was not afraid. She smiled, and she began to glow. She became Chandraghanta, brave and bright, riding a golden lion. On her forehead shone a half moon, shaped just like a little bell.

Chandraghanta lifted her small golden bell and rang it. Ting... ting... The sound was soft and clear, like a cool breeze. The drums went quiet. The wild friends sat down and smiled. Even Queen Mena peeked out from the door. Her worry melted away.

Chandraghanta spoke kindly to Shiva. "My mother is a little scared. Will you come as a gentle groom?" Shiva laughed. In a moment he stood there handsome and neat, with a flower garland and a moon in his hair. His friends quickly combed their hair too.

Queen Mena laughed and opened the gate wide. Parvati and Shiva were married under a canopy of marigolds, and everyone danced. On the third day of Navaratri, we remember Chandraghanta. When you feel afraid, think of her little moon bell, ringing softly: you can be brave.