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{{Infobox deity<!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Hindu mythology-->
{{Infobox deity<!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Hindu mythology-->
| name       = Chandi
| name = Chandi
| type       = Hindu
| type = Hindu
| image       = Painting of goddess chandi.jpg
| image = Painting of goddess chandi.jpg
| caption     =  
| caption = [[Newar]]i portrayal of Chandi
| Devanagari = चण्डी
| Devanagari = चण्डी
| Sanskrit_transliteration = {{IAST|Caṇḍī}}
| Sanskrit_transliteration = {{IAST|Caṇḍī}}
| affiliation = [[Parvati]], [[Adi Parashakti]], [[Shakti]], [[Durga]], [[Brahman]]
| affiliation = Form of [[Durga]]
| mantra     = ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे<br/>{{IAST|oṁ aiṁ hrīṁ klīṁ cāmuṇḍāyai vicce}}
| mantra = *{{IAST|Oṁ Namaś Caṇḍikāyai}}
| mount       = Lion
*{{IAST|Om Aim Hrīm Klīm Cāmuṇḍāyai Vicce}}
| consort    = [[Shiva]]
| mount = Lion
| god_of     = The fiery destructive power of [[Shakti]]
| member_of = The Eight [[Matrika]]
| god_of = The fiery destructive power of [[Shakti]]
}}
}}
'''Chandi''' ([[Sanskrit]]: चण्डी, {{IAST|Caṇḍī}}) or '''Chandika''' ({{IAST|Caṇḍika}}) is a [[devi|Hindu deity]]. Chandika is another form of [[Parvati]]'s alter ego, similar to [[Durga]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.kamakotimandali.com/srividya/durgalist.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=8 February 2019 |archive-date=21 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821094556/http://www.kamakotimandali.com/srividya/durgalist.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> She represents the power or [[Shakti]]. Chandika is a powerful form of [[Parvati]], who manifested to destroy evil.
'''Chandi''' ({{langx|sa|चण्डी}}, {{IAST3|Caṇḍī}}) or '''Chandika''' ({{IAST3|Caṇḍika}}) is a [[devi|Hindu deity]]. Chandika is a form of goddess [[Durga]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dalal |first=Roshen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DH0vmD8ghdMC |title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide |date=2010 |publisher=Penguin Books India |isbn=978-0-14-341421-6 |pages=115 |language=en}}</ref> She shares similarities with the Goddess [[Chamunda]], not only in name but also in attributes and iconography. Due to these similarities, some consider them to be the same deity, while others view them as different manifestations of Mahadevi. Both are often associated with other powerful goddesses like [[Durga]], [[Katyayani]], [[Kali]] and [[Kalaratri]]. The Goddess is particularly revered in [[Gujarat]].  


==Etymology==
== History ==
{{IAST|Caṇḍī}} or {{IAST|Caṇḍika}} is the name by which the Supremely divine is referred to in Devi Mahatmya. Chandi represents the shakti or power of [[Brahman]]. The word ''Chanda'' hints at extraordinary traits and thus refers to the Brahman, who is extraordinary due to its complete independence with respect to time and space. The word Chandi also refers to the fiery power of anger of the Brahman.<ref name="saptashatI">{{cite web | url=http://www.kamakotimandali.com/blog/index.php?p=141&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 | title=Chandika name origin | access-date=4 June 2016}}</ref> [[Bhaskararaya]], a leading authority on matters concerning Devi worship, defines Chandi as 'the angry, terrible or passionate one'.<ref>Coburn, Thomas B., Encountering the Goddess: A Translation of the Devi-Mahatmya and a Study of Its Interpretation, p.134</ref> While scholars debate whether an old Goddess was Sanskritized or a suppressed Goddess was reclaimed, the fact remains that since the very early days, the Devi was worshiped in the subcontinent regardless of whether she appears as a supreme deity in Brahminic texts. Scholars who trace her tracks show that she was very much a part of an early theistic impulse as it was being crystallised in the Indic mind.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|last=Bhattacharya Saxena|first= Neela|title=Gynocentric Thealogy of Tantric Hinduism: A Meditation Upon the Devi |encyclopedia=[[Oxford Reference]]|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=Oxford|year=2011|doi=10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199273881.003.0006}} {{ODNBsub}}</ref> C. Mackenzie Brown writes:
In the ''[[Devi Mahatmya|Devī Māhātmya]].'' Chandi represents the killer of Chanda. the Supreme Divine is often referred to as Caṇḍī or Caṇḍikā. This name is derived from the Sanskrit root ''caṇḍa'', meaning “fierce” or “terrible.” Chandi is celebrated as the vanquisher of the demonic generals Chanda and Munda.<ref name="kamakotimandali.com 2008">{{cite web |title=saptashatI |website=kamakotimandali.com |date=2008-12-28 |url=http://www.kamakotimandali.com/blog/index.php?p=141&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629204817/http://www.kamakotimandali.com/blog/index.php?p=141&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 |archive-date=2016-06-29 |url-status=dead}}</ref> According to [[Bhaskararaya]], a prominent authority on Devi worship, Chandi embodies divine wrath and passion.{{sfn |Coburn |1991 |p=134}}


"Hymns to goddesses in the late portions of the great Mahabharata epic and in the Harivamsa (AD 100-300) reveal the increasing importance of female deities in Brahminical devotional life.… The re-emergence of the divine feminine in the Devi-Mahatmya was thus both the culmination of centuries-long trends and the inspirational starting point for new investigations into the nature of feminine transcendence."<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|last=Mary McClintock Fulkerson|first=Sheila Briggs |title=The Oxford Handbook of Feminist Theology|encyclopedia=[[Oxford Reference]]|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=Oxford|year=2011|doi=10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199273881.001.0001}} {{ODNBsub}}</ref>
The epithet of Chandi or Chandika appears in the Devi Mahatmya, a text deeply rooted in the [[Shakta]] tradition of [[Hindus]], Specially Eastern India. This region has long been a significant center for Goddess worship and [[Tantra|tantric]] practices. Since ancient times, it is the most common epithet used for the Goddess. Within the ''Devi Mahatmya'', Chandi, Chandika, Ambika<ins>,</ins> and Durga are often used interchangeably to refer to the Supreme Goddess in the sect. {{sfn |Coburn |1984 |p=}}{{page needed|date=February 2024}}


When she does appear in ''[[Markandeya Purana]]'', in the section known as Chandi or The Devi Mahatmya, she proclaims her preeminence:
Alongside the [[Shri Vidya|Sri Vidhya]] mantras, it is one of the principal mantras in Shakti worship. It is customary to chant this mantra when chanting the [[Devi Mahatmya]]. It is one of the primary mantras in the worship of Shakti. Traditionally, this mantra is chanted during recitations of the ''Devi Mahatmya''. According to belief, the goddess resides in Mahakal, [[Kailasa]].{{sfn |Gopal |1990 |p=[https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada/page/81 81]}} The city of [[Chandigarh]], the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, is named after the Goddess.


{{Cquote|I resemble in form Brahman
== Legends ==
She is known as the supreme goddess [[Mahishasuramardini]] or Katyayini Durga (6th Navadurga) who slayed the demon [[Mahishasura]]. She has been affiliated with and also considered as [[Vindhyavasini]] or [[Kaushiki]] or [[Yogmaya]] or [[Ambika (goddess)|Ambika]] who killed Shumbha, Nishumbha and their fellow demons.<ref name="Ramachander 2008">{{cite web |last=Ramachander |first=P.R. |title=Goddess Parvathi |website=stotraratna.awardspace.com |date=2008-05-27 |url=http://stotraratna.awardspace.com/sruthi/katha/k7.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120903213010/http://stotraratna.awardspace.com/sruthi/katha/k7.pdf |archive-date=2012-09-03 |url-status=dead }}</ref> "The great Goddess was born from the energies of the male divinities when the devas became impotent in the long-drawn-out battle with the [[asuras]]. All the energies of the Gods became united and became supernova, throwing out flames in all directions. Then that unique light, pervading the Three Worlds with its lustre, combined into one, and became a female form."{{sfn|Beane|1977|p=}}{{page needed |date=February 2024}}


From me emanates the world
"[[Mahadevi|Devi]] projected overwhelming omnipotence. The three-eyed goddess was adorned with the crescent moon. Her several arms held auspicious weapons and emblems. She wear precious jewels and dresses offered by the gods. With her golden body blazing with the splendour of a thousand suns, seated on her lion vehicle, Chandi is one of the most spectacular of all personifications of Cosmic energy."{{sfn |Mookerjee |1988 |p=49}}


Which has the Spirit of Prakriti and Purusha
In other scriptures, Chandi is portrayed as "assisting" [[Kali]] in her battle with the demon [[Raktabīja]]. Chandi wounded him, but a new demon sprang up from every drop of his blood that fell on the ground. By drinking Raktabīja's blood before it could reach the ground, Kali enabled her first to destroy the demon army  and finally kill Raktabīja himself.{{sfn |Wilkins |1882 |pp=255–257}} In [[Skanda Purana]], this story is retold and another story of [[Mahakali]] killing demons [[Chanda and Munda]] is added.{{sfn |Wilkins |1882 |p=260}} Authors Chitralekha Singh and Prem Nath says, "[[Narada Purana]] describes the powerful forms of [[Lakshmi]] as Durga, Kali, Bhadrakali, Chandi, Maheshwari, Lakshmi, Vaishnavi and Andreye". Also, she is the one who purified Halahal (during Samudra Manthan) into Amrit (Ambrosio).{{sfn |Singh |Nath |2001 |p=20}}
 
I am empty and not empty
 
I am delight and non-delight
 
I am knowledge and ignorance
 
I am Brahman and not Brahman|}}
[[File:Chandika Devi temple at Kothi near Rekong Peo Himachal Pradesh India.jpg|thumb|Chandika Devi temple at Kothi, [[Himachal Pradesh]].]]
 
This text recounts the tale of male demons and their destruction by the Great Goddess and traces its lineage through the [[Devīsūkta]] or the Vac Sukta in The ''[[Rigveda]]'' and also connects with the Samkhya Prakriti to establish itself as a canonical text for the Shaktas.<ref>Beane 1977: 153</ref><ref>Mookerjee, Ajit (1988). Kali: The Feminine Force. New York: Destiny</ref>
 
Chandi, the fiercest form of the Goddess, who is the main deity of the famous Devi Mahatmya, a great poem of seven hundred verses (also called Durga Saptasati or Chandi) which celebrates the destruction of demons. As Chandi or the destroyer of opposition, she can be invoked for removing obstacles to allow us to attain any of the four goals of life.<ref name="Chandi in scriptures">{{cite web | url=http://www.kamakotimandali.com/blog/index.php?p=102&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 | title=dasha mahavidya | access-date=4 June 2016}}</ref>
 
The designation of Chandi or Chandika is used twenty-nine times in the Devi Mahatmya, which is agreed by many scholars to have had originated in [[Bengal]], the primary seat of the [[Shakta]] or Goddess tradition and [[tantra|tantric]] sadhana since ancient times. It is the most common epithet used for the Goddess. In Devi Mahatmya, Chandi, Chandika, Ambika and [[Durga]] have been used synonymously.<ref>Coburn, Thomas B., Devī Māhātmya.</ref>
 
The basis for Chandi worship is found in Devi Bhagavata as well as in the Markandeya Purana, which contains the well known Saptashati. This narrates the three tales of Chandika fighting and destroying the evil forces in the forms of Madhu & Kaithabha, Mahishasura, Dhumralochana, Chanda & Munda, Rakthabeeja and Shumbha & Nishumbha. These stories are narrated in thirteen chapters in the form of seven hundred stanzas or half stanzas. Each of these is considered as an independent mantra by repeating which one attains profound benefits. In addition, the mantra prescribed for this is what is known as Navakshari, the nine lettered mantra that has its basis in the Atharva Shirsha Upanishad, known as the Devi Upanishad.<ref name="Chandi worship">{{cite web | url=http://www.kamakotimandali.com/blog/index.php?p=81&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 | title=Sri Vidya Upasana Tatva | access-date=4 June 2016}}</ref>
 
Goddess Chandi is associated with the 9 lettered Navakshari Mantra. It is also called Navarna Mantra or Navavarna Mantra. It is one of the principal mantras in Shakti Worship apart from the Sri Vidhya Mantras. It is customary to chant this mantra when chanting the [[Devi Mahatmya]]. She is supposed to live in a place called Mahakal, which is close to [[Kailasa]]<ref name=Madan>{{cite book|title=India through the ages|url=https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada|last=Gopal|first=Madan|year= 1990| page= [https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada/page/81 81]|editor=K.S. Gautam|publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India}}</ref>
 
Named after the goddess is the city of [[Chandigarh]] (literally: 'fort of Chandi'), the joint capital of the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana.
 
==Legends==
Chandika is an avatar of Durga. The three principal forms of Durga worshipped are Mahagauri, Chandika and Aparajita. Of these, Chandika has two forms called Chandi and [[Chamunda]] who is created by the goddess Kaushiki for killing demons Chanda and Munda<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.kamakotimandali.com/srividya/durgalist.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=8 February 2019 |archive-date=21 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821094556/http://www.kamakotimandali.com/srividya/durgalist.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>http://www.kamakotimandali.com/blog/index.php?p=1154&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1</ref>
 
She is known as the supreme goddess [[Mahishasuramardini]] or  Durga who slayed the demon [[Mahishasura]]. She has been affiliated with and also considered as [[Katyayini]], [[Kaushiki]] or [[Ambika (goddess)|Ambika]] who killed Shumbha, Nishumbha and their fellow demons. [https://web.archive.org/web/20120903213010/http://stotraratna.awardspace.com/sruthi/katha/k7.pdf] "The great Goddess was born from the energies of the male divinities when the devas became impotent in the long-drawn-out battle with the [[asuras]]. All the energies of the Gods became united and became supernova, throwing out flames in all directions. Then that unique light, pervading the Three Worlds with its lustre, combined into one, and became a female form."<ref>Beane, Wendell Charles (1977). Myth, Cult and Symbols in Sakta Hinduism. Leiden: Brill.</ref>
 
"[[Parvati]] projected an overwhelming omnipotence. The three-eyed goddess was adorned with the crescent moon. Her multiple arms held auspicious weapons and emblems, jewels and ornaments, garments and utensils, garlands and rosaries of beads, all offered by the gods. With her golden body blazing with the splendour of a thousand suns, seated on her lion vehicle, Chandi is one of the most spectacular of all personifications of Cosmic energy."<ref>Mookerjee, Ajit, Kali, The Feminine Force, p 49</ref>
 
In other scriptures, Chandi is portrayed as "assisting" [[Kali]] in her battle with demon [[Raktabija]]. While Kali drank Raktabija's blood, which created new demons from his own blood on falling on the ground; Chandi would destroy the armies of demons created from his blood and finally killed Raktabija herself.<ref>Wilkins p.255-7</ref> In [[Skanda Purana]], this story is retold and another story of [[Mahakali]] ([[Parvati]]) killing demons Chanda and Munda is added.<ref>Wilkins p.260</ref>


==Chandi Homa (Havan)==
==Chandi Homa (Havan)==


Chandi Homa is one of the most popular Homas in [[Hindu]] religion. It is performed across India during various festivals, especially during the [[Navaratri]]. Chandi Homa is performed by reciting verses from the Durga Sapthasathi and offering oblations into the sacrificial fire. It could also be accompanied by the Navakshari Mantra. Kumari Puja, Suvasini Puja also form a part of the ritual.<ref>Brown, C. Mackenzie (1990). The Triumph of the Goddess: The Canonical Models and Theological Visions of the Devi-Bhagavata Purana. Albany: State University of New York Press</ref>
Chandi Homa is one of the most popular Homas in [[Hindu]] religion. It is performed across India during various festivals, especially during the [[Navaratri]]. Chandi Homa is performed by reciting verses from the Durga Sapthasathi and offering oblations into the sacrificial fire. It could also be accompanied by the Navakshari Mantra. Kumari Puja & Suvasini Puja also form a part of the ritual.{{sfn |Brown |1990 |p=}}{{page needed |date=February 2024}}


==Iconography==
==Iconography==
[[File:Sandi Dewi (Chandi) Nat.jpg|thumb|A Burmese portrayal of Chandi (Sandi Dewi).]]
[[File:Sandi Dewi (Chandi) Nat.jpg|thumb|A Burmese portrayal of Chandi (Sandi Dewi).]]
The dhyana sloka preceding the Middle episode of Devi Mahatmya the iconographic details are given. The Goddess is described as having vermilion complexion, eighteen arms bearing string of beads, battle axe, mace, arrow, thunderbolt, lotus, bow, water-pot, cudgel, lance, sword, shield, conch, bell, wine-cup, trident, noose and the discus (sudarsana). She has a complexion of coral and is seated on a lotus.<ref>Sankaranarayanan. S., Devi Mahatmyam, P 148.</ref> In some temples the images of Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati are kept separately. The Goddess is also portrayed as four armed in many temples.
The dhyana sloka preceding the Middle episode of Devi Mahatmya the iconographic details are given. The Goddess is described as having vermilion complexion, eighteen arms holds rosary, battle axe, mace, bow, arrow,thunderbolt,lotus, water-pot, pestle, spear, sword, shield, noose, bell, wine-cup, trident, conch and the discus (sudarsana). She has a complexion of coral and is seated on a lotus.{{sfn |Sankaranarayanan |2001 |p=148}} In some temples the images of Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati are kept separately. The Goddess is also portrayed as four armed in many temples.
 
As Purnachandi, she is visualised as both the essence as well as transcendence i.e. the [[Brahman]]; who is beyond Laghu Chandika, who is of the combined form of [[Parvati]], [[Lakshmi]] and [[Saraswati]] as represented in Durga Saptashati of Markandeya Purana. As Purnachandi, she sports with her sixteen hands, sword, arrow, spear, shakti, chakra, mace, rosary, khartal, phalaka, karmuka, nagapasha, axe, damaru, skull, boon gesture and protection gesture.<ref name="Chandi forms">{{cite web | url=http://www.kamakotimandali.com/blog/index.php?p=1004&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 | title=Purna Chandi | access-date=4 June 2016}}</ref>


==In folklore of Bengal==
==In folklore of Bengal==
Chandi is one of the most popular folk deities in [[Bengal]], and a number of poems and literary compositions in Bengali called ''Chandi Mangala Kavyas'' were written from 13th century to early 19th century. These had the effect of merging the local folk and tribal goddesses with mainstream
Chandi is one of the most popular goddess  in [[Bengal]], and a number of poems and literary compositions in Bengali called ''Chandi Mangala Kavyas'' were written from 13th century to early 19th century.<ref name="Stefon">{{cite encyclopedia |last=Stefon |first=Matt |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chandi |article=Chandi |title=Ancient Religions and Mythology |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=2024-02-05}}</ref> These merged the local folk and tribal goddesses with mainstream
Hinduism. The ''Mangal kavyas'' often associate Chandi with goddess [[Kali]] or Kalika<ref>McDaniel(2004) p.21</ref> and recognise her as a consort of [[Shiva]] and mother of [[Ganesha]] and [[Kartikeya]], which are characteristics of goddesses like [[Parvati]] and [[Durga]].<ref>McDaniel(2004) pp. 149-150</ref> The concept of Chandi as the supreme Goddess also underwent a change. The worship of the goddess became heterogeneous in nature.
Hinduism. The ''Mangal kavyas'' often associate Chandi with goddess [[Kali]] or Kalika{{sfn |McDaniel |2004 |p=21}} and recognise her as a consort of [[Shiva]] and mother of [[Ganesha]] and [[Kartikeya]], which are characteristics of goddesses like [[Parvati]] and [[Durga]].{{sfn |McDaniel |2004 |pp=149–150}} The concept of Chandi as the supreme Goddess also underwent a change. The worship of the goddess became heterogeneous in nature.


Chandi is associated with good fortune. Her auspicious forms like ''Mangal Chandi'', ''Sankat Mangal Chandi'', ''Rana Chandi'' bestow joy, riches, children, good hunting and victory in battles while other forms like ''[[Oladevi|Olai Chandi]]'' cure diseases like cholera, plague and cattle diseases.<ref>McDaniel(2002) pp. 9-11</ref>
Chandi is associated with good fortune. Her auspicious forms like ''Mangal Chandi'', ''Sankat Mangal Chandi'', ''Rana Chandi'' bestow joy, riches, children, good hunting and victory in battles while other forms like ''[[Oladevi|Olai Chandi]]'' cure diseases like cholera, plague and cattle diseases.{{sfn |McDaniel |2003 |pp=9–11}}


These are almost all village and tribal Goddesses with the name of the village or tribe being added onto the name Chandi. The most important of these Goddesses is Mongol Chandi who is worshipped in the entire state and also in Assam. Here the word "Mongol" means auspicious or benign.<ref>Manna, Sibendu, Mother Goddess, {{IAST|Chaṇḍī}}, pp. 100-110</ref>
These are almost all village and tribal Goddesses with the name of the village or tribe being added onto the name Chandi. The most important of these Goddesses is Mongol Chandi who is worshipped in the entire state and also in Assam. Here the word "Mongol" means auspicious or benign.{{sfn|Manna|1993|pp=100–110}}


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Chandi di Var]] (in Sikhism)
* [[Chandi di Var]] (in Sikhism)
* [[Candi of Indonesia]]


==Notes==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist|30em}}


==References==
===Sources===
{{Refbegin|2}}
{{Refbegin}}
* Coburn, Thomas B., "Devī Māhātmya, The Crystallization of the Goddess Tradition", South Asia Books, 2002. ({{ISBN|81-208-0557-7}})
<!--{{sfn |Beane |1977 |p=}}-->
* Manna, Sibendu, Mother Goddess, {{IAST|Chaṇḍī}}, Punthi Pustak, Calcutta, India, 1993. ({{ISBN|81-85094-60-8}})
*{{cite book |last=Beane |first=Wendell Charles |title=Myth, Cult and Symbols in Sakta Hinduism: a study of the Indian Mother Goddess |publisher=E.J. Brill |publication-place=Leiden |year=1977 |isbn=978-90-04-04814-0 |oclc=462282360}}
* Mookerjee, Ajit, Kali, The Feminine Force, Destiny Books, Rochester, Vermont, 1988, ({{ISBN|0-89281-212-5}})
<!--{{sfn |Brown |1990 |p=}}-->
* Sankaranarayanan, S., Glory of the Divine Mother (Devī Māhātmyam), Nesma Books, India, 2001. ({{ISBN|81-87936-00-2}})
*{{cite book |last=Brown |first=Cheever Mackenzie |title=The Triumph of the Goddess: The Canonical Models and Theological Visions of the Devī-Bhāgavata Purāṇa |publisher=State University of New York Press |publication-place=Albany |year=1990 |isbn=978-0-585-07628-7 |oclc=42855925}}
* McDaniel, June, ''Offering Flowers, Feeding Skulls: Popular Goddess Worship in West '', Published 2004, Oxford University Press - US, 368 pages, {{ISBN|0-19-516790-2}}
<!--{{sfn |Coburn |1984 |p=}}-->
* McDaniel, June, ''Making Virtuous Daughters and Wives: An Introduction to Women's Brata Rituals in Benegal Folk Religion'', Published 2002, SUNY Press, 144 pages, {{ISBN|0-7914-5565-3}}
*{{cite book |last=Coburn |first=Thomas B. |author-link=Thomas B. Coburn |title=Devī Māhātmya: The Crystallization of the Goddess Tradition |publisher=Motilal Bonarsidass |publication-place=Delhi |year=1984 |isbn=978-0-8364-0867-6 |oclc=643793128 |url=https://archive.org/details/devimahatmyacrys0000cobu |url-access=registration |via=Internet Archive}}
* Wilkins, William Joseph, ''Hindu Mythology, Vedic and Puranic'', Published 2004, Kessinger Publishing, 428 pages, {{ISBN|0-7661-8881-7}} (First edition: Published 1882; Thacker, Spink & co.)
<!--{{sfn |Coburn |1991 |p=}}-->
*{{cite book |last=Coburn |first=Thomas B. |title=Encountering the Goddess: A Translation of the Devi-Mahatmya and a Study of Its Interpretation |publisher=State University of New York Press |publication-place=Albany, N.Y. |year=1991 |isbn=978-0-585-01691-7 |oclc=44964497 |url=https://archive.org/details/encounteringgodd0000cobu |url-access=registration |via=Internet Archive}}
<!--{{sfn |Gopal |1990 |p=}}-->
*{{cite book |last=Gopal |first=Madan |title=India through the Ages |year=1990 |publication-place=New Delhi |publisher=Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt. of India |oclc=1157118397 |url=https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada |via=Internet Archive}}
<!--{{sfn |Manna |1993 |p=}}-->
*{{cite book |last=Manna |first=Sibendu |title=Mother Goddess Caṇḍī: Its Socio Ritual Impact on the Folk Life |publisher=Punthi Pustak |publication-place=Calcutta |year=1993 |oclc=29595373 |isbn=978-81-85094-60-1}}
<!--{{sfn |McDaniel |2003 |p=}}-->
*{{cite book |last=McDaniel |first=June |title=Making Virtuous Daughters and Wives: An Introduction to Women's Brata Rituals in Benegal Folk Religion |publisher=State University of New York Press |publication-place=New York |year=2003 |isbn=978-1-4175-0860-0 |oclc=55642408|url=https://archive.org/details/makingvirtuousda0000mcda |url-access=registration |via=Internet Archive}}
<!--{{sfn |McDaniel |2004 |p=}}-->
*{{cite book |last=McDaniel |first=June |title=Offering Flowers, Feeding Skulls: Popular Goddess Worship in West Bengal |publisher=Oxford University Press |publication-place=New York |year=2004 |isbn=978-1-4237-5659-0 |oclc=64685459 |url=https://archive.org/details/offeringflowersf0000mcda |url-access=registration |via=Internet Archive}}
<!--{{sfn |Mookerjee |1988 |p=}}-->
*{{cite book |last=Mookerjee |first=Ajit |title=Kali: The Feminine Force |publisher=Destiny Books |publication-place=New York |year=1988 |isbn=978-0-89281-212-7 |oclc=1035908837 |url=https://archive.org/details/kalifeminineforc00mook |url-access=registration |via=Internet Archive}}
<!--{{sfn |Sankaranarayanan |2001 |p=}}-->
*{{cite book |last=Sankaranarayanan |title=Glory Of The Divine Mother Devi Mahatmyam |date=2001 |orig-year=1968 |publisher=Nesma Books |publication-place=India |isbn=978-81-87936-00-8}} See also: {{OCLC|878083089}}
<!--{{sfn |Singh |Nath |2001 |p=}}-->
*{{cite book |last1=Singh |first1=Chitralekha |last2=Nath |first2=Prem |title=Lakshmi |publisher=Crest Publishing House |publication-place=New Delhi |year=2001 |isbn=978-81-242-0173-2 |oclc=59302249}}
<!--{{sfn |Wilkins |1882 |p=}}-->
*{{cite book |last=Wilkins |first=William Joseph |title=Hindu mythology, Vedic and Purānic |publisher=Thacker, Spink & Co. |publication-place=Calcutta |year=1882 |hdl=2027/ia.ark:/13960/t2x34v844 |oclc=1085344444 |url=https://hdl.handle.net/2027/ia.ark:/13960/t2x34v844 |via=HathiTrust}}
{{Refend}}
{{Refend}}
==External links==
{{commons category}}
*{{cite web |last=Mandal |first=Paresh Chandra |title=Chandi |website=Banglapedia |date=2021-09-18 | url=https://en.banglapedia.org/index.php/Chandi |access-date=2024-02-05}}<!--Note en.banglapedia.org states that it is the "intellectual output of over 1450 scholars". Therefore, not [[WP:UGC]].-->


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[[Category:Forms of Parvati]]
[[Category:Hindu goddesses]]
[[Category:Hindu goddesses]]
[[Category:Mother goddesses]]
[[Category:Mother goddesses]]
[[Category:Shaktism]]
[[Category:Shaktism]]
[[Category:War goddesses]]
[[Category:War goddesses]]
[[Category:Forms of Parvati]]

Latest revision as of 04:32, 23 March 2026


For other uses, see Chandi (disambiguation).

Template:Faith primary

Chandi
The fiery destructive power of Shakti
Member of The Eight Matrika
Newari portrayal of Chandi
Devanagariचण्डी
Sanskrit transliterationCaṇḍī
AffiliationForm of Durga
Mantra
  • Oṁ Namaś Caṇḍikāyai
  • Om Aim Hrīm Klīm Cāmuṇḍāyai Vicce
MountLion

Chandi (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist., IAST: Caṇḍī) or Chandika (IAST: Caṇḍika) is a Hindu deity. Chandika is a form of goddess Durga.[1] She shares similarities with the Goddess Chamunda, not only in name but also in attributes and iconography. Due to these similarities, some consider them to be the same deity, while others view them as different manifestations of Mahadevi. Both are often associated with other powerful goddesses like Durga, Katyayani, Kali and Kalaratri. The Goddess is particularly revered in Gujarat.

History[edit | edit source]

In the Devī Māhātmya. Chandi represents the killer of Chanda. the Supreme Divine is often referred to as Caṇḍī or Caṇḍikā. This name is derived from the Sanskrit root caṇḍa, meaning “fierce” or “terrible.” Chandi is celebrated as the vanquisher of the demonic generals Chanda and Munda.[2] According to Bhaskararaya, a prominent authority on Devi worship, Chandi embodies divine wrath and passion.[3]

The epithet of Chandi or Chandika appears in the Devi Mahatmya, a text deeply rooted in the Shakta tradition of Hindus, Specially Eastern India. This region has long been a significant center for Goddess worship and tantric practices. Since ancient times, it is the most common epithet used for the Goddess. Within the Devi Mahatmya, Chandi, Chandika, Ambika, and Durga are often used interchangeably to refer to the Supreme Goddess in the sect. [4][page needed]

Alongside the Sri Vidhya mantras, it is one of the principal mantras in Shakti worship. It is customary to chant this mantra when chanting the Devi Mahatmya. It is one of the primary mantras in the worship of Shakti. Traditionally, this mantra is chanted during recitations of the Devi Mahatmya. According to belief, the goddess resides in Mahakal, Kailasa.[5] The city of Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, is named after the Goddess.

Legends[edit | edit source]

She is known as the supreme goddess Mahishasuramardini or Katyayini Durga (6th Navadurga) who slayed the demon Mahishasura. She has been affiliated with and also considered as Vindhyavasini or Kaushiki or Yogmaya or Ambika who killed Shumbha, Nishumbha and their fellow demons.[6] "The great Goddess was born from the energies of the male divinities when the devas became impotent in the long-drawn-out battle with the asuras. All the energies of the Gods became united and became supernova, throwing out flames in all directions. Then that unique light, pervading the Three Worlds with its lustre, combined into one, and became a female form."[7][page needed]

"Devi projected overwhelming omnipotence. The three-eyed goddess was adorned with the crescent moon. Her several arms held auspicious weapons and emblems. She wear precious jewels and dresses offered by the gods. With her golden body blazing with the splendour of a thousand suns, seated on her lion vehicle, Chandi is one of the most spectacular of all personifications of Cosmic energy."[8]

In other scriptures, Chandi is portrayed as "assisting" Kali in her battle with the demon Raktabīja. Chandi wounded him, but a new demon sprang up from every drop of his blood that fell on the ground. By drinking Raktabīja's blood before it could reach the ground, Kali enabled her first to destroy the demon army and finally kill Raktabīja himself.[9] In Skanda Purana, this story is retold and another story of Mahakali killing demons Chanda and Munda is added.[10] Authors Chitralekha Singh and Prem Nath says, "Narada Purana describes the powerful forms of Lakshmi as Durga, Kali, Bhadrakali, Chandi, Maheshwari, Lakshmi, Vaishnavi and Andreye". Also, she is the one who purified Halahal (during Samudra Manthan) into Amrit (Ambrosio).[11]

Chandi Homa (Havan)[edit | edit source]

Chandi Homa is one of the most popular Homas in Hindu religion. It is performed across India during various festivals, especially during the Navaratri. Chandi Homa is performed by reciting verses from the Durga Sapthasathi and offering oblations into the sacrificial fire. It could also be accompanied by the Navakshari Mantra. Kumari Puja & Suvasini Puja also form a part of the ritual.[12][page needed]

Iconography[edit | edit source]

A Burmese portrayal of Chandi (Sandi Dewi).

The dhyana sloka preceding the Middle episode of Devi Mahatmya the iconographic details are given. The Goddess is described as having vermilion complexion, eighteen arms holds rosary, battle axe, mace, bow, arrow,thunderbolt,lotus, water-pot, pestle, spear, sword, shield, noose, bell, wine-cup, trident, conch and the discus (sudarsana). She has a complexion of coral and is seated on a lotus.[13] In some temples the images of Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati are kept separately. The Goddess is also portrayed as four armed in many temples.

In folklore of Bengal[edit | edit source]

Chandi is one of the most popular goddess in Bengal, and a number of poems and literary compositions in Bengali called Chandi Mangala Kavyas were written from 13th century to early 19th century.[14] These merged the local folk and tribal goddesses with mainstream Hinduism. The Mangal kavyas often associate Chandi with goddess Kali or Kalika[15] and recognise her as a consort of Shiva and mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya, which are characteristics of goddesses like Parvati and Durga.[16] The concept of Chandi as the supreme Goddess also underwent a change. The worship of the goddess became heterogeneous in nature.

Chandi is associated with good fortune. Her auspicious forms like Mangal Chandi, Sankat Mangal Chandi, Rana Chandi bestow joy, riches, children, good hunting and victory in battles while other forms like Olai Chandi cure diseases like cholera, plague and cattle diseases.[17]

These are almost all village and tribal Goddesses with the name of the village or tribe being added onto the name Chandi. The most important of these Goddesses is Mongol Chandi who is worshipped in the entire state and also in Assam. Here the word "Mongol" means auspicious or benign.[18]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Dalal, Roshen (2010). Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide. Penguin Books India. p. 115. ISBN 978-0-14-341421-6.
  2. ↑ "saptashatI". kamakotimandali.com. 28 December 2008. Archived from the original on 29 June 2016.
  3. ↑ Coburn 1991, p. 134.
  4. ↑ Coburn 1984.
  5. ↑ Gopal 1990, p. 81.
  6. ↑ Ramachander, P.R. (27 May 2008). "Goddess Parvathi" (PDF). stotraratna.awardspace.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 September 2012.
  7. ↑ Beane 1977.
  8. ↑ Mookerjee 1988, p. 49.
  9. ↑ Wilkins 1882, pp. 255–257.
  10. ↑ Wilkins 1882, p. 260.
  11. ↑ Singh & Nath 2001, p. 20.
  12. ↑ Brown 1990.
  13. ↑ Sankaranarayanan 2001, p. 148.
  14. ↑ Stefon, Matt. "Chandi". Ancient Religions and Mythology. Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
  15. ↑ McDaniel 2004, p. 21.
  16. ↑ McDaniel 2004, pp. 149–150.
  17. ↑ McDaniel 2003, pp. 9–11.
  18. ↑ Manna 1993, pp. 100–110.

Sources[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

  • Mandal, Paresh Chandra (18 September 2021). "Chandi". Banglapedia. Retrieved 5 February 2024.

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