Candi Devi and Ćandi Sampradaya – Candi spiritual traditions
Candi, Ćandi, Candii Candee or Chandi – चण्डी trsl. Sanskrit: Caṇḍī or Chandika (Caṇḍīka) or Ran-Chandi is a ancient Hindu Goddess. Candi is the combined form of Lakshmi, Saraswati and Durga, the ferocious form of Parvati. She is said to be the most ferocious incarnation of Adi Paraśakti (Parashakti). Candika form is said to be extremely ferocious and inaccessible because of her anger. She cannot tolerate evil acts. Candika does not like evil doers and becomes terribly angry on seeing them. She slays evil doers without mercy. Her anger is expressed in Devi Mahatmya. A seven-year-old girl is also known as Candika in Sanskrit scriptures. Candika is demon-destroying form of the Hindu goddess Shakti, particularly popular in eastern India, Bengal. She is known by various names, such as Mahamaya (“Great Magic”) or Abhaya (“She Who Is Without Fear”).
The name “Candi” is derived from the Sanskrit word “chand” which means “tear apart.” The Goddess Candi is described as “She Who Tears Apart Thought.” She tears apart our thoughts that feed the ego, and thoughts that take us off of our path. Mother Candi is nirakara, which means “without form.” Her bija mantra embodies the three qualities of Nature: creation, preservation, and transformation. The Chandi Path is one of the most definitive texts of Divine Mother worship, and on every level it is a commentary on the evolution of consciousness.
Caṇḍī or Caṇḍīika is the name by which the Supreme Goddess 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 his complete independence with respect to time and space. The word Chandi also refers to the fiery power of anger of the Brahman. Bhaskararaya, a leading authority on matters concerning Devi worship, defines Chandi as ‘the angry, terrible or passionate one’. 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 crystallized in the Indic mind. C. Mackenzie Brown writes:
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 reemergence 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.
When she does appear in The Markandeya Purana, in the section known as Candi or The Devi Mahatmya, she proclaims her preeminence:
“I resemble in form Brahman
From me emanates the world
Which has the Spirit of Prakriti and Purusha
I am empty and not empty
I am delight and non-delight
I am knowledge and ignorance
I am Brahman and not Brahman
”This text recounts the tale of male demons and their destruction by the Great Goddess, Śri Mahadevi, and traces its lineage through the Devi Sukta or the Vac Sukta in The Rigveda and also connects with the Samkhya Prakriti to establish itself as a canonical text for the Shaktas.
Candi, 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 Saptaśati or Candi) which celebrates the destruction of demons. As Candi or the destroyer of opposition, she can be invoked for removing obstacles to allow us to attain any of the four goals of life.
The designation of Candi or Candika 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 Śakta (Shakta) or Goddess tradition and tantric sadhana since ancient times. It is the most common epithet used for the Goddess. In Devi Mahatmya, Candi, Candika, Ambika and Durga have been used synonymously.
The basis for Candi worship is found in Devi Bhagavata as well as in the Markandeya Purana, which contains the well known Saptaśati. This narrates the three tales of Candika fighting and destroying the evil forces in the forms of Madhu, Kaithabha, Mahishasura 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 Śirsha Upanishad, known as the Devi Upanishad.
Goddess Candi 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 customary to chant this mantra when chanting the Devi Mahatmya. She is supposed to live in a place called Mahakala, which is close to Kailasa.
Durga is also known as Camunda Mata or Candi-Camunda which is close to the South Indian version. This fierce mother goddess has big eyes dressed in red and green adorned with garlands of flowers and in front of her is vehicle the Lion She is one of the seven Matrikas or ‘Saptamatrikas’ or Seven Divine Mothers and one of the chief Yoginis. The Matrikas are Brahmani, Vaishnavi, Maheśvari, Indrani, Kaumari, Varahi, Camunda and Narasimhi. The Matrikas are of paramount importance to Śaktam mother goddess worship and Tantrism. They are connected to Lord Skanda Kumara’s birth and later to the Śaivite sampradaya itself. According to Brihat-Samhita, Mother Goddesses are to be made with cognizance of Hindu Gods corresponding to their names and associated as their Śaktis. In this sense Camunda is taken to be the consort of Lord Śiva (Shiva).
Legends with Śri Candi
She is considered as Kaatyayini (Durga) herself, who had killed Mahishasura (Mahisha Asura) as well as Shumbha Nishumbha “The great Goddess was born from the energies of the male divinities when the gods 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 (Tri Loka) with its lustre, combined into one, and became a female form.”
“The Śri Devi 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, Candi is one of the most spectacular of all personifications of Cosmic energy.”
In other scriptures, Candi is portrayed as “assisting” Kali (Kaalii) in her battle with demon Raktabija Asura. While Śri Kali drank Raktabija’s blood, which created new demons from his own blood on falling on the ground; Candi would destroy the armies of demons created from his blood and finally killed Raktabija himself. In Skanda Purana, this story is retold and another story of Śri Mahakali killing demons Chanda and Munda is added.
Candi Homa or Havan
Candi Homa is one of the most popular Homas in Hindu religion but in north of India known as Havan. It is performed across India during various festivals, especially during the Navaratri. Candi Homa is performed by reciting verses from the Durga Saptaśati 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. Goddess Candi is an embodiment of power and all the divine forces, who protects you from evil forces and perfects your mind, body and soul. By worshipping the Mother of the universe through this fire ritual, you can become free of evil eyes, curses, obstacles and be blessed with a lasting health, wealth and prosperity. According to the sacred text, Devi Mahatmyam, she is portrayed with eighteen arms, each holding a different weapon to ward off all the negativities and guard her beloved devotees.
You can perform Chandi Homa to get relief from:
– Doshas or ill-effects of planetary placements in your birth chart
– Negative effects of black magic, curses and evil influences
– Overpower fears, especially fear of death
– Seek forgiveness from the Goddess for any past misdeeds
Propitiating the powerful Goddess with this Homa can bestow you with the following benefits:
– Eradicate negativity and suffering
– Relief from evil eye and curses
– Destroy obstacles and taste success in all endeavors
– Good health, wealth and prosperity
– Cure from serious illnesses
– Overpower enemies
The nine special nights of the supreme goddess called Navaratri is considered extremely auspicious for performing Candi Homa. Apart from these days, other days conducive for the Homa include Ashtami, Navami, Chaturdasi, Magha Amavasya, Jyeshta Amavasya, Chaithra and Kartik Pournami. It is preferable to perform the Homa during daytime and preferably finish the rituals before sunset. A Chandi Homa as exorcism is not an ordinary fire ritual and has to be performed by expert priests with years of experience in handling such a complex and powerful homa. ‘Rama had performed “Chandi Homa” and invoked the blessings of Durga, who blessed Rama with secret knowledge of the way to kill Ravana. On the day of Ashvin Shukla Dashami, Rama defeated Ravana and rescued Sita. Thus it is termed as Vijaya Dashami.
The core of the Candi Homa or Havan ceremony involves a recitation of the Durga Saptaśati. These are 700 secret and powerful mantras in praise of Goddess Durga in which she defeats various demons. With the recitation of each verse, offerings are made in the sacrificial fire invoking the Goddess. In Chandi Homa, Goddess Durga is treated as a 2-10 year old Kanyakaa (girl). So, while performing the Homa, girl children of these ages are worshipped and offered dress and other gifts. Performing this Homa once a year, bestows you with the power and supremacy to fulfill and accomplish success in your life span.
Sarva Mangala Mangalye – Havan’s Śloka from Devi Mahatmyam (Chandi)
सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके |
शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते ||
Sarva-Manggala-Maanggalye Shive Sarvaartha-Saadhike |
Śarannye Trya[i-A]mbake Gauri Naaraayanni Namo[ah-A]stu Te ||
1. (Salutations to You O Narayani) Who is the Auspiciousness in All the Auspicious, Auspiciousness Herself, Complete with All the Auspicious Attributes, and Who fulfills All the Objectives of the Devotees (Purusharthas – Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha),
2. Who is the Giver of Refuge, With Three Eyes and a Shining Face; Salutations to You O Narayani.
Candi Devi Iconography
The dhyana śloka preceding the Middle episode of Devi Mahatmya the iconographic details are given. The Goddess is described as eighteen armed 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. In some temples the images of Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati are kept separately as three parts of The Highest Great Goddess. The Goddess is also portrayed as four armed in many temples.
As Purnacandi, she is visualized as both the essence as well as transcendence i.e. the Brahman; who is beyond Laghu Candika, who is of the combined form of Parvati, Lakshmi and Saraswati as represented in Durga Saptaśati of Markandeya Purana. As Purnacandi, she sports with her sixteen hands, sword, arrow, spear, śakti (shakti), cakra (chakra), mace, rosary, kartarI, phalaka, karmuka, nagapasha, axe, damaru, skull, boon jesture and protection jesture.
Śri Candi or Camunda Devi appear as deep indigo near black or intense red complexioned wearing ‘mundamala’ the garland of severed head skulls. She has up to twelve arms. She holds a damaru, trishula, sword, a snake, khatvanga – skull-mace, thunderbolt, a severed head, kapala – the skull cup and panapatra, the drinking vessel. She is shown standing on a ‘śava’ or corpse or seated on a ‘pretasana’ or defeated demon.
She is often portrayed in horror: Her skull cup is filled with blood. She has a skeletal body with three eyes. Her face is terrifying with protruding teeth, long nails. Her socket eyes are described as burning the world with flames. Her breasts are shown dropping with a sunken belly. Bones, skulls, serpents and scorpions, symbols of disease and death are her ornaments. Her headdress is the jata mukutta, the piled matted hair tied with snakes. She sdorns a crescent moon which she shares of Lord Śiva.
She keeps company with fiends and goblins surrounded by fearsome jackals eating corpse flesh. Her vahana ranges from lion, tiger or owl. Her banner shows a fierce eagle. By and large Candi and Camunda depict the coming of old age, death, decay and destruction, the wholesome attributes of elder Rudra and Śiva in his destructive roles. Indeed these are symbols of rebirth and creation also. Candi, Candika or Camunda are very good to connect and sadhana practice for all kind of exoercist fighting against devil forces and against demons.
In folklore of Bengal
Śri Candi or 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 13-th century to early 19-th century. These had the effect of merging the local folk and tribal goddesses with mainstream Hinduism. The Mangal kavyas often associate Śri Candi with goddess Śri Kali (Kaalii) or Kalika (Kali as Mother and Kalika as Her Daughter) and recognize her as a consort of Śiva (Shiva) and mother of Ganeśa and Kartikeya, which are characteristics of goddesses like Parvati and Durga. The concept of Candi as the supreme Goddess also underwent a change. The worship of the goddess became heterogeneous in nature.
Śri Candi Devi is associated with good fortune. Her auspivcious 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.
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.
Mother Parvati, Durga and Candi
It is often quite wrongly written that Durga ‘is also known’ as Parvati. It is the other way around. Parvati is the benign form of Lord Śiva’s consort; more in the domestic fold. The Vaivarta Purana relates to the circumstance which led to the reappearance on earth of Uma, who had sacrificed herself and became Sati during ancient Rudra times. Sati soon takes rebirth as Himavant’s and Mother Mena daughter. Śri Gauri is Her virgin form in which she undergoes severe penance to obtain the heart of Lord Śiva. She got a boon from Brahma to be golden complexioned. The marriage materializes and Śiva-Parvati take Mount Kailasa as their abode.
In Śaktam, Śri Parvati stands for Śakti, feminine power. Without Śakti, Śiva is śava, a mere corpse. It is Mother Parvati that manifests her divine powers to exhibit a very different spirit from which She appears as the domestic Parvati. This is when she appears as Śri Durga and Śri Kali (Kaalii Maa). Hence the supposition that these were originally distinct deities, they are one and the same. The chief forms of Parvati as Durga are Durga, Daśabhuja, Singhavahini, Mahaishamardini, Jagaddhatri and Kali (Śri Kaalii).
The Parvati > Durga > Candi historical flow is confirmed by Markandeya Purana itself. Lord Brahma was pleased with Mahishasura’s penance so he gives him the power not to be defeated by a male. Mahisha asura terrorized the three lokas. The Devas, Gods, were rendered helpless as the demon could not be defeated by any man or god, anywhere. They approach Lord Śiva in the Kailash Mountains. The Lord, realizing that no man or male god could defeat Mahishasura, made a request to his wife Parvati to the role of a female goddess warrior in order to slay the demon.
Mother Parvati acceded to Śiva’s request and proceeded to the Katyayan’s ashram (aśram) to assume the role of a warrior. In the meantime, some of the gods also approached Lord Brahma. Brahma then made his way to Vaikunta to meet Mahavishnu. The two then head for Kailasha to save the three worlds from Mahishasura’s reign of terror. The Trinity then emitted beams of fierce light from their bodies. The blinding sea of light reached Parvati at the Katyayan’s ashram. Parvati then emerged as Durgaa Maa from this pool of light and first took the name of Kaatyayani from the ashram priest.
Kaatyayani explained herself as the form of Supreme Female aspect of Brahman or Prakriti who had created all the gods. She said that she had appeared to slay the demon and that the Trinity had not created Her but the emerging from the pool of light as combined energy was Her lila. Learning of this manifestation, Mahishasura roared with laughter that a woman had emerged to kill him. His laughter led his to his destruction when Durga took the form of Śri Candi Devi.
Candi Navarna Mantra
Camunda Mantra or Navarna Mantra or Candi Mantra is a most powerful mantra of Goddess Śri Durga (or Śri Camunda Devi). Goddess Durgaa, Śri Durgaa Maa, is a powerful form of Universal feminine energy. Navarna Mantra is the basic mantra of the Śri Durga Saptashati Patha and the Navakshari or Navarna Mantra (Camunda Mantra or Candi Mantra) is:
ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे ||
Om Aim Hreem Kleem Caamundaayai Vicce ||
The Navakshari Mantra is one of the principal mantras in Shakti Worship apart from the Sri Vidhya Mantras. It can be said with out without pranava at the beginning. Traditionally, bija mantras are only alluded to – and not mentioned (except when you get it from a Guru). Mantra has three parts: Om, Beejas and Devi’s Name.
Om | Aim Hreem Kleem | Caamundaayai Vicce ||
or more intesive spelling sounding more like
Om | Aing Hreeng Kleeng | Ćaa-mu-ndaa-yai Vi-ćće ||
For basic syllabic recitation:
Om Aim Hreem Kleem Ćaa Mu Ndaa Yai Vi Ćće ||
Chant this mantram 108 times everyday for 41 days with devotion and you will achive what you wants.
Sometimes short version for beginnig: Om Ca’munda’yai Namah || – is for thouse who never practice Mantra Yoga to do during first may be six months.
Alternative mantra
Om Haum Caamundaayai Namo Namah ||
First intention or prayer like this:
O Kali, O Durga, O Ćamundi, O Mother, liberate us from fear, jealousy, anger and all egoic energies
and guide us all the way home, to our true nature, to the light and love that we are…
Goddess Durga’s body is formed with three Goddess Powers:-
– Mahasaraswati
– Mahalakshmi
– Mahakali
Meaning Of Camunda Mantra or Navarna Mantra or Candi Mantra
The Mantra Om represent The GOD itself, who is unique and one.
The Mantra Aim is the Beeja Mantra of Goddess Mahasaraswati who is the Goddess of creation and both worldly and divine knowledge.
The Mantra Hreem is another great Beeja Mantra of Goddess Mahalakshmi who is the Goddess of wealth, fame, luck and all worldly affairs. Beeja Shreem (Śring) is the most famous bija mantra of Mahalakshmi, read about Shreem Brzee Mantra.
The Mantra Kleem (Kling) is the Mantra of Goddess Mahakali (Mahaa-Kaalii) who is the Goddess of fierce power and death.
The Mantra Camundayai is the Mantra of Goddess Camunda (Durga) the Goddess who protects chanter’s body, life and complete self with passion.
The Mantra Vicche is the Mantra of Divine Consciousness and helps its chanter to go deep into his/herself while chanting or meditating.
By Navarna Mantra we invoke the Supreme God and three different powers of God with passion and compassion and ask to come into our lives to fulfill our all worldly and spiritual desires with ease.
Good Time To Start Navarna Mantra (Camunda Mantra or Candi Mantra)
During the first day of any Navaratri or Ashtami (8th day after no moon day, after amavasya) is the good time to start Navarna Mantra.
Rosary (Mala) to Chant Navarna Mantra (Camunda Mantra or Candi Mantra)
Rosary of Crystals, Rudraksha or Lotus Seed is good for chanting this Navarna Mantra.
Benefits of Navarna Mantra (Camunda Mantra or Candi Mantra)
The Navarna Mantra helps to eliminate the hurdles of chanter’s life and increase chanter’s special importance in the world. The Navarna Mantra is very powerful as its helps the chanter to sustain prosperity, wealth, joy, and happiness. This mantra also helps to maintain health. The name and fame are also achieved if the mantra is being recited routinely.
This Camunda Mantra also gives special powers to its chanter to fight against the evil spirits and negative vibrations. It also helps to attain abundance and divine knowledge. It also helps to release all the sins from chanter’s life.
This Candi Mantra removes the effect of all types of black magic, the inauspicious effect of negative planets, bad luck and setbacks due to enemies etc. This Candi Mantra also helps to build self-confidence, willpower, and victory.
Worship Goddess Śri Camunda Devi as she is your heavenly mother who is always ready to protect you from evil eye and give you courage too. Initiation (Upadeśa, Dikshan) from a Guru of the Candi Navakshari mantra will bestow you with God-realization.
Candi Gayatri Mantra
Om! Candiśwari Ca Vidmahe, Mahaa Devi Ca Dheemahi |
Tanno Candi Pracodayaat ||
Hear and Chant this Chandi Gayatri along and get benefited.
5000 times to get rid of black magic
7000 times to get rid of fear
10000 times to get rid planetary problems
10008 times to get peace of mind
11000 Times –Get over fear of Death.
12000 times – Getting desires fulfilled.
15000 times – Attract Women
16000 Times – Accumulate Wealth
18000 Times – To get occult Powers
21000 times – Get child
25000 Times – To get rid of Fine and Punishment
28000 Times – Get rid of Imprisonment
48000 Times – Get rid of Major and Life Threatening Problems
100.008 Times – Mukthi and Motcha (Emancipation and liberation)
Another Candi Gayatri version
Om! Mahaamaayaayi vidmahe candikaayai ca dheemahi |
Tanno devi pracodayaat ||
You can also forward this mantra to your friends and relatives and request them to Hear, Learn and chant this mantra on behalf of you for desired number of time to get your wishes fulfilled.
Shri Mangal Chandika Stotram in Sanskrit
श्री मंगल चंडिका स्तोत्रम्
Shri Mangal Chandika Stotram was composed in Sanskrit. Shri Mangal chandika Stotram is mentioned in Prakruti-Khanda from Brahmavaivarta Purana (Adhya 44/20-36). Shri Mangal Chandika stotram is chanted to receive the blessings from the Goddess Devi Mangal Chandika. All desires of the devotee are fulfilled by chanting this stotram for ten lakh times. Chandika or Ran-Chandi (Caṇḍīka) is the supreme Goddess of Devi Mahatmya (Sanskrit: Devīmāhātmyam, देवीमाहात्म्यम्) also known as Chamunda or Durga as mentioned in Durga Saptashati. Chandi is described as the Supreme reality who is a combination of Mahakali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati. Later in the Murti Rahasyam she is described as Maha Lakshmi with eighteen arms (Ashtadasa Bhuja Mahalakshmi) bearing weapons.
II श्री मंगलचंडिकास्तोत्रम् II
ॐ ह्रीं श्रीं क्लीं सर्वपूज्ये देवी मङ्गलचण्डिके I
ऐं क्रूं फट् स्वाहेत्येवं चाप्येकविन्शाक्षरो मनुः II 1 II
पूज्यः कल्पतरुश्चैव भक्तानां सर्वकामदः I
दशलक्षजपेनैव मन्त्रसिद्धिर्भवेन्नृणाम् II 2 II
मन्त्रसिद्धिर्भवेद् यस्य स विष्णुः सर्वकामदः I
ध्यानं च श्रूयतां ब्रह्मन् वेदोक्तं सर्व सम्मतम् II 3 II
देवीं षोडशवर्षीयां शश्वत्सुस्थिरयौवनाम् I
सर्वरूपगुणाढ्यां च कोमलाङ्गीं मनोहराम् II 4 II
श्वेतचम्पकवर्णाभां चन्द्रकोटिसमप्रभाम् I
वन्हिशुद्धांशुकाधानां रत्नभूषणभूषिताम् II 5 II
बिभ्रतीं कबरीभारं मल्लिकामाल्यभूषितम् I
बिम्बोष्टिं सुदतीं शुद्धां शरत्पद्मनिभाननाम् II 6 II
ईषद्धास्यप्रसन्नास्यां सुनीलोल्पललोचनाम् I
जगद्धात्रीं च दात्रीं च सर्वेभ्यः सर्वसंपदाम् II 7 II
संसारसागरे घोरे पोतरुपां वरां भजे II 7 II
देव्याश्च ध्यानमित्येवं स्तवनं श्रूयतां मुने I
प्रयतः संकटग्रस्तो येन तुष्टाव शंकरः II 8 II
शंकर उवाच रक्ष रक्ष जगन्मातर्देवि मङ्गलचण्डिके I
हारिके विपदां राशेर्हर्षमङ्गलकारिके II 9 II
हर्षमङ्गलदक्षे च हर्षमङ्गलचण्डिके I
शुभे मङ्गलदक्षे च शुभमङ्गलचण्डिके II 10 II
मङ्गले मङ्गलार्हे च सर्व मङ्गलमङ्गले I
सतां मन्गलदे देवि सर्वेषां मन्गलालये II 11 II
पूज्या मङ्गलवारे च मङ्गलाभीष्टदैवते I
पूज्ये मङ्गलभूपस्य मनुवंशस्य संततम् II 12 II
मङ्गलाधिष्टातृदेवि मङ्गलानां च मङ्गले I
संसार मङ्गलाधारे मोक्षमङ्गलदायिनि II 13 II
सारे च मङ्गलाधारे पारे च सर्वकर्मणाम् I
प्रतिमङ्गलवारे च पूज्ये च मङ्गलप्रदे II 14 II
स्तोत्रेणानेन शम्भुश्च स्तुत्वा मङ्गलचण्डिकाम् I
प्रतिमङ्गलवारे च पूजां कृत्वा गतः शिवः II 15 II
देव्याश्च मङ्गलस्तोत्रं यः श्रुणोति समाहितः I
तन्मङ्गलं भवेच्छश्वन्न भवेत् तदमङ्गलम् II 16 II
II इति श्री ब्रह्मवैवर्ते मङ्गलचण्डिका स्तोत्रं संपूर्णम् II
This stotra is in Sanskrit. It is in Prakruti-Khanda from BrahmaVaivart Purana (Adhya 44/20-36). Mantra: This Stotra starts with a very important and pious Mantra of the Goddess. “Om hrim shrim klim sarvapoojye Devi mangala candike aiem krum fat swvaha” Everybody is requested to chant/listen this mantra as many times as possible during the rest of the days of Navaratri to receive the blessings from the Goddess Devi Mangal Chandika. All desires of the devotee are fulfilled by chanting this mantra for 10 lakhs times.
Dhyanam: Bhagavati Chandika looks of 16 years always and she is young forever. She is having a soft, tender and attractive body and her mind is filled with all the virtues. She is of a fair complexion and like a white Champa (Kind Of flower). Her bodily lustre is like lustre of thousand Moons. She is wearing the clothes and gem ornaments which are purified by fire. She is wearing garland of malika flower in her hairs. Her lips are red like the disc of the sun. Her teeth are very beautiful. Her mouth is like a lotus. She is having a sweet smile on her delighted face. Her both the eyes are attractive and are looking like a full bloomed blue lotus. Bhagavati Chandika gives wealth, money and property and she helps us to bear the worldly duties and obligations. O! Mune! Now listen I am telling you Mangala Candika Stotram. God Shiva Said: Mother of the world, Bhagavati Mangala Candika you are destroyer of all the difficulties and giver of happiness and blessings. Please help me. Please help me. You are very liberal in giving happiness and blessings. You are Harsha Mangal Chandika. You are Śubha. You are Mangala-Daksha. You are Śubha-Mangala-Chandika. You are Mangala. You are Mangalarha (Giver of blessings). You are also called as Sarva-Mangal-Mangala. O! Goddess, by nature you are helping good people. All people depend on you and surrender you for your blessings. O! Goddess, you are goddess of the planet Mangala (Mars). People should worship you on Tuesday. You are the Goddess of king Mangala who was from Manu-Vansha (family). You give the freedom from worldly bondage. By worshiping you on Tuesday. O! Goddess you are giver of blessings, happiness, wealth, property and everything desired. You are behind the cause (creation) of the world. You are beyond the Karm-Bhoga. God Shiva recited this stotra and worships the Goddess on Tuesday. Then God Shiva acquired the necessary power, energy and blessings from the Goddess Mangala-Candika to destroy the demon Tripuraasura. Anybody who listens/recites this stotra with devotion, concentration by worshiping the Goddess on every Tuesday receives blessings, happiness, wealth, property and everything desired. She/he becomes a father/mother of good children. Nothing bad will happen in his/her life.
Here ends the Mangala Chandika Stotram which is from Prakruti-Khanda of Brahmavaivart-Purana. (Adhya 44/20-36)
Om Hreem sreem kleem sarva poojye devi Mangala Chandike,
Iym kroom phat swahethyevam cha apya ekavinsakharo Manu. ||1||
Poojya kalpa tharuschaiva Bhakthaanaam sarva kamadha,
Dasa laksha jape naiva manthra sidhir bhave nrunaam, ||2||
Manthra sidhir bhavedh sa Vishnur Sarva Kamadha,
Dhyanam cha sruyathaan Brahman Vedoktham sarva sammatham, ||3||
If Man worship s with the twenty one lettered Chant,
“Om Hreem, Sreem , Kleem Sarva poojaye devi Mangala Chandike , Iym kroom phat swaha”
She who is like the wish fulfilling tree to him who worships , would fulfill all the wishes of that devotee,
And if he chants it ten lakh times , he would be able to master all occult powers,
For with the mastery of this chant , Lord Vishnu attained all his wishes,
And Lord Brahma meditating and hearing it, was recognized by the Vedas.
Dhyanam
Devim Shodasa varsheeyaam, sarva susthira youvanam,
SArva roppa gunadyaam cha komalaangim manoharaam, ||4||
Swetha champaka varnaam, Chandra koti SAmaprabham,
Vahni shudhaam sukhaadhaanaam, rathna bhooshana bhooshithaam, ||5||
Bibrathim Khabari baaraam mallika malya vibhooshithaam,
Bimbhoshtim sudathim shudhaam sarad Padma nibhaananaam, ||6||
Eesha dwasya prasannasyaam Suneelothphala lochanaam,
Jagat dhatrim cha dhatrim cha Sarvebhya sarva sampadaam
SAmsara sagare ghore potha roopaam varaam bhaje. ||7||
Deyascha dhyana mithyevam sthavanam sryathaam mune,
Prayatha sankata grastho yena thushtava Sankara. ||8||
The goddess is of sixteen years age , and is blessed with permanent youth,
She is blessed with all forms and all good qualities, she has pretty form, she steals the mind,
She is of the colour of White Champa flower, she has the sparkle of billions of moons,
She wears cloth purified by fire and wears ornaments studded with gems,
She is bent due to the weight of her breasts and wears the garland of jasmine,
She has lips of the colour of Bimba fruit, she has good teeth, she is pure and is like the lotus flower of autumn.
She looks pleased with a slow smile and has eyes which are like blue lotus,
She is the mother of the universe, she is the mother and always gives wealth to all,
And she is a boat to cross the ocean of domestic life and is blessed and I salute her.
Oh sage let the meditation and worship for her begin and please hear her prayer,
And thus Shankara made those caught by sorrow as happy.
Sankara Uvaca – Lord Shiva said:-
1. Raksha raksha jagan mathar devi Candike,
Harike vipadam raser harsha mangala Karike.
Protect , protect , oh Goddess Chandika, who is the mother of universe,
Who defeats dangers and one *who makes mars happy in all rasis.
*(or one who is general makes things happily auspicious)
2. Harsha mangala dakshecha, mangala chandike,
Shubhe mangala dakshecha, shubha mangala chandike.
She who is the auspicious Chandika is the happy auspicious earth
And the pure auspicious earth is the pure auspicious Chandika.
3. Mangale, mangalarhe cha, mangalabheeshta devathe,
SAthaam mangaladhe devi, sarveshaam mmangalalaye.
She is the Auspicious one who merits auspiciousness,
She is the goddess who fulfills auspicious wishes,
She who is always auspicious blesses all with auspiciousness.
4. Poojaye mangala vare cha, mangalabheeshta devathe,
Poojya mangala bhoopasya, manu vamsaya santhatham.
When the goddess is worshipped on Tuesdays she fulfills all auspicious wishes,
And she is always worshipped by auspicious kings, who are from the clan of Manus.
5. Mangalaa dishtathrudevi, Mangalaanaam mangale,
SAmsara mangalaadhare, moksha mangala dhayini.
Please make me auspicious , Oh auspicious one among auspicious,
Oh bearer of auspiciousness in this world, who grants auspiciousness and salvation.
6. Sare cha mangaladhare pare cha sarva karmanaam,
Prathi mangalavare cha poojye cha Mangalapradhe.
She who has auspiciousness at all times makes us succeed in all our actions,
She who is being worshipped on all tuesdays grants auspiciousness.
7. Stotranaanena Shambuscha sthuthwaa Mangala Chandikam,
Prathi mangala vare cha poojayaam thath vaa gatha shiva,
After praising Mangala Chandika using this prayer ,
Every tuesday he worshipped her, and how much greatness did Lord shiva attain because of it?
8. Prathame poojitha devi , Shive na sarva mangala,
Dwitheeye poojithaa sa cha mangalena grahena cha,
9. Thritheeye poojitha Bhadraa mangalena nrupena cha,
Chathurthe Mangala vaare cha Sundari bhi prapoojitha,
10. Panchame Mangala kamkshi r narai mangala Chandika,
First Lord Shiva worshipped the Goddess Sarva Mangala,
Second she was also worshipped the planet Mangal(mars),
Third she was worshipped by Bhadra Kali and also the king in auspiciousness,
Fourth on a Tuesday she was also worshipped by the pretty women,
Fifth she was worshipped my men who wanted auspiciousness,
11. Poojitha prathi visweshu viswesa poojitha sadaa.
Thatha sarvathra sampoojyaa babhuva sureswari,
She is worshipped in every world and the lord of the universe worships her.
And thus that Goddess became one who is worshipped everywhere.
12. Devadhibischa munibhir manubhir manavai mune,
DEvyascha mangala stotram, ya srunothi samahitha.
13. Than mangalam bhaveth thasya, na bhaveth thath amangalam,
Vardanthe thath puthra pouthrascha, mangalam cha dhine dhine.
If the prayer of auspiciousness of the goddess is heard with quite devotion,
BY devas , sages , kings as well as men , oh sage .
Good events will happen in their life and nothing which is not auspicious will ever happen to them.
And the number of his sons and grandsons will increase and day after day , there would only be auspiciousness.
Ithi sri Brahma Vaivarthe, Prakruthi Khande, Mangala Chandika stotram sampoornam!
Thus ends the prayer addressed to Mangala Chandika occurring in the Chapter on nature in Brahma vaivartha Purana.
chaNDikA hRidaya stotram
॥ चण्डिकाहृदयस्तोत्रम् ॥
अस्य श्री चण्डिका हृदय स्तोत्र महामन्त्रस्य ।
मार्क्कण्डेय ऋषिः, अनुष्टुप्च्छन्दः, श्री चण्डिका देवता ।
ह्रां बीजं, ह्रीं शक्तिः, ह्रूं कीलकं,
अस्य श्री चण्डिका प्रसाद सिद्ध्यर्थे जपे विनियोगः ।
ह्रां इत्यादि षडंग न्यासः ।
ध्यानं ।
सर्वमंगळ मांगल्ये शिवे सर्वार्त्थ साधिके |
शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरी नारायणी नमोस्तुते ||
ब्रह्मोवाच ।
अथातस्सं प्रवक्ष्यामि विस्तरेण यथातथं |
चण्डिका हृदयं गुह्यं शृणुष्वैकाग्रमानसः ||
ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्ळीं, ह्रां, ह्रीं, ह्रूं जय जय चामुण्डे,
चण्डिके, त्रिदश, मणिमकुटकोटीर संघट्टित चरणारविन्दे,
गायत्री, सावित्री, सरस्वति, महाहिकृताभरणे, भैरवरूप
धारिणी, प्रकटित दंष्ट्रोग्रवदने,घोरे, घोराननेज्वल
ज्वलज्ज्वाला सहस्रपरिवृते, महाट्टहास बधरीकृत दिगन्तरे,
सर्वायुध परिपूर्ण्णे, कपालहस्ते, गजाजिनोत्तरीये,
भूतवेताळबृन्दपरिवृते, प्रकन्पित धराधरे,
मधुकैटमहिषासुर, धूम्रलोचन चण्डमुण्डरक्तबीज
शुंभनिशुंभादि दैत्यनिष्कण्ढके, काळरात्रि,
महामाये, शिवे, नित्ये, इन्द्राग्नियमनिरृति वरुणवायु
सोमेशान प्रधान शक्ति भूते, ब्रह्माविष्णु शिवस्तुते,
त्रिभुवनाधाराधारे, वामे, ज्येष्ठे, रौद्र्यंबिके,
ब्राह्मी, माहेश्वरि, कौमारि, वैष्णवी शंखिनी वाराहीन्द्राणी
चामुण्डा शिवदूति महाकाळि महालक्ष्मी, महासरस्वतीतिस्थिते,
नादमध्यस्थिते, महोग्रविषोरगफणामणिघटित
मकुटकटकादिरत्न महाज्वालामय पादबाहुदण्डोत्तमांगे,
महामहिषोपरि गन्धर्व विद्याधराराधिते,
नवरत्ननिधिकोशे तत्त्वस्वरूपे वाक्पाणिपादपायूपस्थात्मिके,
शब्दस्पर्शरूपरसगन्धादि स्वरूपे,
त्वक्चक्षुः श्रोत्रजिह्वाघ्राणमहाबुद्धिस्थिते,
ॐ ऐंकार ह्रीं कार क्ळीं कारहस्ते आं क्रों आग्नेयनयनपात्रे प्रवेशय,
द्रां शोषय शोषय, द्रीं सुकुमारय सुकुमारय,
श्रीं सर्वं प्रवेशय प्रवेशय, त्रैलोक्यवर वर्ण्णिनि
समस्त चित्तं वशीकरु वशीकरु मम शत्रून्,
शीघ्रं मारय मारय, जाग्रत् स्वप्न सुषुप्त्य वस्थासु अस्मान्
राजचोराग्निजल वात विषभूत-शत्रुमृत्यु-ज्वरादि स्फोटकादि
नानारोगेभ्योः नानाभिचारेभ्यो नानापवादेभ्यः परकर्म मन्त्र
तन्त्र यन्त्रौषध शल्यशून्य क्षुद्रेभ्यः सम्यङ्मां
रक्ष रक्ष, ॐ ऐं ह्रां ह्रीं ह्रूं ह्रैं ह्रः,
स्फ्रां स्फ्रीं स्फ्रैं स्फ्रौं स्फ्रः – मम सर्व कार्याणि
साधय साधय हुं फट् स्वाहा –
राज द्वारे श्मशाने वा विवादे शत्रु सङ्कटे |
भूताग्नि चोर मद्ध्यस्थे मयि कार्याणि साधय || स्वाहा |
चण्डिका हृदयं गुह्यं त्रिसन्ध्यं यः पठेन्नरः |
सर्व काम प्रदं पुंसां भुक्ति मुक्तिं प्रियच्चति ||
Sat Chandi Maha Yajna
The Sat Chandi Mahayajna is the most ancient tantric ceremony. The Sat Chandi Mahayajna is an integral part and the highest sadhana of the tantric system, in which the cosmic powers are invoked through the chanting of mantras. These mantras create a yantra, a geometrical figure, which is the map of human consciousness. Just as we have a map of different cities which indicates roads, buildings and structures, in the same manner, yantra is a symbol of consciousness, indicating the intricate levels and dimensions of expression of the subtle and higher mind in the gross dimension. There are only few people who understand the concept of yantra and Śri Yantra.
Through mantras the yantra is created. When you sit and participate in the chanting and you say Swaha or Aim, Hrim Klim, you are not only chanting something, but through vibration you are creating a change and transformation in your own consciousness. In the course of time, in effect, power and energy of the mantra japa become embedded in your mind, and your mind will take the form of a yantra. Through chanting and invocation of mantras grace descends and the mind takes the form of a yantra. The gross natures of the mind will be eradicated. There is no more envy, fear or insecurity. It takes time to come to that point. Few people can awaken this power within them, but they then become the enlightened people, the luminaries of our civilization.
Through continuous participation in an event like the Sat Chandi Mahayajna, try to embed the power of mantra in your mind, so that it can manifest as a yantra. Be the receptacle of the divine forces and energies. When you see the image of Devi, an emotion comes forth, which has no name aparta rahasya or raganuga. You may think of peace, happiness, joy or contentment, but they are only words which do not represent the fullness of what you are experiencing or seeing. The realization of what the yantra is will happen after some time, when you have subjected yourself fully to the power of the mantra.
The Sat Chandi Mahayajna is an event which allows us to focus on the chanting of the mantra, the vibration created and the emergence of the yantra within the mind. When the yantras of each mind are connected, then we all become a mandala. A mandala represents the circle of expression, the circle of creativity and manifestation. The Sat Chandi Mahayajna is the sankalpa of our Śri Guru Ji, Sri Swami Ji. We are experiencing his tapasya and sadhana. We have been given the opportunity to be present in this auspicious event, to connect our heart, mind and soul with the transcendental nature and reality which is all pervasive. This Sat Chandi Mahayajna has been a very special one. It is the first one in which we have not seen the physical presence of our beloved guru, but we have all felt his radiance in our heart and lives. It is his radiance which we take with us as grace and blessings in the form of inspiration, conviction and determination and in the form of our own sankalpa to be part of this transformative process.
Temple’s Goddess
Goddess Candi also known as Candika is the presiding deity of the Candi temples. The story of the origin of Candika is as follows: Long time ago, the demon kings Śumbha and Niśumbha had captured the kingdom of the god-king of heaven – Indra and thrown the gods from Swarga (heaven). After intense prayers by the gods, Śri Parvati Devi assumed the form of Śri Candi, an exceptionally beautiful woman and amazed by her beauty, Śumbha Asura desired to marry her. On being refused, Śumbha sent his demon chiefs Chanda and Munda to kill her. They were killed by goddess Ćamunda who originated out of Ćandika’s anger. Śumbha and Niśumbha Asura then collectively tried to kill Candika but were instead slain by the Goddess. Thereafter, Candika is said to have rested for a short while at the top of Neel Parvat and later a temple was built here to testify the legend. Also, the two peaks located in the mountain range are called Shumbha and Nishumbha.
Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar
Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar (Hindi: चण्डी देवी मंदिर, हरिद्वार) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Candi Devi in the holy city of Haridwar in the Uttarakhand state of India. The temple is situated atop the Neel Parvat on the Eastern summit of the Sivalik Hills, the southernmost mountain chain of the Himalayas (Himavan, Himavant). Chandi Devi Temple was built in 1929 by Suchat Singh in his reign as the King of Kashmir. However, the main murti of Candi Devi at the temple is said to have been installed in the 8th century by Adi Śankaraćarya (Shankaracharya), one of the greatest priests of Hindu religion. The temple also known as Neel Parvat Teerth is one of the Panch Tirth (Five Pilgrimages) located within Haridwar.
Chandi Devi Temple is highly revered by devotees as a Siddha Peetha (Siddha Pitha) which is a place of worship where desires get fulfilled. It is one of three such Peethas located in Haridwar, the other two being Mansa Devi Temple and Maya Devi Temple.
The Temple is located at a distance of 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from Har ki Pauri. To reach the temple one has to either follow the three kilometers trekking route from Chandighat and reach the shrine by climbing a number of steps or climb the recently introduced rope-way (cable car) service. The rope-way service known as Chandi Devi Udankhatola was introduced for the benefit of the pilgrims and it caters to the pilgrims also to the nearby located Mansa Devi shrine. The rope-way carries the pilgrims from the lower station located near Gauri Shankar Temple on the Nazibabad Road directly to the Chandi Devi Temple located at an altitude of 2,900 metres (9,500 ft). The total length of the ropeway route is about 740 metres (2,430 ft) and height is 208 metres (682 ft). There is a dense forest on the other side of the hill and the ropeway offers scenic views of the Ganges River and Haridwar.
The temple is run by the Mahant who is the presiding priest of the temple. On a normal day, the temple is open between 6.00 am. to 8.00 pm. and the morning aarti at the temple begins at 5.30 am. Leather accessories, non vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited in the temple premises.
The temple is one of the most ancient temples of India. Thousands of devotees flock to the temple, especially during the festivals of Chandi Chaudas and Navaratra and the Kumbha Mela in Haridwar, to seek the blessings of the goddesses who is believed to fulfill their wishes. The temple is a must visit for the pilgrims going to Haridwar.
Very near to the Chandidevi temple, the temple of Anjana, mother of the monkey-god Hanuman is located and devotees visiting Chandi Devi temple also visit this temple. Neeleshwar Temple is also situated at the foot of the Neel Parvat. It is said that Mansa and Chandi, the two forms of goddess Parvati always reside close to each other. The temple of Mansa is exactly on the other side of the hilltop on the Bilwa Parvat on the opposite bank of River Ganges. This belief can also be found true in other case since near to Mata Mansa Devi Mandir in Panchkula, Haryana, there is a Chandi Mandir located nearby in Chandigarh.
Other Chandi Devi temples
Chandi Mandir, Chandigarh. Chandi Devi is the presiding deity of Chandigarh.
Gandaki Chandi, Gandaki near Pokhara, Nepal, a Shakti Peetha
Mangal Chandika, Ujjaani, West Bengal, a Shakti Peeth
Saptashrangi Temple, Vani, Maharashtra
Mahalaxmi Temple, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Vaishno Devi Temple, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir
Katak Chandi Temple, Cuttack, Orissa.
Ashtadasa Bhuja Mahalakshmi Temple, Skandhashramam, Salem, Tamil Nadu
Mangal Chandi Temple, Guwahati, Assam
Mangal Chandi Temple, Chanditala, West Bengal.
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