Chandi Homam is a ritual to invoke the blessings of Goddess Chandi, who combines within herself the 3 Goddesses, Parvati, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. She is a warrior goddess and a very fierce form of Goddess Durga. She fought many evil demons and killed them to protect the Gods and humans. Her adventures and exploits on the battlefield can be found in the religious text, Devi Mahatmya, which is also called Chandi Path and Durga Saptashati. During Chandi Homam, 700 Slokas are recited.
All about Goddess Chandi
The Sanskrit word “Chandi” comes from “chand,” meaning “to tear apart.” So Goddess Chandi is “She who tears apart thought.” The things she tears apart are the thoughts that make us egoistic and compel us to stray from the path of righteousness.
Chandi is a symbol of power and a manifestation of Goddess Durga or Shakti. The Markandeya Purana talks about the many demons Durga fought and killed. They include Shumbha, Nishumbha, Chanda, and Munda. As a demon-slayer, she is Chandi, the ferocious form. But when she helps her devotees and protects them from danger, she is Durga. As Durga, Chandi slew the demon, Mahisasura.
Chandi has many names -Kaushiki, Katyayani, Asthadasabuja Mahalakshmi, Mahishasuramardini. A book of the Markandeya Purana describes her attributes in 700 Slokas.
The name Chandi or Chandika appears 29 times in the Devi Mahatmya, which, according to many scholars, originated in Bengal, the main seat of the Shakta or Goddess tradition as well as Tantrism since ancient times. In Devi Mahatmya, Chandi, Chandika, Ambika, and Durga are used synonymously.
Chandi worship is based on the Devi Bhagavata as well as the Markandeya Purana, which contains the famous Saptashati. This includes the three tales of Chandika fighting and killing the demons, Madhu and Kaitabha, Dhumralochana, Chanda and Munda, Raktabeeja, Shumbha & Nishumbha, and Mahishasura. These stories are told in 13 chapters of 700 stanzas. Each of these is also an independent Mantra.
Chandi is associated with the Navakshari mantra, which has 9 letters or aksharas. It is one of the main Mantras in Shakti worship. People chant this mantra when they chant the Devi Mahatmya. She lives in a place called Mahakal, near Kailasa. The city of Chandigarh (meaning 'fort of Chandi') is named after her.
What is Ayutha Chandi Yagam?
If Chandi Homam is performed on a large scale, it is Ayutha Chandi Yagam. It involves two major rituals. One involves Mantra recitals before 100 Homakundas, while the other is Rudra Yagam.
Each Homakunda contains 11 priests/ritviks seated in the south to north direction chanting Chandi Saptashati, a compilation of Chandi Mantras.
Why is Chandi Homam Performed?
Performing Chandi Homam has many benefits. It can resolve health issues as well as family problems like divorce, fights between siblings, land and money-related issues, etc. Chandi Homam must be performed by those who have Doshas or other afflictions in their horoscope caused by planetary positions.
This Homam is also ideal for those who wish to win over their opponents. It can remove the effects of black magic, curses, spells, and negative energy.
When to Perform Chandi Homam?
The Pooja is performed during the day time and must end before sunset. Kumari Pooja and Suvasini Pooja are also included in this ritual.
How to do Chandi Homam at Home?
· Instal Goddess Chandi’s idol along with that of Lord Ganesha.
· Begin with Ganapati Pooja. Then chant Chandi Mantras to invoke the Goddess.
· Perform the Kalash Sthapana.
· Start the fire inside the Homakunda using camphor, dry coconut, dry grass, etc.
· Worship elderly married women, aged couples, and Brahmacharis (bachelors).
· Chant the 700 Chandi Slokas found in the 13 chapters of Durga Saptashati or Chandi Path.
· End the ritual by offering Aarati.
