This article uses texts from within a religion or faith system without referring to secondary sources that critically analyze them. (February 2017) |
Chandi (Sanskrit: चण्डी, 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.
| Chandi | |
|---|---|
The fiery destructive power of Shakti | |
| Member of The Eight Matrika | |
 Newari portrayal of Chandi | |
| Devanagari | चण्डी |
| Sanskrit transliteration | Caṇḍī |
| Affiliation | |
| Mantra | om aim hrīm klīm cāmuṇḍāyai vicce |
| Mount | Lion |
| Consort | Samhara Bhairava |
History
editIn 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 Bengal. 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
