Translation of Note on Chandi Homam read-out & circulated during the meeting on 13th April 2014

Sri Chandi Homam

(Shatha Chandi Homam)

(This is a quick translation for those not well-versed with Tamizh.

Forgive us for any errors & feel free to correct any mistakes)

The scanned original in Tamizh (circulated in the meeting on 13^th April 2014) is attached with this mail.

‘Devi Mahaathmiyam’ is part of the ‘Maarkendeya Puranam’ – which is one of the 18 Puranas. It starts from the 74^th ‘adhyaaya’ and ends with the 86th ‘adhyaaya’.

This work describes the Great Shakthi of ‘Mahamaya Chandi Devi’and comprises of 700 shlokas.

Sri Bhaskararaaya, a wise & learned scholar, gained the darshan of Devi by worshipping her day & night. He travelled extensively - from Rameshwaram to the Himalayas, winning en route, numerous spiritual debates.

He wrote ‘Guptavati’ – the commentary on ‘Devi Mahatmiyam’.  This work is praised for its usage of the ‘Kaathyayana Thanthram’. In this, Bhaskararaya has beautifully described in great detail, the methodology of conducting Homas and given its complete meaning. This is the special feature of ‘Guptavati’.

In this small work, the great divine Shakthi of Chandika Devi is brought out in the form of a dialogue between Sumedas, Surathan, Samadhi & others - making it easy for people to relate to. And worship.

This Devi Mahathmiyam is presented in the form of ‘ Sapthasathi Paraayana

m’ and ‘Chandi Homam’ forms a part of it.

It is stated that during times of difficulties, the Devas worshipped the forms of Devi, Chandi, Chamundi & Kali and successfully overcame the difficulties.

To be continued…