Date: 13th – 14th October 2021
Time: 11.25pm – 12.13am
One of the most important rituals of Durga Puja is the Sandhi Puja which is performed at a very important period between the 48 minute confluence.It is done at the exact juncture when the Asthami tithi ends and Navami tithi begins.The last 24 minutes of Ashtami and first 24 minutes of Navami is regarded as the Sandhikhan. This is the exact time at which Devi Durga slayed the notorious pair Chando and Munda. There is an interesting legend behind this timing
It is said that during the Sandhi Muhurta, goddess Chamunda appeared and killed the mighty demons, Chanda and Munda.
They were among the demons who attacked the heavenly abode of the Gods.
It is said that Chanda and Munda had attacked the Goddess Chamunda while Her back was facing them.
This infuriated Her and is when She turned to face them and slew them.
The demon brothers were killed during the 48 minute confluence of 24 minutes ending of Ashtami (8th day) and 24 minutes beginning of Navami (9th day) known as the auspicious period of Sandhi Puja.
Many Hindu tantric temples offering puja to Durga Maa offer ‘balidhan,’ (animal sacrifice) to commemorate this auspicious time. However in lieu of the cruelty to animals belief these days, an animal proxy (such as winter melons or pumpkins), is used instead of an actual animal.
‘Nir jal vrat,’ water and food fast starts at 12am Ashtami and ends after all rituals have been concluded on Navami.
During this puja, devotees of Maa Durga worship Her by offering 108 Bael (vilva) leaves, lighting 108 Diyas (ghee lamps), offering Her red fruits, sweets and flowers. She is decorated with red flowers and red clothes. She is also offered 8 different foods as bhog (sacred offering) during this ritual.
Chanting of the Durga Stuti and Devi Suktam and chapter 11 of the Chandipath is important on this day.
DEVI STUTI
“Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Vishnu Maayethi Sabdita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha”
Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who dwells in all creatures in the name of Maya of Vishnu.
“Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Chetanetyaabhi Dheeyate
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha”
Meaning: I bow again and again to the Devi, who abides in all creatures as realization.
“Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Buddhi Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha”
Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who dwells in all creatures in the form of intelligence.
“Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Nidraa Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha”
Meaning: I bow again and again to the Devi, who lives in all creatures in the form of sleep.
“Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Kshudhaa Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha”
Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who dwells in all creatures in the form of appetite.
“Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Chaayaa Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha”
Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who lives in all creatures in the form of meditation and reflection.
“Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Shakthi Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha”
Meaning: I bow again and again to the Devi, who dwells in all creatures in the form of Shakti, the creative power.
“Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Thrishnaa Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha”
Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who dwells in all creatures in the form of thirst.
“Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Kshaanthi Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha”
Meaning: I bow again and again to the Devi, who lives in all creatures in the merciful form.
“Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Jaati Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha”
Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who dwells in all creatures in the form of race.
“Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Lajja Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha”
Meaning: I bow again and again to the Devi, who lives in all creatures in the modest form.
“Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Shaanthi Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha”
Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who dwells in all creatures in the form of peace (Shanti).
“Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Shradha Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha”
Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who lives in all creatures in the form of unshakable faith (Shraddha).
“Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Kaanthi Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha”
Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who lives in all creatures in the form of beauty or brilliance (Kaanti).
“Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Lakshmi Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha”
Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who dwells in all creatures in the prosperous form.
“Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Vritti Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha”
Meaning: I bow again and again to the Devi, who dwells in all creatures in the form of motion.
“Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Dayaa Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha”
Meaning: I bow again and again to the Devi, who dwells in all creatures in the form of mercy or kindness (Dayaa).
“Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Tushti Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha”
Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who lives in all creatures in the form of satisfaction.
“Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Matru Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha”
Meaning: I bow again and again to the Devi, who lives in all creatures in the form of Mother.
“Yaa Devii Sarva Bhooteshu Braanthi Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha”
Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who dwells in all creatures in the form of illusion (Bhram).
“Indriyaanaamadhistaatri Bhootaanaam Chaakileshu Yaa
Bhooteshu Satatam Tasyai Vyaaptidevyai Namo Namaha”
Meaning: I bow again and again to the all pervading goddess, who continuously controls the senses of all creatures and governs all elements.
“Chiti Roopena Yaa Kristnam Yetadhyaapya Sthithaa Jagat
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha”
Meaning: I bow again and again to the Goddess, who pervades this world and controls in the form of awareness.
May Maa Durga bless you and your loved ones with eternal happiness.
Jai Maa!
Image credit: Kali Mandhir
SUJATA NANDY WORLD GURUKUL
www.sujatanandy.com
