http://www.shreemaa.org/drupal/chandi_sadhana_2008_argala_stotram Chandi Sadhana 2008: Argala Stotram ~~OM~~ ***** We continued our discussion of the Chandi Path with the Argala Stotram (The Praise that Unfastens the Bolt). Swamiji says, "We've already adorned our suit of armor. No other vibration can permeate our armor. We are protected. We are going to open up the bolt so that we can open the doors to the secret of the Divine Mother." The Argala Stotram has a beautiful refrain, a prayer to the Divine Mother: "Give us your form, give us victory, give us welfare, remove all hostility." Swamiji explains, "Give us your form" means let us reflect the form, the appearance of the Divine Mother entirely in our every action, every thought. "Give us victory" means let us conquer this small egotism, this selfish self, give us victory over that selfishness. "Remove hostility" means give us a world of peace, consciousness filled with peace, every perception will radiate peace. And Markandeya Muni says, "After reciting this hymn of praise one should recite the great hymn of praise the number of which is seven hundred (Devi Mahatmyam), and he or she will attain to Supreme Perfection" -- Argala Stotram ***** Follow these links to useful resources on the Argala Stotram: Listen to Swamiji's Class on Argala Stotram Listen to Shree Maa chanting Argala Stotram Swamiji answers FAQ on Argala Stotram My understanding is that the . Why are there 3 mantras (the Sapoddhara. Check the Panchanga to know the asterism on that day. 7.. They were different curses. Should we say "Om Vishnu" after that and wash our hands ? No need for the Om Vishnu. So I do 4 repetitions of 3 each making the number of mantras 12. eleven jyotir lingams.svaha" Are we to sip water after each svaha? Yes. What and when is Bhaumavati? What is Satabhisa and when does this happen? Bhaumavati is Tuesday. and eleven is a holy number.. Satabhisa is the name of a Nakshatra (asterism or star). In Sri Durgastottara Satanama Stotram. Removal of Curses 6. After the 108 names of Durga. Sri Durgastottara Satanama Stotram 2."om aim atmatattvam . I generally chant 3 mantras to a breath. it is written that it is best recited evening before the New Moon Day known as Bhaumavati. and not 11 as stated in the book. 8. The sadhana of the Chandi. 3. When that specific Nakshatra falls on a Tuesday. that is most auspicious. Sapa Vimocana and the Brahmadi Sapa Vimocanam) to remove curses. 5. When chanting the Sapoddhara mantras in the Chandi. What is the spiritual discipline She is talking about in the 7 seven verses that describe the essence. Just wash your hands. how do we find out when the celestial configuration is in the asterism Satabhisa? Only the Tuesday on which Amavasya falls. 4. when the celestial configuration is in asterism known as Satabhisa.Saptasloki Durga 1. there is a section . Can you please let me know the sanctity of the number 11 used to chant the sapoddhara mantras in the Chandi? There are eleven forms of Rudra. Are all days before New Moon called Bhaumavati or is it the Amavasya that falls on a Tuesday? Also. Is it an insurance policy? The best one available. It allows us to establish the energies of the Goddess in the different parts of our bodies. 16. how long would it last on me? That depends on the amount of sincerity and faith with which you recited. Does complete faith mean Total Protection? Great definition.minimum recommended is 11 and so is it OK to chant 12 or more depending on the pranayam? Never harmful to do more. we remain in the presence of the Divine Mother. Devyah Kavacham 11. without the six limbs. It gives more than protection. and become restored to life. the sapoddhara mantras may or may not be included in the seeda path at the discretion of the individual. 15. 13. The six limbs are devyah kavacham. Vedic Ratri Shuktam and Vedic Devi Shuktam and the Navarna Viddhi are always included at the beginning and end. What is it that we want to be protected from? The changes and modifications of our minds. Why do we chant the kavach? The Kavach is one of the limbs of the Chandi. Because of worldly attachments we become dead to our spiritual lives. It allows us to unite with Her. There are no maximums listed. 12. Therefore. kilakam and the three secrets at the end. 14. 9. Reciting this mantra we remember our spirituals Selves. All the minimums are just that . symbolic gestures or physical actions intended to accompany the chanting of Kavach? . samjivani means to restore to life. Are the Sapoddhara mantras part of the Seeda Path? The Seeda Path means straight through. What is total protection? No matter what happens. Are there specific mudras. Why is the Mrtasamjivani Mantrah the mantra that bestows life from death? Mrityu means death.the least you want to perform. It could be a practice that you want to add to your daily worship. argala stotram. If I recite the kavach once. 17. 10. Why are the Nine Durgas listed here and what are we to get from their mention here? Are they intended as signposts for our sadhana? If that is so. 22. But invariably the knowledge is not practiced. In verses 9 and 10 of the Kavach the buffalo. What prevents knowledge from being practiced? Old habits are hard to break. It is easy to become inspired. elephant.There are. "second is the Goddess of Sacred Study and third is the Goddess of the delight of Practice". This one stands for perseverance and is the conveyance of the Goddess Varahi. Again and again we get an inspiration. 19. 21. The Great Ego's form as a buffalo stands for stubbornness. then why are the descriptions so terse? Do they relate to what occurs in the main text? Are they a kind of table of contents to what happens later? They do comprise a chronology of events. I am especially puzzled by the buffalo since the ego later changes into a buffalo. As much . and peacock are mentioned. "that which bind the the Gods of all the directions" is defined as the principle underlying the Kavach. both in the Chandi and in our lives. In verse 3. S/he receives the knowledge. 20. what can one do to increase the power of Her protection? We can establish the amount of protection of which we are capable. While I have great faith that the kavach works. The seeker is inspired and meets the Guru. 23. What is it that binds the Gods? Devotion. Is it sufficient to chant the mantras and visualize without doing physical gestures if one has not received instruction? Absolutely. and then things get better and better. In the Viniyoga. This buffalo is different from the Great Ego's form. What is the significance of each animal. how can one know objectively that one is putting on Chandi's armor? I can understand that a pure soul can have total protection. if that is so. 18. put it into practice. and how do they relate to human evolution. cultivate the knowledge. does that devotee only gain partial protection?And. bull. but to really make the change is very difficult. but if a devotee of limited awakening puts on Her armor. Also. during which process we do not want to direct our attention outside. etc. Vishnu kavacham etc I presume that we are speaking of the physical kavach or amulet. Make this world to be at peace. Afterwards. recite the kavach for that particular deity. During the offerings section. And in some books the Kavacham comes after the 700 verses. After the visarjana is complete. Devyah kavacham.anga nyasa. Argala Stotram. and japa of the mula mantra. Argala Stotram 26. and make me to be at peace with the world. perform the puja and establish the yantra. 24. In other texts we pray for Moksha. remove the amulet and you can wear it.g.all hostility. Please do not let others touch the amulet after the offering has been completed. 29. Why do we chant the Argala Stotram before the Kilakam? Actually in different books the order is reversed. offer the amulet on the yantra. sings the praise of the four-armed Energy of the Supreme . but why is it in Argala stotram we pray for form and welfare? What does it mean when we say 'give us Your form? Your form means may we have the Infinite form of the Divine Mother. They are all parts of an internal purification. What is the method of wearing any armor? e. After it has been prepared. this is said: "The four-faced Creative Capacity. 25. Kali kavacham. and Kilakam not offered with Svaha at the fire? It comes from the oral tradition. Why are the mantras of the Kavacham. Brahma. bathing. You can use the Gayatri mantra for the offering. kara . Does that mean remove all the hostility inside us or remove the hostility from people around us so that they become friendly toward us? Both . so much is our benefit. Then perform the prana pratishtha to the kavach.as we do. just as you would offer a rudraksha. In the Argala Stotram you have translated "dvisho jahi" as "remove all hostility". the form of Mulaprakriti. you can remove it from your body during personal functions: toilet. Here we followed the North Indian tradition. 28. the form of Satchidananda. In verse 18 of the Argala Stotram. 27. 33.renunciation. Does verse 1 of kilakam mean that when the pin is removed." What does "follow changes of mind. in complete harmony with Shakti. arrow . Therefore. a skull . It is like a dead-bolt lock. In the Argala Stotram. and the elimination of all hostility or conflict. welfare or fame as heroic warriors.abandonment of the ego. that is how it works. Kilakam 32. a gourd . Pure Energy or Nature.unity.determination. may I always remember that I am Shiva. Markandeya Muni says to the Goddess that "by chanting this hymn. in Chapter 6 Her four hands hold a rosary continuous japa. the curved sword . and the husband of Shakti is Shiva." The transliteration says. who follows the changes of mind. In Chapter 8 Her four hands hold the net . It also means that we become one with pure knowledge. the world has less and less influence . 31. Each arm is a power. bow . what is the bolt in our lives? And how do we unfasten it? The bolt locks the door to the secret of the Goddess. and a lotus . the wisdom of the Vedas. 30. Pure Consciousness.peace. As we chant. "patnim manoramam dehi. "give me a wife in harmony with my mind. In Verse 3 of the Kilakam." What do the four arms represent? The Goddess is often seen as four armed.sword of wisdom. Verse 24 on p78 says." Can we describe this indifference better? Does it mean that all we will want to do is to chant the Chandi? And so we start working to organize our lives so that we can? Yes. becoming victorious over the ego. they attain the perfection of indifference to each and every object of existence. No matter where my mind wants to travel.Sovereign. we are like Shiva? Yes. Each arm holds a weapon.one-pointed focus.” mean here? Does it imply change from materialistic to spiritual state? The wife is the Shakti. We unfasten it by remembering that our prayer is for the perception of your form. Make me Shiva in harmony with Shakti. this verse applies to all without deference to gender. no matter how mind changes or fluctuates. For example. you will want to give the most. In our relationship with God we want to give the most and receive what She wills as prasad. Understanding this. How will I get it. you understand. Therefore. After the Kilakam you have mentioned that its meaning will be clear after initiation into the utkilana and Saapa vimochana mantras. 37. is the seer the one who is credited as the original composer of the verses? Yes. It is the law of karma: you will get the prasad of your offering. "She is ours now. Is this the meaning of "he gives". and by no other means is She pleased". Is it related to the inner meaning of the text "He gives and in return he receives. (remaining only the witness). It is the opposite of every other business transaction. and worldliness retreats even more. In the concluding remarks after the Kilakam. we increase the chanting. Verse 4 says. Kushika was such a seer. There are many levels of initiation in the Chandi. 34. After each repetition of my mantra I visualize that I am offering the mantra puspha to Her. Vedoktam Ratri Suktam 36. unimpaired movements upon the earth as a bird sees from its dwelling in a tree. May we see Her effortless. Are there two separate initiations for the Chandi . 35. you have mentioned that "Mother will reveal at a certain stage in the development of an aspirant" its significance. Yes." Were Her movements impaired before (in the Night of Duality) but now they are not? Was it our saying to Her "do not change" that was impairing Her movement? When we become the witness then She is no longer impaired because we are no longer attached to her . Who is the seer kushika? In general. offering the chaitanya kusumas.upon us. And it continues to grow. and does "he receives" mean the joy of offering which comes out of the mental offering. where everyone is desiring to give the least and trying to get the most. And I feel that at higher stages of development it should grow into offering the moment to moment consciousness to her.one to the Navarna and the other to the utkilana and sapa vimochana mantras or just one "master" initiation. the seer is the one who made the original composition or discovered the original mantras. being so far away from you or Shreemaa. what does the "eternal half vowel?" mean? Anuswara . 39. "The Great Night" is the darkness which exposes the light. Verse 5 says. then what can I say . Tantroktam Ratri Suktam 40. 38. it is possible to relate every thing to all three gunas at any point in time. Exactly! All movement in creation is seeking a greater degree of perfection.changes? Excellent! As long as we are saying." "the Great Night" and "the Night of Ignorance?" "The Night of Time" creates the illusion of time and allows perception. but were we searching for Her during the Night of Duality also? Perhaps during the Night of Duality our desperate search was for the Goddess of Night (who else was there?).literally the sound of an atom. we allow Her to change as She will. the Great Night and the Night of Ignorance as the Goddess as the qualities of Nature (Nature is also the Goddess). What does it mean for an animal or bird to desperately search for Her? To seek a greater degree off perfection through their efforts. She is the object of desperate search." I can understand the host of humanity desperately searching for Her once the Dawning Light has begun to shine. please do not change. change as She must. because we perceive in time. but this Tantric Ratri Shukta is more a description of Her various attributes for the purpose of praising Her. Of course. "For the entire host of humanity. 42. In verse 3 of the Tantroktam Ratri Suktam. 41. or birds who fly in the air. How we might get a sense of the qualities of "the Night of Time. "The Night of Ignorance" is the darkness which obscures the light. we are trying to restrict Nature to what is pleasing to us. Are these associated with specific gunas in this verse? Not necessarily. I like things the way they are. because that is Her Nature to change. We become the witness of all the changes of Nature. And then. consciously we are seeking to recognize Her in every movement. who can praise Her? If the Lord of Existence is subject to Her will. We tried to come closer to Her by pursuing our many selfish desires. Now. for animals who traverse by foot. Verse 7 mentions the Night of Time. In making Her our own. We do not. Navarna Viddhi 45. and invariably we make mistakes." Definitely. There are no ill effects of reciting the mantra without initiation. If you consider Shree Maa as the example you want to follow. if you are devoted to the Divine Mother. If you have other intentions. but that is not always possible. but the energy contained in the mantra is ever so much more potent after having received it from a qualified guru. Devi Atharvashirsham 44. But do not ever hesitate to read. Is it true that without a formal initiation into the Navarna Mantra I will not get the benefits of the chanting? Can I consider hearing Shree Maa chanting the Navarna mantra as an initiation? There are many kinds and levels of initiation. please consult a qualified teacher. More will come as is necessary. . 48. 47. In the absence of such a relationship. What is an Atharvashirsham such as Devi Atharvashirsham for? The highest meaning.about Her? 43. You have been initiated. then recite Her mantras with full faith. It depends on the tradition of your Guru lineage. and when the circumstances permit. we act from ignorance. In verse 14 of Tantroktam Ratri Suktam could you comment on "cause the ignorance of egotism to fall upon those two thoughts Too Much and Too Little ﾝ. 46. This is true for all mantras performed with the intention of self purification. Is there a time when we add a "namaha" at the end of the Navarna mantra? Some sadhus do. if you have the intention of self purification. She will bring the appropriate guru to give you initiation. then she is your Guru. where She describes the meaning of the mantra and how it is derived. Why is the Navarna Mantra Chamundayai and not Chandikayai? Look in the Devyatharvashirsham chapter of the Chandi Path. or practice. Is it true that the mantra "Om Aim Hrim Klim Camundayai Vicce" should not be chanted unless it is taught by a Guru? The Navarana mantra should be received in initiation. study. When we succumb to egotism. Klim is the pin the whole thing hangs on. In Chapter 1. what does that mean.49. not Navarna. 52. Does navarna mantra make up the form of Maa Kali and will we invoke that form of Mother by repetition of these letters? No. 51. 59. Navarna Viddhi would involve some amount of Vamachara? Is this true? It is possible. Can the navarna mantra be permutated and the syllables rearranged in different orders to generate different effects? No. The Guru mantra is the preferred pranayam with any scripture.Preservation -Transformation. 53. 56. Removing the pin allows us to open the doors to the secret of the Chandi. 55. there is a discussion on how objects of senses . verses 49 and 50. Are Chandi Upasana and Sri Vidyopasana related sadhanas? Yes. it is the form of Mahakali. Read it the way it is written: Creation . Chapter 1 60. Is the Navarna Viddhi part of Sri Vidya Upasana? Yes. and what does removing the pin mean? It means purifying desire so that we are praying with sincerity. Does it mean that unshakable faith in the guru unties the granthi of the heart? That is not the only meaning of Klim. 58. I have heard that at an advanced stage. and we invoke all three by the mantra. Is using my Guru mantra. Is Navarana Viddhi something that an initiate would have to practice continuously to obtain the relevant results? The more you do the more you will get. but it is true.one's Guru mantra or the Navarna. 54. but not necessary. Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. So also are Aim and Hrim. Does klim open the pin? It is one ingredient. Can one add this to his/her sadhana tools? Absolutely. 57. 50. OK for pranayam with Chandi? What is the preferred mantra for pranayam with Chandi . Do more sadhana. She is described as holding nine weapons in Her nine hands. 62. and good goals. Do we really have the capability to perform? Do we have sufficient resources? There are a number of reasons why we can excuse our inaction. awareness. whether beasts of the forest or birds of the air. the missing weapon is an Arrow. his mind became absorbed in pain and his thoughts controlled by worldly attachments. Then it says "It is true that humans have a capacity of understanding. good thoughts. What are the chief causes of this phenomenon? How does iccha shakti become kriya shakti? There are a number of variables included in iccha shakti. consciousness. But these do not manifest as good actions. nevertheless Good thoughts was defeated. However. 63. In the Dhyanam it is understood bow and arrow. and the general principle is that all awareness is alike: we either recognize or we do not. .are perceived differently by different creatures. How quickly are we distracted from our inspiration? How easily are we dissuaded from our resolution? Look at our capacity. but not only humans. 61. what remedies are available? Focus on our goals. "And as the King went into deeper contemplation of the loss of his wealth and his present situation. First look at the intensity or sincerity of desire.).. Sing the Chandi. Is Her tenth hand in Abhaya Mudra? No. but only lists nine weapons. The Dhyanam specifically says that She has ten hands. We have good intentions. you counted correctly. In verse 16. In verse 6 of Chapter 1.. In the Dhyanam on MahaKali in the Chandi (Khadgam Chakra Gadheshu Chaapa ." As such contemplations arise in our mind. all living beings possess this understanding just as human beings. and even though they were fewer in numbers. This knowledge is common to all animals. sustainability. in the Verse 5 of Vaikritikam Rahasya." What is this understanding? What is the "general principle" that is being referred to here and in verse 51? The understanding is the capacity of discrimination. Then durability. “Good Thoughts (Suratha) moved against the Destroyers of Worship to engage in battle. We perceive and think about our perceptions differently. Organize your notes at every opportunity. She gave us the boon that whenever devotees praise Her with pure devotion She will make Herself manifest. Chapter 2 68. performing just as the worshipper had asked: She emerged and became visible. Have a sincere desire to learn. And in 91-92 by freeing Vishnu from the mystic slumber that She caused. We perceive our thoughts and intuitions." What are some of the proper customs and congenialities for learning from a Guru? Be open. helpful. Is it confined to perception with our senses? No. 65. That is. Don't go to a Guru to show how much you know. respectful. the birds are feeding their young. 67. Be humble. prakash. In verses 48-49. These desires spill across the earth as they no longer possess the capacity to bind us further. 70." Which verses of Chapter 1 is this referring to? Verses 89-91 of Chapter 1.64. pratyay. in light of their problems? Why does the sage mention this? His next example about the birds feeding their young illustrates the nature of attachment. Medhas Muni says that the objects of the senses are perceived differently by all beings. Take copious notes. Swamiji translates the asura Mahahanuh's name as "The Great Deceiver. they sat down and engaged in conversation. the Divine Mother sets us free from all negativities. On page 4 of "Chandi Path: Study of Chapter Two" You state that. Even though acknowledging their own hunger. He woke up and rose and saw the impending attack. Verse 66 of Chapter 2 refers to dancing torsos and great rivers. What is this seeing? Any operation of consciousness: pratyaksha. what is this great river? In the Chandi it is known as a great river of desires that come pouring forth from the defeated forces of duality. In verses 37-38. "Remember in Chapter One when we describe the manifestations of the Goddess. What is its significance to Suratha and Samadhi. 66. "Observing the proper customs and congenialities for learning. 69. in the battle with the thoughts. She gave the boon through Her actions." Is Mahahanuh some part of myself that I can identify? Is he deceiving me? Is he . the subtle vibration which doesn't change. Can you please explain the significance of the moon in this context since most of the deities are depicted with a digit of the moon? The Moon indicates Devotion. Verse 23 we find Brahma presenting to the Goddess "the bowl of renunciation". In the battle with the Great Ego it is important for us to renounce our attachments. Chapter 5 74. a begging bowl. He is constantly creating deception. such as Patient Forgiveness. and symbolism of this bowl in the hands of the Divine Mother? Is this bowl full or empty? What is its' importance in the battle with the Great Ego? The bowl of renunciation is a sadhu's bhiksha patra. Therefore he is so powerful. Why are . Humility. is a continuous tone more beneficial/pleasant than a non-continuous tone? Can you please offer any insight on this weapon. What is the function. In the Praise of the Goddess in Chapter 3. etc. Chapter 3 73. That takes us deeper and deeper inside. meaning I have nothing of my own. Yes. because She is the Giver of All. In Chapter 2. because we have nothing to give except for our devotion. The bowl is empty as we present it to Her. After the shield bearing a hundred moons was cut by Mother's sharp sword (chapter 10) the Moon then became Mother's crown. It is usually full when She gives it back to us. He is able to do so because it is so hard to live with truth. it all belongs to Her. Peace. the continuous tone brings us into the nada. 72. We cannot move in to samadhi while we cling to duality. purpose. In order to live with truth we must surrender to Mother. which is the highest manifestation of divinity." In Chapters 4 to 10 we see mention of a digit or half moon. Everything we get is Her prasad. In "The Bell of Continuous Tone". the Goddess is praised for various divine attributes. the moon is situated in a "jeweled crown. from me and from others. In Chapter 5 of the Chandi Path. 71.deceiving those around me? Just what is the deception? And why does it exist? Every form of deception comes under the domain of the Great Deceiver: to myself and to others. As soon as we praise Her as forgetfulness. The same with Confusion. It is the same root as yoga. crying Stop!" Is the spirit leaving the heart of Self Deprecation the death of the small ego? Actually it is not the death. Sleep. The word sacrifice. "Now in the war of sacrifice. Chapter 7 75. Regarding chapter 9. Can Swamiji give us the the inner significance of this verse. comes from the root yuj . Could you please elaborate on the intense energy of She Who Tears Apart Thought that you refer to in verse 23 of Chapter 8? There is no language by which to describe. As soon as we praise Her as Confusion." Does that term refer to the battle to kill thoughts? I wonder at the use of the word sacrifice. you yourself will kill Self-Conceit and Self-Deprecation. we are remembering. Chapter 9 78. Can you help us understand verse 23 of chapter 8 a little more? From the body of which Goddess does "She who tears apart thought" come from? I thought in Verse 22 that "She who tears apart thought" was already present on the battlefield. we read others were repulsed being sprinkled by the water sanctified by the incantation of the Creative Energy.to unite. and Confusion also included? Hunger means intense desire for God." I would appreciate comments on the term "war of sacrifice.attributes such as Hunger. The sacrifice is giving up of all duality that precludes union. we are no longer confused. Rather he is crying to stop this process of killing the ego! 79. yajna. Chapter 8 76. verse 35 of the Chandi "Emerging from the heart pierced by the pike came a spirit of great strength and valor. Sleep means unconsciousness or forgetfulness of God. In verse 38 of Chapter 9 of the Chandi. The excessively fearful and extremely terrific ENERGY of She Who Tears Apart Thoughts becomes manifest. especially of the water? . 77. In Verse 24 of Chapter 7 the Remover of Darkness gives the heads of Passion and Anger to She Who Tears Apart Thought and says. Later. What is symptomatic confusion? Confusions as they manifest in our lives. She gives consciousness a form so we can see it. That is." What does it mean to expose consciousness? To make consciousness perceivable. the Golden Womb. I was under the impression that Hiranyabarbha and the Cosmic Egg are one and the same. Verse 29 of Chapter 10 refers to "symptomatic confusion".Verse 21-22. Mahalakshmi creates Brahma and Lakshmi from Hiranyagarbha. In the Pradhanikam Rahasyam. the Creative Capacity and his wife. 83. Pradhanikam Rahasyam 85. also called Bindhu. Chapter 11 81. Vaikrtikam Rahasyam 84. What is the purpose of these verses? What state of consciousness are they to enliven in us? What value do they have for the aspirant? These verses describe the state of enlightenment of one who has realized unity consciousness. I recall having seen it referred to as the . a oneness with all the Gods and all of creation. The hymn of praise in Chapter 11 is dedicated to Narayani. give birth to the Cosmic Egg. the Spirit of All-Pervading Knowledge. in fact. Vedoktam Devi Suktam 82. In the Chandi Path . Chapter 10 80.The water being sprinkled in abhishek represents the conch shell water that we sprinkle on the heads of all devotees at the culmination of the worship. "the energy which exposes consciousness. The mantra with which it is sprinkled says: amritam kuru swaha . What does the term Vedic Praise mean? It means that it came from the Rig Veda as compared with the Tantrik Praise which cam from the Markandeya Purana.Modified Secret . how do you worship Time and Death? Time = Kaal = Shiva Death = Mrityu = Yama You will find both viddhis in the Cosmic Puja.make this immortal nectar. their complete adherence to the principles of anushtup chanda. 86. we pass through the womb when we move beyond all form. Could you please let us know the significance of the Siddha Kunjika Stotram? This is the essence of the Chandi. how is it that those gods who were themselves products of this "first spark of creation" again created the "first spark of creation" in order to produce the universe? Is it that Hiranyagarbha is eternal. the Navarna Mantra. The snake stands for Kundalini Shakti. What is the meaning of 'Kunjika' in the Siddha Kunjika Stotram? Kunjika literally means "something overgrown or hidden by growth or growing things. Yes. our spiritual growth and understanding of the Chandi exposes the hidden meanings of the bija mantras . On her head She bears a snake coiled around a lingam. Could you please let us know the significance of the Durga Dvatrimshannama mala? The 32 names of Durga really have more significance to me because of their poetry. change She must. existing outside of time. accessible to anyone able to approach it? Must all who attain to asamprajnata samadhi first pass through hiranyagarbha? We call Hiranyagarbha the Golden Womb and Brahmanda the Cosmic Egg. The Egg takes birth in the Womb. how each name is perfectly aligned with the meter. That is. Siddha Kunjika Stotram 88. The Womb is possibility and the Egg is the actuality. then because of specific meanings. Are the two the same? If they are. and the Egg is the first or foremost form. their tones. eternal birth potential. The Song of Perfection which is no longer hidden because of growth. The Womb is beyond all form.Golden Egg. the constant reminder that change She will. because change is Her intrinsic Nature. 89. Verse 5 of the Pradhanikam Rahasyam of the Chandi describes the form She takes. Durga Dvatrimsannama Mala 87. a sort of eternal instant." Siddha means perfection. Is the significance of snake in all Deities the union of the male principle with the female principle? Yes. Stotram is the song. But if I were to choose one particular item of relevance. We call it Indradi Stotram. Indradi Stotram 95. Could you please let us know the significance of the Indradi Stotram? I assume this is Chapter Four of Chandi. In reference to the Siddha Kunjika Stotram . That is. either folded hands. Also I love . that the question is unfair. It is often of reddish hue... In the Bhagavatistutih of the Chandi . ears. Pranamah 94. and throat? Draw a line through the Sahasrara. There is so much that is significant in each of these. In the Chandi.in the Song. the entire Cosmic Altar. full of love. or jnan mudra. Pratyahara means to bring the senses inside. that is the location of intensity in this meditation. nose and mouth unite on that axis. why is pranamah (bowing down with devotion) the last chapter and not the Kshama prarthana (prayer for forgiveness)? The last thing we want to say is Pranam . 90. What is the junction of the eyes. Bhagavati Stutih 93. I would suggest Verse 9. Stambhana fixes the perception inside by holding the thought still as well as the sense. For visualization.why is the Divine Mother compared to the autumm moon? The autumn moon is low on the horizon . At the junction where the eyes. nose. 91. When doing slow japa with breathing from the siddha kunjika stotram for the long version from verse 4 what are the best mudras to use? What is the proper name to honor the mantra of this stotram? What is the best visualization or form of the goddess to accompany this mantra? For mudra.I bow to you.so close we can touch it. so beautiful. closing off external perception. 92. where the Gods say: Inconceivable are the great austerities to be performed in order to become pure. the Song of Praise by Indra and Others. The mantra is referred to as the Navarna Mantra. ears. Would Stambhana (the siddhi in Siddha Kunjika Stotram) be the same as pratyahara? No. Recite the mantras as they are written and you will get the intended result.verse 36 where the Gods say: Whenever we remember You. But a complete path with all the limbs contains them all. If we want a specific result. Devi Mahatmya Stotra Ashtakam 96.... It is customary at the fire to add Swaha with the offering. but every mantra has Om included already. kilakam and siddha kunjika stotram together." in 11th chapter. Do we need recite to always recite the kavaca. Could you please let us know the significance of the Devi Mahatmya Stotra Ashtakam? As with every Ashtakam. the Greatness of the Chandi is extolled in eight verses. What is the correct way of reciting this? Should we add AUM and NAMAHA in the stanza. each verse is stotram style. and Namah requires a change in grammar. Chandi Homa . so that it reads as "Aum sarvamamgala mangalye sive sarvartha sadike sharanye tryambake gauri narayani namostute namaha" Or does simply repeating the selected verse produce the desired result? Each mantra is written in a specific chandha or rhythm. However. and this raises a question. It contains a specific number of syllables for a reason. Is this okay? or should I just use the breath. in Devi Mahatmyam. then and there You will give us intuitive vision. It is said that all 700 verses are mantras. I have started on the Chandi now and am loving it. I have been using a tambura to help me with the beat while chanting Sharanagata Deenaarta and a few others (Ya Devi etc). 98. Jai Chandi Maa! 99. we choose specific stanza such as " Sarvamangla mangalye. argala. When you feel like chanting. that will be fine. A Siddha path does not. So read it the way it is written. Chanting Questions 97. Jai Maa! Use the tambura. or can the be chanted separately? They can be chanted separately. Usually we know mantra as commencing with "Aum" then ending "namah" as it is the case in Sri Lalita Sahasranama. Does one need to add additional mantras in order to do homa when reciting the Chandi Path such as the Agni and Purnahuti mantras or are the mantras of the Chandi Path sufficient to carry out a homa from instructions given within the text? The complete Chandi Homa viddhi contains more mantras then are included in the Chandi Path book. In our guru kul we can worship any Devi on the Chandi yantra. I recited the Chandi Path for the entire length. Chandi Yantra 102. and see how the experience evolves. Have you read our book on Pronunciation and the Samputs? There are many ways to recite. 101. If we have to make a certain section (or sections) of the Chandi as part . and purnahuti mantras are not included in the Path. a golden red circle with a slash appeared on the book and when I looked at the books for the Beginner's Puja of Durga and Shiva I saw a golden red circle without the slash. When I finished and put the book down. For examples the Agni ahavan. Navarna Viddhi. Vedic Devi Shuktam.100. I am chanting only the Kavacha before the daily quota of chapters. The minimum is the Vedic Ratri Shuktam. Is that sufficient? Or should the Kavacha and Kilakam be the minimal daily set. You can expand from there. 105. Experience after chanting Chandi Path 103. Siddha Kunjika Stotram. 700 verses. visarjana. Which verses to chant 104. Yajna? Convert the masculine gender to feminine. Can one use the Chandi Yantra to do smaller sadhanas of Maha Kali? How do I change Advanced Shiva Puja Yajna mantra's to do Chandi Can any Devi be worshiped on the Chandi yantra? Every sampraday and every guru kul will have their own definitions as to how to worship with a yantra. and substitute Chandi for Shiva. Navarna Viddhi. Is it the appropriate time to chant the Chandi? Should I just go back to the Beginners Pujas and perform that? Try it a few times more. Kindly let me know the minimal daily set which has to be chanted before and after the thirteen chapters. Immediately a voice said "Why do you have so many desires?" This voice was non-judgmental and felt separate from the source of my typical internal voice. Is there any particular understanding of this kind of thing in the Chandi Path? First. Why do we chant with samput? Is the purpose to keep the mind totally . Every action that hand performs is consecrated to the Goddess. We wear it until it falls off of its own accord. Also check out 4-16: By your grace. Yesterday I had this thought as I was preparing to study the Chandi. Tying the thread 106. "I wish I could see better" as I was having some trouble with my eyes. Stuti during Chandi Maha Abishekam 107. Desires 108. Chanting with Samput 109. as to hear Her inside. You can make a general rule that every time you sit down." Then it becomes less relevant to see outside. Oh Goddess. then is it still always required to do the Kushandika and Shanti Path (with the sankalpa) before beginning the section(s)? That will be most appropriate. "Objects of the senses are perceived differently by all beings. that is where you start.of our daily sadhana. 5. What stotra/stuti in particular do we recite/sing during Maha Abhishek of Goddess Chandi? I normally do Chapter 4 of Chandi Path as I find it so enjoyable and feel like dancing during the recitation! Are there any other stotras/stutis that Shree Maa or Swamiji suggest? That is just fine. the meritorious souls perform the acts of spiritual discipline with faith and thereby attain to heavenly perception. You can also use the stotrams from Chapters 1. Why do we tie the string around our wrist in the opening mantras of the Chandi? Why and for how long do we keep the string on and what is its significance? The string means that our hand is bound by dharma. Footnote: The string is tied on the left hand if the wearer is female. the right hand if the wearer is male. in Chapter One the Rishi says. and 11. For me. Absolutely! If you can meditate on the hearing of the Chandi. I wonder if a practice can be built around listening to the Chandi. but what comes out. It will lead to your ability to chant it yourself. ok? Great. Sing Her name with full faith. If you want. She will let you know what to eat. 111. as it is what we put into our minds. lengthens the absorption. Is there any particular puja that you specifically recommend before we start our Chandi Path? It depends on your sankalpa. Having come to this knowledge rather late in the game of life. Listening to Chandi 110. Do you suggest any diet restrictions such as abstaining from meat and alcohol on days the students learn their recitation or on days they do their Chandi Path? It is not so important what we put into our bodies. most often. does its vibrations purify the room? Extremely beneficial. is this the Chandi is beyond my reach right now and may not be something that I can ever really do given time factors. Diet during Chandi Sadhana 114. it is the Cosmic Puja. It is not so important what we put into our mouths. chanting I am unable to chant the Chandi Path but I listen to it on CDs. 112.absorbed? Is it appropriate to use samput with all scriptures or just the Chandi? There are different samput viddhis to be used with all scriptures. Pranayam . The samput intensifies the mantras. Puja before Chandi Path 113. it could be as basic as the offering of lights and incense before the sankalpa. it will have great benefits. and adds to a deeper experience. If I just leave a cassette of the Chandi playing in a room. But every scripture has the potential to be used with a samput mantra. in Chapter Four She asks for what we are praying. Since Kali. everyone has darkness of some kind. Second. What makes chanting the Chandi a more powerful practice than say for example chanting the Bhagavad Gita? All the scriptures are powerful. and wielding her many weapons with ease. aloof. But there are special qualities in the Chandi. In Chapter 3 of the Chandi in some verses. also known as Chamunda. it is appropriate for everyone to worship her. destroys anger and passion. Anger of the Goddess 118. what is the meaning of this anger? Is the Goddess beyond anger. or is that phrase "beyond anger" not useful. My Guru mantra is a Ganesh mantra . she is even stuttering. In other verses. you can. Yes. we can galvanize our own purpose by summoning a force that is akin to anger but without the negative subjectivity and karmic results usually associated with anger? Thank you. The meaning. watching Her come to life in Chapter Two. furious. the rishis experiencing extreme joy.115. Swamiji. the Goddess is visualized as calm. or misunderstood? Is there righteous anger? Or does this mean. You have suggested that the Guru mantra be used during parayan of any scripture. she is described as so angry.can I use this for my Chandi chanting. You can also use any other mantra from the Chandi. why will You not do the same for us? There are too many reasons to write in an email. Therefore. . again in Chapters Eleven and Chapter Thirteen She grants boons. Anger and Passion 117. is the worship of Kali designed for those that have a problem with anger and passion? First. Kali takes away the Darkness. in Chapter Five we say that we are doing the same sadhana as the Gods performed and You made them divine. Benefits of Chanting Chandi 116. watching all of our negativities being destroyed. for helping me to understand the intent here. Her bija mantra and her entire worship as well as the entire Chandi is effective in combatting anger and passion. undeterred. determined. and I am thinking now that this was erroneous. just as Klim is the bija of transformation. 120. Thank you for your willingness to help us understand better. culmination. When Self-conceit gives orders to His generals to bring Divine Mother he asks them to grab Her by the hair (e. we are grabbing Her by the hair and forcing Her to witness actions performed with attachment. Our spiritual growth begins with the balance of Too Much and Too Little and culminates with the demise of Self-Conceit and Self-Deprecation. that we allow Her to be true to Her own . Kali in Chandi Path 119. 6. why is the bija for Episode 3 which is devoted to Maha Saraswati "klim" which is bija of Kali? Aim is the bija of creation. Bija Mantras for each Episode 121. Does Kali have any direct relationship to Durga? I had previously thought of them as two sides of the same coin. from your own storehouse. Please can you help me understand? Every time we submerge consciousness in worldliness. Kali is the dark side. It is only when we act without selfishness. 7. so to speak. Why is the bija for Episode 1 which is devoted to Maha Kali "aim" which is the bija of Saraswati? Similarly. say a word or two about Kali's role in the Chandi and her relationship to Durga? Kali is specifically the deity of Chapter One.When we reach to Her status then we will understand what is Her anger. and prominently in 8. I like the two sides of the same coin analogy. Is Kali's primary role in the Chandi that of supporting Durga as the other Goddesses do or does She have any additional role. She appears in chapter 5. while Durga is the bright side. Symbolic meaning of Grabbing Her by the hair 122. I believe it is more akin to forceful. not willing to compromise with negativity. Can you refer me to any specific part of the Chandi where Kali is mentioned or even. chapter 6). Verse 23. I was not sure what exactly this means.g. new beginnings. I heard that Shree Maa has said that grabbing Her by the hair means that we drag Mother into the world. In fact. "Whoever will defeat me in the battle. we must use whatever means to become free. Divine Mother says. It is certainly possible to find correlation.? For example. and I'm very grateful that She does. but is it not more of an intellectual exercise? I think it is sufficient to know that all of the divine weapons are used to combat all the negative qualities. then we emerge victorious in the battle. Swamiji. Is there any link between the Asura and the weapon that is used to slay the Asura. Devoid of Clear Understanding is killed by the Pike of the Goddess. I have never explored from that point of view. Ego . verse 120. we can make Her stop dancing. I understand that She must fight to defeat all those terrible thoughts. That in no way defines us as violent individuals. I am committed to living a life of non-violence. When our minds are infected with spiritual obstacles. In chapter 5. he will be my husband. but I find it difficult to read these parts of the Chandi. whoever will lose his self-conceit in me. whoever will see all the force in the universe in me. rather than analyzing the method. and you have translated the Pike as the pike of attention or concentration (in Chapter 1). What does it mean to defeat Her in battle 123. Feelings about Violent Battle Scenes 124. Weapons of the Goddess 125. it is quite the opposite: because we are fighting the battle within ourselves. even if it means destroying the obstructions. While I love reading the Chandi. don't we attack the germs with antibiotics? That does not make us violent individuals. do you have any suggestions regarding how I can better reconcile this challenge? When the body is infected with disease. If through the force of our sankalpa. and pay attention to watching their destruction. What does it mean to defeat Her in battle? To make Her stop dancing and sit still. we are peaceful with regard to the rest of creation. She dances according to Her Nature.Nature. I struggle with the battle scenes." My understanding of the second and third clauses are that we lose our ego. our identity in Mother and we see God in all beings. Kilakam 128. which is the conveyance of Divinity. Scriptural Sources for Swamiji's Translation 129. I compared their translation of certain verses with Swamiji's translation and I discovered an astonishing phenomenon. shakti. o o o o o o o o Who are the Matrikas? Brahmani: Creative Energy Narayani: Exposer of Consciousness Maheshvari: Energy of the Seer of All Chamunda: Slayer of Passion and Meanness Kaumari: The Ever Pure One Aparajita: The Unconquerable Vaarahi: The Boar of Sacrifice Narasimhi: The Man-Lion of Courage Bija. and pin? Consciousness is in the seed. Madras. So the Ego rides on stubbornness. Shakti. Could you explain more about the inter-relationship between the seed. I do wonder on what authority. While I can appreciate what Swamiji is doing here. on what scriptural sources he is doing this.126. gives them meaning for a western audience. The lion is the king of animals. edited by Sri Ramakrishna Math. Swamiji's translates the god's and their attribute's names. He will only go his own way. Nature is the energy. Indra as ""the rule of the pure" and so on? Is this his own interpretation? And from what sources does the explanation of the diverse attributes of the Goddess derive? Thank you for the wonderful discussion. and why is the Goddess shown traveling on a lion? The buffalo is the most stubborn animal. and the Cause of the subtle body (the mind) moving into perfect union in that idea is the pin. and represents Dharma. Why is the ego often represented as a buffalo. Where the Math's edition puts only the names of gods and their attributes. Matrikas 127. Not only are the meanings of the . I have an edition of the Devi Mahatmyam. On what grounds can he translate Surya into "authority of the Light of Wisdom". and I am just sending a book to print about the reason for the different versions. Chandi Path and Markandeya Purana 130. it says that it is also known as The Devi Mahatmyam and The Durga Saptasati. In addition. and talked about how to explain it into English. We performed the puja. Therefore. there are Sanskrit scriptural references for each interpretation.names and attributes illuminated by many years of sadhana. Is there a reason why there are 3 names for the same scripture? Would there be any difference in the contents in a book with one of the other names? The scripture became known by different names in different regions. was a direct disciple of Jagishwarananda. On the title page of Chandi Path. They are used for background information. The versions differ. Swami Birananda. because they are performing their disciplines using the knowledge of the highest respect. The Chandi Path is a section of a larger body of work called the Markendeya Purana containing 18. as close as I could come in English. the players.000 verses. I certainly respect Swami Jagishwarananda's work. . it is a very subjective issue. Are the devotees that study/chant the Chandi known as Srividya Upasakas? Maybe yes maybe no. Students of Chandi Path 132. and we often performed Navaratri together on the bank of the Bakreswar River in the village of Tattipara. understanding the context. My good friend. homa and Chandi Path regularly. they are entitled to use it. Certainly if they want that title. But Srividya generally applies to a specific branch of knowledge which includes worship with the 15 or 16 syllable mantras. It is the same scripture. Are there other parts of the this Purana that are used for sadhana and are their themes and styles and content similar to the 700 verses of the Chandi Path? Rarely are the other parts of Markendeya Purana used for sadhana. and adding color to the main message: LOVE DIVINE MOTHER! Title of Chandi Path 131. but they have been translated from the tradition of the succession of disciples from our lineage of the Saraswati Sampradaya. who always protects his children." — Siva Puja & Advanced Yajna . 2007-09-27 15:52.• webdev's blog Submitted by webdev on Thu. • Chandi Path Daily Reflection "Praise to the Lord who is kind and compassionate to the poor.