Pranaams devotees of the most mighty and most merciful MOTHER KALI… Sandhi Puja is a very powerful 48-minute period when prayer is performed to our loving Mother Kali.

It is a period where Devi is the most merciful, bestowing boons and blessings to Her devotees who please her.

A few days before Sandhi Puja, Ma Kali devotees should procure her favourite items namely 3, 9 or 108 earthen lamps, a garland of 108 bael leaves, jewellery, traditional clothes like sari, hibiscus flowers, rice grains (uncooked) and red fruit (preferably Anar {Pomegranate} or red apple) and other items you like to offer for Sunday prayers. Sandhi Puja has a very special significance during Navaratri Puja.

Prayers are observed during the juncture when Ashtami Tithi (8th Vedic day) ends and Navami Tithi (9th Vedic day) commences. Chamunda Devi made her glorious appearance during this short period to kill the mighty demons Chanda and Munda.

The word ‘sandhi’ means ‘junction’ and ‘puja’ means worship. Sandhi Puja prevails for two Ghatis which approximately lasts for 48 minutes.

Sandhi Puja Muhurta might fall at any time during the day however Sandhi Puja is observed only during that time.

The Sandhi Puja is followed during Navaratri festivities. It is regarded as one of the most significant rituals of the Durga Puja festival and this puja is performed at a peculiarly specific time, i.e. during the time when Ashtami tithi ends and Navami tithi begins.

The last 24 minutes during Ashtami tithi and the first 24 minutes during Navami tithi together make Sandhikhan i.e. the exact time when Durga Devi took the avatar of Chamunda Devi and annihilated the demons Chanda and Munda.

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Sandhi Puja Importance and Celebrations

The significance of Sandhi Puja lies in the glorious katha behind it. When Durga Devi was fighting with the demon Mahishasura, his associates Chanda and Munda attacked Durga Devi from behind which enraged the Goddess and her countenance turned black in anger.

The following is from the 7th chapter Durga Paath (Saptashati)… (do download the article to read the 27 verses).

The Sandhi Puja is performed in reverence of Chamunda Devi, the fierce avatar of Durga Devi. Sandhi Puja Vidhi (procedure) is performed in a grand manner in most temples in Bharat (India) and around the world.

During this Puja, on this day, most temples offer 108 earthen lamps, a garland of 108 bael leaves, jewellery, traditional clothes, hibiscus flowers, rice grains (uncooked) and a red fruit (preferably Anar {Pomegranate}). Amidst the recitals of Sandhi Puja Mantra (Om Aim Hrim Klim Chamundaye Vichche namah), the above items are offered to the great Goddess.

In the Ramayana the Sandhi Puja katha mentions when Lord Rama was going to Lanka to get Sita Devi back, He had worshipped Durga Devi to seek her blessing and invoke her to successfully conquer Lanka. So, Lord Rama observed the Durga Puja, and during the Sandhi-khan, Durga Devi appeared before Lord Rama and bestowed Her blessings.

Therefore, the conquest of Lanka by Lord Rama is another example of win of good over evil.

Devotees gather during this time to offer prayers and ask for divine blessings. The victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and wisdom over ignorance is symbolised by sandhi puja for Hindus.

It is a moment to consider the influence of the divine and the worth of upholding one’s principles and beliefs. Devotees try to purify their thoughts and hearts and connect with the holy energy that is all around them by reciting mantras, offering flowers (hibiscus) and lighting lights (lamps).

Sandhi is the time when the energies of the universe are said to be at their peak, making it an ideal moment for spiritual practice. Each of these rituals has its own importance and meaning, provides a powerful and transformational experience.

For instance, the lighting of lamps illuminates the physical environment and eliminates ignorance. The offering of flowers signifies letting go of one’s ego.

And the repetition of mantras promotes concentration and meditation.

Sandhi Chamunda Devi Puja Vidhi

The rituals of sandhi puja are deeply rooted in the Vedic rituals and are performed with great reverence and devotion. At the prayer place, place a Lord Ganesh murti or photo and a photo or murti of Mother Chamunda (Kali).

Firstly offer an agarbatti, lamp (with either ghee or oil with a wick or a small piece of camphor) and a flower (or all three on a tray) to Shree Ganesh (turn seven times clockwise around the murti or photo). Optional to offer are a sweet offering like Laddo or sweet rice and then a Durva grass.

Then pray to Shree Ganesh, praying to him to remove all obstacles in the path of your prayer to Chamunda Devi. Chamunda Devi is now invoked and worshipped.

Pray to Chamunda Devi to please accept your prayers.

Invoking Chamunda Devi

Hold your palms in the Namaste position and chant:

1. Welcome Chamunda Devi

Om swagatam su swagatam – Om Chamunda Devi-yai namah (Swagatam means O Mother Chamunda I welcome you.) Now light 3, 9, or preferably 108 oil lamps, which symbolises the dispelling of darkness and the arrival of light.

Request devi to accept these lamps that you are offering to her and pray that your loved ones and yourself be protected by her. 108 lamps can be costly so I suggest either 3 or 9 lamps.

Many residing in South Africa are finding things financially challenged.

Why 108 Lamps Are Lit for Sandhi Puja

This is a sacred moment and has a special significance. The sacred light from 108 lamps destroys all evils.

The devotee light 108 diyas in front of Devi on the juncture of Ashtami and Navami, to protect their near and dear ones.

2. Offer Incense

Then offer one or three incense sticks (dhoopam) by turning it seven times clockwise around the photo or murti.

Om tato dhoopam aghraa-payaami – Om Chamunda Devi-yai namah

3. Offer the Lamp

Then offer a clay or brass lamp (deepam) with either ghee or oil with a wick or a small piece of camphor by turning it seven times clockwise around the photo or murti.

Om prat-yaksha deepam darshayaami – Om Chamunda Devi-yai namah

4. Offer Flowers

Then offer flower (pushpam) or flower petals by turning it seven times clockwise around the photo or murti.

Chamunda Devi’s favourite flower is the Hibiscus flower.

Om idam pushpam – Om Chamunda Devi-yai namah

Optional Flower Offering

This part is optional… It is difficult to procure Lotus flowers in South Africa.

You may replace the Lotus flower with hibiscus or marigold flowers. The offering of 108 lotus

flowers represents the beauty and fragility of life, and it represents the truth of life as Durga Devi herself holds a lotus flower in her hand. You may use 3, 5, 7 or 9 flowers.

The number 108 holds an important value as it represents 108 names that represent different characteristics of Durga Devi, and the offerings are made to seek blessings from all of her forms. Lord Rama worshipped Durga Devi with 108 blue lotuses before defeating Ravana.

5. Offer Naivedyam

Then offer cut fruit or sweet rice (Naivedyam).

It should be in a small bowl with a teaspoon.

Turn the bowl seven times clockwise around the photo or murti and bring the bowl near the lips of the Mother suggesting she partakes the food offering.

Then leave this in front of the photo.

This is later consumed by the family as Devi Prashad.

Om naivedyam samar-payaami – Om Chamunda Devi-yai namah * Devi loves Anar or any red coloured fruits like Apple.

6. Offer Dhaar

In a cup (lota/chumbhu) which has only dhaar mixture turn the lota seven times clockwise around the photo or murti and bring the lota near the lips of the Mother suggesting she drink the dhaar offering.

Optional Offerings

You may garland Devi with a garland made out of Indian bael (stone apple) leaves.
It must have 108 leaves.
You may offer Devi a Sari or other beautiful clothes and jewellery as well.

7. Suggested Devi Mantra

you may chant 11, 21 or 108 times Chamunda devi: Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chaamundaayai Vicche Namah You may sing or hear the Chamunda Devi’s Chalisa Chamunda devi Chalisa kindly click ( HERE ).

You may hear the Durga Paath 7th Chapter where Devi’s makes Her entrance in this world.

Durga Paath 7th Chapter kindly click ( HERE ).

8. Prayers for Forgiveness

Om yaani kaani cha papani janmaantara kritaani cha taani sarvaani nashyanti pradakshina pade pade //

Personal Prayers

Then offer your personal prayers to Chamunda Devi and ask Devi for whatever you desire (within reason) and Devi being so merciful will grant what you desire. But be careful what you desire for.

After the Worship

After the worship is over offer the lota Dhaar in your Devi Thaan.

Mantra for Offering Dhaar

One may chant the following mantra from the “Shree Artha Argala Stotram” when offering Dhaar but if it’s rather difficult to pronounce then recite the English meaning.

Om Jayanti Mangala Kaali Bhadra Kaali Kaapaalini Durga Shamma Shivaah Dhaatri Swaahaa Swaadhaa Namostute

(Oh!Conqueror of all, Remover of darkness, Auspicious one, beyond time, the bearer of Skulls of Impure thoughts, Reliever of difficulties, loving forgiveness, supporter of the Universe. You are the one who truly receives the sacrificial offerings and the offerings to the Pitrs (Ancestors). To you I bow most merciful Chamunda Devi.)

What Is a Devi Thaan

It is a place where you offer your Dhaar to the Mother.