Sandhi Puja is the most important ritual of Durga Puja which takes place at the sandhikhan (junction) of the last 24 minutes of Ashtami and the first 24 minutes of Nabami. During this time, Goddess Durga is worshipped as Chamunda, the Slayer of Demons.
As per, the ‘Devi Mahatmyam’ in the Sanskrit work Markandeya Purana (composed around 250 CE), Shumbha, a mighty asura or demon challenged the divine and disrupted cosmic harmony. He desired to possess Goddess Durga and sent his generals Chanda and Munda to capture her. The Goddess’ overwhelming fury erupted out of her brow, as a fierce primal embodiment, Kali. Kali decapitated the two demons with her sword and came to be known as “Chamunda Devi”. Chamunda is often depicted as a terrifying, skeletal figure in Tantric traditions and is associated with death, disease and destruction of evil. She is the fierce protective force of divinity.
The story of Chanda and Munda has symbolic significance. The demons personify the vices of humanity — ego, hatred and the obsession with material power. Their conflict with Durga and eventual defeat signify the triumph of higher consciousness over lower impulses. On our journey through life, we may face situations that threaten us, as Chanda and Munda threatened the Goddess, but these threats can be overcome with strength and integrity. The ‘Devi Mahatmyam’ is a reminder to seek the strength of Durga / Kali within.
Sandhi Puja is performed with lighting 108 lamps to dispel the darkness.
