Satacaṇḍī; Sahasracaṇḍi
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
By Swami Harshananda
One of the most important texts of the Śākta school[1] is the Candī, also known as the Devimāhātmya or the Durgāsaptaśatī. A ceremonial recital of this work is believed to bestow on the devotee whatever boon he wants. If ten brāhmaṇas of pure character recite it ten times it becomes Śatacaṇḍī. If a hundred brāhmaṇas recite it ten times it becomes Sahasracaṇḍi. The recital is spread over four days as follows:
| First day | Once |
| Second day | Two times |
| Third day | Three times |
| Fourth day | Four times |
| Fifth day | Five times |
| Sixth day | Six times |
| Seventh day | Seven times |
| Eighth day | Eight times |
| Ninthe day | Nine times |
| Tenth day | Ten times |
After the recital a hundred brāhmaṇas are to be fed in the former and a thousand in the latter. The Śatacaṇḍi and the Sahasracaṇḍi are conducted for the betterment of the whole society or the world.
References[edit]
- ↑ This school is the cult of the Divine Mother.
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore