Candipatha, a part of the Markandeya Purana, which is one of the eighteen major Puranas, is its most important segment. Apart from Sridurgasaptasati, which forms the core of Candipatha, there are, preceding and succeeding it, several hymns of equal importance and, in the course of its ritual performance, all these hymns, as an integral totality, have to be recited as indicated in this book.
Candipatha celebrates the Feminine Power, Durga-Sakti-with her innumerable names, across in this sacred text, represents the quintessential woman. She is the source, substratum and ultimate Life Force. All the gods, men, birds, animals, even demons, all the elements, all moving and stationary objects are but Her fragmental particles. The universe is Her playground as well as Her play. At will, She creates, sustains and dissolves it. In Candipatha we see Her in Her full glory majesty and splendour. As the Mother, She loves and protects Her children and as the invincible Kali, She decimates the forces of evil when they threaten righteousness, peace and Her devotees in the world.
The present publication includes, in addition to Sridurgasaptasati and the other associate hymns, a detailed Introductory Essay, which besides discussing the contents and importance of this work and its symbolism, provides a panoramic view of the Mother worship through the millennia. The four appendices include (i) Names, Adjectives, Incarnations, Epithets, etc., of the Mother Goddess (ii) Weapons mentioned in the text and their functions (iii) Glossary of important terms and (iv) the First-line index of Sanskrit verses, chapter-wise. |
