The Legends Of Sandhi Pooja

Sandhi Pooja is an important part of the Durga pooja festivities. The word 'Sandhi' is a Sanskrit word that means joining or a combination. The Sandhi Pooja is observed during the Sandhi Kshan, which means the moment of combination.

This points to the fact that the Sandhi pooja is performed during the combination of the end of the Ashtami tithi and the Navami thithi.

In the year 2017, the Sandhi Kshan of the Sandhi Pooja falls on the 28th of September, which is a Thursday. The Sandhi Kshan lasts for 47 minutes, which starts from 21.12 to 22.00.

This moment of Sandhi Pooja is considered to be very auspicious, as it is the time that Goddess Chamunda appeared to make sure that the good gains victory of the evil. The devotees that worship the Goddesses Durga and Chamunda at this auspicious time are blessed by them profusely.

As this auspicious hour of Sandhi Pooja arrives, we have made a list of facts and legends associated with the Sandhi Pooja. Read on to know more.

The Appearance Of Goddess Chamundi

Mahishasura was a dreaded demon who was unleashing his wrath and terror on the three worlds. The humans on earth and the Gods in the heaven were all terrorized alike by him. He had earlier performed penances to acquire boons from Lord Bramha and Lord Vishnu that made him immune to death at the hands of Gods or men.

Therefore, the Mother Goddess took an avatar in the form of Goddess Durga. She had the essence and chaitanya of all the Gods and Goddesses.

When she went into battle to face the Demon King Mahishasura, she rode a Lion and sported various weapons in her 10 hands. She looked ferocious and magnificent.

As the battle progressed, she had to fight with the generals of the Demon King Mahishasura. They were named Chanda and Munda. To slay them, The Goddess Durga brought forward the terrible form of Goddess Chandika. Goddess Chandika was dark in colour and had red eyes and tongue.

The Goddess Chandika killed the demon generals Chanda and Munda. Pleased with Goddess Chandika, the Goddess Durga gave her the name Chamundi, the slayer of Chanda and Munda.

It is during the Sandhi Kshan that the slaying of Chanda and Munda happened and thus, it is observed as the time for Sandhi pooja when Goddess Chamundi is worshipped.

Lord Rama And Invocation Of Goddess Durga

Lord Rama was preparing to go into battle with Ravana to win his wife back. At this point, it became necessary to invoke Goddess Durga to ensure his victory. Therefore, Lord Rama invoked the Goddess Durga, even though it was not the time to invoke her.

The Goddess was invoked during the spring time in those days. The procedure that Lord Rama performed is known as 'akal bodhan' or untimely invocation. It is said that it was during the Sandhi Kshan that the Goddess finally appeared before Lord Rama and blessed him with victory.

The Reason Behind The Offering Of Lotuses At The Sandhi Pooja

It is said that Lord Rama was ready to offer Goddess Durga his eyes in return for the boon of victory in the war against Ravana. It is said that Lord Rama's eyes resemble the petals of lotuses. So, instead of eyes, Goddess Durga asked for an offering of lotuses.

To this day, at the muhurat of Sandhi Kshan, the devotees of Goddess Durga and Goddess Chamundi offer lotuses to them. Usually, 108 lotuses are offered, as the number 108 is considered to be auspicious in the Hindu community. Along with the 108 lotuses, 108 ghee lamps and camphor are also lighted up in honour of the Goddess Durga and Goddess Chamundi.