Chandi Homam – Benefits, Cost and Procedure

Chandi Homam is one of the most powerful rituals performed to appease and seek blessings of Goddess Durga. One can benefit from good health and happy family life by performing this homam. It is conducted in almost all temples dedicated to the divine Goddess.

The Homam is considered as the supreme form of worship among the followers of Shaktism (devotees who consider Devi or Adi Parashakti as the supreme God) sect in Hinduism. The name Chandi is the other name of the Goddess as mentioned in the revered Devi Mahatmayam.

The Goddess Chandi is represented as the fierce and passionate form of Goddess Durga. As per the Devi Mahatmayam, the Goddess is depicted as eighteen armed, each possessing a different weapon.

The Goddess is considered as the Mother of the Universe and an embodiment of feminine power and energy. She is also believed to be the creator of the Holy Trinity of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva.

Who should perform Chandi Homam?

Here’s the list of people who should perform chandi homam:

• A person suffering from severe Doshas or ill-effects of planetary placements in their horoscope should perform Chandi Homam.
• Any person suspected to suffer from black magic, curses and negative energy are advised to perform the Homam to rid them of the evil influence.
• According to ancient scriptures, the Homam should be performed to overpower fear in general and especially fear of death.
• The Homam is also recommended for people who want atonement or forgiveness from the Goddess for any misdeed they might have committed in their life.

What are the benefits of Chandi Homam?

Here’s a list of benefits of chandi homam:

• It is believed that one can resolve issues related to health and family disputes by performing Chandi Homam.
• The effects of curses and obstacles are removed from a person’s horoscope.
• The Homam is performed to attain name, fame and success in the devotee’s life.
• Performing the Homam grants success and a win over enemies or antagonistic elements in life.

When should I perform Chandi Homam?

The 9 days of Navratri are auspicious for performing Chandi Homam. Also, auspicious days like Ashtami, Navami, Chaturdasi, Magha Amavasya, Jyeshta Amavasya, Chaithra and Karthik Pournami are good for performing the Homam. It is preferred to perform the Homam during daytime and finish the rituals before sunset.

What is the procedure to perform Chandi Homam?

Here’s how to perform chandi homam:

• The first few rituals are common for all rituals dedicated to God. Chandi Homam begins with Anujnaa (Permission from the Goddess), Acamanah (self-purification), Pranayama (to increase the spirituality inside the body), and Sankalp (take a vow to complete the ritual).
• The Ganapathi Pooja or Homam is conducted first to appease Lord Ganapathi without whose blessings, nothing is accomplished.
• The Kalasa Shuddhi process occurs next followed by the Agni Prathishthapana. This procedure involves the starting up of the fire inside the Homa Kundam with Camphor, dried coconut, and the Darbha grass. The Digpalaka Pooja is performed next to honour the rulers of the four directions.
• In an elaborate form of this Havan, the Panchopachara Pooja or the Shodasopachara Pooja are also performed.
• The Go-Pooja, Parivaara Pooja, Suhasini Pooja, Dampathi Pooja, and Brahmachari Pooja are performed before the Yagna.
• The Saptashati Parayanam is the main part of the Pooja. The thirteen chapters of the Saptashati have 3 parts dedicated to Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati. These 13 chapters collectively contain 700 Shlokas that must be recited to complete the Homam.
• The last section of the Homam involves Uttarangam (Vote of Thanks) and the Poornahuti (Last offering).

What are the materials required for Chandi Homam?

The basic materials required for Chandi Homam are a Homa Kundam (a square shaped copper container), dry Coconut, Ghee, ladle, raw rice, kumkum, turmeric, Agarbattis (Incense sticks), lamps, Theertha vessels, flowers, and water.

Special food must be prepared that can be offered to the Goddess like fruits, jaggery or Panchamritham. The Darbha grass is optional along with Sesame seeds and Camphor.

Where to perform Chandi Homam?

The Chandi Homam is an extremely elaborate Homam and is usually performed by several priests together in front of a large Homa Kunda. The Homam can be performed in all major Temples dedicated to Goddess Durga or Parvati like Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple in Mangalore, Sri Mookambika Temple at Mookambika, Chamundeshwari Temple at Mysuru, and the Mahalakshmi Temple in Mumbai.

However, booking for Chandi Homam must be made months in advance as the dates are usually unavailable for last minute plans.

What is the cost of Chandi Homam?

Since Chandi Homam is an extremely elaborate procedure, the cost of the Homam can range from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 in some temples.