Families who want a Chandi homam often struggle with the length of the text and the details of the havan. A pandit leads the homam and the chanting, so you can sit by the fire and take part.
Why it is done
Chandi is a form of Goddess Durga. The Chandi homam is a fire ritual with offerings and mantras, often drawn from the Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmya). Families choose it as devotion, often around Navratri. The full text can take much longer than this format, so the pandit follows the version your family chooses.
Who it is for
Devotees of Goddess Durga; families holding it during Navratri or on an auspicious occasion; households that include it in their yearly worship.
When to do it
Many families choose it during Navratri, on Ashtami or Navami, or a muhurat from the panchang. Your pandit can suggest options for your date and city. If your family has its own custom, that takes priority.
Choose your ceremony
About 1 hour for the standard ceremony; about 1.5 hours for the extended one.
- Live video puja: A live video Chandi Homam works if the family is abroad or in another city: the pandit leads on video and you follow along at home. You will arrange samagri yourself, and a helper at home makes it easier. A helper at home makes the havan easier.
- Standard: The standard ceremony: one pandit, about 1 hour. Opening pooja, sankalp, the homam with its mantra offerings and aarti.
- Extended: The extended ceremony: one pandit, about 21 vidhi steps and 1.5 hours. A fuller sequence with more prayers around the homam.
Choose the standard for a short devotional homam. Choose the extended if your family follows the fuller vidhi. Tell us if you expect a full Saptashati recitation.
Choose 'With samagri' and the pandit brings the ritual items. Choose 'Own samagri' if you already have them or prefer to buy them yourself. The Vedic Rituals Havan Pooja Kit covers the general havan items. Your pandit will tell you if anything specific to this homam needs to be added.
The sequence
- Sankalp with your family's details
- Ganesh pooja to begin
- Kalash sthapana
- Invocation of Goddess Durga (Chandi)
- Lighting of the sacred fire
- Mantra offerings into the fire
- Purnahuti
- Aarti and prasad
How to prepare
- Clean the area and keep a level, fire-safe spot for the kund
- Keep ghee, a bucket of water and a ventilated space ready
- Keep a clean surface for the kalash and the deity
- Check with the pandit if you want a full Durga Saptashati recitation, as it takes longer
- Let the family know the muhurat
- Decide in advance whether you will use a samagri kit or arrange items yourself
Who should attend
The head of the household or the person on whose behalf the homam is done, with family joining as they like.
Your tradition
The text, the number of recitations and the offerings vary by tradition. Bengali, Gujarati, North Indian and South Indian practices differ. Tell us your tradition and language when booking.
Safety
Havan involves an open flame. Use a stable heat-safe surface, keep the space ventilated, keep water nearby, and keep flames away from curtains, children and pets. Follow your building's rules on havan in common areas.
Questions
What is the difference between Chandi Homam and Chandi Path? Path is the recitation of the text; homam is the fire ritual with offerings. Many families do both, and the length depends on what you choose.
Is the full Saptashati read? A full reading takes much longer than this format. Tell us what you want so the pandit can plan.
When is it usually held? Many families hold it during Navratri. Your pandit can suggest a muhurat.
How long should I plan for? About 1 hour for the standard and about 1.5 hours for the extended, plus set-up.
Can it be done on video? Yes. The pandit leads on video while you follow along with your samagri.