Chandi Homam - Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple

Chandi Homam is a powerful and sacred fire ritual performed at the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple to invoke the fierce yet protective form of Goddess Durga as Chandi Devi. This homam is performed to destroy evil forces, remove obstacles, and protect devotees from negative influences, black magic, and planetary afflictions. The ritual includes the recitation of the Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmyam), which narrates the divine victories of the Goddess over demons like Mahishasura, Shumbha, and Nishumbha. As the mantras are chanted, offerings are made into the sacred fire, invoking the divine presence of Chandi. Performed with great devotion and strict Vedic procedures, the homam is usually conducted on auspicious days like Navratri, Amavasya, or special temple festivals. Participating in or sponsoring this homam at the temple is believed to grant protection, success, courage, health, and overall prosperity, while also purifying the mind, body, and soul.

The Chandi Homam begins with Ganapati Puja to remove obstacles, followed by Punyahavachanam and Kalasha Sthapana, invoking divine energies into the sacred pot. The priest then performs Sankalpam, stating the name, gotra, and intent of the devotee. The core of the ritual involves the chanting of the Durga Saptashati (700 verses) from the Markandeya Purana, divided into 13 chapters, glorifying Goddess Chandi’s victory over demonic forces. With each chapter, havan offerings like ghee, sesame seeds, herbs, and flowers are offered into the fire. Special mantras like the Navakshari Mantra (Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche) are recited with intense devotion. As the fire receives offerings, it is believed that the Goddess herself accepts them and showers blessings. The homam concludes with Poornahuti (final offering), Aarti, and distribution of prasadam. This powerful ritual must be performed with precision and is usually led by experienced Vedic scholars in the temple premises.