Candipathah

by A. P. N. Pankaj and Bhavana Pankaj

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.

 

A.P.N. Pankaj, an alumnus of D.A.V. College, Amritsar and St. Stephens College, Delhi, taught Sanskrit for some years in the former before joining State Bank of India where over a period of nearly thirty-five years, he held a range of assignments and retired from its Staff College at Hyderbad. These years gave him an opportunity to pursue his interest in the management and behavioural sciences. Since early days, he has been writing and giving lectures on the subjects related to the Indian culture, philosophy and religion and has deeply studied the Upanisads, Bhagavadgita Pauranic literature and, especially Sri Ramacaritamanasa of Gosvami Tulasidasa.