This name is derived from the Sanskrit root caṇḍa, meaning “fierce” or “terrible.” Chandi is celebrated as the vanquisher of the demonic generals Chanda and Munda.

[1] According to Bhaskararaya, a prominent authority on Devi worship, Chandi embodies divine wrath and passion.

[2] The epithet of Chandi or Chandika appears in the Devi Mahatmya, a text deeply rooted in the Shakta tradition of Bengal.

Within the Devi Mahatmya, Chandi, Chandika, Ambika, and Durga are often used interchangeably to refer to the Supreme Goddess in the sect.

She has been affiliated with and also considered as Vindhyavasini or Kaushiki or Yogmaya or Ambika who killed Shumbha, Nishumbha and their fellow demons.

[5] "The great Goddess was born from the energies of the male divinities when the devas became impotent in the long-drawn-out battle with the asuras.

Her multiple arms held auspicious weapons and emblems, jewels and ornaments, garments and utensils, garlands and rosaries of beads, all offered by the gods.

With her golden body blazing with the splendour of a thousand suns, seated on her lion vehicle, Chandi is one of the most spectacular of all personifications of Cosmic energy.

Chandi Homa is performed by reciting verses from the Durga Sapthasathi and offering oblations into the sacrificial fire.

[11][page needed] The dhyana sloka preceding the Middle episode of Devi Mahatmya the iconographic details are given.

The Goddess is described as having vermilion complexion, eighteen arms bearing string of beads, battle axe, mace, arrow, thunderbolt, lotus, bow, water-pot, cudgel, lance, sword, shield, conch, bell, wine-cup, trident, noose and the discus (sudarsana).