ॐ नमश्चण्डिकायै ॥
ōṁ namaścaṇḍikāyai ॥
Translation
Om, salutations to Chandi.
Word by word
- ōṁ
- sacred syllable
- namaḥ
- salutations
- caṇḍikāyai
- to Chandi
Meaning
This invocatory mantra serves as a ritual prelude to the Devi Kavacham, invoking Goddess Chandi, a fierce and protective form of Durga. The sacred syllable ōṁ sanctifies the recitation, while namaḥ expresses reverence, and caṇḍikāyai addresses the Goddess as Chandi, the destroyer of evil and protector of devotees.