Chapter 2 · Argala Stotram (Hymn of the Bolt)
Invocation
ॐ नमश्चण्डिकायै ॥
ōṁ namaścaṇḍikāyai ॥
Translation
Om, salutations to Caṇḍikā.
Word by word
- ōṁ
- sacred syllable
- namaḥ
- salutations
- caṇḍikāyai
- to Caṇḍikā
Meaning
This invocatory mantra serves as a reverential opening to the Argala Stotram, invoking Caṇḍikā, the fierce and protective form of Goddess Durga central to the Durga Saptashati. The sacred syllable ōṁ sanctifies the recitation, while namaḥ expresses reverence, and caṇḍikāyai addresses the Goddess as Caṇḍikā, the destroyer of evil and protector of devotees.