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Chandi di Var

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Chandi di Var


Chandi di Var also known as Var Sri Bhagauti Ji is a composition included in the 5th chapter of Dasam Granth. It is based on an episode from the Sanskrit work Markandeya Purana, and describes the conflict between the Gods and the Demons. In the ballad, the supreme goddess (see Chandi) is transformed into a liberating divine power in the form of sword, that crushes perpetuators of falsehood.

Contents

Authorship

  • It is traditionally believed that Chandi di Var was written by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Anandpur Sahib.
  • According to early Sikh Historian, Bhai Koer Singh Kalal as mentioned in Gurbilas Patshahi 10 (1751), Chandi di Vaar was written by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Anandpur Sahib. Various other Sikh historians and scholars like Giani Ditt Singh, Professor Sahib Singh, Giani Gian Singh, Ratan Singh Bhangu, Kavi Santokh Singh also supported this fact.
  • However, few modern scholars, including W.H. Mcleod, dispute this claim the basis that the poem's contents are not written in Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji's writing style, concluding it was composed by an unknown poet in his entourage.

    • Role in Sikh Liturgy

  • According to Sikh Rehat Maryada, The first stanza of the Sikh ardās, an invocation to God and the nine Gurus preceding Gobind Singh, is from Chandi di Var.
  • Nihang and Namdhari Singhs recite Chandi di Var as part of their daily Nitnem.

    • Meaning of Bhagauti

    Bhagauti stands for God and sometimes for sword which is identified with God. Bhagavathi is used as a synonym of the word Bhagauti in other parts of India.

    Following are general meanings of Bhagauti, done by various Tikakars:

    1. The follower of Truth i.e Bhagat
    2. Vivek Budhi
    3. Shakti or Hukam
    4. Sword
    5. Parmeshar or God
    6. Type of Poetry Metre called Bhagauti Chandd

    References

    Chandi di Var Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA


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