Chandi Di Var
Chandi Di Vār also known as Vaar Durga Ki is a composition written by Guru Gobind Singh, included in the 5th chapter of Dasam Granth.
Synopsis
It is based on an episode from the Sanskrit work Markandeya Purana, and describes the conflict between the Gods and the Demons.The total work is 55 cantos and is a retelling of the Durga Saptasati, much like its previous compositions. Before the Vaar, the Chandi Charitra Ukti Bilas states it is retelling the Markandeya Purana story through internal chapter references such as,
ਇਤਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਮਾਰਕੰਡੇ ਪੁਰਾਨੇ ਚੰਡੀ ਚਰਿਤ੍ਰ ਉਕਤਿ ਬਿਲਾਸ ਮਧਕੈਟਭ ਬਧਹਿ ਪ੍ਰਥਮ ਧਿਆਇ ॥੧॥The second part, known simply as Chandi Charitar II, repeats the same story in a smaller format, while part three of the text, the Chandi Di Vaar is the shortest retelling of the story.
eit sree maarakadde puraane chaddee charitr ukat bilaas madhakaiTabh badheh pratham dhiaai ||1||
End of the First Chapter of ‘The Killing of Madhu and Kaitabh’ as described in Chandi Charitra Ukati of the Markandeya Purana.1.
The composition has been a significant part of Sikh culture, state Pashaura Singh and Louis Fenech, with its opening verses being part of the "frequently recited ardas prayer or petition".
In sequence, the text follows the Chandi Charitar II and is itself followed by the Gian Prabodh.
Language
The work was composed in Punjabi. It is the only oeuvre contained within the Dasam Granth composed and written in pure Punjabi, aside from the sixth hymn of Shabad Hazare P. 10.Nomenclature
The text has historically been referred to by several names. These include:- Var Durga Ki, meaning the "Ballad of Durga"
- Var Sri Bhagauti Ji Ki, meaning the "Ballad of Revered Bhagauti"
- Chandi Di Var, meaning the "Ballad of Chandi"