Chamunda Mata Katha – Chapter 1: The Origin of Chand and Mund

Origin of Chand and Mund

Before the abode of Goddess Jagadamba on Trikoot mountain, the empire of demons had spread across the earth. Troubled by the atrocities of the Asuras, the sages and ascetics were forced to seek refuge with the gods. The subjects were crying out in despair, and Dharma was on the verge of disappearing. This story belongs to that era when the terror of the Rakshasas had broken all boundaries.

The Rise of Shumbh and Nishumbh

In the lap of the Himalayas resided a formidable demon couple - Diti and Kashyap. From their progeny, two terrible Asuras were born - Shumbh and Nishumbh. They were the pride of the Daitya lineage, unparalleled in strength and valor. Their bodies were vast and robust, as if forged from thunderbolts. The flames of anger blazed in their eyes, and the earth trembled at their roars. They performed severe penance, pleased Lord Brahma, and obtained a boon of invincibility.

Shumbh said to Nishumbh, "Brother, no one can defeat us now! We will establish our dominion over the three worlds. We will drive the gods out of heaven and disrupt the sacrifices of the sages." Nishumbh nodded in agreement, "Yes, brother, now the flag of our power will fly high. The rule of the Asuras will prevail in the Trilokya!" Their arrogance was sky-high; they were intoxicated by their strength and forgot that in the end, Dharma always triumphs.

The Birth of Chand and Mund

The Earth Mother trembled, distressed by the atrocities of Shumbh and Nishumbh. The vessel of their sins had overflowed. At that very moment, two more terrifying demons were born in the army of Shumbh and Nishumbh - Chand and Mund. Chand means fierce anger, and Mund means a distorted mind. Their very names reflected their cruelty and wickedness. They were both sons of an Asura named Raktabija and were as powerful and fearsome as their father.

The birth of Chand and Mund was another crisis for the Earth. Their atrocities made the subjects cry out in agony. Wherever they went, they brought destruction. Killing the innocent, insulting women, and destroying Dharma was their sole purpose. Goddess Jagadamba witnessed all this, and her heart was moved by the suffering of her devotees. She knew the time had come for her manifestation; it was certain that the end of these Asuras was near.

The Tyranny of Rakshasas on Earth

Shumbh, Nishumbh, Chand, and Mund together attacked the heavenly realm. Indra and other gods were defeated and forced to flee heaven. The Asuras established their dominion over the three worlds. Sacrifices and penances ceased on Earth. The path of Dharma was obstructed. There was chaos everywhere. The sages, terrified, began to worship Goddess Durga, praying for their protection. The Goddess, moved by the devotees' cries, was compassionate and decided to manifest her power. Now the Mother of the Universe would destroy the Asuras and re-establish Dharma.