Chandi Di Var

Chandi Di Var (ਚੰਡੀ ਦੀ ਵਾਰ) is a composition written by Guru Gobind Singh, 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. The purpose of the work was to raise warrior spirit amongst the Sikhs. The total work is 55 verses in length. The work is a retelling of the Durga Saptasati. In sequence, the text follows the Chandi Charitar II and is itself followed by Gian Prabodh. The work was composed in Punjabi. It is the only oeuvre contained within the Dasam Granth composed and written in Punjabi, aside from the sixth hymn of Shabad Hazare (also composed in Punjabi). The text has historically been referred to by several names. These include: Var Durga ki (IAST: Vāra Durgā Kī), meaning the "Ballad of Durga" Var Sri Bhagauti Ji ki (Vāra Srī Bhagautī Jī Kī), meaning the "Ballad of Revered Bhagauti" Chandi di Var (Chandī Dī Vāra), meaning the "Ballad of Chandi" Var Durga Ki is the title of the work in the oldest extant manuscripts of the Dasam Granth. According to early Sikh historians such as Bhai Koer Singh Kalal, as mentioned in Gurbilas Patshahi 10 (1751), Chandi di Var was written by Guru Gobind Singh 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. The composition has been a significant part of Sikh culture, state Pashaura Singh and Louis Fenech, with its opening verses being a part of "frequently recited ardas prayer or petition".Quote box | quote = ਪ੍ਰਿਥਮ ਭਗੌਤੀ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਕੈ ਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਲਈਂ ਧਿਆਇ Prathami bhagautī simar kai Gurū Nānakalaī dhiāi. First I remember bhagauti (Wahguru in a feminine form'), then I remember Guru Nanak.