CANDI

also called Candika, demon-destroying form of the Hindu goddess Sakti, particularly popular in eastern India. She is known by various names, such as Mahamaya, or Abhaya (Sanskrit: She Who is Without Fear), and appears to be a composite of folk beliefs with the higher traditions. Her representation is similar to that of Durga, another form of Sakti. She is shown with either 8 or 10 arms, seated on a lion vehicle. Hundreds of folktales and songs tell of her exploits. She is the central figure of an extensive Middle Bengali literature known as Candi-mangal, the most famous of which is that of Mukundarama Cakravarti (c. 16th century).