Durga Saptashati

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Durga Saptashati
Devi Mahatmya
Chandi Path
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DURGA SAPTASHATI : DEVI MAHATMYA : CHANDI PATH

The Devi Mahatmya or "Glory of the Goddess", also known as Durg Saptashat
), Chandi Path ( ) is written by Markandeya Rishi. It is contained in
(
chapters 81-93 of the Mrkandeya Purana, one of the early Sanskrit Purana. Devi Mahatmya
text contains 700 (sapta-shata - "seven hundred") verses, arranged into 13 chapters. The
13 chapters are arranged into three charitas or episodes with a different goddess invoked at
the beginning of each chapter. It is believed that Markandeya Purana was composed some
1,600 years ago around 400-500 CE.
The framing narrative of Devi Mahatmya presents a dispossessed king, a merchant
betrayed by his family, and a sage whose teachings lead them both beyond existential
suffering. The sage instructs by recounting three different epic battles between the Devi and
various demons. The three epic highlights Mahakali (Chapter 1), Mahalakshmi (Chapters 24) and Maha Saraswati (Chapters 5-13). Most famous story is of Mahishasura Mardini,
where Goddess is depicted as "Slayer of the Buffalo Demon", and is one of the most
ubiquitous images in Hindu art and sculpture, and a tale well known in India. It also
introduces Goddess Kali into the Sanskritic mainstream.
The most important text of Shaktism, the Devi Mahatmya is the first religious text to
define the Supreme Reality (God) as a female principle. The text is a compilation and
synthesis of far older myths and legends, skillfully integrated into a single narrative. Devi
Mahatmya has also been translated into most Indian vernaculars as well as some European
languages. Devi Mahatmya based on the Samkhya philosophy and lies at the base of Shakta
religion, and forms the center of the great Shakti traditions. The Devi Mahatmya is treated
as if it were a Vedic hymn. The oral tradition of the text plays an important role in the
ritualistic traditions of Shakta Hindus.
First Epic: The first story depicts Devi in her universal form as Shakti. She is key to
the creation myth. Vishnu reclines on the shesha nga during yoganidra when two demons
arise as thought forms from Vishnu's sleeping body and endeavour to vanquish Brahma,
who is preparing to create the next cycle of the Universe. Brahma ask Goddess to withdraw
from Vishnu so he may awaken and slay the demons. Devi agrees to withdraw and Vishnu
awakens and vanquishes the demons. Here Devi serves as the agent who allows the cosmic
order to be restored.
Second Epic: The world is attacked by Mahishasura, the most evil demon, who
assume many different forms, including that of a buffalo. The male Gods, fearing total
annihilation endowed Durga with their powers. Riding a lion into battle, Durga slew the
buffalo by cutting off its head and help restore order in the world.
Third Epic: Kali emerges from Devi's third eye as a burst of psychic energy. Kali
overpowers and beheads Chanda and Munda, and thus became known as Chamunda. She
also defeates Raktabija, whose every blood drop create another demon as it touches the
earth. Kali, with her enormous tongue laps up Raktabija's blood and prevent the uprising of
further demons. Kali and other forms also destroy Shumbha and Nishumbha.
The recitation of Devi Mahatmya is done during the Sharad Navaratri (Oct - Nov) in
India. The text is also recited during Chaitra Navaratri (March-April) in Northern India. Devi
Mahatmya is the ritual text for performing Chandi Yajna, one of the most popular Yagnas
performed for the general welfare of the people conducted throughout India.
Find here the Sanskrit text of Devi Mahatmya. If you want to listen Devi Mahatmya
and explore other Hindu scriptures like Bhagavad-Gita, Srimad Bhagavat, Ramcharitmanas,
Mahabharat, Upanishad, Yog Sutra, etc. please visit www.swargarohan.org .

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