Hymn on the Divine Mother

CHENNAI, AUG.14 . Worship of the Mother Goddess is integral to Hinduism and there are different genres of scriptural texts dealing with Her glory. In the Puranic tradition, the Markandeya Purana embodies an important hymn in Her praise, the Devi Mahatmya popularly known as Chandi Patha and also as Durga Saptasati. This hymn comprising 700 verses in 13 chapters is usually recited during the Navaratri which is a period considered sacred to the worship of the Divine Mother. It is a eulogy on one of the forms of the Divine Mother, Durga who vanquished the evil forces like Mahishasura, Shumbha and Nishumba. As the hymn embodies Mantras there is a procedure for its recitation. There are three hymns, the Argala Stotra, Keelaka Stotra and the Kavacha, which are to be chanted before reciting the Devi Mahatmya. Their names indicate their purpose. Argala enables to prevent obstructions. Similarly, Keelaka meaning nail, is also chanted for removing impediments while undertaking this worship. The Kavacha is recited to protect the devotee like a shield from all dangers. In his discourse, Swami Asutoshananda said the emphasis on removal of sorrows and obstacles in this hymn was a pointer to the fact that every individual must first derive satisfaction in worldly life. The refrain in the Argala Stotra is in the form of a prayer to the Goddess to grant Her devotee beauty, glory, and fame, and remove all enmity. That She is capable of granting the wishes of Her devotees is underscored in one of the verses by highlighting Her supremacy. This verse describes that the jewels in the crowns of the deities and the demons alike adorn Her feet. Another verse indicates that She can make Her devotees learned, reputed and wealthy. She also removes the ego of the devotee. The hymn portrays Her divine form because unless man is convinced of a power greater than himself he will not venerate God. The hymn also says that the creator Brahma, Siva and Indra praise Her to indicate Her eminence. Worship of the Divine Mother is ultimately for spiritual progress and hence She is depicted as the grantor of peace. Another subtlety to be understood in worship is that a devotee should not seek anything directly as he will not know whether it would give happiness though God is capable of granting all wishes. Instead it will be more rewarding to seek happiness, which will be good both for worldly life and spiritual progress.
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