Structure of Durga Saptashati

Rishi Jaimini is curious to know about the greatness of Devi. Jaimini is a shishya of Vyasa Maharshi. He asks Rishi Markandeya.

तपस्यन्तं महात्मानं मार्कण्डेयं महामुनिम्
व्यासशिष्यो महातेजा जैमिनिः पर्यपृच्छत्

Markandeya is a great tapaswi. He is the son of a rishi called मृकण्डः.

मार्कण्डेय महाप्राज्ञ सर्वशास्त्रविशारद
श्रोतुमिच्छाम्यशेषेण देवीमाहात्म्यमुत्तमम्

Markandeya is not only a tapaswi, he is a great scholar as well, sarvashastra visharada. Jaimini wants to listen to everything about Devi from him.

Devi Mahatmyam (Durga Saptashati or Chandi Path) is part of Markandeya Purana, covering Chapters 81 to 93. There are 13 chapters and 700 shlokas in total, which is why it is called Sapta Shati. These 13 chapters are subdivided into three sections: Prathama Charitra, Madhyama Charitra, and Uttara Charitra.

• Chapter 1 is called Prathama Charitra.
• Chapters 2 to 4 are called Madhyama Charitra.
• Chapters 5 to 13 are called Uttara Charitra.

At the beginning of each Charitra, a different Dhyana Swaroopa of Devi is used.

Prathama Charitra describes how Lord Vishnu was engrossed in Yoga Nidra under the influence of Shakti. At that time, two evil demons, Madhu and Kaitabha, emerged from his ear wax. They tried to destroy creator Brahma. Brahma prayed to Devi to release Bhagawan Sri Hari from his Nidra, and she obliged. Eventually, Madhu and Kaitabha were destroyed, and order was established in the world.

In Madhyama Charitra, Devi’s role as the slayer of Mahishasura is described. This is considered the most important part of Devi Mahatmyam. In some traditions, when time is short, only the Madhyama Charitra, chapters 2, 3, and 4, is chanted. However, it must not be interrupted mid-chapter.

In Uttara Charitra, Devi destroys the evil forces Chanda, Munda, Raktabija, Shumbha, and Nishumbha.

Devi Mahatmyam is essentially about the destruction of evil forces and the restoration of peace and order. All three aspects of Shakti—Tamasic Mahakali, Sattvic Mahalakshmi, and Rajasic Mahasaraswati—are present in Devi Mahatmyam. Though the incidents revolve around battles between Devi and evil demons, these demons symbolize inner evils, such as pride, anger, and violence, with the demons being external manifestations.

Devi is the ultimate knowledge, Mahavidya, and she destroys these evil forces of ignorance and incorrect knowledge. Although Devi Mahatmyam appears to be a battle story, it is ranked along with Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavata Purana due to its importance. The battle is internal, one that all must fight. We pray to her to come in the form of Jnana and Viveka, destroying the evil within.

In the tradition of Devi Mahatmyam Parayana, there are many Angas included in the basic text of 700 shlokas. Shapoddhara and Utkeelana Mantras are present—similar to Moola Mantras. The mantras of Devi Mahatmyam are locked (keelitas) to prevent misuse and are effective only if Utkeelana is performed with Utkeelana Mantras and Shapoddhara Mantras. Most mantras were cursed by Parashurama, and the Shapoddhara procedure removes this curse.

Devi Kavacham consists of 61 shlokas. Kavacha means armor. Chanting Devi Mahatmyam is not an ordinary task. Even one Parayana of Devi Mahatmyam, if done with focus and devotion, is enough to destroy all evil around and within. Given the power of Durga Saptashati, it is natural that evil, which it is intended to destroy, will obstruct you, preventing chanting. These obstacles can be both external and internal. Chanting Devi Kavacham helps provide protection.

Argala Stotra condenses Devi’s greatness in 27 shlokas, praying for health, wealth, and victory. Keelaka Stotra also removes all kinds of obstacles. Ratri Suktam is from the Rigveda, praising Devi’s glory.

Nyasas need to be performed before chanting Devi Mahatmyam. Devo Bhutva Devam Yajet is the principle. Through Nyasas, one awakens divinity in their own body and becomes eligible to chant. After chanting, Uttara Nyasa is performed to restore the body to its ordinary human state. Devi Suktam is another Vedic praise of Devi, done after chanting is completed.

There are three Rahasyas: Pradhanika, Vaikrutika, and Murti Rahasyas.

• Pradhanika Rahasya is a description of creation.
• Vaikrutika Rahasya describes how Devi transformed herself into the universe.
• Murti Rahasya explains her various forms.

At the end, pardon is sought from Devi for any mistakes made during Parayana.

There are many rules to follow while chanting Devi Mahatmyam, such as:

• Do not stop or get up before completing a chapter. If interrupted, restart from the beginning.
• Chant with absolute focus.
• Devi Mahatmyam should be chanted aloud, never mentally.
• Always read from a printed book, even if you know it by heart, and do not use a handwritten copy.

If completing Sapta Shati in one sitting is difficult, it can be completed in a week:

1. First day - Chapter 1
2. Second day - Chapters 2 and 3
3. Third day - Chapter 4
4. Fourth day - Chapters 5, 6, 7, and 8
5. Fifth day - Chapters 9 and 10
6. Sixth day - Chapter 11
7. Seventh day - Chapters 12 and 13

There are many such traditions. Not only one is correct. Ensure that whatever you follow is authentic and not arbitrary. Most importantly, learn from a knowledgeable source, chant without pronunciation mistakes. Saptashati is very powerful and has a far-reaching impact on you. Ensure no mistakes are made.

Knowledge Bank

Which is the Guru-parampara through which Arjuna obtained Brahmastra?

Mahadeva gave Brahmastra to Sage Agastya. Agastya gave it to Agnivesa. Agnivesa gave it to Drona. Drona gave it to Arjuna.

What is the meaning of Seemantham?

Seemantham or Seemanthonnayanam in Sanskrit means to part the hair of a woman from the top middle of the forehead upwards. It is a prenatal samskara performed for the protection of the to-be mother and her child.