Goddess Durga symbolizes power, courage, and all that the female energy is. She is the manifestation of the Adi Shakti and the protector of the universe from all evil.
When the universe became burdened with the nuisance created by demons, the devas prayed to the Holy Trinity, i.e., Lord Brahma (the creator of the universe), Lord Vishnu (the preserver of the universe, and Lord Shiva (the destroyer of the universe).
Agreeing to come to the aid of the Gods, the Holy Trinity combined its energies and thus appeared Goddess Durga, who rid the world of the demon Mahishasur and many other rakshasas.
Distributed into 13 chapters, the Shree Durga Saptashati is a powerful text that consists of 700 verses. Sapta means seven, and Shata means hundred; the name of the text already gives a glimpse of what it is. Each chapter narrates the glorious tales of the courage and valor of Devi Durga as she fought the various demons that plagued the universe with their cruelties.
The text originated from the Markandeya Purana, one of the 18 puranas in the Hindu religion. It is also called Devi Mahatmya or Chandi Path.
Considered to be the most powerful Hindu text, there are many benefits of reading Durga Saptashati daily.
श्रीदुर्गासप्तशती सचित्र (संस्कृत एवं हिंदी अनुवाद)- Shri Durga Saptashati
If you need help reading Durga Saptashati in one sitting, you can follow two procedures: Trayangam and Navangam.
Trayangam -
In this method, you need to start by chanting three prayers before commencing the recital of the Chandi Path. These prayers are the Devi Kavacham, the Argala Stotram, and the Keelaka Stotram. This is followed by the recital of the Navakshari Mantram.
Navangam -
In this method, nine prayers are recited before reading the Shree Durga Saptashati. These stotrams are - Devi Nyasa, Devi Avahana, Devi Namani, Argala Stotram, Keelaka Stotram, Devi Hrudaya, Dhala, Devi Dhyana, and Devi Kavacha.
Apart from reciting the text in just one sitting, you can also read it in three or seven sittings.
If you wish to read it in 3 sittings, then the recital of the chapters should be distributed as follows -
On the first day, the first chapter must be recited, and the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th chapters must be read on the second day. Chapters 5th to 13th must be recited on the third day.
The recital of the Devi Mahatmya in 7 sittings is to be done as follows -
First day - 1st chapter
Second day - 2nd and 3rd chapters
Third day - 4th chapter
Fourth day - 5th- to 8th chapters
Fifth day - 9th and 10th chapters
Sixth day - 11th chapter
Seventh-day - 12th and 13th chapters
The Shree Durga Saptashati is also recited during the nine days of Navratri. During this period, the stories of the many battles of Maa Durga are narrated.
To recite the holy text correctly, a proper vidhi must be performed. In the east direction, a red cloth must be spread, and a photo or idol of Maa Durga must be placed on it.
Before reciting the Shree Durga Saptashati, purify the place and offer prayers with kumkum, rice, and flowers. Then, apply roli to your forehead and perform the achamana four times to purify elements.
Symbolizing the prevalence of good over evil, Goddess Durga slayed many demons and put an end to the suffering of the universe numerous times. She is the purest embodiment of courage, motherhood, and strength. The stories of her valor remind us to overcome our fears and fight our battles bravely. We awaken these qualities when we recite the Shree Durga Saptashati and sing praises of the Devi’s prowess. Apart from just reciting the sacred text, it is also important that we perform the Shree Durga Saptashati path vidhi in the correct way and with a clean heart.
By doing so, we not only sing praises to the Devi’s glory but also pledge to imbibe her qualities in our lives.
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