Shri Durga Saptashati – Chandi Path

Durga Saptashati, also known as Devi Mahatmya and Chandi Path, is an important religious scripture in Hinduism. It describes the glory of Goddess Durga and her slaying of the demon Mahishasura. The text is part of the Markandeya Purana and is traditionally associated with the sage Markandeya.

Durga Saptashati contains a total of 700 shlokas (verses), and it is because of these 700 verses that it is called the Saptashati (“the seven hundred”). The text is divided into 13 chapters. In religious rituals and in the tradition of its recitation, several other stotras (hymns) and readings are recited along with these 700 verses. Reciting the Durga Saptashati is considered especially significant during Navratri, when Goddess Durga is worshipped.

Main Texts Associated with the Durga Saptashati Path

The tradition of reciting the Durga Saptashati includes several important stotras and readings. The main ones are the Devi Kavach, Argala Stotra, Keelakam, Vedokta Ratri Suktam, Tantrokta Ratri Suktam, Shri Devi Atharvashirsham, Navarna Vidhi and Saptashati Nyasah.

Other parts of the recitation include the Rigvedokta Devi Suktam, Tantrokta Devi Suktam, Pradhanika Rahasyam, Vaikritikam Rahasyam and Murti Rahasyam. In addition, readings such as the Kshama Prarthana, Durga Manas Puja, Durga Dvatrimsha Namamala, Devi Aparadha Kshamapana Stotra and Siddha Kunjika Stotra are also given.

Importance of the Durga Saptashati in Chandi Homa

The Durga Saptashati is also used in the Chandi Homa. In this ritual, offerings (ahuti) are made into the sacred fire while the verses of the Durga Saptashati are recited. According to the source, a total of 700 offerings are dedicated to the Goddess in the Chandi Homa.

Material Related to the Durga Saptashati Path

The following material is included among the readings and stotras connected with the Durga Saptashati:

• Saptashloki Durga (the seven-verse Durga hymn)

• Durga Ashtottara Shatanama Stotram (hymn of the 108 names of Durga)

• Durga Saptashati Path Vidhi (method of recitation)

• Devi Kavacham

• Argala Stotram

• Keelakam

• Vedokta Ratri Suktam (Ratri Suktam as given in the Vedas)

• Tantrokta Ratri Suktam (Ratri Suktam as given in the Tantras)

• Shri Devi Atharvashirsham

• Navarna Vidhi

• Saptashati Nyasah

• Upasamhara (concluding portion)

• Rigvedokta Devi Suktam (Devi Suktam as given in the Rigveda)

• Tantrokta Devi Suktam (Devi Suktam as given in the Tantras)

• Pradhanika Rahasyam

• Vaikritikam Rahasyam

• Murti Rahasyam

• Kshama Prarthana (prayer for forgiveness)

• Shri Durga Manas Puja (mental worship of Durga)

• Durga Dvatrimsha Namamala (garland of 32 names of Durga)

• Devi Aparadha Kshamapana Stotram

• Siddha Kunjika Stotram

• Siddha Samput Mantra

• Shri Deviji Ki Aarti (Aarti of the Goddess)

• Shri Ambaji Ki Aarti (Aarti of Mother Amba)

• Devimayi

Durga Saptashati Path

The Durga Saptashati is an important text connected with the worship of the Goddess. Along with stories of the Goddess’s various forms, her valour and her slaying of demons, it contains hymns of praise to her. Reciting it on occasions such as Navratri is considered an important part of religious tradition.

The 13 Chapters of the Durga Saptashati

The Durga Saptashati describes the various forms of the Goddess, the slaying of demons, and the hymns of praise offered to her by the gods.

1. First Chapter – The sage Medha tells King Suratha and Samadhi about the glory of Bhagavati (the Goddess) and narrates the story of the slaying of Madhu and Kaitabha.

2. Second Chapter – The Goddess manifests from the radiance (tej) of the gods, and Mahishasura’s army is destroyed.

3. Third Chapter – Mahishasura is slain along with his commanders.

4. Fourth Chapter – Indra and the other gods sing the praises of the Goddess.

5. Fifth Chapter – The gods praise the Goddess, and Shumbha sends a messenger to her.

6. Sixth Chapter – Dhumralochana is slain.

7. Seventh Chapter – Chanda and Munda are slain.

8. Eighth Chapter – Raktabija is slain.

9. Ninth Chapter – Nishumbha is slain.

10. Tenth Chapter – Shumbha is slain.

11. Eleventh Chapter – The gods praise the Goddess, and the Goddess grants them boons.

12. Twelfth Chapter – The glory and merit of reciting the stories (charitras) of the Goddess.

13. Thirteenth Chapter – The Goddess grants boons to Suratha and the Vaishya (merchant).