Shri Durga Saptashati Path Vidhi – Complete Procedure And Mantras

The procedure also includes Shapoddhara, Utkeelana, Mritasanjivani Vidya, Shapa-Vimochana and Nyasa. This guide presents each step in sequence with the Sanskrit mantras, their transliterations and meanings, along with the traditional discussion of Kavach, Argala and Keelaka.

Note: The exact procedure and sequence can vary across traditions and texts. When performing the complete ritual, devotees should follow the guidance of their Guru, family tradition or a qualified priest.

Durga Saptashati Path Vidhi: Complete Procedure

The traditional Durga Saptashati Path Vidhi moves through the following steps, in this order:

1. Preparation and purification
2. Achamana and Tattva Shuddhi
3. Pranayama
4. Preliminary prayers
5. Sankalpa
6. Worship of the Durga Saptashati book
7. Shapoddhara
8. Utkeelana
9. Mritasanjivani Vidya
10. Shapa-Vimochana
11. Nyasa
12. Meditation and worship of Goddess Durga
13. Kavach, Argala and Keelaka
14. Durga Saptashati recitation

The traditional procedure is explained below along with the relevant mantras, transliterations and meanings.

1. Preparation Before Durga Saptashati Path

Before beginning the Path, the practitioner (Sadhaka) takes a bath and completes the prescribed purification before preparing a clean and suitable place for the recitation.

The seat is purified first, and the practitioner sits on a clean Asana. Pure water, the puja materials and a copy of Shri Durga Saptashati are kept within reach. The book is placed respectfully on a clean wooden stand or another suitable support.

Next, Bhasma (sacred ash), Chandan (sandalwood paste) or Roli (red powder) is applied to the forehead according to one's tradition, and the Shikha (tuft of hair) is tied. The practitioner then sits facing east and begins the preliminary rituals.

2. Achamana and Tattva Shuddhi

Achamana (sipping water for purification) is performed four times for Tattva Shuddhi, the purification of the elements. With each Achamana, one of the following four mantras is recited, in order.

ॐ ऐं आत्मतत्त्वं शोधयामि नमः स्वाहा। ॐ ह्रीं विद्यातत्त्वं शोधयामि नमः स्वाहा॥

ॐ क्लीं शिवतत्त्वं शोधयामि नमः स्वाहा। ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं सर्वतत्त्वं शोधयामि नमः स्वाहा॥

Transliteration:

Om Aim Atmatattvam Shodhayami Namah Svaha | Om Hreem Vidyatattvam Shodhayami Namah Svaha ||

Om Kleem Shivatattvam Shodhayami Namah Svaha | Om Aim Hreem Kleem Sarvatattvam Shodhayami Namah Svaha ||

These four mantras are associated with the purification of the Atma Tattva, Vidya Tattva, Shiva Tattva and, finally, all Tattvas together.

After completing Achamana, the practitioner proceeds to Pranayama and the preliminary salutations.

3. Pranayama and Preliminary Prayers

After Achamana, the practitioner performs Pranayama and bows to Lord Ganesha, the other deities, the Guru, elders and teachers, as prescribed by tradition.

The Pavitra mantra is then recited while the Kusha Pavitri – a ring made of Kusha grass – is prepared and worn.

ॐ पवित्रेस्थो वैष्णव्यौ सवितुर्वः प्रसवः उत्पुनाम्यच्छिद्रेण पवित्रेण सूर्यस्य रश्मिभिः। तस्यते पवित्रपते पवित्रपूतस्य यत्कामः पुने तच्छकेयम्॥

Transliteration:

Om Pavitrestho Vaishnavyau Saviturvah Prasavah Utpunamy Achchhidrena Pavitrena Suryasya Rashmibhih | Tasyate Pavitrapate Pavitra-Putasya Yatkamah Pune Tachchhakeyam ||

The Kusha Pavitri is worn as part of this preliminary purification procedure. After completing it, the practitioner proceeds to the Sankalpa.

4. Sankalpa for Durga Saptashati Path

Sankalpa is the sacred resolve made before the Path begins. It states the time, place, lineage and purpose of the worship and recitation, so that the Path is performed with a clear intention. The traditional Sankalpa given in the Path Vidhi is recited according to the practitioner's own circumstances.

Holding a red flower, Akshata (unbroken rice) and water in the hand, the practitioner first recites:

ॐ विष्णुर्विष्णुर्विष्णुः। Om Vishnur Vishnur Vishnuh |

The Sankalpa is then recited as follows:

ॐ नमः परमात्मने, श्रीपुराणपुरुषोत्तमस्य श्रीविष्णोराज्ञया प्रवर्तमानस्याद्य श्रीब्रह्मणो द्वितीयपरार्द्धे श्रीश्वेतवाराहकल्पे वैवस्वतमन्वन्तरेऽष्टाविंशतितमे कलियुगे प्रथमचरणे जम्बूद्वीपे भारतवर्षे भरतखण्डे आर्यावर्तान्तर्गतब्रह्मावर्तैकदेशे पुण्यप्रदेशे बौद्धावतारे वर्तमाने यथानामसंवत्सरे अमुकायने महामाङ्गल्यप्रदे मासानाम् उत्तमे अमुकमासे अमुकपक्षे अमुकतिथौ अमुकवासरान्वितायाम् अमुकनक्षत्रे अमुकराशिस्थिते सूर्ये अमुकामुकराशिस्थितेषु चन्द्रभौमबुधगुरुशुक्रशनिषु सत्सु शुभे योगे शुभकरणे एवंगुणविशेषणविशिष्टायां शुभपुण्यतिथौ सकलशास्त्रश्रुतिस्मृति-पुराणोक्तफलप्राप्तिकामः अमुकगोत्रोत्पन्नः अमुकनाम अहं ममात्मनः सपुत्रस्त्रीबान्धवस्य श्रीनवदुर्गानुग्रहतो ग्रहकृतराजकृतसर्वविधपीडा-निवृत्तिपूर्वकं नैरुज्यदीर्घायुःपुष्टिधनधान्यसमृद्ध्यर्थं श्रीनवदुर्गाप्रसादेन सर्वापन्निवृत्तिसर्वाभीष्ट-फलावाप्तिधर्मार्थकाममोक्षचतुर्विधपुरुषार्थसिद्धिद्वारा श्रीमहाकालीमहालक्ष्मीमहासरस्वतीदेवताप्रीत्यर्थं शापोद्धारपुरस्सरं कवचार्गलाकीलकपाठवेदतन्त्रोक्त-रात्रिसूक्तपाठदेव्यथर्वशीर्षपाठन्यास-विधिसहितनवार्णजपसप्तशतीन्यासध्यानसहित-चरित्रसम्बन्धिविनियोगन्यासध्यानपूर्वकं च "मार्कण्डेय उवाच॥ सावर्णिः सूर्यतनयो यो मनुः कथ्यतेऽष्टमः।" इत्याद्यारभ्य "सावर्णिर्भविता मनुः" इत्यन्तं दुर्गासप्तशतीपाठं तदन्ते न्यासविधिसहितनवार्णमन्त्रजपं वेदतन्त्रोक्तदेवीसूक्तपाठं रहस्यत्रयपठनं शापोद्धारादिकं च करिष्ये।

Transliteration:

Om Namah Paramatmane, Shri-Purana-Purushottamasya Shri-Vishnor Ajnaya Pravartamanasyadya Shribrahmano Dvitiya-Pararddhe Shri-Shvetavaraha-Kalpe Vaivasvata-Manvantare'shtavimshatitame Kaliyuge Prathama-Charane Jambudvipe Bharata-Varshe Bharata-Khande Aryavartantargata-Brahmavartaika-Deshe Punya-Pradeshe Bauddhavatare Vartamane Yathanama-Samvatsare Amukayane Maha-Mangalyaprade Masanam Uttame Amukamase Amukapakshe Amukatithau Amuka-Vasaranvitayam Amuka-Nakshatre Amuka-Rashi-Sthite Surye Amukamuka-Rashi-Sthiteshu Chandra-Bhauma-Budha-Guru-Shukra-Shanishu Satsu Shubhe Yoge Shubhakarane Evan Guna-Visheshana-Vishishtayam Shubha-Punya-Tithau Sakala-Shastra-Shruti-Smriti-Puranokta-Phala-Prapti-Kamah Amuka-Gotrotpannah Amukanama Aham Mamatmanah Saputra-Stri-Bandhavasya Shri-Navadurganugrahato Grahakrita-Rajakrita-Sarvavidha-Pida-Nivritti-Purvakam Nairujya-Dirghayuh-Pushti-Dhana-Dhanya-Samriddhyartham Shri-Navadurga-Prasadena Sarvapan-Nivritti-Sarvabhishta-Phalavapti-Dharmartha-Kama-Moksha-Chaturvidha-Purushartha-Siddhi-Dvara Shri-Mahakali-Mahalakshmi-Mahasarasvati-Devata-Prityartham Shapoddhara-Purassaram Kavachargala-Kilaka-Patha-Veda-Tantrokta-Ratrisukta-Patha-Devyatharvashirsha-Patha-Nyasa-Vidhi-Sahita-Navarna-Japa-Saptashati-Nyasa-Dhyana-Sahita-Charitra-Sambandhi-Viniyoga-Nyasa-Dhyana-Purvakam Cha "Markandeya Uvacha || Savarnih Suryatanayo Yo Manuh Kathyate'shtamah |" Ityady Arabhya "Savarnir Bhavita Manuh" Ityantam Durga-Saptashati-Patham Tadante Nyasa-Vidhi-Sahita-Navarna-Mantra-Japam Veda-Tantrokta-Devisukta-Patham Rahasyatraya-Pathanam Shapoddharadikam Cha Karishye |

Note on "Amuka": Wherever the Sankalpa says Amuka (अमुक), the practitioner fills in the actual detail – the Samvatsara (year), Ayana, Masa (month), Paksha, Tithi, Vasara (weekday), Nakshatra, the Rashi of the Sun and the other planets, one's Gotra and one's own name.

With the Sankalpa complete, the practitioner proceeds to meditate upon Goddess Durga and worship the sacred Durga Saptashati text.

5. Worship of the Durga Saptashati Book

After the Sankalpa, the practitioner meditates upon Goddess Durga and worships the Durga Saptashati book by the Panchopachara method – the five-fold offering.

The practitioner then shows the Yoni Mudra and bows to Bhagavati. Using the Mula Navarna Mantra, the Adhara Shakti is established on the prescribed Peetha, and the sacred book is placed upon it.

Once the worship of the book is complete, the Shapoddhara procedure is performed. The tradition mentions several ways of doing this; the method followed on this page is given in the next sections.

6. Shapoddhara Mantra

Shapoddhara – the removal of the curse – is the first of the preliminary mantra practices described in the Durga Saptashati Path Vidhi. The following mantra is recited seven times at the beginning and seven times at the end.

ॐ ह्रीं क्लीं श्रीं क्रां क्रीं चण्डिकादेव्यै शापनाशानुग्रहं कुरु कुरु स्वाहा।

Transliteration:

Om Hreem Kleem Shreem Kram Kreem Chandika-Devyai Shapa-Nashanugraham Kuru Kuru Svaha |

Chanting: 7 times at the beginning and 7 times at the end.

This is followed by the Utkeelana Mantra.

7. Utkeelana Mantra

After Shapoddhara, the Utkeelana Mantra is recited – twenty-one times at the beginning and twenty-one times at the end.

ॐ श्रीं क्लीं ह्रीं सप्तशति चण्डिके उत्कीलनं कुरु कुरु स्वाहा।

Transliteration:

Om Shreem Kleem Hreem Saptashati Chandike Utkilanam Kuru Kuru Svaha |

Chanting: 21 times at the beginning and 21 times at the end.

After completing the Utkeelana Mantra, the Mritasanjivani Vidya is recited.

8. Mritasanjivani Vidya

Mritasanjivani Vidya is the next preliminary practice included in the traditional Durga Saptashati Path Vidhi. It is recited seven times at the beginning and seven times at the end.

ॐ ह्रीं ह्रीं वं वं ऐं ऐं मृतसंजीवनि विद्ये मृतमुत्थापयोत्थापय क्रीं ह्रीं ह्रीं वं स्वाहा।

Transliteration:

Om Hreem Hreem Vam Vam Aim Aim Mrita-Sanjivani Vidye Mritam Utthapayotthapaya Kreem Hreem Hreem Vam Svaha |

Chanting: 7 times at the beginning and 7 times at the end.

9. Shapa-Vimochana Mantra (Marichakalpa)

The Path Vidhi also describes Shapa-Vimochana – releasing the Saptashati from its curse. One method is given in the Marichakalpa, and its mantra is as follows:

ॐ श्रीं श्रीं क्लीं हूं ॐ ऐं क्षोभय मोहय उत्कीलय उत्कीलय उत्कीलय ठं ठं।

Transliteration:

Om Shreem Shreem Kleem Hum Om Aim Kshobhaya Mohaya Utkilaya Utkilaya Utkilaya Tham Tham |

Chanting: 108 times at the very beginning only. This mantra is not repeated at the end of the recitation.

Alternatively, the Chandika Shapa-Vimochana mantras given in the Durgakalpa of the Rudrayamala Mahatantra may be recited at the beginning. These are presented in the next section.

10. Chandika Shapa-Vimochana

The Chandika Shapa-Vimochana from the Durgakalpa of the Rudrayamala Mahatantra begins with a Viniyoga, followed by twenty mantras. The mantras are recited in the same order as given in the traditional text.

Shapa-Vimochana Viniyoga

ॐ अस्य श्रीचण्डिकाया ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापविमोचनमन्त्रस्य वसिष्ठ-नारदसंवादसामवेदाधिपतिब्रह्माण ऋषयः सर्वैश्वर्यकारिणी श्रीदुर्गा देवता चरित्रत्रयं बीजं ह्री शक्तिः त्रिगुणात्मस्वरूपचण्डिकाशापविमुक्तौ मम संकल्पितकार्यसिद्ध्यर्थे जपे विनियोगः।

Transliteration:

Om Asya Shri-Chandikaya Brahma-Vasishtha-Vishvamitra-Shapa-Vimochana-Mantrasya Vasishtha-Narada-Samvada-Samavedadhipati-Brahmana Rishayah Sarvaishvarya-Karini Shridurga Devata Charitra-Trayam Bijam Hri Shaktih Trigunatma-Svarupa-Chandika-Shapa-Vimuktau Mama Sankalpita-Karya-Siddhyarthe Jape Viniyogah |

Meaning: The Rishis (seers) of this mantra are said to be Vasishtha, Narada and Brahma, the presiding lord of the Samaveda. Its deity is Shri Durga, the giver of every kind of prosperity. The three Charitras (episodes) are its Bija (seed), and 'Hreem' is its Shakti (power). This mantra is chanted to release Chandika, whose nature is of the three Gunas, from the curse and to accomplish the task one has resolved upon.

Shapa-Vimochana Mantra 1

ॐ (ह्रीं) रीं रेतःस्वरूपिण्यै मधुकैटभमर्दिन्यै ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥1॥

Transliteration:

Om (Hreem) Rim Retah-Svarupinyai Madhu-Kaitabha-Mardinyai Brahma-Vasishtha-Vishvamitra-Shapad Vimukta Bhava || 1 ||

Meaning: O Goddess, you whose form is Retas (the creative essence) and who destroyed Madhu and Kaitabha! Be freed from the curse of Brahma, Vasishtha and Vishvamitra.

Shapa-Vimochana Mantra 2

ॐ श्रीं बुद्धिस्वरूपिण्यै महिषासुरसैन्यनाशिन्यै ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥2॥

Transliteration:

Om Shreem Buddhi-Svarupinyai Mahishasura-Sainya-Nashinyai Brahma-Vasishtha-Vishvamitra-Shapad Vimukta Bhava || 2 ||

Meaning: O Goddess, you whose form is intelligence and who destroyed the army of Mahishasura! Be freed from the curse of Brahma, Vasishtha and Vishvamitra.

Shapa-Vimochana Mantra 3

ॐ रं रक्तस्वरूपिण्यै महिषासुरमर्दिन्यै ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥3॥

Transliteration:

Om Ram Rakta-Svarupinyai Mahishasura-Mardinyai Brahma-Vasishtha-Vishvamitra-Shapad Vimukta Bhava || 3 ||

Meaning: O Goddess, you whose form is blood and who slew Mahishasura! Be freed from the curse of Brahma, Vasishtha and Vishvamitra.

Shapa-Vimochana Mantra 4

ॐ क्षुं क्षुधास्वरूपिण्यै देववन्दितायै ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥4॥

Transliteration:

Om Kshum Kshudha-Svarupinyai Deva-Vanditayai Brahma-Vasishtha-Vishvamitra-Shapad Vimukta Bhava || 4 ||

Meaning: O Goddess, you whose form is hunger and who is revered by the gods! Be freed from the curse of Brahma, Vasishtha and Vishvamitra.

Shapa-Vimochana Mantra 5

ॐ छां छायास्वरूपिण्यै दूतसंवादिन्यै ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥5॥

Transliteration:

Om Chham Chhaya-Svarupinyai Duta-Samvadinyai Brahma-Vasishtha-Vishvamitra-Shapad Vimukta Bhava || 5 ||

Meaning: O Goddess, you whose form is shadow and who spoke through the messenger! Be freed from the curse of Brahma, Vasishtha and Vishvamitra.

Shapa-Vimochana Mantra 6

ॐ शं शक्तिस्वरूपिण्यै धूम्रलोचनघातिन्यै ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥6॥

Transliteration:

Om Sham Shakti-Svarupinyai Dhumralochana-Ghatinyai Brahma-Vasishtha-Vishvamitra-Shapad Vimukta Bhava || 6 ||

Meaning: O Goddess, you whose form is power (Shakti) and who slew Dhumralochana! Be freed from the curse of Brahma, Vasishtha and Vishvamitra.

Shapa-Vimochana Mantra 7

ॐ तृं तृषास्वरूपिण्यै चण्डमुण्डवधकारिण्यै ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥7॥

Transliteration:

Om Trim Trisha-Svarupinyai Chanda-Munda-Vadha-Karinyai Brahma-Vasishtha-Vishvamitra-Shapad Vimukta Bhava || 7 ||

Meaning: O Goddess, you whose form is thirst and who slew Chanda and Munda! Be freed from the curse of Brahma, Vasishtha and Vishvamitra.

Shapa-Vimochana Mantra 8

ॐ क्षां क्षान्तिस्वरूपिण्यै रक्तबीजवधकारिण्यै ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥8॥

Transliteration:

Om Ksham Kshanti-Svarupinyai Raktabija-Vadha-Karinyai Brahma-Vasishtha-Vishvamitra-Shapad Vimukta Bhava || 8 ||

Meaning: O Goddess, you whose form is forgiveness and forbearance and who slew Raktabija! Be freed from the curse of Brahma, Vasishtha and Vishvamitra.

Shapa-Vimochana Mantra 9

ॐ जां जातिस्वरूपिण्यै निशुम्भवधकारिण्यै ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥9॥

Transliteration:

Om Jam Jati-Svarupinyai Nishumbha-Vadha-Karinyai Brahma-Vasishtha-Vishvamitra-Shapad Vimukta Bhava || 9 ||

Meaning: O Goddess, you whose form is Jati – the birth and existence of living beings – and who slew Nishumbha! Be freed from the curse of Brahma, Vasishtha and Vishvamitra.

Shapa-Vimochana Mantra 10

ॐ लं लज्जास्वरूपिण्यै शुम्भवधकारिण्यै ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥10॥

Transliteration:

Om Lam Lajja-Svarupinyai Shumbha-Vadha-Karinyai Brahma-Vasishtha-Vishvamitra-Shapad Vimukta Bhava || 10 ||

Meaning: O Goddess, you whose form is modesty and who slew Shumbha! Be freed from the curse of Brahma, Vasishtha and Vishvamitra.

Shapa-Vimochana Mantra 11

ॐ शां शान्तिस्वरूपिण्यै देवस्तुत्यै ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥11॥

Transliteration:

Om Sham Shanti-Svarupinyai Devastutyai Brahma-Vasishtha-Vishvamitra-Shapad Vimukta Bhava || 11 ||

Meaning: O Goddess, you whose form is peace and who is praised by the gods! Be freed from the curse of Brahma, Vasishtha and Vishvamitra.

Shapa-Vimochana Mantra 12

ॐ श्रं श्रद्धास्वरूपिण्यै सकलफलदात्र्यै ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥12॥

Transliteration:

Om Shram Shraddha-Svarupinyai Sakala-Phala-Datryai Brahma-Vasishtha-Vishvamitra-Shapad Vimukta Bhava || 12 ||

Meaning: O Goddess, you whose form is faith and who grants every kind of fruit! Be freed from the curse of Brahma, Vasishtha and Vishvamitra.

Shapa-Vimochana Mantra 13

ॐ कां कान्तिस्वरूपिण्यै राजवरप्रदायै ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥13॥

Transliteration:

Om Kam Kanti-Svarupinyai Raja-Vara-Pradayai Brahma-Vasishtha-Vishvamitra-Shapad Vimukta Bhava || 13 ||

Meaning: O Goddess, you whose form is Kanti – radiance and beauty – and who grants excellent boons to kings! Be freed from the curse of Brahma, Vasishtha and Vishvamitra.

Shapa-Vimochana Mantra 14

ॐ मां मातृस्वरूपिण्यै अनर्गलमहिमसहितायै ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥14॥

Transliteration:

Om Mam Matri-Svarupinyai Anargala-Mahima-Sahitayai Brahma-Vasishtha-Vishvamitra-Shapad Vimukta Bhava || 14 ||

Meaning: O Goddess, you whose form is the Mother and who is endowed with boundless glory! Be freed from the curse of Brahma, Vasishtha and Vishvamitra.

Shapa-Vimochana Mantra 15

ॐ ह्रीं श्रीं दुं दुर्गायै सं सर्वैश्वर्यकारिण्यै ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥15॥

Transliteration:

Om Hreem Shreem Dum Durgayai Sam Sarvaishvarya-Karinyai Brahma-Vasishtha-Vishvamitra-Shapad Vimukta Bhava || 15 ||

Meaning: O Goddess Durga! You are the giver of every kind of prosperity and abundance. Be freed from the curse of Brahma, Vasishtha and Vishvamitra.

Shapa-Vimochana Mantra 16

ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं नमः शिवायै अभेद्यकवचस्वरूपिण्यै ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥16॥

Transliteration:

Om Aim Hreem Kleem Namah Shivayai Abhedya-Kavacha-Svarupinyai Brahma-Vasishtha-Vishvamitra-Shapad Vimukta Bhava || 16 ||

Meaning: O Goddess, you who are the form of Shiva! You protect like an impenetrable armour. Be freed from the curse of Brahma, Vasishtha and Vishvamitra.

Shapa-Vimochana Mantra 17

ॐ क्रीं काल्यै कालि ह्रीं फट् स्वाहायै ऋग्वेदस्वरूपिण्यै ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥17॥

Transliteration:

Om Kreem Kalyai Kali Hreem Phat Svahayai Rigveda-Svarupinyai Brahma-Vasishtha-Vishvamitra-Shapad Vimukta Bhava || 17 ||

Meaning: O Goddess Kali! You are the form of Time, powerful, and established in the form of the Rigveda. Be freed from the curse of Brahma, Vasishtha and Vishvamitra.

Shapa-Vimochana Mantra 18

ॐ ऐं ह्री क्लीं महाकालीमहालक्ष्मी- महासरस्वतीस्वरूपिण्यै त्रिगुणात्मिकायै दुर्गादेव्यै नमः॥18॥

Transliteration:

Om Aim Hri Kleem Mahakali-Mahalakshmi- Mahasarasvati-Svarupinyai Trigunatmikayai Durgadevyai Namah || 18 ||

Meaning: Salutations to Mother Durga, who is of the form of Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati and is endowed with the three Gunas. She is the presiding Goddess of power, prosperity and knowledge.

Shapa-Vimochana Mantra 19

इत्येवं हि महामन्त्रान् पठित्वा परमेश्वर। चण्डीपाठं दिवा रात्रौ कुर्यादेव न संशयः॥19॥

Transliteration:

Ityevam Hi Mahamantran Pathitva Parameshvara | Chandipatham Diva Ratrau Kuryadeva Na Samshayah || 19 ||

Meaning: O Supreme Lord! After reciting these great mantras, one should perform the Chandi Path by day and by night. There is no doubt that the Chandi Path can be performed by this method.

Shapa-Vimochana Mantra 20

एवं मन्त्रं न जानाति चण्डीपाठं करोति यः। आत्मानं चैव दातारं क्षीणं कुर्यान्न संशयः॥20॥

Transliteration:

Evam Mantram Na Janati Chandipatham Karoti Yah | Atmanam Chaiva Dataram Kshinam Kuryanna Samshayah || 20 ||

Meaning: The verse states that one who performs the Chandi Path without knowing this mantra may bring about a reduction in his own spiritual merit and that of the donor. Therefore, the text emphasizes the importance of knowing this prescribed method.

11. Nyasa and Meditation

After the Shapa-Vimochana is complete, the Path Vidhi prescribes Nyasa – first the Antarmatrika Nyasa and then the Bahirmatrika Nyasa.

The practitioner then meditates upon Shri Devi and worships Mahalakshmi and the other forms of the Goddess in a Yantra of nine compartments, following the procedure described in the Rahasya.

Nyasa and meditation form part of the traditional preparation before the main Saptashati recitation.

12. Durga Saptashati Recitation

With the preliminary rituals complete, the practitioner begins the recitation of Shri Durga Saptashati, together with its six Angas (auxiliary parts).

The six Angas are the Kavach, the Argala, the Keelaka and the three Rahasyas. Traditional sources describe these as the six limbs of the Durga Saptashati, and they are regarded as essential components of the complete recitation.

13. Kavach, Argala and Keelaka

Devi Kavach, Argala Stotra and Keelaka are recited as part of the Durga Saptashati Path. Their order, however, is not presented identically in every traditional source. The material followed on this page discusses two approaches – those of the Chidambara Samhita and the Yogaratnavali.

Source	Order of Recitation
Chidambara Samhita	Argala → Keelaka → Kavach
Yogaratnavali	Kavach → Argala → Keelaka
Order followed on this page	Kavach → Argala → Keelaka

Yogaratnavali explains this sequence by describing Kavach as the Bija (seed), Argala as the Shakti (power), and Keelaka as the Keelaka (lock). Based on this relationship, the sequence followed is Kavach, Argala and Keelaka.

Devotees should follow the sequence prescribed by their own tradition or Guru rather than assume that one order is universally followed.

14. Durga Saptashati Path Vidhi: Important Guidelines

The Durga Saptashati Path is a detailed traditional practice with several preliminary rituals before the main recitation. The method described here is one specific traditional procedure, not the only form of Saptashati recitation.

Chanting counts at a glance:

Mantra	At the Beginning	At the End
Shapoddhara Mantra	7 times	7 times
Utkeelana Mantra	21 times	21 times
Mritasanjivani Vidya	7 times	7 times
Shapa-Vimochana Mantra (Marichakalpa)	108 times	Not repeated

The Chandika Shapa-Vimochana Viniyoga and its twenty mantras are recited at the beginning, in the order given above.

Keep in mind:

• Different texts may vary in the order of certain rituals and in the method of Shapoddhara, Utkeelana, Shapa-Vimochana, Nyasa and the associated Stotras.

• The chanting counts given here follow this Path Vidhi.

• For a complete ritualistic Path, especially when performing it for the first time, follow the guidance of a qualified Guru or priest familiar with the relevant tradition.

Conclusion

Shri Durga Saptashati Path Vidhi brings together the traditional preparations that precede and accompany the recitation of the Saptashati – purification, Achamana, Pranayama, Sankalpa, worship of the sacred text, Shapoddhara, Utkeelana, Mritasanjivani Vidya, Shapa-Vimochana, Nyasa, meditation and the recitation of Kavach, Argala and Keelaka. The procedure gives particular importance to purification, Sankalpa, meditation on the Goddess and the prescribed preliminary mantras.

Since different scriptures and traditions may prescribe variations in sequence and method, the procedure should be followed according to one's own tradition, text or the guidance of a Guru or qualified priest.