Shri Durga Saptashati Path Vidhi (Method of Recitation)

The method of recitation (path vidhi) is considered especially important for reciting the Shri Durga Saptashati with faith and in the proper way. It describes the whole process, from the practitioner’s bath, purification of the seat, achamana (sipping water for purification), pranayama, sankalpa (the sacred resolve), worship of the Goddess and the chanting of various mantras, up to the beginning of the Saptashati recitation. It also mentions procedures such as Shapoddhara, Utkeelana, the Mritasanjivani Vidya and Nyasa. The purpose of this method is to acquaint the practitioner, step by step, with the preparation for the Durga Saptashati recitation and the religious procedures it requires.

Pathavidhih (॥ पाठविधिः ॥)

The practitioner (sadhaka) should bathe and become pure, and after performing the purification of the seat, should sit on a clean seat. Keep pure water, the items for worship and a copy of the Shri Durga Saptashati beside you. Place the book respectfully, in the proper manner, on a clean stand made of wood or similar material in front of you.

After this, apply bhasma (sacred ash), sandalwood paste or roli (red powder) on the forehead as you prefer, and tie your shikha (tuft of hair). Then, facing east, perform achamana four times for tattva-shuddhi (purification of the elements). At each achamana, recite the following four mantras 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॥

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 ||

After that, perform pranayama and bow to Lord Ganesha and the other deities and to your elders and teachers; then

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

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

Wear a pavitri (ring) made of kusha grass while reciting this and similar mantras. Then, holding a red flower, akshata (unbroken rice) and water in your hand, make the sankalpa as follows — ॐ विष्णुर्विष्णुर्विष्णुः।

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।

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 |

Having made this pledge (sankalpa) in this way, and while meditating on the Goddess, worship the book* by the panchopachara method (the five-fold offering). Show the yoni mudra and bow to Bhagavati. Then, using the root Navarna mantra, establish the Adharashakti (the supporting power) on the seat and place the book upon it.* After this, Shapoddhara* (the removal of the curse) should be performed. There are several ways of doing this.

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

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

Chant this mantra seven times at the beginning and seven times at the end. It is called the Shapoddhara mantra. After this, the Utkeelana mantra is chanted, twenty-one times at the beginning and twenty-one times at the end. This mantra is as follows —

ॐ श्रीं क्लीं ह्रीं सप्तशति चण्डिके उत्कीलनं कुरु कुरु स्वाहा।

Om Shreem Kleem Hreem Saptashati Chandike Utkilanam Kuru Kuru Svaha |

After chanting this, the Mritasanjivani Vidya should be chanted seven times at the beginning and seven times at the end. It is as follows —

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

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

According to the Marichakalpa, the mantra for releasing the Saptashati from its curse (shapa-vimochana) is as follows —

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

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

This mantra should be chanted one hundred and eight times at the very beginning, and not at the end of the recitation. Alternatively, the Chandika-shapa-vimochana mantras given in the Durgakalpa of the Rudrayamala Mahatantra should be recited at the beginning. Those mantras are as follows —

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

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.

Mantras

Mantra 1

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

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.

Mantra 2

ॐ श्रीं बुद्धिस्वरूपिण्यै महिषासुरसैन्यनाशिन्यै
ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥2॥

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.

Mantra 3

ॐ रं रक्तस्वरूपिण्यै महिषासुरमर्दिन्यै
ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥3॥

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.

Mantra 4

ॐ क्षुं क्षुधास्वरूपिण्यै देववन्दितायै
ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥4॥

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.

Mantra 5

ॐ छां छायास्वरूपिण्यै दूतसंवादिन्यै
ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥5॥

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.

Mantra 6

ॐ शं शक्तिस्वरूपिण्यै धूम्रलोचनघातिन्यै
ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥6॥

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.

Mantra 7

ॐ तृं तृषास्वरूपिण्यै चण्डमुण्डवधकारिण्यै
ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥7॥

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.

Mantra 8

ॐ क्षां क्षान्तिस्वरूपिण्यै रक्तबीजवधकारिण्यै
ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥8॥

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.

Mantra 9

ॐ जां जातिस्वरूपिण्यै निशुम्भवधकारिण्यै
ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥9॥

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.

Mantra 10

ॐ लं लज्जास्वरूपिण्यै शुम्भवधकारिण्यै
ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥10॥

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.

Mantra 11

ॐ शां शान्तिस्वरूपिण्यै देवस्तुत्यै
ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥11॥

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.

Mantra 12

ॐ श्रं श्रद्धास्वरूपिण्यै सकलफलदात्र्यै
ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥12॥

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.

Mantra 13

ॐ कां कान्तिस्वरूपिण्यै राजवरप्रदायै
ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥13॥

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.

Mantra 14

ॐ मां मातृस्वरूपिण्यै अनर्गलमहिमसहितायै
ब्रह्मवसिष्ठविश्वामित्रशापाद् विमुक्ता भव॥14॥

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.

Mantra 15

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

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.

Mantra 16

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

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.

Mantra 17

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

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.

Mantra 18

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

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.

Mantra 19

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

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.

Mantra 20

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

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

Meaning: It is said that a person who performs the Chandi Path without knowing the method of this mantra may weaken himself and the fruit of his charity or merit. That is why the importance of this mantra in the Chandi Path is emphasised.

After performing the Shapoddhara in this way, nyasas such as the Antarmatrika and Bahirmatrika should be performed. Next, after meditating on Shri Devi, Mahalakshmi and the other goddesses are worshipped in a yantra of nine compartments, according to the procedure described in the Rahasya. After that, the recitation of the Durga Saptashati is begun together with its six angas (auxiliary parts).

The Kavach, Argala, Keelaka and the three Rahasyas are considered the six angas of the Durga Saptashati. Different texts disagree about the order in which they should be recited. The Chidambara Samhita prescribes reading the Argala first, then the Keelaka, and the Kavach last.

The Yogaratnavali, on the other hand, gives a different order. It calls the Kavach the bija (seed), the Argala the shakti (power) and the Keelaka the keelaka (the pin or lock). Just as in other mantras the bija is pronounced first, then the shakti and finally the keelaka, so here too one should recite, in order, first the Kavach as the bija, then the Argala as the shakti, and finally the Keelaka as the keelaka.

This is the order that has been followed here.

Conclusion

In short, this method of recitation gives an important place to purity, the sankalpa, meditation on the Goddess and the prescribed mantras, and follows the order of Kavach, Argala and Keelaka.