Saptashati Upasamhara (Concluding Portion)

The Upasamhara is the concluding portion recited after the 13 chapters of the Durga Saptashati. It gives the Navarna mantra procedure that is repeated at the end of the recitation, along with the related nyasa, meditation and prayers.

Upasamhara (॥ उपसंहारः ॥)

When the recitation of the Saptashati is completed in this way, the prescribed method is first to chant the Navarna mantra and then to recite the Devi Sukta; therefore the Navarna procedure is quoted here again. Everything is to be done just as before.

Viniyoga (॥ विनियोगः ॥)

श्रीगणपतिर्जयति।ॐ अस्य श्रीनवार्णमन्त्रस्य ब्रह्मविष्णुरुद्रा ऋषयः, गायत्र्युष्णिगनुष्टुभश्छन्दांसि,श्रीमहाकालीमहालक्ष्मीमहासरस्वत्यो देवताः, ऐं बीजम्, ह्रीं शक्तिः, क्लीं कीलकम्,श्रीमहाकालीमहालक्ष्मीमहासरस्वतीप्रीत्यर्थे जपे विनियोगः।

Shri-Ganapatir Jayati | Om Asya Shri-Navarna-Mantrasya Brahma-Vishnu-Rudra Rishayah, Gayatry-Ushnig-Anushtubhash Chhandamsi, Shri-Mahakali-Mahalakshmi-Mahasarasvatyo Devatah, Aim Bijam, Hreem Shaktih, Kleem Kilakam, Shri-Mahakali-Mahalakshmi-Mahasarasvati-Prityarthe Jape Viniyogah |

Meaning: The rishis of this Navarna mantra are Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra. Its metres are Gayatri, Ushnik and Anushtup. Its deities are Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. ‘Aim’ is its bija, ‘Hreem’ its shakti and ‘Kleem’ its keelaka. The resolve (sankalpa) to chant this mantra is made to please Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati.

Rishyadi Nyasa

॥ ऋष्यादिन्यासः ॥

ब्रह्मविष्णुरुद्रऋषिभ्यो नमः, शिरसि।

Brahma-Vishnu-Rudra-Rishibhyo Namah, Shirasi |

Meaning: Salutations to the rishis Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra — on the head.

गायत्र्युष्णिगनुष्टुप्छन्दोभ्यो नमः, मुखे।

Gayatry-Ushnig-Anushtup-Chhandobhyo Namah, Mukhe |

Meaning: Salutations to the metres Gayatri, Ushnik and Anushtup — on the mouth.

महाकालीमहालक्ष्मीमहासरस्वतीदेवताभ्यो नमः, हृदि।

Mahakali-Mahalakshmi-Mahasarasvati-Devatabhyo Namah, Hridi |

Meaning: Salutations to the goddesses Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati — on the heart.

ऐं बीजाय नमः, गुह्ये।

Aim Bijaya Namah, Guhye |

Meaning: Salutations to the bija ‘Aim’ — on the private part.

ह्रीं शक्तये नमः, पादयोः।

Hreem Shaktaye Namah, Padayoh |

Meaning: Salutations to the shakti ‘Hreem’ — on both feet.

क्लीं कीलकाय नमः, नाभौ।

Kleem Kilakaya Namah, Nabhau |

Meaning: Salutations to the keelaka ‘Kleem’ — on the navel.

"ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे"

-इति मूलेन करौ संशोध्य-

"Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche"

-Iti Mulena Karau Samshodhya-

Meaning: Purify both hands with the root mantra ‘ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे’.

Karanyasa

॥ करन्यासः ॥

ॐ ऐं अङ्गुष्ठाभ्यां नमः।ॐ ह्रीं तर्जनीभ्यां नमः। ॐ क्लीं मध्यमाभ्यां नमः।ॐ चामुण्डायै अनामिकाभ्यां नमः। ॐ विच्चे कनिष्ठिकाभ्यां नमः।ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे करतलकरपृष्ठाभ्यां नमः।

Meaning: While pronouncing these mantras, nyasa is performed in order on both thumbs, the index fingers, middle fingers, ring fingers and little fingers, and on the palms and backs of the hands.

Hridayadi Nyasa

॥ हृदयादिन्यासः ॥

ॐ ऐं हृदयाय नमः। ॐ ह्रीं शिरसे स्वाहा।ॐ क्लीं शिखायै वषट्। ॐ चामुण्डायै कवचाय हुम्।ॐ विच्चे नेत्रत्रयाय वौषट्। ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे अस्त्राय फट्।

Meaning: With these mantras, nyasa is performed in order on the heart, the head, the shikha, the armour (kavacha), the three eyes and the weapon (astra). Its purpose is to establish the power of the Goddess in these parts of the body.

Akshara Nyasa

॥ अक्षरन्यासः ॥

ॐ ऐं नमः, शिखायाम्।ॐ ह्रीं नमः, दक्षिणनेत्रे। ॐ क्लीं नमः, वामनेत्रे।ॐ चां नमः, दक्षिणकर्णे। ॐ मुं नमः, वामकर्णे।ॐ डां नमः, दक्षिणनासापुटे। ॐ यैं नमः, वामनासापुटे।ॐ विं नमः, मुखे। ॐ च्चें नमः, गुह्ये। "एवं विन्यस्याष्टवारं मूलेन व्यापकं कुर्यात्"

Meaning: Having placed the syllables of the mantra on the different parts of the body in this way, one should perform the vyapaka nyasa over the whole body eight times with the root mantra.

Dinnyasa

॥ दिङ्न्यासः ॥

ॐ ऐं प्राच्यै नमः।ॐ ऐं आग्नेय्यै नमः। ॐ ह्रीं दक्षिणायै नमः।ॐ ह्रीं नैर्ऋत्यै नमः। ॐ क्लीं प्रतीच्यै नमः।ॐ क्लीं वायव्यै नमः। ॐ चामुण्डायै उदीच्यै नमः।ॐ चामुण्डायै ऐशान्यै नमः। ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे ऊर्ध्वायै नमः। ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे भूम्यै नमः।

Meaning: Nyasa of the Goddess’s power is performed in the east, south-east, south, south-west, west, north-west, north and north-east. After this, nyasa is performed with the Goddess’s root mantra in the directions above and below as well.

Dhyanam

॥ ध्यानम् ॥

Verse 1

खड्गं चक्रगदेषुचापपरिघाञ्छूलं भुशुण्डीं शिरः शङ्खं संदधतीं करैस्त्रिनयनां सर्वाङ्गभूषावृताम्। नीलाश्मद्युतिमास्यपाददशकां सेवे महाकालिकां यामस्तौत्स्वपिते हरौ कमलजो हन्तुं मधुं कैटभम्॥1॥

Khadgam Chakra-Gadeshu-Chapa-Parighan Chhulam Bhushundim Shirah Shankham Sandadhatim Karais Trinayanam Sarvanga-Bhushavritam | Nilashma-Dyutim Asya-Pada-Dashakam Seve Mahakalikam Yam Astaut Svapite Harau Kamalajo Hantum Madhum Kaitabham || 1 ||

Meaning: I serve and meditate on Goddess Mahakali, who has three eyes and wears ornaments all over her body. In her hands are the sword, discus, mace, bow, parigha, trident, bhushundi and conch. Her radiance is like a blue gem. She is that very Mahakali whom Brahma, seated on the lotus, praised for the slaying of Madhu and Kaitabha while Lord Vishnu was sleeping in yoganidra.

Verse 2

अक्षस्रक्परशुं गदेषुकुलिशं पद्मं धनुष्कुण्डिकां दण्डं शक्तिमसिं च चर्म जलजं घण्टां सुराभाजनम्। शूलं पाशसुदर्शने च दधतीं हस्तैः प्रसन्नाननां सेवे सैरिभमर्दिनीमिह महालक्ष्मीं सरोजस्थिताम्॥2॥

Akshasrak-Parashum Gadeshu-Kulisham Padmam Dhanush-Kundikam Dandam Shaktimasim Cha Charma Jalajam Ghantam Surabhajanam | Shulam Pasha-Sudarshane Cha Dadhatim Hastaih Prasannananam Seve Sairibha-Mardinim Iha Mahalakshmim Saroja-Sthitam || 2 ||

Meaning: I meditate on Mahalakshmi, seated on a lotus, whose face is joyful. In her hands she holds a rosary, an axe, a mace, an arrow, a thunderbolt, a lotus, a bow, a kamandalu, a staff, a spear (shakti), a sword, a shield, a conch, a bell, a vessel of nectar, a trident, a noose and the Sudarshana discus. She is the slayer of Mahishasura.

Verse 3

घण्टाशूलहलानि शङ्खमुसले चक्रं धनुः सायकं हस्ताब्जैर्दधतीं घनान्तविलसच्छीतांशुतुल्यप्रभाम्। गौरीदेहसमुद्भवां त्रिजगतामाधारभूतां महा- पूर्वामत्र सरस्वतीमनुभजे शुम्भादिदैत्यार्दिनीम्॥3॥

Ghanta-Shula-Halani Shankha-Musale Chakram Dhanuh Sayakam Hastabjair Dadhatim Ghananta-Vilasach Chhitamshu-Tulya-Prabham | Gauri-Deha-Samudbhavam Trijagatam Adharabhutam Maha- Purvamatra Sarasvatim Anubhaje Shumbhadi-Daityardinim || 3 ||

Meaning: I meditate on Mahasaraswati, whose radiance is like the moon shining among the clouds. She emerged from the body of Gauri and is the support of the three worlds. In her hands are a bell, a trident, a plough, a conch, a pestle, a discus, a bow and arrows. She destroys Shumbha and the other demons.

Having performed the nyasa and meditation in this way, worship the Goddess with mental offerings. Then the Navarna mantra should be chanted 108 or 1008 times. Before beginning the japa, worship the rosary with the mantra “ऐं ह्रीं अक्षमालिकायै नमः” and pray as follows.

ॐ मां माले महामाये सर्वशक्तिस्वरूपिणि। चतुर्वर्गस्त्वयि न्यस्तस्तस्मान्मे सिद्धिदा भव॥

Om Mam Male Mahamaye Sarva-Shakti-Svarupini | Chaturvargas Tvayi Nyastas Tasman Me Siddhida Bhava ||

Meaning: O rosary! You are Mahamaya and the embodiment of all powers. The four goals of life — dharma, artha, kama and moksha — reside in you. Therefore grant me success in my japa.

ॐ अविघ्नं कुरु माले त्वं गृह्णामि दक्षिणे करे। जपकाले च सिद्ध्यर्थं प्रसीद मम सिद्धये॥

Om Avighnam Kuru Male Tvam Grihnami Dakshine Kare | Japakale Cha Siddhyartham Prasida Mama Siddhaye ||

Meaning: O rosary! I hold you in my right hand. Let no obstacle come in my japa. Be pleased with me, so that my practice is completed and I attain siddhi.

ॐ अक्षमालाधिपतये सुसिद्धिं देहि देहि सर्वमन्त्रार्थसाधिनि साधय साधय सर्वसिद्धिं परिकल्पय परिकल्पय मे स्वाहा।

Om Akshamaladhipataye Susiddhim Dehi Dehi Sarva-Mantrartha-Sadhini Sadhaya Sadhaya Sarvasiddhim Parikalpaya Parikalpaya Me Svaha |

Meaning: O presiding power of the akshamala (rosary)! Grant me good siddhi. O power who fulfils the purpose of all mantras, grant me all siddhis and make my practice successful.

Having prayed in this way, begin the japa. When the japa is complete, offer it to Bhagavati, saying —

गुह्यातिगुह्यगोप्त्री त्वं गृहाणास्मत्कृतं जपम्। सिद्धिर्भवतु मे देवि त्वत्प्रसादान्महेश्वरि॥

Guhyatiguhya-Goptri Tvam Grihanasmat-Kritam Japam | Siddhir Bhavatu Me Devi Tvat-Prasadan Maheshvari ||

Meaning: O Goddess Maheshvari! You protect even the most secret things. Accept this japa performed by me. By your grace, may I attain success (siddhi) in this japa.

Karanyasa

॥ करन्यासः ॥

ॐ ह्रीं अङ्गुष्ठाभ्यां नमः।ॐ चं तर्जनीभ्यां नमः। ॐ डिं मध्यमाभ्यां नमः।ॐ कां अनामिकाभ्यां नमः। ॐ यैं कनिष्ठिकाभ्यां नमः।ॐ ह्रीं चण्डिकायै करतलकरपृष्ठाभ्यां नमः।

Meaning: While pronouncing these mantras, nyasa is performed in order on both thumbs, the index fingers, middle fingers, ring fingers and little fingers, and on the palms and backs of the hands.

Hridayadi Nyasa

॥ हृदयादिन्यासः ॥

ॐ खड्गिनी शूलिनी घोरा गदिनी चक्रिणी तथा। शङ्खिनी चापिनी बाणभुशुण्डीपरिघायुधा॥ हृदयाय नमः।

Om Khadgini Shulini Ghora Gadini Chakrini Tatha | Shankhini Chapini Bana-Bhushundi-Parighayudha || Hridayaya Namah |

Meaning: O Goddess! You are the fierce power who bears weapons such as the sword, trident, mace, discus, conch, bow, arrows, bhushundi and parigha. Placing you in the heart — salutations to you.

ॐ शूलेन पाहि नो देवि पाहि खड्गेन चाम्बिके। घण्टास्वनेन नः पाहि चापज्यानिःस्वनेन च॥ शिरसे स्वाहा।

Om Shulena Pahi No Devi Pahi Khadgena Chambike | Ghanta-Svanena Nah Pahi Chapa-Jya-Nihsvanena Cha || Shirase Svaha |

Meaning: O Goddess Ambika! Protect us with your trident and sword. Protect us also with the sound of your bell and the twang of your bow. Placing you on the head — salutations to you.

ॐ प्राच्यां रक्ष प्रतीच्यां च चण्डिके रक्ष दक्षिणे। भ्रामणेनात्मशूलस्य उत्तरस्यां तथेश्वरि॥ शिखायै वषट्।

Om Prachyam Raksha Pratichyam Cha Chandike Raksha Dakshine | Bhramanenatma-Shulasya Uttarasyam Tatheshvari || Shikhayai Vashat |

Meaning: O Chandika! Protect us in the east, west and south. O Ishvari, protect us in the north too by the power of your trident.

ॐ सौम्यानि यानि रूपाणि त्रैलोक्ये विचरन्ति ते। यानि चात्यर्थघोराणि तै रक्षास्मांस्तथा भुवम्॥ कवचाय हुम्।

Om Saumyani Yani Rupani Trailokye Vicharanti Te | Yani Chatyartha-Ghorani Tai Rakshasmams Tatha Bhuvam || Kavachaya Hum |

Meaning: O Goddess! With all your forms — the calm and beautiful forms that are in the three worlds and the most terrifying forms — protect us and this earth.

ॐ खड्गशूलगदादीनि यानि चास्त्राणि तेऽम्बिके। करपल्लवसङ्गीनि तैरस्मान् रक्ष सर्वतः॥ नेत्रत्रयाय वौषट्।

Om Khadga-Shula-Gadadini Yani Chastrani Te'mbike | Karapallava-Sangini Tairasman Raksha Sarvatah || Netratrayaya Vaushat |

Meaning: O Ambike! With the sword, the trident, the mace and all the other weapons that are in your hands, protect us on every side.

ॐ सर्वस्वरूपे सर्वेशे सर्वशक्तिसमन्विते। भयेभ्यस्त्राहि नो देवि दुर्गे देवि नमोऽस्तु ते॥ अस्त्राय फट्।

Om Sarvasvarupe Sarveshe Sarva-Shakti-Samanvite | Bhayebhyas Trahi No Devi Durge Devi Namo'stu Te || Astraya Phat |

Meaning: O Goddess Durga! You are of all forms, the ruler of all and endowed with every power. Save us from every kind of fear. Salutations to you.

Dhyanam

॥ ध्यानम् ॥

ॐ विद्युद्दामसमप्रभां मृगपतिस्कन्धस्थितां भीषणां कन्याभिः करवालखेटविलसद्धस्ताभिरासेविताम्। हस्तैश्चक्रगदासिखेटविशिखांश्चापं गुणं तर्जनीं बिभ्राणामनलात्मिकां शशिधरां दुर्गां त्रिनेत्रां भजे॥

Om Vidyuddama-Samaprabham Mrigapati-Skandha-Sthitam Bhishanam Kanyabhih Karavala-Kheta-Vilasad-Dhastabhir Asevitam | Hastaish Chakra-Gadasi-Kheta-Vishikhamsh Chapam Gunam Tarjanim Bibhranam Analatmikam Shashidharam Durgam Trinetram Bhaje ||

Meaning: I meditate on the three-eyed Goddess Durga, whose radiance flashes like lightning and who is seated on the shoulder of a lion. She is accompanied by maidens holding swords and shields in their hands. In her hands the Goddess holds a discus, a mace, a sword, a shield, arrows, a bow and a bowstring, and shows the tarjani mudra. She is radiant like fire and wears the moon on her head.