Durga Saptashati is also known as Devi Mahatmya or Chandi Patha. It is a revered scripture in Hinduism that is dedicated to Goddess Durga the powerful deity who symbolizes divine strength, protection and the triumph of good over evil.
The name Durga Saptashati translates to “Seven Hundred Verses to Goddess Durga,” as it contains 700 verses in Sanskrit. These verses are a part of the Markandeya Purana, one of the ancient Puranic texts of India.
This sacred book describes the battles that Goddess Durga fought to restore balance in the universe by defeating various demonic forces. Hindus believe that reading or reciting the Durga Saptashati invokes blessings of Goddess Durga for protection, strength and success in life. It is especially recited during the festival of Navratri which celebrates the goddess over nine nights.
Table of Contents of Durga Saptashati
| Chapter Number | Chapter Name | Main Story/Theme |
| Chapter 1 | Madhu-Kaitabha Samhar | Destruction of demons Madhu and Kaitabha by Vishnu |
| Chapter 2 | Mahishasura Mardini | Defeating buffalo demon Mahishasura |
| Chapter 3 | Shumbha Nishumbha Vadha | Killing demons Shumbha and Nishumbha |
| Chapter 4 | Chanda Munda Vadh | Slaying demons Chanda and Munda |
| Chapter 5 | Raktabija Vadh | Destroying demon Raktabija whose blood creates more demons |
| Chapter 6-13 | Various Hymns and Victory of Goddess Durga | Praise of goddess and further victories over demonic forces |
Overview दुर्गा सप्तशती PDF in Sanskrit
Author
Durga Saptashati is traditionally attributed to Rishi Markandeya, a revered sage in Hinduism. It is a part of Markandeya Purana which is one of the 18 major Puranas (ancient Indian scriptures). Rishi Markandeya is credited with compiling this divine scripture and the verses are said to have been revealed to him through divine vision. Composition of Durga Saptashati dates back thousands of years and is an integral part of Hindu mythology.
Structure and Content of Durga Saptashati
Durga Saptashati is divided into 13 chapters and three main parts, each telling different stories of how Goddess Durga defeated various demons (asuras) to protect the world from their evil forces. These stories symbolize the victory of divine power and righteousness over darkness and chaos.
Three Parts
First Part (Chapter 1)
First part describes how Goddess Durga was created by combined energies of different gods (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and others) to fight demon Mahishasura, who could not be defeated by any man or god. In this chapter, gods invoke the goddess by offering their powers to create Durga, a powerful warrior goddess who is destined to defeat the invincible Mahishasura. Battle between Durga and Mahishasura is epic and after a fierce struggle, the goddess slays him and restoring peace to the world.
Second Part (Chapters 2-4)
Second part focuses on battles between Goddess Durga and other demons including Chanda, Munda and powerful brothers Shumbha and Nishumbha. These demons represent the forces of greed, pride and selfishness.
Durga in her fierce form as Kali, destroys Chanda and Munda which earns the name Chamunda. She then takes on Shumbha and Nishumbha, who had conquered heaven and driven the gods from their realms. With her divine powers, Durga defeats them and restores the gods to their rightful places.
Third Part (Chapters 5-13)
Final part of Durga Saptashati narrates the goddess’s victory over a range of demonic forces that represent evil tendencies in the universe. It includes killing of other demons like Raktabija, whose blood gives rise to more demons whenever it touches the ground.
The goddess manifests various forms to annihilate all evil and re-establish cosmic order. This part also contains hymns of praise and gratitude to Goddess Durga, emphasizing her compassion, strength and willingness to protect her devotees.
Message of Durga Saptashati
Durga Saptashati is much more than a collection of stories about battles. It carries a deep spiritual message. Each demon symbolizes negative traits like greed, arrogance and ignorance, while Goddess Durga represents the divine energy that helps us overcome these inner enemies. The verses remind us that no matter how powerful the evil may seem it is always defeated by divine power of truth, righteousness and justice.
By reading or reciting these verses, devotees believe they can invoke the protective energy of Goddess Durga in their own lives. Stories inspire believers to face their challenges with courage and faith, knowing that with the blessings of the goddess and they too can overcome difficulties and obstacles.
Importance of Durga Saptashati in Hinduism
Durga Saptashati holds importance in Hindu spiritual practices. It is commonly recited during the festival of Navratri, a nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of the goddess. During these nine days, people offer prayers, perform rituals and chant the verses of the Durga Saptashati to seek the goddess’s blessings for health, wealth and happiness. Devotees believe that by chanting the Durga Saptashati they are protected from harm and they gain the strength to face life’s challenges.
It is also believed that reading this scripture helps in removing negative energies and obstacles from one’s life. The verses are said to have a powerful spiritual effect and people often recite them during difficult times to seek divine intervention and guidance.
Recitation of Durga Saptashati
Reading or reciting Durga Saptashati is considered highly auspicious, especially during religious festivals like Navratri. However, chanting the Sanskrit verses can be difficult for beginners due to the complexity of the language. Many devotees follow the recitation with a translation or commentary to understand the deep meaning behind the verses. The book has been translated into various languages so that everyone can benefit from its teachings.
Steps for Recitation
Prepare the Space
Clean and purify the area where the recitation will take place. Many devotees light a lamp and incense before starting.
Invocation
Start by invoking Lord Ganesha and other deities to remove obstacles and bless the reading.
Chanting the Verses
Depending on personal preference, one can read the entire Durga Saptashati in a single sitting or over a period of nine days during Navratri.
Offerings
Offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the goddess during the recitation as a sign of devotion.
Final Words
Durga Saptashati is a powerful and sacred text that continues to inspire and guide devotees all over the world. Through its stories of divine battles and victories, it teaches the universal message of the triumph of good over evil and the importance of faith, strength, and devotion. Reading or chanting this scripture brings peace, protection, and prosperity to the lives of believers. Its spiritual significance makes it a central part of Hindu worship, especially during important festivals like Navratri, when the divine power of Goddess Durga is celebrated with great devotion.
