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Highlights of Durga Saptashati
In this video post, we shall understand the following aspects and benefits of the famous hymn, Durga Saptashati:
1. What is Durga Saptashati?
2. Where can we find the Saptashati in the Scriptures?
3. The Devi’s conquest of Mahishasura
4. Moods and Glories of Devi Shakti as covered in the Devi Saptashati
5. Benefits of the Saptashati
6. Kundalini and the other forms of Devi
7. Brief process of Durga Saptashati chanting
What does the Durga Saptashati Comprise of?
The Durga Saptashati is a lyrical hymn that describes the valor and ferocity of Durga Devi on the battlefield. It is known as Chandi Path in Western India, Devi Mahatmya in Southern India, and Durga Saptashati in Northern India.
This hymn is brief and descriptive about Devi and her attributes. During the Navratri nights, devotees stay awake and sing with devotion, the glory of the Durga Saptashati. Even during other Devi pujas at home, people never forget to recite this spiritual hymn. The recitation of the Durga Saptashati is considered the highest and easiest way to please Goddess Shakti.
Origin of the Durga Mahatmyam (Saptashati)
The Durga Saptashati Stotram can be found in the Markandeya Purana. “Sapt” means 7 and “Shanti” means 100. Thus, there are 700 verses in total. These 700 verses of the Durga Saptashati consist of 13 chapters, including Kavach, Argala, and Keelka.
A sincere Sadhaka who wishes to recite the Durga Saptashati must read the Kavach, Argala, and Keelka and only then proceed to the Paath. The Paath is incomplete without their recitation. An alternative to the Durga Saptashati is reading the Khadgamala Stotram. You can know the glories of this Stotram in our video, “Benefits of Chanting Khadgamala Stotram | Khadgamala Stotram Benefits.”
Story of Devi Shakti and Mahishasura
Before we delve deeper into the greatness of the Durga Saptashati, let us understand the story behind Devi Shakti. The origin of Devi Shakti leads us back to the time when there was the fright of the demon Mahishasura. He went on to conquer all three worlds. The destitute Devas prayed for help to Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.
This demon was invincible and could not be killed even by the trinity themselves. After several celestial years of penance, Mahishasura had pleased Brahma Deva.
The latter asked for his death to be at the hands of a woman. The ignorant demon considered women to be helpless and powerless. Hence, to bring the destruction of the mighty demon, a powerful Devi was to be invoked. Thus, Brahma Deva, Maha Vishnu, and Mahadeva combined their Shaktis or powers into one, and thus appeared Goddess Durga.
One should not miss the glories of the Lalitha Sahasranamam in this context.
Power of Devi Shakti
Devi’s splendor represented a thousand Suryas put together. Devi became the source of exquisite beauty, motherly affection, and protective nature. The Devas bowed and presented her with various weapons and gifts. Devi Durga stands as the embodiment of power, wisdom, and Truth.
The Durga Saptashati briefly illustrates the adventures of Devi slaying Asuras like Mahishasura, Shumbh-Nishumbh, Chand-Munda, Raktabeeja, etc. It even describes Devi’s Satvik, Rajasik, and Tamasik forms, her moods, leelas, and rituals to please her. The recitation of the Durga Saptashati daily keeps one protected from enemies, illnesses, black magic, and obstacles. It increases courage, confidence and makes one bestows fearlessness.
One can chant the Stotram daily; however, the recitation of the Durga Saptashati is highly beneficial during the Navratri nights. Devi Durga is the reservoir of all strength. Her mantra eradicates all weaknesses and fears.
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Benefits of Chanting Durga Saptashati
Work stress and an unhealthy lifestyle have become a part of today’s society. However, they can be controlled or eradicated if one remains steadfast to a particular spiritual sadhana. And what can be more beneficial than the recitation of The Durga Saptashati? These verses are another form of Devi Durga. If one recites it with love, the mantra will manifest into reality.
The Durga Saptashati is a synonym for Kalpa Vriksha or a wish-fulfilling tree. It blesses the sadhaka with desired results. Like a mother fulfills her child’s requests, Devi Shakti will fulfill her devotee’s wish.
One must realize that Devi Shakti is the manifestation of all three supreme goddesses: Devi Saraswati, Laxmi Devi, and Goddess Parvati. In the form of Devi Saraswati, the mantra will grant wisdom, Vak Shakti or Speech, Knowledge, and spiritual insight. The power of Laxmi Devi will bless the chanter with wealth, prosperity, health, and family happiness. You should definitely watch our video, on Devi Laxmi, Embedded Below.
Parvati Devi will bestow courage, bravery, and the power to oust disturbing people from one’s life.
One will become wiser and develop the ability to discriminate between good and bad.
If we look at the scientific benefits of the Durga Saptashati, you might be amazed! In our Vedic scriptures, sound waves or Dhvanis possess great importance. They directly affect our minds. The Durga Saptashati consists of Beejas and shlokas, all having higher vibrations.
I suggest that one should recite the Durga Saptashati under the able guidance of a Shakta Guru. Devi Mantras and Shlokas contain heat and magnetic energy. Wrong beginning or abrupt pronunciation may create adverse effects on the body and mind. Hence, the chanter should avoid making pronunciation mistakes. It is better to learn the shlokas from a trained guru.
The Svara or sound of the Shlokas vibrates inside and outside the body of the Sadhaka. The chanting energizes the blood vessels and the nervous system of the body. It even balances one’s Kundalini Chakra, which makes the mind calmer and more peaceful. Mental illnesses can be cured through the guided recitation of this Stotra. It is a proven fact!
Process of Undertaking the Saptashati Sadhana
Let us now discuss the authorized process to chant the Durga Saptashati. First, get up early in the morning around 5:00 or 6:30 A.M. Waking up early keeps the mind calm and stable. The flow of negative thoughts is less during morning hours, allowing you to focus and concentrate.
Having a bath is advisable; however, you can wash your hands and feet. Then clean and wash the place where you will sit. Remember, cleanliness is an important aspect of Durga sadhana. Devi never resides in unclean and unpleasant places.
Dirt and filth attract negative vibrations, which do not please Devi. Hence, maintain cleanliness in whatever way you can. There is no specific dress code to wear while reciting the Durga Saptashati.
However, you can wear a red dhoti or a dress. Red is the favorite color of Goddess Shakti, resembling power, energy, and confidence. Sit on an asana and place a Durga idol or photo in front of you.
It is important to keep something related to Devi Durga, ensuring her presence in the house. You can even offer Bhoga or some fruits to Devi. Light a Diya or a lamp opposite Durga Devi and pay your obeisance. Then you can start the recitation of the Durga Saptashati.
Now, there are two traditional methods to read the Stotram:
1. Trayangam is a method in which you recite the Kavach, Argala, and the Keelakam along with the Navakshari mantra.
2. Subsequently, you can continue with the Paath.
3. Navangam is a process in which you recite the nine prayers: Devi Nyasa, Devi Aavahan, Devi Namami, Argala Stotram, Keelaka Stotram, Devi Hrudaya, Devi Dhala, Devi Dhyana, and Devi Kavach.
4. After that, you can recite the main Paath.
According to our scriptures, one should read the Saptashati Stotram at a stretch, without a break. Taking breaks interrupts the flow of energy, creating unwanted vibrations. However, during Navratri, the full Stotra is divided into nine chapters.
Hence, I suggest you not take any stress and chant the mantra with devotion. The magnetic effect of the mantra will gradually attract you, and the recitation of the Durga Saptashati will become an integral part of your life.
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