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The Position of Durga Devi in Durga Sadhana
Devotees dedicate the Sarva Mangala Mangalye mantra to Durga Devi, who is a manifestation of Adi Parashakti. She is the power that runs the universe. In Shaktism, Sri Durga is the eternal consort of Lord Shiva.
The mantra Sarva Mangala Mangalye may seem ordinary but it has many esoteric truths hidden in it. In this video post, I shall unravel the mystery behind this famous Durga mantra and explore chanting it.
Meaning of Sarva Mangala Mantra
Evidently, ‘Sarva Mangala’ means the one who is all auspicious. ‘Mangalye’ means the one who gives auspiciousness, who is the harbinger of fortune and good luck. During Pujas, every devotee recites this mantra to ward off evil and invite goodness at home. We also recite during marriages and auspicious occasions.
Shive’ means ‘Who is auspiciousness personified’. ‘Sarvartha Sadhike’ has an esoteric meaning. It means the one who fulfills all desires. It also refers to the fulfillment of the four Purusharthas or aims of life namely Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. The mantra thus has the power to grant liberation.
To know more about the Purusharthas, watch our video titled What is the Real Cause of Sorrow? | 4 Aims of Life
Sharanye means the giver of refuge, under whose protection, one is safe and secure. Chanting the mantra grants fearlessness and confidence as Durga Devi imparts her qualities to the sincere chanter.
One can feel the goddess who shall guide and help one take the right decisions in life. Triyambake means the one who has three eyes. Even in the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra there is a mention of the word Trayambakam which describes Lord Shiva.
To know the benefits of reciting the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra watch our video titled Benefits of Chanting Om Trayambakam Mantra | Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra Benefits
The three eyes of Devi represent the three Nadis namely Ida, Pingala and Sushumna. It also refers to the one who can see the past, present and future.
Meaning of Durga Gauri
The word ‘Gauri’ means the fair-faced one. Unlike Kali Devi, Durga Devi has a golden complexion. She got her name after slaying the demon named Durg. Durg also means a fort.
Thus Durga also means the chieftain of the fort. Fort, here represents the prison house of material life. Therefore, without the blessings of Sri Durga, nobody can escape this prison-house of life and death.
She is the personification of feminine strength. Now, I shall briefly cover the story of goddess Durga.
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The Story of the Buffalo Demon Mahishasura
Long ago, a demon named Mahishasura had asked Sri Brahma for the boon of Immortality. However, on being refused he settled on the condition of being killed by a woman. Mahishasura became uncontrollable, causing havoc everywhere since he disdained women.
The devas approached the trinity for help. The divine energies of the trinity gods combined to give rise to the beautiful Goddess Durga who had many arms. Himavan gifted her a lion which is famous as her mount.
After a tough combat, she slew the demon and got the name Mahishasura Mardini. The name Mahishasura literally means the buffalo demon. Finally, the line ‘Narayani Namostute’ in the shloka, means I bow to the sister of Narayana. Few are aware that Durga Devi is the sister of Lord Vishnu.
Devi in Vaishnavism
There is a popular legend associated with this name.
In Vaishnavism, Durga Devi is an expansion of Yoga Maya or the illusory power of Lord Vishnu. She transplanted the seventh child of Devaki Devi into Devi Rohini’s womb. Born as the daughter of Yashoda Mata and Nanda Maharaj, King Vasudeva swapped her with Lord Krishna.
When Kansa tried to slay her, she flew from his hands and assumed the form of Ashthabhuja devi or the eight handed goddess. Before disappearing, she also warned Kansa of his impending death. Goddess Durga has a significant place in Vaishnavism too.
In the Devi Mahatmyam, 16 slokas called Narayani Stuti, glorify this form of the goddess.
How to Chant the Sarva Mangala Mantra
Now, I shall cover the topic of how to chant the mantra. You can chant the mantra casually or fix a time of say 11, 21 or 41 days. The second approach however is more beneficial.
Chant the mantra after purifying yourself and taking a bath. I recommend chanting the mantra in the morning between 7-11 am. Place a photo of goddess Durga before you. Keep a red-coloured cloth below the photograph.
Ideally the photo should be on a wooden plank. Sit on a woollen asana and start chanting 5 rounds of the mantra. Use Lotus beads Mala for chanting. You may also use a pure Crystal Mala. Please consult an authentic Spiritual Master who can guide you. You shall see immediate effects after chanting devi mantras as Devi governs the material world.
She is more connected to the earthly beings as the divine mother. You shall immediately witness positive changes in your personality. All can chant this shloka with no restrictions of time, place and circumstances. Do not forget to share your experiences of this simple Devi sadhana on our Email spiritmeaning@gmail.com.
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