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Durga Saptashati and Its Significance
July 25, 2022
Durga Saptashati is a religious text in praise of Goddess Durga, who is one of the most powerful Goddesses in the Hindu pantheon. She is a fierce form of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Shiva, and is revered as the Divine Mother who can remove all the problems of her devotees and protect them from negative forces.
Legend says that Durga was born to kill the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Even the Trimurtis – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva – could not defeat him. Durga was created from their collective energy or Shakti. Hence, she is greater than them. Durga Pooja, one of the major Indian festivals, is held every year to honor her.
The Goddess has a golden hue and is depicted as sitting on a lion. She has multiple arms that carry several weapons to do battle against the powers of evil.
The Durga Saptashati comes from the Markandeya Purana, which is one of the 18 major Puranas. It was probably composed between 400-600 CE. The text speaks of the greatness of Durga, who is the supreme power and the Divine Mother who created the universe.
Durga, the Warrior Goddess
Goddess Durga fought many evil demons and killed them to save the universe.
Each time the Gods sought her help, she took up arms to restore order in the world. She is a warrior Goddess who excels in battle and whose power and might can bring even the most fearful adversaries to heel.
The tales of Goddess Durga’s exploits and feats on the battlefield can be found in the Durga Saptshati, which is called Devi Mahatmiya in South India, and Chandi Path in West Bengal. It runs into 13 chapters and roughly 700 verses.
Devotees chant Durga Saptashati during Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navaratri as it is very auspicious to do so. One can also chant it daily or on Fridays and Tuesdays, the Goddess’ favorite days.
Significance of Durga Saptashati
Durga Saptashati is believed to be very powerful, and this has contributed to its popularity. Reading Durga Saptashati is an essential part of the 9-day Navratri celebrations.
Chanting verses from Durga Saptashati is mandatory during the powerful Chandi Homa that is done to ensure good health and victory over enemies.
Durga Saptashati is believed to make us fearless and protect us from all negative influences. People who face great struggles in life often chant Durga Saptashati to overcome their problems and challenges.
The Benefits of Reciting Durga Saptashati
The benefits of reciting Durga Saptashati are many. Here they are:
- Reciting Durga Saptashati reduces the adverse effects of the unfavorable placement of planets in your birth chart.
- Those who chant it can receive the grace of Durga and her protection against their enemies.
- Chanting the Durga Saptashati brings happiness and contentment.
- Chandi Path is very important to Goddess Durga, so those who chant it will have her blessings.
- One can get good health and ample wealth.
- You can be free from debts and money problems.
- Your genuine wishes can come true.
- It will protect you from black magic.
- It can give you the courage to face the trials and tribulations of life.
- You may find a good life partner and get good progeny.
- Reciting Durga Saptashati daily brings different merits.
How to Recite the Durga Saptashati?
There are specific procedures to chant the Durga Saptashati during Navaratri. There are 13 chapters in this text, and there is a clear procedure to read them during the nine days of Navaratri.
1st day: You must chant the verses of Madhu kaitabha samhaaram in the 1st chapter.
2nd day: Chant the Mahishhasura samhaara in Chapters 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.
3rd day: Recite chapters 5 and 6, which mention Dhuumralochana vadha.
4th day: The 7th chapter on Chanda Munda vadha is recited.
5th day: Recite the 8th chapter on Rakta Biija samhaara.
6th day: Recite the verses in chapters 9 and 10, which mention the Shumbha Nishumbha vadha.
7th day: Recite the verses in chapter 11 that praise Goddess Narayani.
8th day: Recite the Phalastuti in chapter 12. These describe the benefits of reciting Durga Saptashati.
9th day: Read chapter 13, which mentions the blessings to Suratha and the Merchant.
10th day: On the last day, chant the Aparadha Kshama Prarthana Stotram in Chapter 14.
You can also finish the Durga Saptashati recital on the 9th day by chanting, in advance, the Devi Aparadha Kshama Prarthana Stotram on the 9th day. Do remember to chant the Siddha Kunjika Stotram after you finish reciting every chapter.
