Sri Devi Mahatmyam

Yā devi sarva-bhūtesu sakti-rupena samsthithā namas thasyai namas thasyai namas thasyai namō namah ||

Yā devi sarva-bhūtesu matru-rupena samsthithā namasthasyai namasthasyai namasthasyai namō namah ||

Sri Devi Mahatmyam originates from the Markandeya Purana. Sri Devi Mahatmyam is revered as Veda Samanam and is considered a powerful Mantra Shastra. This sacred text is also known as Sri Durga Sapthasati or Sri Chandi Sapthasati. Sri Devi Mahatmyam is the only scripture that holds the esteemed status of a “MahaMantra”, where every shloka is a mantra. This sacred text, rich with Beeja Aksharas, unlocks the transformative potential inherent in each verse.

The MahaMantra status of this scripture emphasizes the necessity of receiving Navakshari- Mantropadesham (initiation into the mantras) from a staunch Sri Vidya Upasaka, ensuring that we approach it with the proper reverence and understanding. Through the practice of parayana and chanting, we are guided to connect deeply with the cosmic energies, invoking the protective and empowering presence of the Divine Mother. The divine Mother is also the Supreme Shakthi, the power of the whole universe, the energy of the cosmos which is unsurpassed. Sri Chandi Sapthasati shlokas are not only devotional and poetic but also hold a deeper philosophical and esoteric meaning which leads us to the realization of God as The Impersonal Supreme Reality. The Devi Mahatmyam is a teertha yatra into yourself, the ultimate reality.

Tvayā etad dhāryate viswam tvayā etat srjyate jagat |

Tvayā etat pālyate devi tvam atsy ante ca sarvadā ||

The stories within Chandi Sapthasati hold profound significance in addressing our inner struggles and guiding us toward liberation. Each narrative illustrates the triumph of the divine feminine over various forms of adversity, symbolizing the battles we face within ourselves, such as fear, doubt, and ignorance. As we engage with these tales, we are reminded that just as the Goddess confronts and conquers formidable demons, we too have the capacity to overcome our own challenges. The characters and events in these stories serve as powerful metaphors for the psychological and spiritual conflicts we encounter in our daily lives. Moreover, the recitation and contemplation of these stories during rituals and prayers deepen our understanding of our own experiences. They encourage introspection, helping us identify and confront the obstacles that obstruct our path to spiritual awakening. Through devotion and practice, the teachings of Chandi Sapthasati empower us to transform our inner battles into opportunities for growth, ultimately leading us toward liberation and enlightenment.

The Devi Mahatmyam describes The Victory Of The Goddess Durga over the asuras Madhu-Kaitabha, Mahishasura and Shumbha-Nishumbha in three sections known as the Prathama Charitra, Madhyama Charitra and the Uttama Charitra.The number 3 holds a high significance in our Hindu culture. Each section reflects a transformation overseen by one of the three aspects of Shakti: Maha-Kali, Maha-Lakshmi, and Maha-Saraswati, each associated with a specific guna.

Chapters and division	Title	Pradhana Devata	Rushi	Vedam	Chandas (meter)	Tatvam	Guna	Asuras	Manifest as
Chapter 1	Prathama Charitra	Sri Maha- Kali	Brahma	Rig	Gayatri chandah	Agni	Tamas	Madhu – Kaitabha	Awaken the Ego
Chapter 2,3,4	Madhyama Charitra	Sri Maha-Lakshmi	Vishnu	Yajur	Ushnik chandah	Vaayu	Rajas	MahishasuraAndRakthabeeja	Ripen/ Mature the Ego
Chapter 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13	Uttara Charitra	Sri Maha-Saraswati	Rudra	Sama	Anusttup Chandah	Surya	Sattva	Shumbha -Nishumbha	Kill the Ego

Prakritis tvam ca sarvasya gunatraya-vibhāvini//The three fundamental manifestations of Shakti—Mahakali (Tamas), Mahalakshmi (Rajas), and Mahasaraswati (Sattva)—transcend the usual pantheon of gods and goddesses, embodying the Primordial Shakti in her threefold form through the corresponding gunas.Through the worship of Maha-Kali, Maha-Lakshmi, and Maha-Saraswati, we worship Mula-Prakriti, Adi-Shakti in her cosmic dance form – of transformation, prosperity and illumination. Only those initiated into the Navarna mantra are eligible to do Sri Chandi Sapthasati. The path to Navakshari is Ganapati Mantra Deeksha > Bala Mantra Deeksha > Navakshari Mantram. The Navarna Mantra or Navakshari mantra, also known as Sri Chamunda Mantra or Sri Chandi Mantra is the basic mantra for recitation of Sri Durga Sapthasati. It is also one of the principal (mula) mantras in Shakthi worship, apart from the Shodasi mantra of the Sri Vidya.

Sri Chandi Sapthasati can be recited as a parayana or chanted as mantras during the Chandi homam. It is of utmost importance to maintain sanctity, proper pronunciation, sequence, and reverence while chanting the Chandi Sapthasati to uphold its sanctity and harness its full spiritual potential. Typically, both parayanas and homas begin with poorvangam, followed by the recitation of the Sapthasati in three parts: Prathama, Madhyama, and Uttara Charitram, and concluding with the Rahasya Triyam. The order of recitation is slightly different in different traditions depending on the Guru parampara of the lineage.

aṣṭamyāṃ ca caturdhaśyāṃ navamyāṃ caikacetasaḥ |

śroṣyanti caiva ye bhaktyā mama māhātmyamuttamam ||

At SRRP as part of intense spiritual sadhana, we have Ahoratram Sri Devi Mahatmyam parayanas for every Asthami and Navami tithi during both Krishna paksha and Shukla paksha. We have Nitya parayana for Devi upasakas who recite Sri Devi Mahatmyam everyday. Sri Chandi ahoratram parayanas happen extensively for nine days during navratri, concluding with Guruvu garu performing Chandi homam on the tenth day. For Sharannavratri after intense parayanas, Guruvu garu conducts Chandi homa with multiple homa kunda creating a highly intense spiritual environment for Chandi upasakas. SRRP conducts major Chandi parayanas and events as part of all four Navratris in a year, namely,

1. Shyamala Navaratri also known as Magha Gupta Navaratri, is celebrated during the lunar month of Magha (January- February).
2. Vasantha Navaratri also known as Chaitra Navaratri or Sri Rama Navaratri, is celebrated in the lunar month of Chaitra (March-April)
3. Varahi Navarati also known as Ashadha Gupta Navaratri, is celebrated during the month of Ashadha (June-July).
4. Sharannavaratri (often referred to simply as Navaratri) is celebrated during the lunar month of Ashwin (September-October).

Chandi Homa Prakriya:Chandi Homa is one of the most powerful methods to worship Devi. The nine sacred nights dedicated to the supreme goddess, known as Navaratri, are considered extremely auspicious for performing Chandi Homa. Apart from these days, other days conducive for the Homa include Ashtami, Navami, Chaturdasi, Magha Amavasya, Jyeshta Amavasya, Chaithra and Kartik Pournami. During the homam, each shloka is concluded with the word “Swaahaa,” signifying an offering to the deities. The word “Swaha” comes from the Sanskrit word “swa,” meaning “self”. Swaha signifies the act of relinquishing or surrendering the self or one’s belongings to the divine.This practice enhances the ritual’s sanctity, symbolising the dedication of our prayers and intentions to the divine

Chandi Parayana Prakriya:One of the core teachings by Guruvu garu at SRRP is Sri Devi Mahatmyam. Guruvu garu imparts this highest vidya emphasizing the efficacy of Mantra (sacred sounds), Yantra (mystical diagrams) and Tantra (rituals and practices); deepening your connection with your true nature and the cosmos. Chandi Every year our Guruvu garu starts a new batch on the auspicious Vijayadasami day. After a year long teaching and thorough practices these students are ready by next Sharnnavaratri to get initiated and offer Chandi parayanas and perform homas to the Devi. The order of the suktas and stotras given below is based on our Guru parampara of the lineage, as said earlier this can slightly vary from tradition to tradition.

Sections	Contents	Description	Relevance
Poorvangam	Siddhakunjika stotram	It is the essence of the Chandi. Navarna Mantra is encoded in this stotram.	Kunjika means the Key that unlocks the power of Sri Chandi Sapthsati. The prefix Siddha implies that the stotram leads to the attainment of self-realization.
	Devi Kavacham	The Devi Kavacham is recited by Lord Brahma, praising the NavaDurga.The stotram mentioned different names of Devi connected in different directions; different parts of the body. Every name of the Divine Mother is associated with a specific quality and energy/shakti. The names and forms are closely related.	As the name suggests, regular recitation of Devi Kavacham with correct pronunciation and devotion creates a kavacha / an armour around us protecting us from all evil and negative forces. Click the link below to know more about NavaDurgas _______
	Argala stotram	Rūpaṃ dehi jayaṃ dehi yaśo dehi dviṣo jahi // Argala literally means obstacles, suggesting that regular chanting of Argala Stotram eliminates all obstacles in life.	The inner meaning goes beyond the materialist world. O Devi, Please Grant me (Spiritual) Beauty, Please Grant me (Spiritual) Victory, Please Grant me (Spiritual) Glory and Please Destroy my (Inner) Enemies
	Keelakam stotram	Since the chanting of Devi Mahatmya leads to all luck and good things in the world and at the end to salvation, Lord Shiva decided to impose certain conditions to get that full benefit. This is the nail that he has put – Keelakam. Door bolt- one cannot enter into the room of results without opening it.	Keelakam will be revealed to sadhakas/ aspirants who are spiritually prepared to receive it.  It is said in the 8th shloka that, only through self-surrender in pure devotion can the sadhaka receive Devi’s grace. She is not pleased (by mechanical recitation of Devi Mahatmyam bereft of Devotion).
	Tantrokta Raatri suktam. (There are two Ratri Sooktas- Tantroktam and Vedoktam. They are chanted depending on the tradition.)	Also called Brahma Stuthi, this stuthi tries to explain the inexpressible truth of how One manifests as Many. During the Pralaya -avastha (the entire universe was submerged) and Vishnu was in deep sleep on Shesha. Recited by Brahma, calling on the Goddess in the form Yoga Nidra	Ratri suktam is literally praying to Devi to protect us in the night time. Recitation of Ratri suktam removes all darkness from life.
	Sri Devi AtharvaSheersham	Sri Devi Upanishad is a part of Atharvana Veda.  It serves as a profound knowledge base for understanding Devi Tatva, resembling an ocean of wisdom. It unveils Devi as Brahman, the ultimate reality. Sadhakas can immerse themselves in the nectar of the Devi Upanishad. Its depth and significance are truly invaluable, forming the essence of Devi Tatva.	Sri Devi Athrvasheersham is in itself an ocean, the deepest and extensive knowledge base to understand the Devi tatva. As Bhaskaraya mentions, the Navarna Mantra has been explained in Sri Devi Upanishad. It is the link between tatva(philosophy) and tantra. It unveils Devi, the Brahman, the ultimate reality, the source and foundation of the entire Brahmandam. Devi Upanishad takes us from form to formlessness, all that exists is a manifestation of Her essence. There is nothing beyond Devi.
	Mantras	Shapodhara; Utkeela; Sanjivana	Every Mahavidya has Shapoddhara, Utkilana, Sanjivana mantras.
	Navakshari Purva nyasam	Each akshara in the mantra holds its own vibrational significance, contributing to overall power and intent of The Mantra. Navakshari nyasam recitation before entering the Sapthasathi nyasam.	Nyasam means paying attention to our body. Holding the mind in a certain place on our body, keeping our awareness fixed there.  Nyasam maps your awareness of each body part onto your brain via the specific imagination of each association. When all body parts have been touched in this way, all parts of our brain will have also been energized. Awakened, restful awareness is the result, a state conducive to thought-free meditation.
	Saptasathi  Purva nyasam	Sapthasati nyasam recitation before entering /recitation of the chapters.	Each akshara in the mantra holds its own vibrational significance, contributing to overall power and intent of The Mantra.
Prathama Charitra	Prathama dhyayah (Madhukaitabha vadha) 104 Shlokas	Devi’s victory over the tamasic forces within us Madhu and Kaitabha. They constrict us and limit us in our spiritual progress.	Madhu is a negative force that wants to suppress spiritual growth. Sweetness for ego/ ignorance. Kaitabha is a force that wants to kill that growth impulse.
Madhyama Charitra	Dvitiyo dhyayaha  (Mahishasura Saiyan vadha) 69 Shlokas	Devi defeats the army of Mahishasura. The weapons of Devi used to slay asuras esoterically symbolize the internal functioning of human consciousness. Each weapon represents a Shakti	Gods symbolize positive samskaras and asuras negative samskaras, two opposing psychic forces  within us. Samskaras are accumulated over the lifetimes. The divine anger of the Supreme Mother slays our negative samskaras and eventually leads us to self-realization.
	Trtiyo dhyayaha (Mahishasura vadha)  44 Shlokas	Devi slays  Mahishasura- buffalo demon. The process of slaying Mahishasura symbolizes the process of spiritual awakening.	Mahisha symbolizes laziness, lethargy, inertia, ego-based sense of attachment. The rajasic tendencies/ qualities that impede spiritual progress. Mahishasura changing forms and unwillingness to reveal his true self symbolizes self- protection of false ego.
	Chaturtho dhyayaha (Shakradaya Stuthi)  42 Shlokas	Shakradi Stuthi  is  the longest and most eloquent of all the four stutis/ hymns in Devi Mahatmyam. After Mahishasura was destroyed along with his ferocious arm, Indra (Shakra) and other gods bowed down to Devi and sang the Devi Stuthi in praise of Devi’s supremacy and transcendence.	Shakradaya Stuthi throws light on the concepts of good and evil, fate, will, karma and divine grace. The ‘Devi Stuti’ implicitly points to an impersonal balancing principle at work in the universe – the law of karma. The hymn also says that the Mother’s intentions are most gracious even toward evildoers.Through her inconceivable rage, even wrongdoers who have committed great evils get purified simply by being slain by the hands of the Devi. Destroying the demons symbolizes the Goddess destroys the evil samskaras within us.
Uttaraa  Charitra	Panchamo dhyayaha (Devidutasamvadam) 129 Shlokas	Includes Aparajita Stuthi, hymn to  the Invincible Devi. Aparajita means undefeatable. The stuthi praises the Unvanquished  Supreme Mother. This chapter also includes the conversation between Devi and dhoota.	Holding on to the lotus feet of Devi, will defeat all the obstacles and clear all hurdles on the path to liberation. For example Kshudhaa in the stuthi means hunger but the deeper meaning is, intense hunger to reach God.
	Sastho dhyayaha (Dhumralochana vadha) 24 Shlokas	Dhumara means smoke and lochana means eyes. Dhumralochana is one who sees everything hazy; there is no clarity of perception.	Dhumralochana can be considered as the distorted vision or illusion. Ego or arrogance that blinds a person. It is also the biggest hurdle to be crossed over by sadhaka. Praying to Devi, will destroy all judgements, illusions and will bring in self-realization.
	Saptamo dhyayaha(Chandamundavadha) 27 Shlokas	All forms of Devi are Her own projections. Devi slays Chanda and munda hence She is called Chamunda. Chamunda severs the knot of ignorance, cuts through the illusion of duality and reveals the absolute.	Chanda and Munda esoteric meaning Raaga & Dwesha; Attraction & Aversion.Wrong logic & perception; Chanda represents an argumentative attitude, one who opposes everything. Munda, on the other hand, has no reasoning at all.
	Ashtamo dyayaha (Raktabija Vadha) 63 Shlokas	Devi takes the extremely terrific energy forms of Asta matrukas and finally Kali to slay Raktabija. Rakta is blood and Bija is a seed. Hordes of clones are created spontaneously from every drop of his shed blood.	Raktabija represents thoughts and desires in us. Rajasic desires center around us – what we want, what we have to have, often at the cost of others. Each thought/desire leads to numerous other thoughts and desires. Signifying it is better to conquer one thought/ desire by nipping it in the bud.
	Navamo   dhyayaha(Nishumbha vadha) 41 Shlokas	Devi slays Nishumbha (attachment)- who is considered as the sibling of Shumbha (ego)and they both always tag along.	Esoterically Nishumbha is nothing but mamatva/ mamakaram, the persistent, clinging sense of attachment. Attachment to name, fame, power, wealth, possessions and the identity they confer.
	Dashamo dhyayaha (Shumbha vadha) 32 Shlokas	Devi kills the ego, and its attachment, the two hindrances in the path to self-realization and liberation.	Shumbha is the ego, the sense of I, me and Nishumbha is the sense of Me, My-ness. Two strongest identifications one is associated with in any lifetime.
	Ekadasho dhyayaha (Narayani Stuti) 55 Shlokas	The final hymn, Narayani Stuthi lauds the Supreme Mother, the Devi in her universal, omnipresent aspects and also in the diverse expressions of her powers.	Goddess Durga is Narayani, the sister of Narayana. Narayani is the primordial power of divine feminine form. The innate power behind the ultimate God. She, who provides the basis for all living things. She is the Shakti behind Lord Narayana.
	Dwadasho dhyayaha (Bhagavati Vakyam) 41 Shlokas	This chapter takes the form of phalaśruti. Suggests specific times and places for recitation. The shlokas or the mantras themselves have the power to cleanse from within and draw the sadhaka closer to Devi.	The Devi instructs that Her māhātmya should be recited and heard with a focused mind. Complete, unwavering attention is crucial for all forms of sādhana, including mantra, yantra and tantra. Pure-devotion, and self-surrender is extremely important for spiritual progress and to attain Devi’s grace.
	Trayodasho dhyayaha (Suratha Vaishya Varapradanam) 29 Shlokas	Devi bestowed King- Suratha and Vaishya- Samadhi each with a boon.	Esoteric meaning of Su-ratha, a good chariot;   Samadhi -focused mind. Medha- Knowledge, jnana. Suratha and samadhi cannot find their true purpose in life until they meet Sage Medha, who raises worldly awareness to a higher spiritual awareness of the Supreme Devi.
Uttaraangam (Rahasya Triyam)	Saptasathi Uttara nyasam	Sapthasati nyasam after completing recitation of chapters.
	Navakshari Uttara nyasam	Navakshari nyasam closing recitation after completing Sapthasathi nyasam
	Devi Suktam  30 Shlokas	Devi Suktam explains Devi present in many forms and many emotions. The Omnipresent, Supreme, Eternal, Divine Mother!	The list of forms and emotions given in the suktam have a deeper esoteric significance in life. Those who surrender to Devi and hold on to her with pure devotion, She will reveal her  true nature.
	Pradhanika Rahasysm  31 Shlokas	The supreme secret is revealed in series of three called the Rahasya Trayam. They describe the symbolic meanings and representations of the Divine Mother that appears as MahaKali, MahaLakshmi, MahaSaraswathi.	In series of three, the rahasyam explain the spiritual evolution of an individual through three stages represented by the three main Goddesses. They reveal the various forms of the Supreme Mother and how to worship them.
	Vaikritika Rahasyam  39 Shlokas	Rahasya Trayam reveals the secrets behind Sri Devi Mahatmyam.	The different forms of Devi relate to different qualities and stages of the spiritual journey towards self-realization.
	Moorthi Rahasyam 25 Shlokas	Rahasya Trayam reveals the secrets behind Sri Devi Mahatmyam.	Sri Devi Mahatmyam is the great secret of secrets. It is Devi, the eternal consciousness in every form. There is nothing but Her and beyond Her.
Mantras	Shappoddhara; Utkeela; Sanjeevini
Devi Aparadha Kshama Stotram	Aparadha Kshama Stotram	Goddess Jagadamba is an ocean of love and mercy.	Kshama prarthana is a prayer that requests The Devi, the secret of secrets to please accept the chanting done and to forgive for mistakes done.

|| Devyaa dhyanam mayakhyatham guhyath guhyatharam mahath, Thasmath sarva prayathnena sarva kama phala pradham ||

Seeing the curiosity of King Suratha to know more about the Devi, sage Medha reveals the secrets of secrets the triad of secrets in series of three called the Rahasya Trayam. The last rahasyam Moorti rahasyam closes this great scripture Sri Devi Mahatmyam, with the above lines, meaning Meditation on the Devi, the greatest secrets of secrets will not only clear adhyaatmika, adhibhautika, adhidaivika hurdles but eventually leads to liberation. Sri Devi Mahatmyam closes conveying the true essence that Devi is the Supreme underlying essence of the entire universe. As triguna she rules the world, as Maha Maya she engulfs and runs the samsara, as Nirguna she is beyond all 3 gunas (rajo, tamo and sattwa gunas), as Adi Shakti she is The Mother of all origins, the cosmic womb, the matrix of the unborn.

|| Sarva Roopa mayee Devi sarvam Devi mayam jahat/ Atooham vishwa roopam tvam namami Parameshwareem ||

||Om tat Brahmarpanamasthu||