‘The glory of Goddess’ –
Devi Mahathmyam/Sri Chandi Mahathmyam/Sri Durga Sapthashathi
Sri Devi Mahathmyam
compiles glorious seven hundred verses into three sub-sections such as
Prathama Charitha, Madhyam Charithra, and Uththama Charithra describe the
splendor of Goddess Durga/ Goddess Chandi. It comprises Yanthric, Manthric, and Tantric
worship of Goddess Durga. Sri Markandeya
Puranam describes the victory of Goddess over the demons Madhu Kaitabha,
Mahishasura, Shumbha and Nishumba, and Rakthabeeja. The greatness
of supreme Goddess is elaborately narrated in various Puranas such as Rudrayamala
Tantra, Marichikalpa, Meru Tantra, Kataka Tantra, Chidambara Rahasyam etc.. The
recitation of Devi Mahathmya provides all that desired by the worshiper/Sakama
Upasaka, it also provides liberation from repeated births to Nishkamya Upasaka
who recites these glorious verses without any expectation other than nearness
to the Universal Mother. The worship of Goddess
Durga and recitation of these sacred verses would bring an abundance of piousness
to the worshiper. Mathsyapuranam
describes recitation of these sacred hymns for three times cures all physical and
mental ailments, recitation of these sacred hymns for five times would relieve
the evil effects caused by malefic planets, recitation of seven times
would remove perils, recitation of nine
times would extend peace and serenity in the family, recitation of eleven times
would bring royal favors, recitation of twelve times would help the worshiper
get rid of the spell, recitation of these sacred hymns for twenty-five times would
bring release from prison, recitation of these hymns for thirty-three times
would protect from critical illness, recitation of hundred times would get
relief from the ill-fame, recitation of thousand times would eradicate loss of
wealth and brings eternal peace and prosperity.
The Durga Sapthashathi is
the sacred hymn was composed by Maharishi Veda Vyasa praising Goddess Durga, it
provides an abundance of merit of Nava Durgas to the worshiper. Goddess Durga is considered as the destroyer of
miseries and sorrows, therefore there is no superior hymn other than Devi Durga
Sapthashathi for Deviupasaka/Devi worshiper.
These seven hundred verses praising the grandeur of Goddess Durga are
known as Siddha Manthras, it should be recited with utmost serenity. The worshiper should undertake strictly
austerities and recite the hymns with intense faith, veneration of Goddess
Durga with red flowers, lightening ghee lamp before the idol of Goddess Durga,
are part of the worship. The recitation
of these glorious verses brings discipline in the life of the worshiper. The recitation of Siddha Kunjika Sthothra
provides equivalent merits of chanting the entire Devi Sapthashathi, or
veneration of Goddess Durga with her thirty-two sacred names and there are
hymns are known as Siddha Manthra from Devi Shapthashathi such as:
|Rogansheshanapahansi Thushta Rushta Thu Kaman
Sakalanabhishtan Thvamashrithanam Vipannaranam Thvamashrithahyashrayatham
Prayanthi || recited to get relief from physical as well as mental ailments.
|Sarvabadha Vinirmuktho
Dhana Dhanyasuthanvitha: Manushyo Math Prasadhena Bhavishyathi Na Samshaya: ||
are recited to get relieved from obstacles, and attain immense wealth and
prosperity along with virtuous offspring.
|Sarva Mangala Mangalye
Shive Sarvarththa Sadhike Sharanye Thrayambike Devi Narayani Namosthuthey
|| This is the sacred chant /Mahamanthra
praising Goddess Narayani, it is considered as Sarvakalyan Manthra/it would
bring all the auspiciousness to the worshiper.
| Sarvabadha Prashamanam
Thrailokhyasya Akileshwari Yevameya
Thvaya Karyam Asmath Vairivinashanam || It is considered as Vignanashaka Manthra, it
removes obstacles and enemies.
| Pathni Manoramam Dhehi
Manovruththanusarineem Tharineem Durga Samsarasagarasya Kulodhbhavam || these
hymns are recited to get an appropriate companion as wedded wife/husband and
virtuous offspring in order to attain Moksha from the unfathomable ocean of
worldly existence.
|Dhehi Saubhagyam Arogyam Dhehi Mey Paramam Sukham Roopam Dhehi Jayam Dhehi Yasho
Dhehi Dhvishojahi || these hymns are recited for good fortune, good health,
happiness, attractiveness, victory, and fame to win over enemies.
| Shoolena Pahino Devi Pahi
Khadgena Chambike Gandasvanena Na: Pahi
Chapajyani: Swanena Cha || these hymns are recited to protect from troubles and
extreme dangers.
|Sharanagatha Dheenartha Parithrana Parayane Sarvasyarththihare Devi Durga Devi Namosthuthe|| It is recited to attain refugee at the lotus feet of Goddess Durga.
|Sharanagatha Dheenartha Parithrana Parayane Sarvasyarththihare Devi Durga Devi Namosthuthe|| It is recited to attain refugee at the lotus feet of Goddess Durga.