Durga Saptashati, also called Chandi Path or Devi Mahatmya, is a sacred Hindu text of 700 verses praising Goddess Durga. Reciting it daily is believed to bring courage, spiritual protection, and prosperity. The text originates from the Markandeya Purana and describes Durga’s victories over demons like Mahishasur. Correct recitation follows specific vidhi methods, including Trayangam and Navangam, performed with devotion during Navratri or in one, three, or seven sittings.
Shree Durga Saptashati, also known as Chandi Path or Devi Mahatmya, is a sacred Hindu scripture of 700 verses divided into 13 chapters. Sapta means seven, and Shata means hundred; the name of the text already gives a glimpse of what it is. Goddess Durga symbolizes power, courage, and all that the female energy is. She is the manifestation of the Adi Shakti and the protector of the universe from all evil.
When the universe became burdened with the nuisance created by demons, the devas prayed to the Holy Trinity, i.e., Lord Brahma (the creator of the universe), Lord Vishnu (the preserver of the universe), and Lord Shiva (the destroyer of the universe). Agreeing to come to the aid of the Gods, the Holy Trinity combined its energies and thus appeared Goddess Durga, who rid the world of the demon Mahishasur and many other rakshasas.
The text originated from the Markandeya Purana, one of the 18 puranas in the Hindu religion. Each chapter narrates the glorious tales of the courage and valor of Devi Durga as she fought the various demons that plagued the universe with their cruelties, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Durga Saptashati is often called Devi Mahatmya, meaning “Glory of the Goddess,” or Chandi Path, emphasizing its devotional chanting. These names are used interchangeably in spiritual practices, especially during Navratri and other pujas.
Reciting the Durga Saptashati daily or during Navratri is believed to bring numerous spiritual and personal benefits. The sacred verses inspire devotion, courage, and inner strength while fostering a sense of protection against negativity.
🔆Considered to be the most powerful Hindu text, there are many benefits of reading Durga Saptashati daily.
🔆It protects against evil energies, negativity, and enemies.
🔆It also blesses one with happiness and prosperity.
🔆Reciting this holy text fills the heart with courage and helps one overcome fears.
🔆It helps in the removal of black magic and in overcoming obstacles.
🔆Performing the Shree Durga Saptashati path vidhi helps one attain good health and wealth.
श्रीदुर्गासप्तशती सचित्र (संस्कृत एवं हिंदी अनुवाद)- Shri Durga Saptashati
Reciting the Durga Saptashati correctly requires following a traditional path vidhi. Devotees can choose from different methods depending on time, devotion, and occasion. If you need help reading Durga Saptashati in one sitting, you can follow two procedures: Trayangam and Navangam.
In this method, you need to start by chanting three prayers before commencing the recital of the Chandi Path. The Trayangam method begins with chanting three prayers before reading the Chandi Path:
1. Devi Kavacham – protective verses
2. Argala Stotram – invocation for blessings
3. Keelaka Stotram – energizing the ritual space
This is followed by the recital of the Navakshari Mantram. This method is suitable for those seeking a concise, powerful recital in one sitting.
In this method, nine prayers are recited before reading the Shree Durga Saptashati. The Navangam method involves chanting nine stotrams before reading Durga Saptashati:
1. Devi Nyasa, 2. Devi Avahana, 3. Devi Namani, 4. Argala Stotram, 5. Keelaka Stotram, 6. Devi Hrudaya, 7. Dhala, 8. Devi Dhyana, 9. Devi Kavacha.
This approach is ideal for detailed devotional practices and deeper spiritual connection.
Apart from reciting the text in just one sitting, you can also read it in three or seven sittings.
If you wish to read it in 3 sittings, then the recital of the chapters should be distributed as follows -
On the first day, the first chapter must be recited, and the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th chapters must be read on the second day. Chapters 5th to 13th must be recited on the third day.
The recital of the Devi Mahatmya in 7 sittings is to be done as follows -
First day - 1st chapter
Second day - 2nd and 3rd chapters
Third day - 4th chapter
Fourth day - 5th- to 8th chapters
Fifth day - 9th and 10th chapters
Sixth day - 11th chapter
Seventh-day - 12th and 13th chapters
The Shree Durga Saptashati is also recited during the nine days of Navratri. Each day corresponds to specific chapters that narrate her legendary battles and blessings.
🔆Day 1 (Pratipada): Chapter 1 is recited. It narrates the story of Madhu Kaitabha samhaaram.
🔆Day 2 (Dwitiya): Chapters 2, 3, and 4 about Mahishasura Samhaaram, where the Goddess battled and slayed the demon Mahishasur.
🔆Day 3 (Tritiya): Chapters 5 and 6 are recited, keeping focussing on the Dhumralochan Vadh.
🔆Day 4 (Chaturthi): Chapter 7, consisting of the tale of the Chanda Munda Vadha.
🔆Day 5 (Panchami): Chapter 8, The 5th day of Navratri consists about the Raktabija Samhaaram.
🔆Day 6 (Shashthi): Chapters 9 and 10 of the Shree Durga Saptashati focus on the Shumbha Nishumbha vadh.
🔆Day 7 (Saptami): Chapter 11, people sing the praises of Narayani, another name for the Goddess Durga.
🔆Day 8 (Ashtami): Chapter 12, the Phalastuti is done which means reciting the benefits of the Chandi Path.
🔆Day 9 (Navami): Chapter 13, which grants blessings to Suratha and Vaishya, i.e., the merchants.
🔆Day 10 (Dashami): the Aparadha Kshama Prarthana is recited.
To recite the holy text correctly, a proper vidhi must be performed. In the east direction, a red cloth must be spread, and a photo or idol of Maa Durga must be placed on it. Before reciting the Shree Durga Saptashati, purify the place and offer prayers with kumkum, rice, and flowers. Then, apply roli to your forehead and perform the achamana four times to purify elements.
Symbolizing the prevalence of good over evil, Goddess Durga slayed many demons and put an end to the suffering of the universe numerous times. She is the purest embodiment of courage, motherhood, and strength. The stories of her valor remind us to overcome our fears and fight our battles bravely.
We awaken these qualities when we recite the Shree Durga Saptashati and sing praises of the Devi’s prowess. Apart from just reciting the sacred text, it is also important that we perform the Shree Durga Saptashati path vidhi in the correct way and with a clean heart. By doing so, we sing praises to the Devi’s glory, also pledge to imbibe her qualities in our lives.
🔸Spiritual Protection: Reciting Durga Saptashati is believed to shield against negativity, evil forces, and obstacles.
🔸Courage & Inner Strength: The text inspires bravery, helping devotees overcome fears and challenges.
🔸Prosperity & Happiness: Traditional belief links regular recitation with blessings, health, and wealth.
🔸Flexible Recitation: Can be read in one, three, or seven sittings, with Trayangam or Navangam methods.
🔸Navratri Significance: Chapters are recited daily during Navratri, narrating Goddess Durga’s victories over demons.
🔸Ritual Purity: Correct vidhi involves purifying the space, offering flowers, rice, kumkum, and performing achamana.
🔸Embodiment of Divine Energy: Recitation fosters devotion and helps imbibe qualities like courage, motherhood, and strength.
Reciting Durga Saptashati daily is believed to bring courage, spiritual protection, prosperity, and help overcome fears and obstacles.
Set up a purified space with a red cloth, idol or photo of Maa Durga, offer flowers, kumkum, and rice, and perform achamana before reciting.
Yes, it can be recited in one, three, or seven sittings depending on time, devotion, and preference.
During Navratri, each chapter of Durga Saptashati is recited daily, highlighting Goddess Durga’s victories over demons and her divine blessings.
Chapters 2–4 focus on Mahishasur Samhaaram, while other chapters narrate victories over Dhumralochan, Chanda Munda, Raktabija, Shumbha, and Nishumbha.
Yes, using Trayangam or Navangam methods involves chanting preparatory prayers like Devi Kavacham, Argala Stotram, Keelaka Stotram, and Navakshari Mantra.
By narrating the Goddess’s courage and victories, the text inspires inner strength, resilience, and confidence to face personal challenges.
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