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A Journey Through Faith and Inner Strength
The Durga Saptashati is a collection of 700 powerful mantras (hence the name Sapta = 7, shata = 100) skillfully written in the Anushtup Chhand. It tells the story of the divine power, Shakti, which is an embodiment of Vishnu Maya (the great cosmic illusion of Lord Vishnu). This text celebrates how this powerful energy surpasses even the combined powers of all gods and demi-gods, as beautifully narrated by Maharishi Markandeya in the Markandeya Purana.
Now, when we talk about Tantra in the context of Durga Saptashati, let’s clear up a common misunderstanding. Here, Tantra just means a method or process. It’s not some dark magic stuff—it’s more about understanding the “how” of things and following the steps to reach a goal, especially on a spiritual level.
Why Recite Durga Saptashati?
For many, reading these verses isn’t just about tradition. Reciting them, especially during Navratri, is believed to strengthen one’s spirit and bring wisdom and peace. If you’re a devotee, you’ll likely relate to how this feels—it’s less about the words and more about the transformation they inspire.
The Seven Stages of Sadhak
The Saptashati isn’t only about Goddess Durga’s battles; it actually mirrors the journey of a spiritual seeker (like you or anyone on this path) as they conquer different “demons” within themselves.
Why some people get no results or negative results after chanting Durga Sapthashati?
Maharishi Markandeya, one of the ten immortals, revered the Durga Saptashati as a powerful text for invoking the blessings of Goddess Durga. But a story tells of how Rishi Vishwamitra once tried to use the Durga Saptashati to recover his lost cows. Despite his efforts, he couldn’t summon the Goddess’s blessing. He sought the help of Rishi Vashishtha, and even Lord Brahma, but none of them succeeded. Frustrated, the three sages (Vishwamitra, Vashishtha and Lord Brahma) cursed the Durga Saptashati, declaring it would no longer work for anyone.
When Maharishi Markandeya learned of this curse, he approached Lord Vishnu for help. Rishi Narada, who was present, pointed out that the failure to invoke the Goddess was due to previous mistakes by the sages. Realizing their error, Brahma, Vishwamitra, and Vashishtha felt their powers start to fade as the curse could not be reversed. Panicked, they prayed again, this time guided by Rishi Narada with the hymns of the Samaveda. Pleased, the Goddess finally appeared in the form of a divine girl, Sarvaishwarya Karini, and blessed the sages, though she cautioned them.
She explained that anyone who recites the Durga Saptashati must include the Shaapoddhar Mantra at the beginning to remove the curse’s effects. Without it, both the one praying and anyone they pray for will find their spiritual powers diminishing each day. Thus, the Shaapoddhar Mantra remains essential for anyone reciting Durga Saptashati, ensuring the Goddess’s blessings flow without obstacles.
Can anyone read it? What rules must be followed? Is a Guru necessary?
Before beginning Durga Saptashati, there are sacred guidelines to observe, which are best learned directly from a Guru who has attained true mastery (siddhi) in this practice. These practices can’t be fully understood through text alone; they require personal guidance to appreciate their depth and importance. When these guidelines are not followed carefully, the spiritual energy of both the devotee (sadhak) and the Guru can gradually lessen. Ancient scriptures like the Rudrayamal Tantra and Katyayini Tantra offer valuable insights and methods for approaching Durga Saptashati with the respect and accuracy it deserves.
However, if the Durga Path is performed without any desire for results and merely as a routine, then it is recommended to chant Tantrokta Suktam, Devi Kavach, Argala Stotram, Saptshloki Durga, and Manas Puja instead.
Who is eligible to chant Durga Sapthashati ?
Rules for people of all jati and varna (including women):
- Nitya snana and shoucha (cleanliness)
- Should be pious and vegetarian during the days of chanting
- Liquor is prohibited
- Smoking is prohibited
- Following strict brahmacharya (celibacy)
- Do not indulge in anger, greed or small talk
When is the best time to chant?
It can be recited on any day, morning and evening are considered best, If possible an auspicious time must be selected to do this chanting.
It takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete the entire recitation once. It can also be recited daily for 9 days of Navratri.
Women and Durga Sapthashati
Can women chant Durga Sapthashati?
There are no direct references in Shastras which explicitly forbid women from chanting Durga Sapthashati.
However women are encouraged to do rituals only when they are not menstruating.
Just like men, women too can recite Durga Sapthashati, however as mentioned earlier only a guru can unlock the secrets of proper practice and guide you in this path. Please try to sincerely find a guru.
Durga Sapthashati Book from Sharada Peetam Sringeri
Of all the books available in the market, Durga Sapthashati published by Sringeri Sharada Peetam is considered to be the most authentic and highly recommended by gurus world over.
The book is available in Sanskrit, Telugu and Kannada languages.
Durga Sapthashati - Free PDF Download
We have compiled a collection of Durga Sapthashati PDFs in multiple languages from various sources on the Internet for easy access to all devotees. These documents are owned by their respective owners.
