Devi Mahatmyam

[Guest guest]

Hi prainbow:

 

The version I like is Thomas Coburn's "Encountering

the Goddess." I like it because it contains an

extremely reliable translation, along with

translations of the three "Protection" hymns that

precede the scripture proper, and the three "Secret"

hymns that follow it.

 

Also -- since you share my "research scholar" approach

to such things -- you'll probably appreciate Coburn's

lucid and informative introduction, notes, and

commentary.

 

The version Baba108 mentions is another possibility.

However, it may not be right for newcomers to Hindu

scripture. Swami Satyananda Saraswati, who translated

the version Baba mentions, is an American-born swami

(Hindu monk). He has done the great service of

translating a prodigious number of important Shakta

scriptures into English, with great devotion, and many

people like his work.

 

However, I personally find his renderings rather

confusing and difficult to follow, and sometimes

inaccurately translated. Since he is not a scholar per

se, there is also too little explanation as to choice

of source texts, and sometimes a tough-to-discern

blending of original material with non-original

commentary and interpretation.

 

If you want clarity and textual purity, you can't beat

Coburn. If you prefer devotional fervor and a swami's

ritual instruction, then Satyananda Saraswati is your

man.

 

BTW, I've decided to make an Amazon reading list of

Shakta recommendations. Stay tuned and I'll post a

link tomorrow.

 

Aum Maatangyai Namahe

 

--- prainbow61 <paulie-rainbow wrote:

> Namaste devi_bhakta

>

> Could you tell me again, which version in English of

> the Devi

> Mahatmyam do you recommend? I am unable to find your

> original post. It

> must have been back in the "club days."

>

> prainbow

>

>

 

 

 

 

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