Guest guest Posted April 22, 2007 Report Share Posted April 22, 2007 Dear Devi Tanayas, Mother has asked me to dwell more on devi mahatmyam. Iam happy that Mother is watching our group activities.Believe me Mother will come to your aid in times of need. Devi Mahatmyam (also known as Durga Saptashati and Chandi) describes the story and glory of Parashakti in the form of Chandika. Devi Mahatmyam is found in Markandeya Purana, one of the Maha Puranas. Devi Mahatmyam, consisting of 700 verses (Slokas), is considered to be the crown jewel of Markandeya Puranam in the same way as Bhagavat Gita, also consisting of 700 verses, is considered the crown jewel of the greatest epic Mahabharata. The greatness of and importance attached to Devi Mahatmyam can be easily understood by the sheer amount of Puranas and Tantras that refer to it – e.g. Katyayani Tantram, Kataka Tantram, Kroda Tantram, Damara Tantram, Meru Tantram, Rudra Yamalam, Marichi Kalpam, Chidambara Rahasyam, Bhuvaneshwari Samhita etc. Damara Tantra declares that Devi Mahatmyam is the best of Stutis in the same way as Ashwamedha Yaga is hailed as the quintessence of Kratu (Yaga/Yajna) and Hari (Vishnu) is hailed as the quintessence of Devas. Bhuvaneshwari Samhita declares that Saptashati is as beginningless as Vedas. Brahma Vidya and Sri Vidya are considered to be one and the same in that the latter concerns with the experiential aspect of Brahma Vidya expounded in the Vedantas. Devi Mahatmyam also commands numerous commentary works such as Santanavi, Pushpanjali, Ramashrami, Nagesi, Guptavati, Damhoddharam, Saptasahati Sarvasvam, etc. There are also several books available on Durga Saptashati – in all languages. Devi Mahatmyam describes the story of Parashakti (Devi) conquering the evil forces (Asuras) such as Madhu, Kaitabha, Mahishasura, Dhumralochana, Chanda, Munda, Raktabija, Nishumbha, and Shumbha. Devi Mahatmyam was revealed to King Surata by Sage Vasishta. At the end of seventh Manvantara (Svarochisha Manvantara), King Surata reaches the hermitage of Sage Vasishta in total desperation and dejection after losing his kingdom to his enemies and his wealth to his own people. A Vaishya by name Samadhi also reaches the hermitage in a similar state as the King after having been left in lurch by his wife and children. The King and the Vaishya approach the Sage and enquire him why there are unable of overcome their attachment (Moha) in spite of experiencing rejection and cheating by their own people. The Sage explains that the entire universe is bound controlled by Maha Maya who is the Yoga Nidra form of Maha Vishnu. People fall prey to their senses, desires and attachment due to the plays of Maha Maya. The King and Vaishya request the sage to tell more Maha Maya. The Sage’s narration about the story and glory of Maha Maya is Devi Mahatmyam. The narration is organized into 13 chapters spread over 3 section. The first section (Prathama Charitram), consisting of one chapter, describes the story of Parashakti conquering Madhu Kaitabha. In this section, Parashakti is attributed in the form of Maha Kali. The second section (Madhyama Charitram), consisting of 3 chapters, describes the story of Parashakti conquering Mahishasura and his army. In this section, Parashakti is attributed in the form of Maha Lakshmi. The third section (Uttama Charitram), consisting of 9 chapters, describes the story of Parashakti conquering Dhumralochana, Chanda, Munda, Raktabija, Nishumbha and Shumbha. In this section, Parashakti is attributed in the form of Maha Saraswati. Devi Mahatmyam is widely used for regular chanting (Parayanam) and performing fire sacrifices (Homa/Yajna/Yaga) and is believed to give immense benefits to the chanter as well as humanity. Although Devi Mahatmyam itself consists of only 700 verses in 3 sections, the chanting procedure usually includes several additional hymns before and after Devi Mahatmyam. In other words, the chanting includes a Purva Bhaga (First Part), Devi Mahatmyam and an Uttara Bhaga (Ending Part). It must be noted that the actual selection of hymns and the order of chanting them within Purva Bhaga and Uttara Bhaga vary according to different traditions (Paddhatis/Kramas) in vogue. This explanation here follows one of the traditions (Dakshinatya Krama). In this tradition, the Devi Mahatmya Parayana Krama (i.e. chanting procedure and seqeunce) comprises of five sections as given in the Table of Contents in the beginning of this book. A brief description of each of them is given in relevant sections. In Uttara Bhaga, an additional hymn “Siddha Kunjika Stotram” is also given although it is not included in the Dakshinatya tradition simply for the reason it is considered by many as the Key for opening the Devi Mahatmyam Jewel Box. “Durga Sapta Shloki” – a selection of seven most sacred and important verses from Durga Saptashati is considered to be the essence of Durga Saptashati and it is said that Durga Saptasloki chanting also gives equivalent benefits. Devi Mahatmyam may be chanted by adopting any of the following commonly practiced methodologies as per one’s convenience: 1. Devi Mahatmyam can be chanted in full at a stretch – i.e. all five sections in one go – but it is likely to take a few hours. 2. It can also be chanted over a period of one week in the following manner, if time is a constraint: Day Portions To Be Chanted 1 Purva Bhagam Devi Mahatmyam - Chapter 1 2 Devi Mahatmyam – Chapters 2-3 3 Devi Mahatmyam – Chapters 4 4 Devi Mahatmyam – Chapters 5-8 5 Devi Mahatmyam – Chapters 9-10 6 Devi Mahatmyam – Chapters 11 7 Devi Mahatmyam – Chapters 12-13 Uttara Bhagam Only Madhyama Charitram (Chapters 2-4) can be chanted daily, if time availability is a constraint. 4. Durga Saptashloki may be chanted at least 3 times daily using the procedure given in Appendix. There are varying and contrasting opinions as to whether Devi Mahatmyam can be chanted by all and what pre-requisite qualifications one must have in order to be eligible to chant it. The opinion at one end of the spectrum stipulates that Devi Mahatmyam must never be chanted by those who are not initiated into it by a Satguru. Further the chanter must have performed Chandi Navakshari Japam for 9 lakh times before chanting Devi Mahatmyam. The opinion at the other end of the spectrum is of the view that Devi Mahatmyam can be chanted by one and all as long as self-purification, self-improvement and pure Bhakti are the overriding reasons for chanting. But, it may be worthwhile to note that there is no specific injunction within Devi Mahatmyam that its usage is restricted to qualified people only. In fact, the 12th Chapter (Phala Stuti) recommends Devi Mahatmyam chanting/listening by all if they are overcome by tribulations, limitations, fears, enemies, adversities, etc. The Purva Bhaga consists of SIX chapters viz. Parayana Kramam, Devi Kavacham, Argala Stotram, Kilaka Stotram, Ratri Suktam and Navakshari Nivechanam. As mentioned before, there are variations about the sequence in which these chapters are chanted but the tradition followed in this compilation recommends the above sequence. Parayana Kramam: This chapter consists of a set of preparatory steps - the most important being the Sankalpam. This is followed by a few mantras to be repeated for the specified number of times basically to prepare oneself for performing Devi Mahatmya Parayanam. Devi Kavacham: Devi Kavacham, from Varaha Puranam, is considered one of the most sacred and potent armour stutis (Kavacham) on Parashakti composed by Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The Stuti requests Devi to protect the chanter from all evils. The elaborate Phala Shruti speaks for the potency of this stuti. Argala Stotram: Argala Stotram prays Devi to remove all ills and obstacles. The last sloka stipulates that Argala Stotram must be chanted prior to Devi Mahatmya Parayanam. Kilaka Stotram: Kilaka Stotram is said to fulfill one’s wishes. Chanting this stotram is said to give full benefits of chanting Devi Mahatmyam even if Chandi Navakshari Mantra Japam is not performed as per procedure (perhaps because the chanter is not initiated into Chandi Navakshari Mantra Japam). Ratri Suktham: Ratri Suktam is from Rig Veda. Ratri Suktam is also known as Vanadurga Suktam. Ratrik Suktam prays Devi for enlightenment by removing the darkness arising out of ignorance (Avidya) and inner enemies such as lust. As Ratri Suktam from Veda, it must be chanted as per vedic meter and shruti. If the chanter is not familiar with this, he may substitute Ratri Suktam with Pauranika Ratri Suktam which is nothing but a selection of 18 slokas from Devi Mahatmyam Chapter 1. Navakshari Nivechanam: This involves meditating (Japam) upon Devi using Chandi Navakshari Mantram as per the procedure given. It is extremely important that this Mantra Japam must be performed by only those who have been initiated into this mantram. The mantra should be chanted for at least 1 mala (108 times) although 10 Malas (1008) would be highly preferable. Uttara Bhagam: The Uttara Bhaga (i.e. final part) of Devi Mahatmyam consists of 6 chapters viz. Chandi Navakshari Japam, Devi Suktam, Pradhanika Rahasyam, Vaikritika Rahasyam, Murthy Rahasyam and Siddha Kunjika Stotram. They are briefly described below. Navakshari Mantram: This is actually a repeat of Chandi Navakshari Mantra Japam. The procedure is more or less same as given before in Purva Bhaga and the same precautions apply here. Devi Suktam: Devi Suktam is believed to be one of the most sacred Stutis for Devi. Devi Suktam was written by Rishi Vak, the daughter of Sage Amruna. It is believed that this Suktam emanated from the Rishi when she experienced herself as one and the same with Devi. As Devi Suktam is part of Vedas, it must be chanted according to Vedic meter and shruti. Chanters may substitute this with a select portion of Devi Mahatmyam Chapter 5 if unfamiliar with Devi Suktam. Pradhanika Rahasyam: After listening to Devi Mahatmyam that describes various incarnations of Chadika Devi, King Surata requests Sage Vasishta to explain further the Mula Swaroopa (the fundamental form) and important embodiment of Maha Maya. The Sage declares that Maha Lakshmi as the prime embodiment of Adi Shakti and pervades everything in this universe. From Maha Lakshmi were born other forms such as Maha Maya, Maha Kali, Maha Mari, Kshudha, Kala Ratri. Maha Lakshmi herself gave birth to Maha Saraswati. Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati then brought forth Male forms (Purusha forms) such as Brahma, Rudra, Vishnu etc. Saraswati later married Brahma, Lakshmi married Vasudeva and Gauri to Rudra. Brahma and Saraswati created the universe (Anda), which was broken by Rudra and Gauri. Kesha and Lakshmi too charge of protecting the universe. Therefore, Maha Lakshmi is the Adi Shakti. Vaikrutaka Rahasyam: The Sage continues his description of Devi. The Adi Shakti viz. Maha Lakshmi is also known as Maha Kali and Maha Saraswati based on three gunas. The same Devi is also known as Sharva, Chandika, Durga, Bhadra and Bhagavati. Maha Kali is the embodiment of Maha Vishnu’s Yoga Nidra and presides over Tamo Guna. It was She who Brahma prayed to for destroying Madhu and Kaitabha. The sage then explains the characteristics of Maha Kali. Maha Saraswati is born from the body of Gauri presiding over Sattva Guna. She destroys Shumbhasura. The Sage further describes the characteristics of Maha Saraswati. The Sage then describes the procedure to meditate upon the three forms of Adi Shakti. Whoever prays Devi with devotion will see all his wishes fulfilled by Her. Those who don’t pray Adi Shakti will see their Punya burnt away by Her. Murthy Rahasyam The sage continues to describe the characteristics and procedure for meditating upon various Devi forms such as Rakta Dantika, Shakambhari, Bhima Devi, Maha Mari. Finally the Sage declares that by chanting Devi Mahatmyam once, the chanter gets liberated immediately from all sins accumulated over seven births. Siddha Kunjika Stotram As mentioned before, this Stuti is not actually part of the Dakshinatya tradition of Devi Mahatmya Parayanam as this considered as a pure Tantric text. But, the Auttareya tradition insists that this must be chanted as the last piece and that chanting Devi Mahatmyam without Siddha Kunjika is useless. It is given here for the sake of completeness. Apparently, several variant versions of this Stotram are available in different Tantric texts. Readers are advised to follow their own tradition or specific instruction. Part-3 will follow Yours yogically, Shreeram Balijepalli Purity, Powers, Parabrahmam... 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