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​PUJA, Kriya & Bhakti 

Stuti by Deities & sending of ambassador by Shumbha – Sri Durga Saptashati (Chapter 5)

4/15/2022

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The rishi spoke:
In ancient period, Indra’s (sovereignty) over the three worlds and his portions of the sacrifices were taken away by the asuras, Shumbha and Nishumbha, by force. Due to pride of their power and strength, the two took over the offices of the sun, the moon, Kubera, Yama, and Varuna. They robbed the kingdom of three worlds from three world and of his portions of the sacrifices; they both assumed the sun’s dignity and the moon’s dominion, and Kubera’s and Yama’s and Varuṇa’s; and they both exercised Vayu’s authority and Agni’s sphere of action. Thereby the gods were scattered, deprived of their sovereignties, and put to rout. The thirty gods, bereft of their dominion and set at naught by those two great Asuras, all recall to mind that never-vanquished goddess, — “She granted us the boon, ‘As & when in calamities shall remember, that very moment will I put an end to all your direst calamities.” Making this resolve the gods went to Himalaya, and there raised their hymn to the goddess, who is Vishnu’s illusive power.

The Devas spoke:
  1. Salutations to the Devi, to the Mahadevi, to the Prakriti & Bhadra!
  2. Salutations always to Jagdamba who is ever auspicious!
  3. Salutation to Roudra. Salutation to Nitya, Gauri & Dhatri repeatedly,
  4. Reverence to Jyotsnamay, Chandrarupani & Sukhsavrupa!
  5. Salutation to Vriddhi & Siddhirupa repeatedly, who take care well-being of persons in her refuge!
  6. Salutations to Nairitee (Lakshmi of Demons), Lakshmi of Kings & Sharvani (Consort of Shiva)!
  7. Obeisance to Durga, Durgpara (who helps to cross terrible difficulty), Sara (essence of everyone), sarvkarini, Khyati, Krishna and Dhuradevi!
  8. Salutation to extremely Saumya and extremely Roudrupa, repeated salutations to her!
  9. Salutation to Kritidevi who is the primordial cause of universe!
  10. Salutations to Devi who is known as Vishnu’s illusive power by people, repeated salutations to her!
  11. Reverence to her, reverence, reverence to the goddess who among all created beings stands firm with the form of Shadow!
  12. Reverence to her, reverence, reverence to the goddess who among all created beings stands firm with the form of Energy!
  13. Reverence to her, reverence, reverence to the goddess who among all created beings stands firm with the form of Thirst!
  14. Salutations to the goddess who among all created beings bears the name “Consciousness”!
  15. Reverence to her, reverence to her to the goddess who among all created beings stands firm with the form of Intellect!
  16. Reverence to her, reverence, reverence to the goddess who among all created beings stands firm with the form of Sleep!
  17. Reverence to her, reverence, reverence to the goddess who among all created beings stands firm with the form of Hunger!
  18. Reverence to her, reverence, reverence to the goddess who among all created beings stands firm with the form of Patience!
  19. Reverence to her, reverence, reverence to the goddess who among all created beings stands firm with the form of Specialty!
  20. Reverence to her, reverence, reverence to the goddess who among all created beings stands firm with the form of Modesty!
  21. Reverence to her, reverence, reverence to the goddess who among all created beings stands firm with the form of Peace ableness!
  22. Reverence to her, reverence, reverence to the goddess who among all created beings stands firm with the form of devotion & faith!
  23. Reverence to her, reverence, reverence to the goddess who among all created beings stands firm with the form of Loveliness!
  24. Reverence to her, reverence, reverence to the goddess who among all created beings stands firm with the form of Good-Fortune!
  25. Reverence to her, reverence, yea reverence to the goddess who among all created beings stands firm with the form of Activity!
  26. Reverence to her, reverence, reverence to the goddess who among all created beings stands firm with the form of Memory!
  27. Reverence to her, reverence, reverence to the goddess who among all created beings stands firm with the form of Mercy!
  28. Reverence to her, reverence, reverence to the goddess who among all created beings stands firm with the form of Contentment!
  29. Reverence to her, reverence, reverence to the goddess who among all created beings stands firm with the form of Mother!
  30. Reverence to her, reverence, reverence to the goddess who among all created beings stands firm with the form of Error!
  31. Reverence to her, reverence, reverence to her who both governs the organs of sense of created beings, and rules among all created beings perpetually!
  32. The goddess of pervasiveness reverence, reverence to her who exists pervading this entire world with the form of Thinking Mind!
  33. Reverence to her, reverence, reverence! Praised by the gods afore-time because of eagerly desired protection and waited upon by the lord of the gods many days.

The rishi spoke:
While the gods were thus engaged in offering hymns and other reverential acts, Parvati came there to bathe in the water of the Ganges. She, the beautiful-browed, said to those gods, — “Whom do you hymn here?” And springing forth from the treasure-house of her body the auspicious goddess spoke — “For me this hymn is uttered by the assembled gods, who have been set at naught by the Daitya Shumbha and routed in battle by Nishumbha.” Because Ambika issued forth from the treasure-house of Parvati’s body, she is therefore named in song as Kauṣiki among all the worlds. Now after she had issued forth, the other also, even Parvati, became black; she is celebrated as Kalika; she fixed her abode on Mount Himalaya.

Thereafter, Chaṇḍa, and Muṇḍa, the two attendants of Shumbha and Nishumbba, saw Ambika displaying her sublime and most captivating form. They both told Shumbha: ‘O King, one woman, most surpassingly beautiful, dwells there shedding luster on mount Himalaya and illuminating the regions. Such supreme beauty was never seen by anyone anywhere. Ascertain who that Goddess is and take possession of her, O Lord of the asuras! Nishumbha has every kind of gem produced in the sea. Fire also gave you two garments, which are purified by fire. O lord, all those display their splendor at this present time in your house. Airavata, gem among elephants, has been captured from Purandara; and this Parijata tree and the horse Uccaiḥshravas. Here stands the heavenly chariot yoked with swans in your courtyard; it has been brought here, the wonderful chariot composed of gems, which belonged to Brahma. Here is the Nidhi Mahapadma, captured from the Lord of wealth. And the Ocean gave a garland made of filaments and of undying lotus flowers. In thy house stands Varuṇa’s umbrella, which streams with gold. And here is the choice chariot that belonged to Prajapati formerly. You have carried off Death’s power which is named Utkranti-da. The noose of the Ocean-king is in thy brother's possession. And Nishumbha has every kind of gem which is produced in the sea. Agni also gave thee two garments which are purified by fire. Thus, O lord of the Daityas, all gems have been captured by you; why not you seize this auspicious lady, this gem of womankind?” Thus, O Lord of asuras, all gems, precious stones, elephants, horses and other valuable things indeed exist in the three worlds, have been brought by you. Why is this beautiful lady-jewel not seized by you?

The rishi spoke:
On hearing these words of Chanda and Munda, Shumbha sent the great asura Sugriva as messenger to the Devi. He said: Go and tell her thus in my words and do the thing in such a manner that she may quickly come to me in love. He went there where the Devi was staying in a very beautiful spot on the mountain and spoke to her in fine and sweet words.
The messenger said:
O Devi, Shumbha, lord of asuras, is the supreme sovereign of three worlds. Sent by him as messenger, I have come here to your presence. Hearken to what has been said by him whose command is never resisted among the devas and who has vanquished all the foes of the asuras: (He says), “All the three worlds are mine and the devas are obedient to me. We look upon you, O Devi, as the jewel of womankind in the world. You who are such, come to me, since we are the enjoyers of the best objects. Take to me or to my younger brother Nishumbha of great prowess, O unsteady-eyed lady, for you are in truth a jewel. Wealth, great and beyond compare, you will get by marrying me. Think over this in your mind and become my wife.”

The Rishi said: Thus told, Durga the adorable and auspicious, by whom this universe is supported, then became serene.

The Devi said:
You have spoken truth; nothing false has been uttered by you in this matter. Shumbha is indeed the sovereign of the three worlds and likewise is also Nishumbha. But in this matter, how can that which has been promised to be made false? Hear what promise I had made already out of foolishness. “He who conquers me in battle, removes my pride and is my match in strength in the world shall be my husband.” So let Shumbha come here then, or Nishumbha the great asura. Vanquishing me here let him soon take my hand in marriage. Why delay?

The messenger said: O Devi, you are haughty. Talk not so before me. Which man in the three worlds will stand before Shumbha and Nishumbha? All the devas verily cannot stand face to face with even the other asuras in battle. Why mention you, O Devi, a single woman? Indra and all other devas could not stand in battle against Shumbha and other demons, how will you, a woman, face them? On my word itself, you go to Shumbha and Nishumbha. Let it not be that you go to them with your dignity lost by being dragged by your hair.

The Devi said: Yes, true, Shumbha is strong and so is Nishumbha exceedingly heroic! What can I do since there stands my ill-considered vow taken long ago? Go back and tell the lord of asuras carefully all this that I have said; let him do whatever he considers proper.


Here ends the fifth chapter called ‘Devi’s conversation with the messenger’ of the Devi-Mahatmya in Markandeya-Purana during the period of Savarni, the Manu.


॥ पञ्चमोऽध्यायः ॥
विनियोगः
अस्य श्री उत्तरचरित्रस्य रुद्र ऋषिः । श्रीमहासरस्वती देवता ।अनुष्टुप् छन्दः । भीमा शक्तिः । भ्रामरी बीजम् । सूर्यस्तत्त्वम् । सामवेदः स्वरूपम् । श्रीमहासरस्वतीप्रीत्यर्थे उत्तरचरित्रपाठे विनियोगः ।
 
ध्यानम्
घण्टाशूलहलानि शङ्खमुसले चक्रं धनुः सायकं हस्ताब्जैर्दधतीं घनान्तविलसच्छीतांशुतुल्यप्रभाम् ।
गौरीदेहसमुद्भवां त्रिजगतामाधारभूतां महापूर्वामत्र सरस्वतीमनुभजे शुम्भादिदैत्यार्दिनीम् ॥
ॐ क्लीं ऋषिरुवाच ॥ १॥
पुरा शुम्भनिशुम्भाभ्यामसुराभ्यां शचीपतेः । त्रैलोक्यं यज्ञभागाश्च हृता मदबलाश्रयात् ॥ २॥
तावेव सूर्यतां तद्वदधिकारं तथैन्दवम् । कौबेरमथ याम्यं च चक्राते वरुणस्य च ॥ ३॥
तावेव पवनर्द्धिं च चक्रतुर्वह्निकर्म च । ततो देवा विनिर्धूता भ्रष्टराज्याः पराजिताः ॥ ४॥
हृताधिकारास्त्रिदशास्ताभ्यां सर्वे निराकृताः । महासुराभ्यां तां देवीं संस्मरन्त्यपराजिताम् ॥ ५॥
तयास्माकं वरो दत्तो यथापत्सु स्मृताखिलाः । भवतां नाशयिष्यामि तत्क्षणात्परमापदः ॥ ६॥
इति कृत्वा मतिं देवा हिमवन्तं नगेश्वरम् । जग्मुस्तत्र ततो देवीं विष्णुमायां प्रतुष्टुवुः ॥ ७॥
देवा ऊचुः ॥ ८॥
नमो देव्यै महादेव्यै शिवायै सततं नमः । नमः प्रकृत्यै भद्रायै नियताः प्रणताः स्म ताम् ॥ ९॥
रौद्रायै नमो नित्यायै गौर्यै धात्र्यै नमो नमः । ज्योत्स्नायै चेन्दुरूपिण्यै सुखायै सततं नमः ॥ १०॥
कल्याण्यै प्रणतां वृद्ध्यै सिद्ध्यै कुर्मो नमो नमः । नैरृत्यै भूभृतां लक्ष्म्यै शर्वाण्यै ते नमो नमः ॥ ११॥
दुर्गायै दुर्गपारायै सारायै सर्वकारिण्यै । ख्यात्यै तथैव कृष्णायै धूम्रायै सततं नमः ॥ १२॥
अतिसौम्यातिरौद्रायै नतास्तस्यै नमो नमः । नमो जगत्प्रतिष्ठायै देव्यै कृत्यै नमो नमः ॥ १३॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु विष्णुमायेति शब्दिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ १४-१६॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु चेतनेत्यभिधीयते । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ १७-१९॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु बुद्धिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ २०-२२॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु निद्रारूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ २३-२५॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु क्षुधारूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ २६-२८॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु छायारूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ २९-३१॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्तिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ ३२-३४॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु तृष्णारूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ ३५-३७॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु क्षान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ ३८-४०॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु जातिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ ४१-४३॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु लज्जारूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ ४४-४६॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ ४७-४९॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु श्रद्धारूपेण संस्थिता ।नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ ५०-५२॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु कान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ ५३-५५॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु लक्ष्मीरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ ५६-५८॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु वृत्तिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ ५९-६१॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु स्मृतिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ ६२-६४॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु दयारूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ ६५-६७॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु तुष्टिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ ६८-७०॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मातृरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ ७१-७३॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु भ्रान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ ७४-७६॥
इन्द्रियाणामधिष्ठात्री भूतानां चाखिलेषु या । भूतेषु सततं तस्यै व्याप्त्यै देव्यै नमो नमः ॥ ७७॥
चितिरूपेण या कृत्स्नमेतद् व्याप्य स्थिता जगत् । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ ७८-८०॥
स्तुता सुरैः पूर्वमभीष्टसंश्रयात्तथा सुरेन्द्रेण दिनेषु सेविता । करोतु सा नः शुभहेतुरीश्वरी
शुभानि भद्राण्यभिहन्तु चापदः ॥ ८१॥
या साम्प्रतं चोद्धतदैत्यतापितैरस्माभिरीशा च सुरैर्नमस्यते । या च स्मृता तत्क्षणमेव हन्ति नः
सर्वापदो भक्तिविनम्रमूर्तिभिः ॥ ८२॥
ऋषिरुवाच ॥ ८३॥
एवं स्तवाभियुक्तानां देवानां तत्र पार्वती । स्नातुमभ्याययौ तोये जाह्नव्या नृपनन्दन ॥ ८४॥
साब्रवीत्तान् सुरान् सुभ्रूर्भवद्भिः स्तूयतेऽत्र का । शरीरकोशतश्चास्याः समुद्भूताब्रवीच्छिवा ॥ ८५॥
स्तोत्रं ममैतत्क्रियते शुम्भदैत्यनिराकृतैः । देवैः समेतैः समरे निशुम्भेन पराजितैः ॥ ८६॥
शरीरकोशाद्यत्तस्याः पार्वत्या निःसृताम्बिका । कौशिकीति समस्तेषु ततो लोकेषु गीयते ॥ ८७॥
तस्यां विनिर्गतायां तु कृष्णाभूत्सापि पार्वती । कालिकेति समाख्याता हिमाचलकृताश्रया ॥ ८८॥
ततोऽम्बिकां परं रूपं बिभ्राणां सुमनोहरम् । ददर्श चण्डो मुण्डश्च भृत्यौ शुम्भनिशुम्भयोः ॥ ८९॥
ताभ्यां शुम्भाय चाख्याता सातीव सुमनोहरा । काप्यास्ते स्त्री महाराज भासयन्ती हिमाचलम् ॥ ९०॥
नैव तादृक् क्वचिद्रूपं दृष्टं केनचिदुत्तमम् । ज्ञायतां काप्यसौ देवी गृह्यतां चासुरेश्वर ॥ ९१॥
स्त्रीरत्नमतिचार्वङ्गी द्योतयन्ती दिशस्त्विषा । सा तु तिष्ठति दैत्येन्द्र तां भवान् द्रष्टुमर्हति ॥ ९२॥
यानि रत्नानि मणयो गजाश्वादीनि वै प्रभो । त्रैलोक्ये तु समस्तानि साम्प्रतं भान्ति ते गृहे ॥ ९३॥
ऐरावतः समानीतो गजरत्नं पुरन्दरात् । पारिजाततरुश्चायं तथैवोच्चैःश्रवा हयः ॥ ९४॥
विमानं हंससंयुक्तमेतत्तिष्ठति तेऽङ्गणे । रत्नभूतमिहानीतं यदासीद्वेधसोऽद्भुतम् ॥ ९५॥
निधिरेष महापद्मः समानीतो धनेश्वरात् । किञ्जल्किनीं ददौ चाब्धिर्मालामम्लानपङ्कजाम् ॥ ९६॥
छत्रं ते वारुणं गेहे काञ्चनस्रावि तिष्ठति । तथायं स्यन्दनवरो यः पुरासीत्प्रजापतेः ॥ ९७॥
मृत्योरुत्क्रान्तिदा नाम शक्तिरीश त्वया हृता । पाशः सलिलराजस्य भ्रातुस्तव परिग्रहे ॥ ९८॥
निशुम्भस्याब्धिजाताश्च समस्ता रत्नजातयः । वह्निरपि ददौ तुभ्यमग्निशौचे च वाससी ॥ ९९॥
एवं दैत्येन्द्र रत्नानि समस्तान्याहृतानि ते । स्त्रीरत्नमेषा कल्याणी त्वया कस्मान्न गृह्यते ॥ १००॥
ऋषिरुवाच ॥ १०१॥
निशम्येति वचः शुम्भः स तदा चण्डमुण्डयोः । प्रेषयामास सुग्रीवं दूतं देव्या महासुरम् ॥ १०२॥
इति चेति च वक्तव्या सा गत्वा वचनान्मम । यथा चाभ्येति सम्प्रीत्या तथा कार्यं त्वया लघु ॥ १०३॥
स तत्र गत्वा यत्रास्ते शैलोद्देशेऽतिशोभने । तां च देवीं ततः प्राह श्लक्ष्णं मधुरया गिरा ॥ १०४॥
दूत उवाच ॥ १०५॥
देवि दैत्येश्वरः शुम्भस्त्रैलोक्ये परमेश्वरः । दूतोऽहं प्रेषितस्तेन त्वत्सकाशमिहागतः ॥ १०६॥
अव्याहताज्ञः सर्वासु यः सदा देवयोनिषु । निर्जिताखिलदैत्यारिः स यदाह श‍ृणुष्व तत् ॥ १०७॥
मम त्रैलोक्यमखिलं मम देवा वशानुगाः । यज्ञभागानहं सर्वानुपाश्नामि पृथक् पृथक् ॥ १०८॥
त्रैलोक्ये वररत्नानि मम वश्यान्यशेषतः । तथैव गजरत्नं च हृतं देवेन्द्रवाहनम् ॥ १०९॥
क्षीरोदमथनोद्भूतमश्वरत्नं ममामरैः । उच्चैःश्रवससंज्ञं तत्प्रणिपत्य समर्पितम् ॥ ११०॥
यानि चान्यानि देवेषु गन्धर्वेषूरगेषु च । रत्नभूतानि भूतानि तानि मय्येव शोभने ॥ १११॥
स्त्रीरत्नभूतां त्वां देवि लोके मन्यामहे वयम् । सा त्वमस्मानुपागच्छ यतो रत्नभुजो वयम् ॥ ११२॥
मां वा ममानुजं वापि निशुम्भमुरुविक्रमम् । भज त्वं चञ्चलापाङ्गि रत्नभूतासि वै यतः ॥ ११३॥
परमैश्वर्यमतुलं प्राप्स्यसे मत्परिग्रहात् । एतद्बुद्ध्या समालोच्य मत्परिग्रहतां व्रज ॥ ११४॥
ऋषिरुवाच ॥ ११५॥
इत्युक्ता सा तदा देवी गम्भीरान्तःस्मिता जगौ । दुर्गा भगवती भद्रा ययेदं धार्यते जगत् ॥ ११६॥
देव्युवाच ॥ ११७॥
सत्यमुक्तं त्वया नात्र मिथ्या किञ्चित्त्वयोदितम् । त्रैलोक्याधिपतिः शुम्भो निशुम्भश्चापि तादृशः ॥ ११८॥
किं त्वत्र यत्प्रतिज्ञातं मिथ्या तत्क्रियते कथम् । श्रूयतामल्पबुद्धित्वात्प्रतिज्ञा या कृता पुरा ॥ ११९॥
यो मां जयति सङ्ग्रामे यो मे दर्पं व्यपोहति । यो मे प्रतिबलो लोके स मे भर्ता भविष्यति ॥ १२०॥
तदागच्छतु शुम्भोऽत्र निशुम्भो वा महाबलः । मां जित्वा किं चिरेणात्र पाणिं गृह्णातु मे लघु ॥ १२१॥
दूत उवाच ॥ १२२॥
अवलिप्तासि मैवं त्वं देवि ब्रूहि ममाग्रतः । त्रैलोक्ये कः पुमांस्तिष्ठेदग्रे शुम्भनिशुम्भयोः ॥ १२३॥
अन्येषामपि दैत्यानां सर्वे देवा न वै युधि । तिष्ठन्ति सम्मुखे देवि किं पुनः स्त्री त्वमेकिका ॥ १२४॥
इन्द्राद्याः सकला देवास्तस्थुर्येषां न संयुगे । शुम्भादीनां कथं तेषां स्त्री प्रयास्यसि सम्मुखम् ॥ १२५॥
सा त्वं गच्छ मयैवोक्ता पार्श्वं शुम्भनिशुम्भयोः । केशाकर्षणनिर्धूतगौरवा मा गमिष्यसि ॥ १२६॥
देव्युवाच ॥ १२७॥
एवमेतद् बली शुम्भो निशुम्भश्चापितादृशः । किं करोमि प्रतिज्ञा मे यदनालोचिता पुरा ॥ १२८॥
स त्वं गच्छ मयोक्तं ते यदेतत्सर्वमादृतः । तदाचक्ष्वासुरेन्द्राय स च युक्तं करोतु यत् ॥ १२९॥
॥ स्वस्ति श्रीमार्कण्डेयपुराणे सावर्णिके मन्वन्तरे देवीमाहात्म्ये देव्या दूतसंवादो नाम पञ्चमोऽध्यायः ॥ ५॥
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Worship of Ambika by Indra & other devas – Sri Durga Saptashati (Chapter 4)

4/8/2022

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​Worship of Ambika by Indra & other devas – Sri Durga Saptashati (Chapter 4)

When that most valiant evil souled Mahishasura and his army were destroyed by the Devi, Indra and the hosts of other gods poured forth their praises to her with their voices, reverently bending down their necks and shoulders, while they looked extremely delighted with horripilation and exultation. (1-2)

Devas said:
  1. Ambika who is embodiment of powers of all the devas and pervades this world with her power.  She is worthy of worship by all devas and sages. We bow before Her in devotion. May she grant us auspicious things!’
  2. Whose incomparable greatness and power, even Bhagavan Vishnu, Brahma and Rudra are incapable to describe, that Bhagwati Chandika ponder over to protect the entire world and destroy the fear.
  3. Who resides as good fortune in the dwellings of the virtuous, as ill-fortune in those of the vicious, as intellect in the persons of pure heart, as devotional faith in the hearts of the good people, and as modesty in the hearts of the elite people, we bow down in the salutation of that Bhagwati devi? Devi, please protect the universe!
  4. Devi, this form of you is beyond imagination. Might displayed in destruction of demons and amazing characteristics shown in battles are beyond description.
  5. You are primordial cause of origin of this universe. You are equipped with sattvic, rajas and tamas, all three attributes. Still, you are not having any company with shortcomings. Even by Hari, Hara and the other gods are not able to comprehend your designs and boundaries. You are refuge of all. This universe is your part as you verily art sublime original Nature untransformed!    
  6. Devi! In the entire fire sacrifices (Yajnas), all the devas find satisfaction by the divine utterances. In these divine utterances, you are “Swaha”. You are also means of satisfaction of manes; hence people call you “Savdha”.
  7. Devi! The means of liberation; your unimaginable form of great vows; who is without any flaw; eternal; who believe in essence and who endeavor for final emancipation (liberation), such saints who performs great thought-transcending penances, that Bhagwati “para vidya” (transcendental knowledge or ultimate truth) is you only.
  8. You, Goddess are the soul sound of syllable and the foundation of hymns of Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda. You, Devi, are triple Vedas and six prosperities. You have appeared as farming, agriculture & livelihood for the creation and maintenance of the world. You are the supreme destroyer of their pains of the world!
  9. Devi! You are the mental Vigour that comprehended the essence of all the Scriptures! As Durga devi, you are the boat to cross the difficult ocean of existence. Goddess, you are devoid of attachments! You are Sri, who has planted her dominion alone in the heart of Kaiṭabha’s foe, Bhagwan Vishnu! You indeed are Gauri, who only has fixed her dwelling in the moon-crested god, Bhagwan Chandra Shekhar!
  10. Goddess, your face is always smiling slightly, spotless, resembling the full moon and beautiful as the choicest gold, and lovely!  Yet, it was very amazing that, Mahishasura being swayed by anger and still more wonderful that the Asura Mahiṣa suddenly smote your face when he saw it.
  11. Devi! this face became sheeny in hue like the rising moon and wrathful due to raised eyebrows. O goddess, seeing the terrible face with its frowns, that Mahiṣa did not forthwith yield up his life, it was more than wonderful! For who can live after beholding the King of Death enraged?
  12. Be gracious, O goddess, as supreme lady, to life! When you are pleased, world come into existence and when you are enraged, you destroy forthwith the entire generations! This is experienced at this very moment as the Asura Mahiṣa’s most extensive might and army here are brought to its end.
  13. Goddess, who always confers elevation, people on whom you are pleased, they are esteemed among the nations, acquire prosperity & glories, their righteousness (Dharma) never perishes, they are indeed happy, and they possess devoted children, servants, and wives.
  14. O Goddess! With your blessings, virtuous persons daily perform all righteous actions ever indeed devotionally, and gains heaven thereafter by your favour. So, you bestow rewards in the three worlds,
  15. O goddess! when you are remembered, you remove terror from every creature and when remembered by healthy persons, you bestow a mind extremely bright and munificent! Dispeller of poverty, pain and fear, who else is, whose mind is always compassionate for the beneficence of all?
  16. O Goddess! You slay the demons, so that world attain happiness and these demons who had been practicing sin for long time to descend to hell, they also meet death in the battle thereby proceed to heaven. With these benevolent thoughts, you slay the foes.
  17. O goddess! Why you attack on foes by weapons, instead of reducing them to ashes by simply by the glance. There is a mystery behind. Those enemies even, are purified by dying in arms and attain higher realms of world — such is your most kindly intention towards them.
  18. The eyes of the Asuras were not blinded neither by the sharp flashes of abundant light from your scymitar, nor by the copious luster of your spear-point, reason being as they gazed upon your countenance which bore a portion of the radiant moon, this very thing happened.
  19. Devi! your disposition subdues the conduct of men of evil conduct. And yours this form surpasses thought and rivalry by others; And your valour vanquishes those who have robbed the gods of their prowess; so, you have manifested pity thus even on enemies!
  20. Bestower of boons! With whom yours this prowess can be compared? And the most charming form, which strikes fear among foes, who else have? Compassion in mind and relentlessness in battle, both attributes together in the three worlds are seen only in you.
  21. O goddess, through the destruction of the foes, you have saved all the three worlds. Having slain them in the battlefield, you have led even those host of foes to heaven and dispelled the fear which beset us from the frenzied foes of the gods. We bow before you with reverence!
  22. O Goddess, with your spear protect us! O Ambika, protect us with your sword, with the clanging of thy bell and by the twanging of the thong of your bow!
  23. O Chandika! Guard us in the east, west and south directions and Ishwari, guard us in the north by the brandishing of your trident!
  24. O goddess! Whatever your gentle forms and exceedingly terrible forms wander about in the three worlds, please guard us and the earth by means of them!
  25. O Ambika! Scimitar, spear, and club, and whatever other weapons, rest in your pliant hand, with them guard us on every side!
 The rishi spoke:
  1. Thus, was she, the Upholder of the worlds, hymned by the gods, and they paid honour to her with celestial flowers that blossomed in Nandan forest, and with perfumes and unguents.
  2. Moreover, all the gods in faith censed her with heavenly incenses. Benignly sweet in countenance she spoke to all the prostrate gods.
 The goddess spoke:
  1. Choose, you all devas! whatever you desire of me, I shall grant it with pleasure, being highly honored by these hymns.
 The gods spoke:
  1. Bhagwati! You have accomplished all, naught remains undone.
  2. Since this Asura Mahiṣa, our foe has been slain. Maheshwari! Even if you wish to grant us a boon.
  3. O goddess great! whenever we remember you, then every time you give us vision and do away our huge trouble; And smilingly faced Ambika! whosoever mortal shall praise you with these hymns, prosper him in wealth, prosperity, and splendor.
  4. Besides, by increasing his means of riches, wife, and other blessings etc. you always be propitious to us!
 The rishi spoke:
  1. When devas thus propitiated Bhadrakali for the good of the world and on their own behalf, “Be it so!” said she; and vanished from their sight, O king.
  2. O King, thus I have narrated this, how the goddess came into being from out of the gods’ bodies, she who desires the good of all the three worlds.
  3. And again, she came into existence having the body of Gauri Devi, just as she did before, to slay the wicked Daityas and Shumbha and Nishumbha, and to preserve the worlds, as benefactress of the gods, and for the protection of worlds, listen as I relate it. I shall tell it to you as it happened.

Here ends the fourth chapter called ‘The Devi Stuti’ of the Devi-Mahatmya in Markandeya-Purana during the period of Savarni, the Man

॥ चतुर्थोऽध्यायः ॥
ॐ ऋषिरुवाच ॥ १॥
शक्रादयः सुरगणा निहतेऽतिवीर्ये तस्मिन्दुरात्मनि सुरारिबले च देव्या । तां तुष्टुवुः प्रणतिनम्रशिरोधरांसा वाग्भिः प्रहर्षपुलकोद्गमचारुदेहाः ॥ २॥
 
देव्या यया ततमिदं जगदात्मशक्त्या निःशेषदेवगणशक्तिसमूहमूर्त्या । तामम्बिकामखिलदेवमहर्षिपूज्यां भक्त्या नताः स्म विदधातु शुभानि सा नः ॥ ३॥
 
यस्याः प्रभावमतुलं भगवाननन्तो ब्रह्मा हरश्च न हि वक्तुमलं बलं च । सा चण्डिकाखिलजगत्परिपालनाय नाशाय चाशुभभयस्य मतिं करोतु ॥ ४॥
 
या श्रीः स्वयं सुकृतिनां भवनेष्वलक्ष्मीः पापात्मनां कृतधियां हृदयेषु बुद्धिः । श्रद्धा सतां कुलजनप्रभवस्य लज्जा तां त्वां नताः स्म परिपालय देवि विश्वम् ॥ ५॥
 
किं वर्णयाम तव रूपमचिन्त्यमेतत् किञ्चातिवीर्यमसुरक्षयकारि भूरि । किं चाहवेषु चरितानि तवाति यानि सर्वेषु देव्यसुरदेवगणादिकेषु ॥ ६॥
 
हेतुः समस्तजगतां त्रिगुणापि दोषैर्न ज्ञायसे हरिहरादिभिरप्यपारा | सर्वाश्रयाखिलमिदं जगदंशभूतमव्याकृता हि परमा प्रकृतिस्त्वमाद्या ॥ ७॥
 
यस्याः समस्तसुरता समुदीरणेन तृप्तिं प्रयाति सकलेषु मखेषु देवि । स्वाहासि वै पितृगणस्य च तृप्तिहेतुरुच्चार्यसे त्वमत एव जनैः स्वधा च ॥ ८॥
 
या मुक्तिहेतुरविचिन्त्यमहाव्रता त्वं अभ्यस्यसे सुनियतेन्द्रियतत्त्वसारैः । मोक्षार्थिभिर्मुनिभिरस्तसमस्तदोषै र्विद्यासि सा भगवती परमा हि देवि ॥ ९॥
 
शब्दात्मिका सुविमलर्ग्यजुषां निधानमुद्गीथरम्यपदपाठवतां च साम्नाम् । देवि त्रयी भगवती भवभावनाय वार्तासि सर्वजगतां परमार्तिहन्त्री ॥ १०॥
 
मेधासि देवि विदिताखिलशास्त्रसारा दुर्गासि दुर्गभवसागरनौरसङ्गा । श्रीः कैटभारिहृदयैककृताधिवासा गौरी त्वमेव शशिमौलिकृतप्रतिष्ठा ॥ ११॥
 
ईषत्सहासममलं परिपूर्णचन्द्रबिम्बानुकारि कनकोत्तमकान्तिकान्तम् । अत्यद्भुतं प्रहृतमात्तरुषा तथापि वक्त्रं विलोक्य सहसा महिषासुरेण ॥ १२॥
 
दृष्ट्वा तु देवि कुपितं भ्रुकुटीकराल मुद्यच्छशाङ्कसदृशच्छवि यन्न सद्यः । प्राणान् मुमोच महिषस्तदतीव चित्रं कैर्जीव्यते हि कुपितान्तकदर्शनेन ॥ १३॥
 
देवि प्रसीद परमा भवती भवाय सद्यो विनाशयसि कोपवती कुलानि । विज्ञातमेतदधुनैव यदस्तमेतन्नीतं बलं सुविपुलं महिषासुरस्य ॥ १४॥
 
ते सम्मता जनपदेषु धनानि तेषां तेषां यशांसि न च सीदति बन्धुवर्गः । धन्यास्त एव निभृतात्मजभृत्यदारा येषां सदाभ्युदयदा भवती प्रसन्ना ॥ १५॥
 
धर्म्याणि देवि सकलानि सदैव कर्माण्यत्यादृतः प्रतिदिनं सुकृती करोति । स्वर्गं प्रयाति च ततो भवती प्रसादाल्लोकत्रयेऽपि फलदा ननु देवि तेन ॥ १६॥
 
दुर्गे स्मृता हरसि भीतिमशेषजन्तोः स्वस्थैः स्मृता मतिमतीव शुभां ददासि । दारिद्र्यदुःखभयहारिणि का त्वदन्या सर्वोपकारकरणाय सदार्द्रचित्ता ॥ १७॥
एभिर्हतैर्जगदुपैति सुखं तथैते कुर्वन्तु नाम नरकाय चिराय पापम् । सङ्ग्राममृत्युमधिगम्य दिवं प्रयान्तु मत्वेति नूनमहितान्विनिहंसि देवि ॥ १८॥
 
दृष्ट्वैव किं न भवती प्रकरोति भस्म सर्वासुरानरिषु यत्प्रहिणोषि शस्त्रम् । लोकान्प्रयान्तु रिपवोऽपि हि शस्त्रपूता इत्थं मतिर्भवति तेष्वहितेषुसाध्वी ॥ १९॥
 
खड्गप्रभानिकरविस्फुरणैस्तथोग्रैः शूलाग्रकान्तिनिवहेन दृशोऽसुराणाम् । यन्नागता विलयमंशुमदिन्दुखण्डयोग्याननं तव विलोकयतां तदेतत् ॥ २०॥
 
दुर्वृत्तवृत्तशमनं तव देवि शीलं रूपं तथैतदविचिन्त्यमतुल्यमन्यैः । वीर्यं च हन्तृ हृतदेवपराक्रमाणां वैरिष्वपि प्रकटितैव दया त्वयेत्थम् ॥ २१॥
 
केनोपमा भवतु तेऽस्य पराक्रमस्य रूपं च शत्रुभयकार्यतिहारि कुत्र । चित्ते कृपा समरनिष्ठुरता च दृष्टा त्वय्येव देवि वरदे भुवनत्रयेऽपि ॥ २२॥
 
त्रैलोक्यमेतदखिलं रिपुनाशनेनत्रातं त्वया समरमूर्धनि तेऽपि हत्वा । नीता दिवं रिपुगणा भयमप्यपास्तम् अस्माकमुन्मदसुरारिभवं नमस्ते ॥ २३॥
 
शूलेन पाहि नो देवि पाहि खड्गेन चाम्बिके । घण्टास्वनेन नः पाहि चापज्यानिःस्वनेन च ॥ २४॥
 
प्राच्यां रक्ष प्रतीच्यां च चण्डिके रक्ष दक्षिणे । भ्रामणेनात्मशूलस्य उत्तरस्यां तथेश्वरि ॥ २५॥
 
सौम्यानि यानि रूपाणि त्रैलोक्ये विचरन्ति ते । यानि चात्यन्तघोराणि तै रक्षास्मांस्तथा भुवम् ॥ २६॥
 
खड्गशूलगदादीनि यानि चास्त्रानि तेऽम्बिके । करपल्लवसङ्गीनि तैरस्मान्रक्ष सर्वतः ॥ २७॥
 
ऋषिरुवाच ॥ २८॥
 
एवं स्तुता सुरैर्दिव्यैः कुसुमैर्नन्दनोद्भवैः । अर्चिता जगतां धात्री तथा गन्धानुलेपनैः ॥ २९॥
 
भक्त्या समस्तैस्त्रिदशैर्दिव्यैर्धूपैः सुधूपिता । प्राह प्रसादसुमुखी समस्तान् प्रणतान् सुरान् ॥ ३०॥
 
 देव्युवाच ॥ ३१॥
 
व्रियतां त्रिदशाः सर्वे यदस्मत्तोऽभिवाञ्छितम् ॥ ३२॥
 
 देवा ऊचुः ॥ ३३॥
 
भगवत्या कृतं सर्वं न किञ्चिदवशिष्यते ॥ ३४॥
 
यदयं निहतः शत्रुरस्माकं महिषासुरः । यदि चापि वरो देयस्त्वयास्माकं महेश्वरि ॥ ३५॥
 
संस्मृता संस्मृता त्वं नो हिंसेथाः परमापदः । यश्च मर्त्यः स्तवैरेभिस्त्वां स्तोष्यत्यमलानने ॥ ३६॥
 
तस्य वित्तर्द्धिविभवैर्धनदारादिसम्पदाम् । वृद्धयेऽस्मत्प्रसन्ना त्वं भवेथाः सर्वदाम्बिके ॥ ३७॥
 
ऋषिरुवाच ॥ ३८॥
 
इति प्रसादिता देवैर्जगतोऽर्थे तथात्मनः । तथेत्युक्त्वा भद्रकाली बभूवान्तर्हिता नृप ॥ ३९॥
 
इत्येतत्कथितं भूप सम्भूता सा यथा पुरा । देवी देवशरीरेभ्यो जगत्त्रयहितैषिणी ॥ ४०॥
 
पुनश्च गौरीदेहात्सा समुद्भूता यथाभवत् । वधाय दुष्टदैत्यानां तथा शुम्भनिशुम्भयोः ॥ ४१॥
 
रक्षणाय च लोकानां देवानामुपकारिणी । तच्छृणुष्व मयाख्यातं यथावत्कथयामि ते ॥ ४२॥
 
। ह्रीं ॐ ।
॥ स्वस्ति श्रीमार्कण्डेयपुराणे सावर्णिके मन्वन्तरे देवीमाहात्म्ये शक्रादिस्तुतिर्नाम चतुर्थोऽध्यायः ॥ ४॥

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April 06th, 2022

4/6/2022

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Keelaka Stotram & Kshama Prayer - Sri Durga Saptashati

4/5/2022

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Keelaka Stotram 
Rishi Markandeya tells his disciples in sixteen shlokas the ways and means of removing obstacles faced by devotees while reading Sri Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmyam). Reading of Keelakam brings blessings of Devi, spiritual harmony, peace of mind and success in all pursuits. Before commencing the Durga Saptashati chanting and after Devi Kavacham & Agrala Strotam, Goddess’s devotees generally chant Keelakam.

Kshama Prayer is done after recitation od Durga Saptashati, each time to seek forgiveness for committing deficiencies or excesses.

Verse-wise, the essence of Keelakam has been given hereunder. The verses in Sanskrit are mentioned at the end of explanations. 
  1. The devotee offers salutations to the one (Shiva), the essence of whose form is that of pure knowledge (of absolute consciousness) and whose three divine eyes form the three Vedas, to imbibe that auspiciousness of pure knowledge. The devotee continues to offer salutations to Shiva who bears the half-of-moon and Shakti (in her body as ardhanareeswara). The devotee meditates on Shiva and Shakti in their conscious blissful form.
Keelaka is pin or nail. The conscious form of Shakti is pinned to all the mantras of devi mahatmyam as the underlying principle through the keelaka stotram.

  1. All these hymns of Keelaka stotram, one should know, are indeed the keelaka (pin or nail) by which the mantras (of devi mahatmyan are pinned) (i.e., by which the underlying principle of the conscious form of devi are pinned), he who devotes himself to continuously chant these hymns, indeed attains tranquility of mind (i.e., he who continuously meditates on the conscious form of devi in the heart indeed attains tranquility of mind.
  2. He accomplishes the eradication of inner enemies to the very root, and all related (material & spiritual) accomplishments, by extolling the devi with devotional fervour with the collection of hymns of Sri Durga Saptashati.
  3. Such devotees do not require any other mantra or medicine, or means to accomplish material, spiritual or other fruits. Reciting devi mahatmyam is not like chanting any mantra to obtain the fruits, but for meditation on the conscious form of devi and merging our ego in her.
  4. People had this doubt, if everything can be attained by reciting the devi mahatmyam or any other mantra, then which is better. Lord Shiva explained to His devotees that recitation of devi mahatayam is better and most auspicious.
  5. That stotra of devi Chandika (i.e., Keelaka stotra), lord Shiva indeed made it hidden (behind every mantra of devi mahatmyam) thus making the conscious form of devi as the object of meditation, one achieves everything by her auspiciousness, when she is invoked in the right manner by meditating on her eternal conscious form.
  6. One indeed attains tranquility of mind and all other fruits, there is no doubt about it, he who meditates (on the devi) on Krishna paksha Chaturdashi or Ashtami of a month.
  7. While meditating on the conscious form of devi during recitation of devi mahatmyam, he should give himself in surrender to her lotus feet, and receive in return her grace; Otherwise, she is not pleased (by mechanical recitation of devi mahatmyam bereft of devotion), in this manner, by the keela (pin of keelaka stotram) Mahadeva pinned the mantras of devi mahatmyam (making the meditation on the conscious form of devi the central theme).
  8. He who after unpinning the keelaka makes her manifest (i.e., invokes her conscious form in the heart), and then recites the Chandi, by constantly dwelling (on her conscious form), he becomes a siddha (spiritually accomplished), he becomes a gana (an attendant of the devi), he becomes a gandharva (celestial singer who glorifies the devi), truly.
  9. He indeed does not become handicapped (prematurely) with major diseases; fear does not rise in him anywhere (which leads to unnecessary anxiety), he does not become victim of premature death; and after death attains moksha (liberation).
  10. Only after knowing (the keelakam), he should begin (reciting the devi mahatmyam); if not done in this manner, he is deprived (of the fruits of recitation), therefore only after knowing this fully (i.e. understanding the keelaka fully), the wise men begin reciting the devi mahatmyam.
  11. Whatever good fortune, beauty, charm and the like are seen in women, all that is the result of your grace; Therefore women should chant this auspicious stotra and meditate on the auspicious form of the devi.
  12. If this stotra is chanted gently (without haste) (meditating on its true import), one attains (spiritual) wealth of the highest kind, one indeed becomes the whole (i.e., fragmentation of the ego gradually melts and one feels the conscious form of devi behind everything); therefore, one should undertake the chanting of this keelaka.
  13. By whose grace divine qualities are awakened; by whose presence good fortune, health (freedom from disease) and wealth are manifested, by whose mercy enemies are eradicated; (and) by whose special grace one finally attains the highest liberation (moksha); why should’nt she be praised by the people (who is all-merciful)?
  14. The person who constantly remembers (the conscious form of) devi Chandika with devotion, attains his innermost longing; and devi always dwells in his heart.
  15. First of all, the preventive measure of keelaka created by Mahadeva (i.e. the pin of keelaka) should be unpinned, and then after doing that one should recite (the devi mahatmyam) with concentration (meditating on the conscious form of the devi).
 
Kshama Prayer
  1. Oh, great goddess, I commit thousands of offences routinely, so please think me as your slave and please pardon me.
  2. I do not how to invoke you, nor do I know how to send you away, and I also do not know how to worship you, and please pardon me.
  3. I do not know chants or holy action or devotion, Oh God of the devas, and so whatever worship I do, please make it complete.
  4. If one calls you, Mother of the universe and commits hundred mistakes, still you look after his salvation, and this cannot be done by Brahma and other devas.
  5. Oh, mother of the universe, having committed several mistakes I seek your refuge, and worthy of mercy, please decide on the fate according to your wishes.
  6. Oh, great goddess I have done whatever deficiency or excess, is all due to ignorance and wayward thoughts, and so excuse them all and be pleased with me.
  7. Oh, Goddess of love, oh, mother of the world, oh source of eternal happiness, please accept my worship and with love become pleased with me.
  8. Oh, goddess who is secret of secrets, please accept the chanting done by me, and make me powerful, through your grace, Oh Goddess of the devas.
 
॥ अथ कीलकस्तोत्रम् ॥
ॐ अस्य श्रीकीलकमन्त्रस्य शिवऋषिः, अनुष्टुप् छन्दः, श्रीमहासरस्वती देवता, श्रीजगदम्बाप्रीत्यर्थं
सप्तशतीपाठाङ्गत्वेन जपे विनियोगः । ॐ नमश्चण्डिकायै ।
मार्कण्डेय उवाच ।
ॐ विशुद्धज्ञानदेहाय त्रिवेदीदिव्यचक्षुषे । श्रेयःप्राप्तिनिमित्ताय नमः सोमार्धधारिणे ॥ १॥
सर्वमेतद्विजानीयान्मन्त्राणामपि कीलकम् । सोऽपि क्षेममवाप्नोति सततं जप्यतत्परः ॥ २॥
सिद्ध्यन्त्युच्चाटनादीनि कर्माणि सकलान्यपि । एतेन स्तुवतां देवीं स्तोत्रवृन्देन भक्तितः ॥ ३॥
न मन्त्रो नौषधं तस्य न किञ्चिदपि विद्यते । विना जप्येन सिद्ध्येत्तु सर्वमुच्चाटनादिकम् ॥ ४॥
समग्राण्यपि सेत्स्यन्ति लोकशङ्कामिमां हरः । कृत्वा निमन्त्रयामास सर्वमेवमिदं शुभम् ॥ ५॥
स्तोत्रं वै चण्डिकायास्तु तच्च गुह्यं चकार सः । समाप्नोति स पुण्येन तां यथावन्निमन्त्रणाम् ॥ ६॥
सोऽपि क्षेममवाप्नोति सर्वमेव न संशयः । कृष्णायां वा चतुर्दश्यामष्टम्यां वा समाहितः ॥ ७॥
ददाति प्रतिगृह्णाति नान्यथैषा प्रसीदति । इत्थं रूपेण कीलेन महादेवेन कीलितम् ॥ ८॥
यो निष्कीलां विधायैनां चण्डीं जपति नित्यशः । स सिद्धः स गणः सोऽथ गन्धर्वो जायते ध्रुवम् ॥ ९॥
न चैवापाटवं तस्य भयं क्वापि न जायते । नापमृत्युवशं याति मृते च मोक्षमाप्नुयात् ॥ १०॥
ज्ञात्वा प्रारभ्य कुर्वीत ह्यकुर्वाणो विनश्यति । ततो ज्ञात्वैव सम्पूर्णमिदं प्रारभ्यते बुधैः ॥ ११॥
सौभाग्यादि च यत्किञ्चिद् दृश्यते ललनाजने । तत्सर्वं तत्प्रसादेन तेन जप्यमिदं शुभम् ॥ १२॥
शनैस्तु जप्यमानेऽस्मिन् स्तोत्रे सम्पत्तिरुच्चकैः । भवत्येव समग्रापि ततः प्रारभ्यमेव तत् ॥ १३॥
ऐश्वर्यं तत्प्रसादेन सौभाग्यारोग्यमेव च । शत्रुहानिः परो मोक्षः स्तूयते सा न किं जनैः ॥ १४॥
चण्डिकां हृदयेनापि यः स्मरेत् सततं नरः । हृद्यं काममवाप्नोति हृदि देवी सदा वसेत् ॥ १५॥
अग्रतोऽमुं महादेवकृतं कीलकवारणम् । निष्कीलञ्च तथा कृत्वा पठितव्यं समाहितैः ॥ १६॥
         ॥ इति श्रीभगवत्याः कीलकस्तोत्रं समाप्तम् ॥
 
क्षमा प्रार्थना
अपराधसहस्त्राणि क्रियन्तेऽहर्निशं मया। दासोऽयमिति मां मत्वा क्षमस्व परमेश्वारि॥१॥
आवाहनं न जानामि न जानामि विसर्जनम्। पूजां चैव न जानामि क्षम्यतां परमेश्वारि॥२॥
मन्त्रहीनं क्रियाहीनं भक्तिहीनं सुरेश्वरि। यत्पूजितं मया देवि परिपूर्णं तदस्तु मे॥३॥
अपराधशतं कृत्वा जगदम्बेति चोच्चरेत्। यां गतिं समवाप्नोति न तां ब्रह्मादयः सुराः॥४॥
सापराधोऽस्मि शरणं प्राप्तस्त्वां जगदम्बिके। इदानीमनुकम्प्योऽहं यथेच्छसि तथा कुरू॥५॥
अज्ञानाद्विस्मृतेर्भ्रान्त्या यन्न्यूनमधिकं कृतम्। तत्सर्वं क्षम्यतां देवि प्रसीद परमेश्वरि॥६॥
कामेश्वंरि जगन्मातः सच्चिदानन्दविग्रहे। गृहाणार्चामिमां प्रीत्या प्रसीद परमेश्वरि॥७॥
गुह्यातिगुह्यगोप्त्री त्वं गुहाणास्मत्कृतं जपम्। सिद्धिर्भवतु मे देवि त्वत्प्रसादात्सुरेश्वरि॥८॥
श्रीदुर्गार्पणमस्तु।
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Devi Argala Strotam – Sri Durga Saptashati

4/4/2022

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Argala Strotam is the most famous prayer of Goddess Shakti written by Markandeya Rishi. It has a twenty-six Verse. Before commencing the Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmayam) chanting and after Devi Kavacham, Goddess’s devotees generally chant this, Strotam. The chanting of Argala strotam clear the impediment, obstruction, bolt, latch etc.
 
Mantra seeking Dharma, Artha & Kama - Chanter of this strotum can defeat all the stubborn obstacles with the power and blessing of Mother Durga. After chanting this verse, the chanter is also blessed with all the happiness with fame, success, and development. Chanter salutes to Devi Durga, who slayed the ferocious demons to grant dharma (path of righteousness), kama (fulfilment of desires) and artha (prosperity) to her devotees.
 
The strotam is the prayer to the Goddess Durga to bless the worldly desires and the ability to deal the problems and obstructions. The verse-wise prayer is explained hereunder. However, the strotam in Sanskrit is given at the end for benefits of all.
 
  1. In the first verse, seeker does salutations to nine aspects of mother. It is the mantra of victory and to get winning attitude.
    1. Jayanti - who is ever-victorious,
    2. Mangala - who is the bestower of auspiciousness,
    3. Kali - who is beyond kala or time,
    4. Bhadrakali - who is the controller of life and death,
    5. Kapalini - who wear a garland of skulls,
    6. Durga -who is Durgati-nashini,
    7. Shiva - who is ever-auspicious and one with Shiva as his consort,
    8. kshama - who is an embodiment of forbearance,
    9. Dhatri - who is the supporter of all beings,
    10. Swaha - who is the final receiver of the sacrificial oblations to gods, and
    11. Swadha - who is the final receiver of the sacrificial oblations to manes.  
  2. The seeker prays to Devi Chamundi who removes the worldly afflictions and sorrows and grants victory. The mind of the chanter also gets enlightened with this mantra. This verse also removes the evil eye, black magic, and spirit possession.
  3. Chanter salutes to Devi Durga, the destroyer of the demons madhu and kaitabha, who grants beauty, victory, glory and to destroy his (inner) enemies.
 
Note: Seeker seeks blessings from Ma Chamuda to grant him beauty, victory, glory and to destroy his (inner) enemies in all the following verses also (except last two).
 
  1. Chanter salutes to Devi Durga who destroyed the demon Mahishasura and gives great joy to her devotees. 
  2. Seeker salutes Devi Durga the slayer of the demon Raktabija and destroyed the demons Chanda and Munda, who gives protection of its chanter from blame, scandal, dishonor, shame, criticism, and deprecation.
  3. Seeker salutes Devi Durga, the destroyer of the demons Nishumbha and Shumbha, who bestows auspiciousness in the three worlds.
  4. Chanter salutes Devi Durga whose pair of feet is praised by all, and who is the bestower of all welfare and good fortune.
  5. Chanter salutes Devi Durga whose form and acts are beyond comprehension, and who is the destroyer of all enemies.
  6. Chanter salutes Devi Aparna (another name of devi Durga) to whom the devotees always bow with devotion and who keeps away the devotees from sins.
  7. Chanter salutes Devi Chandika, who bestows full devotion and destroy their diseases and ailments.
  8. Chanter seeks welfare of those who prays with great devotion and bhakti.
  9. Chanter seeks good fortune and abundant prosperity.
  10. Chanter seeks to destroy my enemies and to give great strength.
  11. Chanter seeks his welfare and to bestow excellent wealth. 
  12. Chanter salutes Devi Ambika, to whose feet the devas rub (i.e., touch) their heads adorned with jewels out of devotion, and to whose feet the heads of the mighty asuras adorned with jewels get subdued.
  13. Chanter seeks to make him full of knowledge, full of glory and full of the attributes of Lakshmi (beauty and prosperity).
  14. Chanter salutes Devi Durga, who destroys the mighty pride of the excessively violent and powerful demons.
  15. Chanter salutes Devi Chandika, who is the destroyer of the terrible demons with mighty pride.
  16. Chanter salutes the supreme Devi Ambika, who is always praised by lord Krishna with a continuous flow of devotion. And we all know his qualities of loving, caring, diplomacy, knowledge, wisdom, and cleverness, so one who chants this mantra with full devotion can have the qualities of Lord Krishna and get the name, fame, and overall growth.
  17. Chanter salutes the supreme goddess Durga, who is praised by the lord of the daughter of the Himachal Mountain (i.e., by lord Shiva).
  18. Chanter salutes the supreme goddess Durga, who is worshipped with true devotion by the consort of Indrani (i.e., by Indra deva).
  19. Chanter salutes Devi Ambika, who destroyed arrogance of the demons
  20. Chanter salutes Devi Chandika who gives rise to an upsurge of unbounded joy in the hearts of the devotees.
  21. Chanter salutes Devi, to grant him a beautiful wife matching my mental disposition. Such life partner would have been borne in higher caste who enables him to cross over this challenging world.
  22. chanter of this strotam obtains great fruits of the verses and is also blessed with huge wealth. He finds the true way of spirituality and a true master who leads him towards eternal truth.
Having read this stotra (i.e., the argala stotra), one should then read Durga Keelkam and the great stotra (i.e., the core Durga saptashati), this stotra (i.e., argala stotra) is equally revered like the saptashati; by reading this with devotion, one obtains difficult to obtain boons.
​

॥ अथ अर्गलास्तोत्रम् ॥
ॐ अस्य श्रीअर्गलास्तोत्रमन्त्रस्य विष्णुरृषिः, अनुष्टुप् छन्दः, श्रीमहालक्ष्मीर्देवता, श्रीजगदम्बाप्रीतये सप्तशतिपाठाङ्गत्वेन जपे विनियोगः । ॐ नमश्चण्डिकायै ।
मार्कण्डेय उवाच ।
ॐ जय त्वं देवि चामुण्डे जय भूतापहारिणि । जय सर्वगते देवि कालरात्रि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥ १॥
जयन्ती मङ्गला काली भद्रकाली कपालिनी । दुर्गा शिवा क्षमा धात्री स्वाहा स्वधा नमोऽस्तु ते ॥ २॥
मधुकैटभविध्वंसि विधातृवरदे नमः । रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥ ३॥
महिषासुरनिर्नाशि भक्तानां सुखदे नमः । रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥ ४॥
धूम्रनेत्रवधे देवि धर्मकामार्थदायिनि । रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥ ५॥
रक्तबीजवधे देवि चण्डमुण्डविनाशिनि । रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥ ६॥
निशुम्भशुम्भनिर्नाशि त्रैलोक्यशुभदे नमः । रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥ ७॥
वन्दिताङ्घ्रियुगे देवि सर्वसौभाग्यदायिनि । रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥ ८॥
अचिन्त्यरूपचरिते सर्वशत्रुविनाशिनि । रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥ ९॥
नतेभ्यः सर्वदा भक्त्या चापर्णे दुरितापहे । रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥ १०॥
स्तुवद्भ्यो भक्तिपूर्वं त्वां चण्डिके व्याधिनाशिनि । रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥ ११॥
चण्डिके सततं युद्धे जयन्ति पापनाशिनि । रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥ १२॥
देहि सौभाग्यमारोग्यं देहि देवि परं सुखम् । रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥ १३॥
विधेहि देवि कल्याणं विधेहि विपुलां श्रियम् । रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥ १४॥
विधेहि द्विषतां नाशं विधेहि बलमुच्चकैः । रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥ १५॥
सुरासुरशिरोरत्ननिघृष्टचरणेऽम्बिके । रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥ १६॥
विद्यावन्तं यशस्वन्तं लक्ष्मीवन्तञ्च मां कुरु । रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥ १७॥
देवि प्रचण्डदोर्दण्डदैत्यदर्पनिषूदिनि । रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥ १८॥
प्रचण्डदैत्यदर्पघ्ने चण्डिके प्रणताय मे । रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥ १९॥
चतुर्भुजे चतुर्वक्त्रसंस्तुते परमेश्वरि । रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥ २०॥
कृष्णेन संस्तुते देवि शश्वद्भक्त्या सदाम्बिके । रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥ २१॥
हिमाचलसुतानाथसंस्तुते परमेश्वरि । रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥ २२॥
इन्द्राणीपतिसद्भावपूजिते परमेश्वरि । रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥ २३॥
देवि भक्तजनोद्दामदत्तानन्दोदयेऽम्बिके । रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥ २४॥
भार्यां मनोरमां देहि मनोवृत्तानुसारिणीम् । रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥ २५॥
तारिणि दुर्गसंसारसागरस्याचलोद्भवे । रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥ २६॥
इदं स्तोत्रं पठित्वा तु महास्तोत्रं पठेन्नरः । सप्तशतीं समाराध्य वरमाप्नोति दुर्लभम् ॥ २७॥
॥ इति श्रीमार्कण्डेयपुराणे अर्गलास्तोत्रं समाप्तम् ॥
जय त्वं देवि चामुण्डे जय भूतापहारिणि ।
जय सर्वगते देवि कालरात्रि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥१॥
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Devi Kavacham – Sri Durga Saptashati

4/2/2022

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Kavacha is a Sanskrit word which means Armour. Devi Kavach is a collection of special 61 shlokas from the Markandey Purana and is part of the Durga Saptashati. This Kavacham (armour) protects the devotee in all parts of his body, in all places and in all difficulties. Every part of the body is mentioned and Devi, in all different forms, is being invoked for protection. It protects the devotee from the sufferings from all directions. Further the Goddess in various names and forms is glorified for happiness, wealth, health, power, and prosperity. It brings health, honor, wealth, and victory.

​The Sanskrit Verses are mentioned at the bottom of this article.

 
(It is recommended that before reading the chapter (1-13) of Sri Durga Saptashati, Kavacham, Argala and Keelkam should be recited. And after reading the chapter tantroktam Devi Suktam and Kshama Yachna should be done.)
 
Nine forms of mother are expounded in Vedas. The nine forms mothers are:
  1. Sailaputhri - The daughter of Himalayas,
  2. Brahmacharini - She who leads to salvation,
  3. Chandra Ganda - she who hangs the crescent in her bell,
  4. Kooshmanda - She who eats away the earth with its pain and sorrow,
  5. Skandamata - Mother of Lord Subrahmanya,
  6. Kathyayani - She who was born in the hermitage of Sage Kathyayana,
  7. Kalarathri - She who is the end of God of death,
  8. Mahagouri - The pure white Goddess and
  9. Sidhithidatri - She who gives Salvation.
 
One who remembers these nine mothers will not suffer even if he is burnt in fire, even if he has gone to war, even if he is very sad, even if he is terribly afraid of war. Anyone who remembers those names with devotion is also free of these fears and sorrows. The nine divine mothers - Kali (Chamunda), Varahi, Indrani, Vashnavi, Maheswari, Kumari, Lakshmi, Ishwari, Brahmi, ride on corpses, buffalo, Aira vat elephant, Garuda, Bull, Peacock, Lotus, Bull and Swan respectively are seen. All of them wear different types of ornaments and have different types of lusters, wear different type of gems and are seen on the chariots with very angry faces. They hold in their hands’ conch, mace, spear, plough, shield, tall spear, axe, trident, strong bow made of horns so that they can kill asuras, bless devotees and for the good of devas. (Shlokas 8-15)
 

The devotee chants the mantras to protect oneself in all directions, for victory, for protection of entire body & parts –
 
Hey strong Goddess, hey enthusiastic Goddess, hey goddess who removes fear of death, Hey Goddess who is extremely impossible to see and Hey Goddess, who increases the fear of your enemies, please protect us. (Shloka 16)
 
Protection in all directions (Shlokas 17-19):
Let Indrani (Power of Indra) protect me in the east, Agni (Female power of fire God, in the southeast, varahi (the power of varaha) in the south, Khadgadharini (She holds a sword), in the southwest, the power of Varuna (God of rain) in the west, the power of wind, in the northwest, Kaumari (the power of Lord Subrahmanya) in the north, Maheswari (The power of Lord Shiva) in the Northeast, Brahmani (Power of Lord Brahma) protect me at the top, Vaishnavi (Power of Vishnu) protect me below and let Chamunda who sits on a seat of Corpse thus protect me on all the ten sides.
 
For Victory (Shlokas 20-21):
Let Jaya (She who is Victory) stand before me, Vijaya (She who is always victorious) stand behind me, let Ajitha (She who cannot be won) stand to my left and Aparjitha (She who has never been defeated) stand on my right.
 
Protection of entire body (Shlokas 21 to 41):
Let Udhyothini (She who is ever prepared) protect my hair, Uma (goddess Parvati) my head, Maladhari (She who wears a garland) my forehead and Yasawini (She who is famous) my eye brows, Trinethra (She who has three eyes) the space between eye brows, Yamaganda (death to God of death) protect my nose, Sankhini (She who has a conch) the space between two eyes, Dwara Vasini (She who lives deep inside) my ears, Kalika (the black goddess) my cheeks, Sankari (Wife of Lord Parameshwara) the ear lobes, Sugandha (She who smells nice) the nose bridge, Charchiga (she who is above description) outside my mouth, lips be protected by Chandra Kala, (she who wears the crescent moon) Sarawati (Goddess of learning) my tongue, Kaumari (She who is a young girl) my teeth, chandika (she who cannot be measured) the middle of my neck, my throat be protected by Chitra Ganda(She who is picturesque), Mahamaya (great enchantress) the small tongue, Kamakshi(She who has attractive eyes) my beard, voice be protected by Sarva mangala. (She who gives all that is good), Bhadrakali (the black goddess who protects) my neck, Neelagreeva (the goddess who is blue) the back portion of my neck, Nalakoobari the neck joint, Khadgadharini (She who holds the sword) my shoulders, Vajradharini (She who holds Vajrayudha) my arms, dhandini (She who punishes) my hands, Ambika (she who is the mother of the world) protect my fingers, Sooleswari (she who holds the spear) protect my nails, Naleswari protect my abdomen, Mahadevi (The great goddess) protect my breasts and let Soka nasini (She who destroys sorrows) protect my mind, Lalitha (The goddess who is easy to attain) protect my heart, let Sooladharini (She who holds the trident) my stomach, Kamini (She who is lovable) protect my belly, Guhyeswari (She who is secret) protect my reproductive organs, sex organ be protected by Bhoothanada (She who is the ruler of all beings), my behind protected by Mahisha vahini, (She who rides on buffalo) my thighs by Bhagawathi (She who is the goddess), knees be protected by Vindhyavasini. (She who lives on Vindhya Mountains), my knee cap be protected by Mahabala (she who is very strong) who has been mentioned in the Vedas, the centre of the knee be protected by Vinayaki, (She who helps us carry out things without obstruction, the forelegs be protected by Narasimhi)(The female power of Lord Narasimha), the top of the feet be protected by Amithoujasi, the fingers of the feet be protected by Sreedhari (She who holds Maha lakshmi), the bottom of the feet by Thalavasini, Nails of the feet by Karali (She who is black with anger), hair all over the body by Oordhwakesi. (Goddess having long hair), the hair pores all over the body be protected by Kaubheri (The female power of the of Kubhera), skin be protected by Vagheeswari, (The goddess of words), Parvati (The daughter of the Mountain) protect my blood, flesh, juices bones and fat, my intestines be protected by Kala Rathri, (Goddess of Dark night) the bile be protected by Magudeswari, (Goddess who wears a crown, heart be protected by Padmavati (Goddess who sits on lotus), Choodamani (Goddess who is a great gem) protect my phlegm, the shine of my nails be protected by Jwalamukhi (She who has a face of a flame), all the joints be protected by Abhedya (She who cannot be injured), shadow be protected by Chatreswari (She who is like an umbrella) and Oh Brahmani (The female power of Lord Brahma) protect my semen, Dharmacharini (she walks on the path of Dharma), please protect my mind, intellect and my ego. Let the winds of the body viz. Prana, Apana, Vyana, Samana, Udhana. as well as fame, good name and wealth be protected by Chakreswari(She who wields the holy wheel). Hey Indrani(The female power of Lord Indra) protect my progeny and Hey Chandika (She who cannot be measured) protect my cows. Let Maha Lakshmi protect my sons, Let Bhairavi (Another name for Parvathy) protect my wife and let my way be protected by Kshemakari (She who looks after) who is victorious and lives everywhere.
 
Whichever part does not have protection, let all those be protected by you goddess who is the greatest and who destroys sins. (Shloka 42)
 
The one, who wishes all good to happen to him, should not walk a step without this Armour. One who travels to any direction protected by this armor will earn lot of money, get all sort of victory, and definitely get all his wishes fulfilled. The person will get unmatched wealth and all human beings that chant this will walk without fear, being victorious in all wars. (Shlokas 43-44)

He who daily reads this Armour of the Goddess, which is even difficult for devas to obtain, in dawn, noon and dusk with devotion would be able to realize the goddess in person. He would live for one hundred years without getting defeated in all the three worlds with no untimely death in his family. This would destroy all the poxes. All the effects artificial poisons with temporary and permanent effects would be destroyed. All the black magic done in this world, and the bad spirits which travel on the earth and in the sky, which are made in water, which can be created and which hear the suggestions like Kulaja, Mala, Shakini and dakini, the terrible spirits which travel in the ether, the ghosts which reside in the home, yakshas, gandarwahas, Rakshasas, Brahmarakshasas, Vetalas Koosmandas and Bhairavis will be destroyed by the sight of such a man. (Shlokas 45-52)

 

The king would honour him and for he will have the glitter of divine power and his fame will increase in this materialistic world. After reciting this Armour of the Goddess if one recites the “Devi Mahatmya (also called Chandi or Durga Sapthasathi) he would live in this world (Surrounded by forests and mountains) with sons and grandsons and in the end attain that salvation which even gods cannot get. (Shlokas 53-56)
 
Thus ends the Armour of the Goddess.
 
Reference: Kavcham, Sri Durga Saptashati, Markandaya Purana.

॥ अथ देवी कवचम् ॥
अस्य श्रीचण्डीकवचस्य ब्रह्मा ऋषिः , अनुष्टुप् छन्दः , चामुण्डा देवता , अङ्गन्यासोक्तमातरो बीजम् ,
दिग्बन्धदेवतास्तत्वम् , श्रीजगदम्बाप्रीत्यर्थे जपे विनियोगः । ॐ नमश्चण्डिकायै ।
मार्कण्डेय उवाच ।
ॐ यद्गुह्यं परमं लोके सर्वरक्षाकरं नृणाम् । यन्न कस्यचिदाख्यातं तन्मे ब्रूहि पितामह ॥ १॥
ब्रह्मोवाच ।
अस्ति गुह्यतमं विप्र सर्वभूतोपकारकम् । देव्यास्तु कवचं पुण्यं तच्छृणुष्व महामुने ॥ २॥
प्रथमं शैलपुत्रीति द्वितीयं ब्रह्मचारिणी । तृतीयं चन्द्रघण्टेति कूष्माण्डेति चतुर्थकम् ॥ ३॥
पञ्चमं स्कन्दमातेति षष्ठं कात्यायनी तथा । सप्तमं कालरात्रिश्च महागौरीति चाष्टमम् ॥ ४॥
नवमं सिद्धिदात्री च नवदुर्गाः प्रकीर्तिताः । उक्तान्येतानि नामानि ब्रह्मणैव महात्मना ॥ ५॥
अग्निना दह्यमानास्तु शत्रुमध्यगता रणे । विषमे दुर्गमे चैव भयार्ताः शरणं गताः ॥ ६।
न तेषां जायते किञ्चिदशुभं रणसङ्कटे । आपदं न च पश्यन्ति शोकदुःखभयङ्करीम् ॥ ७॥
यैस्तु भक्त्या स्मृता नित्यं तेषां वृद्धिः प्रजायते । ये त्वां स्मरन्ति देवेशि रक्षसि तान्न संशयः ॥ ८॥
प्रेतसंस्था तु चामुण्डा वाराही महिषासना । ऐन्द्री गजसमारूढा वैष्णवी गरुडासना ॥ ९॥
नारसिंही महावीर्या शिवदूती महाबला । माहेश्वरी वृषारूढा कौमारी शिखिवाहना ॥ १०॥
लक्ष्मीः पद्मासना देवी पद्महस्ता हरिप्रिया । श्वेतरूपधरा देवी ईश्वरी वृषवाहना ॥ ११॥
ब्राह्मी हंससमारूढा सर्वाभरणभूषिता । इत्येता मातरः सर्वाः सर्वयोगसमन्विताः ॥ १२॥
नानाभरणशोभाढ्या नानारत्नोपशोभिताः । श्रैष्ठैश्च मौक्तिकैः सर्वा दिव्यहारप्रलम्बिभिः ॥ १३॥
इन्द्रनीलैर्महानीलैः पद्मरागैः सुशोभनैः । दृश्यन्ते रथमारूढा देव्यः क्रोधसमाकुलाः ॥ १४॥
शङ्खं चक्रं गदां शक्तिं हलं च मुसलायुधम् । खेटकं तोमरं चैव परशुं पाशमेव च ॥ १५॥
कुन्तायुधं त्रिशूलं च शार्ङ्गमायुधमुत्तमम् । दैत्यानां देहनाशाय भक्तानामभयाय च ॥ १६॥
धारयन्त्यायुधानीत्थं देवानां च हिताय वै । नमस्तेऽस्तु महारौद्रे महाघोरपराक्रमे ॥ १७॥
महाबले महोत्साहे महाभयविनाशिनि । त्राहि मां देवि दुष्प्रेक्ष्ये शत्रूणां भयवर्धिनि ॥ १८॥
प्राच्यां रक्षतु मामैन्द्री आग्नेय्यामग्निदेवता । दक्षिणेऽवतु वाराही नैरृत्यां खड्गधारिणी ॥ १९॥
प्रतीच्यां वारुणी रक्षेद्वायव्यां मृगवाहिनी । उदीच्यां पातु कौबेरी ईशान्यां शूलधारिणी ॥ २०॥
ऊर्ध्वं ब्रह्माणी मे रक्षेदधस्ताद्वैष्णवी तथा । एवं दश दिशो रक्षेच्चामुण्डा शववाहना ॥ २१॥
जया मामग्रतः पातु विजया पातु पृष्ठतः । अजिता वामपार्श्वे तु दक्षिणे चापराजिता ॥ २२॥
शिखां मे द्योतिनी रक्षेदुमा मूर्ध्नि व्यवस्थिता । मालाधरी ललाटे च भ्रुवौ रक्षेद्यशस्विनी ॥ २३॥
नेत्रयोश्चित्रनेत्रा च यमघण्टा तु पार्श्वके । त्रिनेत्रा च त्रिशूलेन भ्रुवोर्मध्ये च चण्डिका ॥ २४॥
शङ्खिनी चक्षुषोर्मध्ये श्रोत्रयोर्द्वारवासिनी । कपोलौ कालिका रक्षेत् कर्णमूले तु शङ्करी ॥ २५॥
नासिकायां सुगन्धा च उत्तरोष्ठे च चर्चिका । अधरे चामृताबाला जिह्वायां च सरस्वती ॥ २६॥
दन्तान् रक्षतु कौमारी कण्ठदेशे तु चण्डिका । घण्टिकां चित्रघण्टा च महामाया च तालुके ॥ २७॥
कामाक्षी चिबुकं रक्षेद्वाचं मे सर्वमङ्गला । ग्रीवायां भद्रकाली च पृष्ठवंशे धनुर्धरी ॥ २८॥
नीलग्रीवा बहिः कण्ठे नलिकां नलकूबरी । स्कन्धयोः खड्गिनी रक्षेद् बाहू मे वज्रधारिणी ॥ २९॥
हस्तयोर्दण्डिनी रक्षेदम्बिका चाङ्गुलीषु च । नखाञ्छूलेश्वरी रक्षेत् कुक्षौ रक्षेन्नरेश्वरी ॥ ३०॥
स्तनौ रक्षेन्महादेवी मनःशोकविनाशिनी । हृदये ललिता देवी उदरे शूलधारिणी ॥ ३१॥
नाभौ च कामिनी रक्षेद् गुह्यं गुह्येश्वरी तथा । मेढ्रं रक्षतु दुर्गन्धा पायुं मे गुह्यवाहिनी ॥ ३२॥
कट्यां भगवती रक्षेदूरू मे मेघवाहना । जङ्घे महाबला रक्षेत् जानू माधवनायिका ॥ ३३॥
गुल्फयोर्नारसिंही च पादपृष्ठे तु कौशिकी । पादाङ्गुलीः श्रीधरी च तलं पातालवासिनी ॥ ३४॥
नखान् दंष्ट्रकराली च केशांश्चैवोर्ध्वकेशिनी । रोमकूपेषु कौमारी त्वचं योगीश्वरी तथा ॥ ३५॥
रक्तमज्जावसामांसान्यस्थिमेदांसि पार्वती । अन्त्राणि कालरात्रिश्च पित्तं च मुकुटेश्वरी ॥ ३६॥
पद्मावती पद्मकोशे कफे चूडामणिस्तथा । ज्वालामुखी नखज्वालामभेद्या सर्वसन्धिषु ॥ ३७॥
शुक्रं ब्रह्माणी मे रक्षेच्छायां छत्रेश्वरी तथा । अहङ्कारं मनो बुद्धिं रक्षेन्मे धर्मधारिणी ॥ ३८॥
प्राणापानौ तथा व्यानमुदानं च समानकम् । वज्रहस्ता च मे रक्षेत् प्राणान् कल्याणशोभना ॥ ३९॥
रसे रूपे च गन्धे च शब्दे स्पर्शे च योगिनी । सत्त्वं रजस्तमश्चैव रक्षेन्नारायणी सदा ॥ ४०॥
आयू रक्षतु वाराही धर्मं रक्षतु पार्वती । यशः कीर्तिं च लक्ष्मीं च सदा रक्षतु वैष्णवी ॥ ४१॥
गोत्रमिन्द्राणी मे रक्षेत् पशून् रक्षेच्च चण्डिका । पुत्रान् रक्षेन्महालक्ष्मीर्भार्यां रक्षतु भैरवी ॥ ४२॥
धनेश्वरी धनं रक्षेत् कौमारी कन्यकां तथा । पन्थानं सुपथा रक्षेन्मार्गं क्षेमङ्करी तथा ॥ ४३॥
राजद्वारे महालक्ष्मीर्विजया सतत स्थिता । रक्षाहीनं तु यत् स्थानं वर्जितं कवचेन तु ॥ ४४॥
तत्सर्वं रक्ष मे देवि जयन्ती पापनाशिनी । सर्वरक्षाकरं पुण्यं कवचं सर्वदा जपेत् ॥ ४५॥
इदं रहस्यं विप्रर्षे भक्त्या तव मयोदितम् ॥ पादमेकं न गच्छेत् तु यदीच्छेच्छुभमात्मनः ॥ ४६॥
कवचेनावृतो नित्यं यत्र यत्रैव गच्छति । तत्र तत्रार्थलाभश्व विजयः सार्वकालिकः ॥ ४७॥
 यं यं चिन्तयते कामं तं तं प्राप्नोति निश्चितम् । परमैश्वर्यमतुलं प्राप्स्यते भूतले पुमान् ॥ ४८॥
निर्भयो जायते मर्त्यः सङ्ग्रामेष्वपराजितः । त्रैलोक्ये तु भवेत्पूज्यः कवचेनावृतः पुमान् ॥ ४९॥
इदं तु देव्याः कवचं देवानामपि दुर्लभम् । यः पठेत्प्रयतो नित्यं त्रिसन्ध्यं श्रद्धयान्वितः ॥ ५०॥
दैवीकला भवेत्तस्य त्रैलोक्ये चापराजितः । जीवेद्वर्षशतं साग्रमपमृत्युविवर्जितः ॥ ५१॥
नश्यन्ति व्याधयः सर्वे लूताविस्फोटकादयः । स्थावरं जङ्गमं चैव कृत्रिमं चैव यद्विषम् ॥ ५२॥
अभिचाराणि सर्वाणि मन्त्रयन्त्राणि भूतले । भूचराः खेचराश्चैव कुलजाश्चौपदेशिकाः ॥ ५३॥
सहजा कुलजा माला डाकिनी शाकिनी तथा । अन्तरिक्षचरा घोरा डाकिन्यश्च महारवाः ॥ ५४॥
ग्रहभूतपिशाचाश्च यक्षगन्धर्वराक्षसाः । ब्रह्मराक्षसवेतालाः कूष्माण्डा भैरवादयः ॥ ५५॥
नश्यन्ति दर्शनात्तस्य कवचेनावृतो हि यः । मानोन्नतिर्भवेद्राज्ञस्तेजोवृद्धिः परा भवेत् ॥ ५६॥
यशोवृद्धिर्भवेत् पुंसां कीर्तिवृद्धिश्च जायते । तस्मात् जपेत् सदा भक्तः कवचं कामदं मुने ॥ ५७॥
जपेत् सप्तशतीं चण्डीं कृत्वा तु कवचं पुरा । निर्विघ्नेन भवेत् सिद्धिश्चण्डीजपसमुद्भवा ॥ ५८॥
यावद्भूमण्डलं धत्ते सशैलवनकाननम् । तावत्तिष्ठति मेदिन्यां सन्ततिः पुत्रपौत्रिकी ॥ ५९॥
देहान्ते परमं स्थानं सुरैरपि सुदुर्लभम् । प्राप्नोति पुरुषो नित्यं महामायाप्रसादतः ॥ ६०॥
तत्र गच्छति गत्वासौ पुनश्चागमनं नहि । लभते परमं स्थानं शिवेन समतां व्रजेत् ॥ ६१॥
॥ इति श्रीमार्कण्डेयपुराणे हरिहरब्रह्मविरचितं देवीकवचं समाप्तम् ॥
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Ma Durga, Navratri, and Sri Durga Saptashati

4/1/2022

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Picture
Shakti, the Mother Goddess, is the all-pervading energy principle in the universe. She is the source of delusion and ignorance (maya) whereby beings cannot perceive themselves as eternal souls, or the world as a mere projection or illusion. She is responsible for the modifications in the world, desires and attachments, and evolution of forms.

Who:
She has both manifested and unmanifested aspects. In her manifested aspect she executes the will of God to bring forth the material world and beings by differentiating herself into multiple realities and triple attributes (Sattvika, Rajasika and Tamas).

She is known by many names such as Uma, Parvati, Prakriti, Devi, Durga, Chandi, Lalitha, Kali, Isvari, Maheshvari, and so on. She is the eternal consort of Sri Rudra or Lord Shiva as Devi Parvati. She has a variety of expansions as per various shastras. Her expansions comprise Nav Durga, Chausath yoginis, Shodash Matrikas, Dus Mahavidya etc.


When:
Twice in a year, special celebrations and elaborate worship of Devi Durga are done for nine days, called as Navratri. These two Navratri periods fall near spring season (Vasant Navratri - in Shukla paksh of Chaitra month i.e., March – April) and near autumn season (Sharada Navratri - in Shukla paksh of Ashwin month i.e., September – October).

Why:
As stated in Argala Stotram (17):
विद्यावन्तं यशस्वन्तं लक्ष्मीवन्तञ्च मां कुरु । रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥ १७॥
Translation:
O Devi Durga! Kindly bless me with knowledge, fame, wealth, beauty, victory, glory and let me conquer all my enemies.

 
* Her worship benefits her devotees from all material angles.
* She is the remover of miseries
* She motivates the person to work hard and get a higher position in the terms of material prosperity.
* She blesses her devotees with material psychic powers and siddhis.
* She awards liberation from all sorts of negativities and lack of peace of mind.
* She awards wealth, fame, beauty, recognition, prosperity, progeny, strength, and all sorts of bodily comforts.
 
How:
Durga Saptashati (also known as Devi Mahatmyam and Chandi Patha) is a religious text which is comprised in Markandeya Purana and Shiva Purana This text consists of 700 verses arranged into 13 chapters.  The verses of this text are recited during Navratri celebrations, the Durga Puja festivals, and Durga temples. Durga Saptashati addresses the tale of a battle between good and evil. Ma Durga is the great Warrior Goddess, an embodiment of the lethal energy of divine anger when turned against evil. She conquered the evilest demon in the world – Mahishasura, who took many different forms during the battle with Durga.

There are two methods to start reading Devi Mahatmym – Trayangam and Navangam. Trayangam is a method in which we need to chant three prayers – Devi Kavacham, Argala Stotram and Devi Keelakam followed by Navakshari Mantram. Navangam is a method for which nine prayers are recited prior of starting to read the book. Navangam stotrams are - Devi Nyasa, Devi Avahana, Devi Namani, Argala Stotram, Keelaka Stotram, Devi Hrudaya, Dhala, Devi Dhyana and Devi Kavacha.

The Durga Saptashati is comprised of three Charitras, namely Prathama, Madhyama and Uttama in thirteen chapters. The Prathama Charitra describes the glories of the Divine mother as revealed by a Rishi to a Vaishya and Raja Suratha who prayed to the Rishi to alleviate his problems while roaming about the forest after being abandoned by his kith and kin.

Madhyama Charitra (In the Second), the Avatar of Goddess Mahalakshmi, the slaying of Mahishasura along with his entire army of warriors, Eulogy of the Divine mother by the Gods, and granting of boons to Indra and other Gods by the Divine Mother have been described vividly.

Uttama Charitra (The Third ) describes the slaying of Chanda-Munda and other demons by the Divine mother through her Fiery eye as an answer to the prayer by the Gods who were aggrieved by the pains inflicted by Shumba and other wicked demons, the Avatar of Brahmi, Maheshwari and other divine goddesses from the body of the Divine Mother, the slaying of Raktabija, Nishumbha and Shumbha by the Divine Mother, Eulogy of the Divine Mother by the Gods and her granting wishes to them, worship of the Divine Mother by Suratha and Samadhi, and vision of the pleased Divine mother granted to them, granting of Kingdom to King Suratha and Divine knowledge to the Vaishya.

Each chapter should be read in single sitting. Due to any reason, Parayana is stopped in between a chapter; the whole chapter should be read again.

Sri Durga Saptashati published by Gita press (Gorakhpur) has lucidly explained the methodology of its worship. The sequence of worship is – Ath Saptshaloki, Sri Durga ashtotarshatnam Strotam, Kavacham, Argala Strotam, Keelkam, Vedic ratri suktam, Tantric ratri suktam, Sri devythvarshersham, Navarn vidhi, Saptshati nayasa, thirteen chapters of Durga Saptashati, Shama Prayer etc.

Spiritual Significance:
Each chapter of Durga Saptashati corresponds to the hurdles in the journey of self-realization.
  1. Madhu And Kaitabh (Sweet and Sour Taste) – The seeker needs to be unaffected the duality of taste, sweet or bitter. For this, you do not need to force it for you cannot destroy your sense of taste.
  2. Mahishasura (Anger and Lust) – It is difficult to curb anger and lust. The seeker should channelize and transform anger and lust into compassion and love & affection.  
  3. Dhumralochan (Dhumra: Smoke, Lochan: Eyes/ Sight) - The eyes are a constant source of information and distraction at the same time. But the seeker needs to stay unbothered by these illusions and not to get distracted from the path of self-realization.
  4. Chanda And Munda (Passion, Inner Conflict and Violence) – The seeker should have only passion for self-realization. Any other passion, no matter good or bad and the inner conflict often divert us.
  5. Raktabija (Desires) - Every drop of blood Raktabija sheds gave rise to another demon as it touches the earth. So, to kill the demon, she took the avatar of goddess Kali. With her huge mouth and enormous tongue, she ferociously sucked Raktabija’s blood, thus stopped the uprising of further demons. Desires are Raktabija; one leading to next and this series is endless.
  6. Shumbh And Nishumbh (Pleasant and Unpleasant) - Seeker must stop classifying things as good or bad and just have to rise above them. And when you rise above such thoughts, all left behind is love and compassion that is your intrinsic nature.  
  7. Surath And Samadhi (Good Path and Oneness) – Once, the seeker has defeated all the demons, it’s now your turn to achieve ultimate reward – Samadhi. Surat is wisdom and intellect that guides you to ultimate truth – Samadhi, the oneness with the divine.
Durga Saptashati is much more than meaninglessly chanting. For a devoted seeker, it is important to understand the esoteric meaning of Durga Saptashati and follow them, in order to attain the goal of self-realization and ultimate Samadhi.

In coming days, various parts of Durga Saptashati shall be published. Also see articles already published on Navratri on the website.
 
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