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Durga Saptashati — श्रीदुर्गासप्तशती (Devi Mahatmyam)

The Devi Mahatmyam or Chandi Path — 700 verses in 13 chapters from the Markandeya Purana, glorifying the Divine Mother as the supreme Shakti who slays every demon and protects the universe. The supreme scripture of Goddess worship, recited above all during Navratri.

The Three Charitas

Prathama Charita (Chapter 1)

Presiding Devi: Mahakali

The First Episode — presided over by Mahakali. The rishi Brahma is its seer, and it tells the Madhu-Kaitabha story revealing the Goddess as Yoganidra.

Madhyama Charita (Chapters 2–4)

Presiding Devi: Mahalakshmi

The Middle Episode — presided over by Mahalakshmi. It narrates the rise and destruction of Mahishasura and the hymns of the gods.

Uttama Charita (Chapters 5–13)

Presiding Devi: Mahasaraswati

The Final Episode — presided over by Mahasaraswati. It tells of Shumbha, Nishumbha, Raktabija and the great hymns to the Goddess.

The 13 Chapters

Tap any chapter to read all its verses in Sanskrit, with transliteration and meaning. (More chapters are added continually.)

Madhu-Kaiṭabha Vadha

90 verses

The slaying of Madhu and Kaitabha — Yoganidra (Mahamaya) wakes Vishnu to destroy the two demons born of his ear-wax.

Mahiṣāsura-Sainya Vadha

68 verses

The destruction of Mahishasura's armies by the radiant Goddess formed from the gods' combined energy.

Mahiṣāsura Vadha

41 verses

The slaying of the buffalo-demon Mahishasura himself by Goddess Durga.

Śakrādi Stuti

Coming soon

Indra and the gods praise the Goddess with the Shakradi Stuti after the victory.

Devī-Dūta Saṃvāda

Coming soon

The Goddess's dialogue with Shumbha's messenger — contains the famous 'Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu' hymn.

Dhūmralocana Vadha

Coming soon

The slaying of the demon-general Dhumralochana.

Caṇḍa-Muṇḍa Vadha

Coming soon

Kali (Chamunda) springs from the Goddess and slays Chanda and Munda.

Raktabīja Vadha

Coming soon

The slaying of Raktabija, every drop of whose blood became a new demon.

Niśumbha Vadha

Coming soon

The slaying of the demon Nishumbha.

Śumbha Vadha

Coming soon

The slaying of Shumbha, the last great demon-king.

Nārāyaṇī Stuti

Coming soon

The gods praise the Goddess as Narayani; she foretells her future incarnations.

Phalaśruti

Coming soon

The Goddess proclaims the fruits and merits of reciting the Devi Mahatmyam.

Suratha-Vaiśya Varapradāna

Coming soon

The Goddess grants boons to King Suratha and the merchant Samadhi.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Durga Saptashati?▼

The Durga Saptashati — also called the Devi Mahatmyam or Chandi Path — is a 700-verse Sanskrit scripture from the Markandeya Purana that glorifies the Divine Mother as the supreme power (Shakti) behind creation, preservation and destruction. In 13 chapters it narrates how the Goddess slays the demons Madhu-Kaitabha, Mahishasura, and Shumbha-Nishumbha to protect the gods and the world.

How many chapters and verses are in the Durga Saptashati?▼

The Durga Saptashati has 13 chapters (adhyayas) and about 700 verses (shlokas) — hence the name "Sapta-shati" (seven hundred). The chapters are grouped into three episodes (charitas): Prathama (Chapter 1, Mahakali), Madhyama (Chapters 2–4, Mahalakshmi) and Uttama (Chapters 5–13, Mahasaraswati).

What are the benefits of reciting the Durga Saptashati?▼

Devotees recite the Durga Saptashati — especially during Navratri — for the Goddess's protection, for victory over difficulties and inner "demons", for removal of fear, disease and negativity, and for prosperity, courage and spiritual strength. The text itself (in its Phalashruti, Chapter 12) declares that sincere recitation destroys all obstacles and grants the Mother's grace.

When and how should the Durga Saptashati be recited?▼

It is most commonly recited during the nine days of Navratri, and on Ashtami and Navami. A traditional parayan is preceded by the Devi Kavacham, Argala Stotram and Keelakam, and each chapter opens with its own dhyana (meditation) verse. Many devotees read one charita or chapter a day so as to complete the whole text over Navratri.