Shri Durga Saptashati: All 13 Chapters with Meaning in Simple Words

The Shri Durga Saptashati is the part of the Markandeya Puran that sings the glory of the Divine Mother and her victories over the asuras. Saptashati means seven hundred: it has 700 verses, each treated as a mantra. It is also called the Devi Mahatmya and the Chandi Path. The sage Medha told it to King Suratha and the merchant Samadhi.

The three charitras (episodes)

• First charitra (chapter 1): Devi Mahakali; Vishnu's yogic sleep and the slaying of Madhu and Kaitabha.
• Middle charitra (chapters 2 to 4): Devi Mahalakshmi; the army of Mahishasura, his slaying and the gods' hymn of praise.
• Final charitra (chapters 5 to 13): Devi Mahasaraswati; Shumbha and Nishumbha, Dhumralochana, Chanda and Munda, Raktabija, the Narayani Stuti and the boons to Suratha and the merchant.

The traditional order of path

Before the path the Kavacha, Argala and Kilaka are recited, then the thirteen chapters, and finally the Devi Suktam and a prayer for forgiveness. In Navratri those who cannot read it all in a day traditionally read chapter 1 on day one, 2 and 3 on day two, 4 on day three, 5 to 8 on day four, 9 and 10 on day five, 11 on day six, and 12 and 13 on day seven. A pure mind matters most; those who cannot recite the Sanskrit may read or hear the story with its meaning.

Common questions

How many chapters are in the Durga Saptashati?

Thirteen chapters and 700 verses, in three charitras.

Which Purana is it from?

The Markandeya Puran, chapters 81 to 93.

Can it be read in Hindi or English?

Yes. Devotion is what counts. If Sanskrit is not possible, reading or hearing it with its meaning is also a path of faith.