Divine Power of Devi Durga & Chandi Path
April 18, 2025
Divine Power of Devi Durga & Chandi Path
Devi Durga, the embodiment of supreme energy, is the Goddess of Power (Shakti) and the source of all creation, righteousness, and truth. Her presence pervades the entire universe.
Shri Durga Saptashati (Seven Hundred Verses of Devi Durga), also known as Devi Mahatmya or Chandi Path, is one of the most revered scriptures dedicated to the Goddess. Devotees believe that reading, chanting, or listening to the Durga Saptashati fulfills all desires and grants divine blessings.
Benefits of Chanting Durga Saptashati
It is traditionally believed that Durga Saptashati:
- Removes negative planetary influences
- Grants success in all areas of life
- Bestows knowledge, peace, happiness, good fortune, and fame
- Eliminates fears, suffering, diseases, and misfortunes
- Brings protection, wealth, authority, and divine grace
- Ensures liberation from bondages and enhances spiritual growth
The Navarna Mantra—
“ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे॥
is considered extremely powerful in invoking the energy of Goddess.
Significance and Origin of Durga Puja
Durga Puja marks the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of Dharma over Adharma. This festival is celebrated during Devi Paksha, the 15-day period in the lunar month of Ashwin.
Originally, Chaitra Navratri was the primary period for worshiping Goddess Durga. However, during Lord Rama’s time, worship shifted to Sharadiya Navratri. According to legends, Lord Rama performed Chandi Homa and invoked the Goddess before his battle with Ravana, which is known as Akal Bodhan (untimely invocation). This event established the tradition of Durga Puja during Sharad Navratri.
Sanskrit Verse on the Significance of Navratri:
शरदिन्दुकरप्रख्यं नवरात्रे विशेषतः।
पूजितं येन देवेशि तस्य श्रेयः परं भवेत्॥
“One who worships the Divine Mother during Navratri, when the moon shines like autumn, attains the highest welfare.”
Structure of Durga Saptashati (Chandi Path)
Durga Saptashati is composed of 700 verses divided into 13 chapters, contained within the Markandeya Purana. The scripture is divided into three sections (Charitras):
- Pratham Charitra (Mahakali) – Chapter 1
- Describes how Lord Brahma prayed to Goddess Mahamaya to awaken Lord Vishnu from his Yogic sleep (Yoganidra) to defeat the demons Madhu and Kaitabha.
- Madhyam Charitra (Mahalakshmi) – Chapters 2–4
- Describes how the Goddess, formed by the combined energy of all deities, defeats Mahishasura and becomes known as Mahishasuramardini.
- Uttam Charitra (Mahasaraswati) – Chapters 5–13
- Describes the defeat of Shumbha, Nishumbha, and other demons by the Goddess in her most radiant form.
Important Stotras in Durga Saptashati
- Saptashloki Durga (7 powerful prayers)
- Durga Dwatrinsha Naamavali (32 names of Durga)
- Durga Ashtottara Shatanama Stotram (108 names of Durga)
- Tantroktam Ratri Suktam (for spiritual liberation)
- Devi Kavacham (for protection)
- Siddha Kunjika Stotram (most powerful mantra revealed by Lord Shiva)
Sanskrit Verse Describing Goddess Durga as per Shiva:
शिव उवाच:
देवि त्वं भक्तसुलभे सर्वकार्यविधायिनी।
कल्याणे परमेशानि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥
“O Devi! You are easily accessible to your devotees, the fulfiller of all their wishes. You are the supreme bestower of auspiciousness. Salutations to you, O Narayani!”
The Most Powerful Mantra of Goddess Durga
“ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे॥”
This mantra represents:
- Aing (ऐं) – Creation (Brahma Shakti – Saraswati)
- Hring (ह्रीं) – Preservation (Vishnu Shakti – Lakshmi)
- Kling (क्लीं) – Destruction (Rudra Shakti – Durga)
It signifies that all three cosmic functions of the universe are under the divine power of Goddess Durga.
Methods of Performing Chandi Path (Durga Saptashati Parayan)
Daily Full Recitation for 9 Days (Most Powerful Method)
Reciting all 13 chapters daily for 9 days during Navratri, along with:
- Chandi Kavacham
- Argala Stotram
- Keelak Stotram
- Narvaran Mantra (108 times)
- Siddha Kunjika Stotram
- Kshama Prarthana
Recitation in 3 Charitras (3 Times in 9 Days)
- 1st Day: Pratham Charitra (Mahakali) – Chapter 1
- 2nd Day: Madhyam Charitra (Mahalakshmi) – Chapters 2–4
- 3rd Day: Uttam Charitra (Mahasaraswati) – Chapters 5–13
- Repeating the same cycle for 9 days, culminating with Purnahuti (Yajna) on the 9th day.
Recitation of a Single Charitra for 9 Days
- Pratham Charitra (Mahakali) – for power & victory over enemies
- Madhyam Charitra (Mahalakshmi) – for wealth & prosperity
- Uttam Charitra (Mahasaraswati) – for knowledge & spiritual growth
Ekadasha Adhyaya Patha (Shorter Version for 9 Days)
- Reciting only Chapter 11 along with Chandi Kavacham, Siddha Kunjika Stotram, and Kshama Prarthana for 9 days.
The Connection of Shiva and Shakti
Shiva is cosmic potential energy, Shakti is cosmic kinetic energy.
- Shiva represents pure consciousness (static)
- Shakti represents dynamic energy (movement & creation)
When Shiva and Shakti are balanced, one experiences the purest form of awareness and bliss.
“हारे हरे महादेव!”
“Hara Hara Mahadeva!”
Worship of Shiva-Shakti is ultimately nature worship—living in harmony with the divine forces of creation and dissolution.
Final Note
Reciting Durga Saptashati during Navratri is a powerful spiritual practice that brings divine blessings, prosperity, strength, and inner transformation.
“हरिः ॐ तत्सत्।”
“Hari Om Tat Sat.”
