Devi Mahatmayam
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Devi Mahatmayam, also known as Durga Saptashati, Sri Chandi or Saptashati, is from the Markandeya Mahapuran. Devi Mahatmayamm literally means ‘Glory of the Goddess’. Here the seven hundred mantra story describes the victory of the Goddess over the Asuras (Madhu-Kaitabha, Mahishasura and Shambha-Nishumbha) — representing the conquest and freedom from the tamsik Mahakali (Chapter 1), rajsik Mahalakshmi (Chapters 2–4) and satvik Mahasaraswati (Chapters 5–13) forces. Her adversaries represent the all-too-human impulses arising from the pursuit of power, possessions, pleasure and from the illusions of self-importance.
The Devi, personified as one supreme Goddess and many goddesses, confronts the demons within us — representing the field of human consciousness within each person.
Spiritual practice of Sadhaka, facing three forces be,
Of Tamas, Rajas, Sattva — stage by stage gradually;
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Devi-Mahatmayam has special meaning for spirituality,
With illumination, wisdom, strength to freedom fi nally!
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After the slaying of these basic three qualities only,
Does dawn ‘Dashmi Dhashahra’ — the fi nal victory.
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Devi-Mahatmayam or Durga Saptashati Katha but be,
Showing the path of life to the whole of humanity;
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Very much like the holy Bhagwat Gita undoubtedly,
As the song of the Lord for enlightenment does be.
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To the integral character of the spiritual practice glory,
Glory to Man, village, town, country, universe, God be!
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