Durga Saptashati Recitation Sequence (in Shastriya Vidhi) is a sacred traditional method of chanting the powerful text of Durga Saptashati, also known as Devi Mahatmya or Chandi Path. This revered scripture consists of 700 verses divided into 13 chapters, which praise the divine feminine energy embodied by Goddess Durga and narrate her glorious victories over evil.
Following the Shastriya Vidhi or scriptural procedure for recitation ensures that the spiritual benefits, protective grace, and transformative power of this text are fully realized. Devotees may adopt different methods depending on time and occasion, with the two most popular being the Trayangam and Navangam methods.
The Trayangam method involves chanting three essential prayers—Devi Kavacham (protective verses), Argala Stotram (invocation for blessings), and Keelaka Stotram (energizing the ritual space)—followed by the Navakshari Mantram (a powerful nine-syllable mantra). This concise approach suits those seeking a complete recital in one sitting with deep focus and faith.
The Navangam method is more elaborate, including nine stotrams such as Devi Nyasa, Devi Avahana (invocation), Devi Namani, Argala Stotram, Keelaka Stotram, Devi Hrudaya, Dhala, Devi Dhyana (meditation), and Devi Kavacha before commencing the main text. This thorough method is preferred for special occasions like Navratri.
Shastriya Vidhi also emphasizes the importance of discipline in the recitation—performing a sankalpa (resolve) before starting, reading with accurate pronunciation, offering devotion and concentration without distractions, and following prescribed chapter-wise divisions if reciting over multiple days.
By following the Durga Saptashati Recitation Sequence-Shastriya Vidhi, devotees invoke the divine Shakti, protection from negativity, fulfillment of desires, and spiritual upliftment, connecting deeply with the cosmic feminine power.
Preliminary Rituals (Purvanga)
Before beginning the main recitation, these preparatory steps are essential:
- Prokshan (Sprinkling of Water) – Purify yourself and the space with sanctified water.
- Achaman (Sipping Water) – Three sips of water with mantras to purify speech and body.
- Sankalpa (Vow) – Declare your intention for the path (e.g., for peace, protection, spiritual growth).
- Utkeelan (Unlocking the Power) – Chant to remove the spiritual locks on the text.
- Shaapoddhaar (Curse Removal) – Neutralize any curses associated with improper recitation.
- Kavach (Armor) – Recite the Devi Kavach to invoke divine protection.
- Argala Stotra (Invocation) – Request Devi’s blessings and grace.
- Keelak Stotra (Pin Removal) – Unlock the hidden potency of the mantras.
Main Recitation (Durga Saptashati – 13 Chapters)
The text is divided into three Charitras (Episodes):
| Episode | Chapters | Goddess Form |
|---|---|---|
| Pratham Charitra | Chapter 1 | Mahakali |
| Madhyam Charitra | Chapters 2–4 | Mahalakshmi |
| Uttam Charitra | Chapters 5–13 | Mahasaraswati |
Each chapter narrates a divine battle and victory over demonic forces, symbolizing inner transformation.
If you wish to spread the recitation across nine days of Navaratri, here’s a suggested schedule:
🗓️ Suggested Daily Sequence During Navaratri (If not reciting all at once)
| Day | Chapters to Recite |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Chapter 1 |
| Day 2 | Chapters 2 & 3 |
| Day 3 | Chapter 4 |
| Day 4 | Chapters 5–8 |
| Day 5 | Chapters 9 & 10 |
| Day 6 | Chapter 11 |
| Day 7 | Chapters 12 & 13 |
| Day 8 | Devi Rahasya, Havan, and Prayer |
| Day 9 | Kanya Puja and Purnahuti |
1. दुर्गा सप्तशती संकल्प मंत्र (Sankalpa Mantra)
In Sanskrit
ॐ अस्य श्रीदुर्गासप्तशतीस्तोत्रमन्त्रस्य ब्रह्मा ऋषिः, अनुष्टुप् छन्दः, श्रीमहाकाली, महालक्ष्मी, महासरस्वती देवता, श्रीदुर्गाप्रीत्यर्थं सप्तशतीपाठं करिष्ये।
In English
“Om asya śrī-durgā-saptashatī-stotra-mantrasya brahmā ṛṣiḥ, anuṣṭup chandaḥ, śrī-mahākālī, mahālakṣmī, mahāsarasvatī devatāḥ, śrī-durgā-prītyarthaṁ saptashatī-pāṭhaṁ kariṣye।”
Translation:
“Om! For this sacred Durga Saptashati hymn, the seer is Brahma, the meter is Anushtup, and the deities are Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati. For the pleasure and grace of Goddess Durga, I now begin the recitation of the Saptashati.”
2. Durga Saptashati Havan Mantra Set
Performing a sacred fire ritual (havan) during Navaratri—especially on Ashtami or Navami—is considered highly auspicious. Here’s how to do it:
Main Havan Mantra (for each offering):
In Sanskrit
ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे स्वाहा।
In English
“Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche Swaha”
This is the core bija mantra of Goddess Durga, invoking her power and protection.
Chapter-wise Offering Mantra (Optional):
At the end of each chapter of Durga Saptashati, you may offer a ghee-soaked item (like barley or sesame) into the fire with:
In Sanskrit
ॐ श्री दुर्गायै नमः स्वाहा।
In English
“Om Shri Durgayai Namah Swaha”
Final Offering (Purnahuti) Mantra:
In Sanskrit
ॐ सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके।
शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते स्वाहा।
In English
“Om Sarva-Mangala-Maangalye Shive Sarvaartha-Saadhike
Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Naaraayani Namostute Swaha”
Recommended Havan Ingredients:
- Mango wood sticks
- Barley (jau)
- Sesame seeds (til)
- Jaggery (gud)
- Ghee
- Camphor
- Sandalwood powder
- Bel leaves and flowers
Concluding Rituals (Uttaranga)
- Siddha Kunjika Stotra – A powerful key to unlock the full spiritual potency of the Saptashati.
- Devi Rahasya – Optional advanced recitation for deeper spiritual insight.
- Shama Prarthana (Apology Prayer) – Seek forgiveness for any errors in pronunciation or ritual.
- Aarti and Bhajan – Conclude with devotional songs and light offering.
Notes for Devotees
- Recite in a clean, peaceful space, preferably during Brahma Muhurta or evening Sandhya.
- Use a copper or wooden seat (asana) and face east or north.
- Maintain purity in thoughts, speech, and diet during the recitation days.
- If possible, offer flowers, fruits, and light a ghee lamp before the Devi’s image or yantra.
🔹 Apology Prayer (Shama Prarthana)
If any mistakes occurred during pronunciation or ritual, humbly ask for forgiveness:
In Sanskrit
ॐ सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके।
शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते स्वाहा।
In English
“Om Sarva-Mangala-Maangalye Shive Sarvaartha-Saadhike
Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Naaraayani Namostute Swaha”
Download Durga Saptashati Hindi PDF
GET ALL BENEFITS OF DURGA SAPTASATI BY RECITING SIDDHA KUNJIKA STOTRAM
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