Devi Mahatmyam Reading Procedure

[Padmanabhan.J]

Devi Mahatmyam




Devi Mahatmyam (Durga Saptashati or Chandi Path) is a powerful text dedicated to Goddess Shakti. The reading procedure of Devi Saptashati is given here in detail version. Many devotees are confused on how to recite this powerful text – on which day, which adhyaya (chapter) needs to be chanted..


There are two methods to start reading Devi Mahatmym – Trayangam and Navangam.


Trayangam is a method in which we need to chant three prayers – Devi Kavacham, Argala Stotram and Devi Keelakam followed by Navakshari Mantram.

Navangam is a method for which nine prayers are recited prior of starting reading the book. Navangam stotrams are: Devi Nyasa, Devi Avahana, Devi Namani, Argala Stotram, Keelaka Stotram, Devi Hrudaya, Dhala, Devi Dhyana and Devi Kavacha.

As per the prescribed methods in ancient scriptures, Devi Mahatmya should be read in one sitting. After finishing the recital of Devi Mahatmya, one should chant the Devi Suktam (slokas 7 to 36 of Chapter 8).


Devi Saptashati Parayana in 3 days & 7 days


Apart from one sitting recital, devotees read Devi mahatmya for three consecutive days: Prathama Charitra or 1^st Chapter on first day, Madhyama Charitra (2, 3, 4 chapters) on 2^nd day, and Uttama Charitra (5-13 chapters) on third day.


Some devotees also read Devi Mahatmya in 7 days. They chant 1^st Chapter on first day, 2-3 chapters on 2^nd day, 4^th chapter on 3^rd day, 5-8 chapters on 4^th day, 9-10 chapters on 5^th day, 11^th chapter on 6^th day and 12-13 chapters on 7^th day.


Each chapter should be read in single sitting. Due to any reason, Parayana is stopped in between a chapter; the whole chapter should be read again.


The order of reciting Durga Saptashati Parayana daily is: Trayanga Mantra, Devi Mahatmya text followed by Devi Suktam.


Many devotees read Durga Saptashati during Navratri Durga Puja 9/10 days.. Here is the procedure to read Devi Mahatmyam during Navratri


How to read Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmyam) during Navratri festival


1^st day: Chapter 1 (Madhu kaitabha samhaaram)

2^nd day: Chapter 2, 3 and 4 (Mahishhasura samhaara)
3^rd day: Chapter 5 and 6 (Dhuumralochana vadha)
4^th day: Chapter 7 (Chanda Munda vadha)
5^th day: Chapter 8 (Rakta biija samhaara)
6^th day: Chapter 9 and 10 (Shumbha Nishumbha vadha)
7^th day: Chapter 11 (Praise of Narayani)
8^th day: Chapter 12 (Phalastuti – reciting merits or benefits)
9^th day: Chapter 13 (Blessings to Suratha and the Merchant)
10^th day: Chapter 14 (Aparadha Kshamaprarthana) on 10th day

You can also complete the recital on 9th day by chanting Devi Aparadha Kshama Prarthana Stotram on 9th day itself.

You should read Siddha Kunjika Stotram after completing the recital of every chapter.




Source: mahesh