Goddess Durga is one of the most important Hindu deities worshiped by people from every corner of the earth. Devotees see her as their benevolent mother who protects devotees from evil energies and misfortunes.
According to mythology, Durga was born from the gods to battle the evil demon Mahishasura. Even the Trimurti – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva – could not overpower this beast hence Durga was formed out of their combined powers or Shakti. For this reason, she is more powerful than them all; an understanding which led to her celebration each year in India during Durga Pooja.
The Durga Saptashati is found within the Markandeya Purana, one of 18 primary Hindu scriptures. This text praises Durga for her strength and creativity, explaining how she was responsible for creating the universe we live in today.
Durga Sapthasathi is much more than mindlessly chanting or repeating mantras. To a devout seeker, understanding the true meaning of Durga Sapthasathi and following those teachings will lead one towards self-realization and the state of total Samadhi.
Good Vs Evil? Perhaps There Is Something More!
Durga Saptashati tells the stories of the battle between good and evil. Demons are hindrances on our journey to self-realization. One can only overcome those hindrances by making themselves greater than those obstacles which obstruct one’s path so that they cannot rule over your mind or thoughts anymore.
Also read: Nava Durga: The Nine Manifestations of Mother Goddess
The Demons Described In Durga Saptashati
1. Madhu And Kaitabh (Sweet and Bitter Taste)
Traveling along the path to self-realization, there are many hurdles, but the first one is ‘Madhu and Kaitabh’.A devout seeker will find their greatest accomplishment in being able to remain untouched and unaffected by the duality of people, places, and ideas – sweet or sour.
2. Mahishasur (Rage And Lust)
Once you’ve managed to fend off Mathu and Kaitub, there comes another hurdle- Mahishasur- Rage and Lust. Anger is one emotion that can’t be quelled or put down; instead, it needs to be used in a positive way such as fighting off negative emotions that could lead you down the wrong path.
3. Dhumralochan (Dhumra: Smoke, Lochan: Eyes/ Sight)
The eyes are an incessant source of both knowledge and distractions. This stage of Dhumralochan is to be immune to these worldly illusions and not succumb to distractions from one’s path towards self-realization.
4. Chand And Mund (Passion, Inner Conflict And Violence)
Your passion can distract you from your goals. No matter if it is good or bad, ambition and internal conflict often detour us. Let them go and return to your original purpose.
Also read: 18 Life-Changing Bhagavad Gita Shlokas (Verses) With Meaning and Lessons
5. Raktabija (Desires)
In Durga Saptashati, it has been described that when the Goddess defeated all the demons, she encountered the most fierce – Raktabija (chapter 8). Every drop of blood he shed led to more demons in his place. So, in order to kill the demon, she took on an incarnation of Mata Kali. Her mouth was large enough for her to lick up every single droplet from his body with her long tongue so that he could never again spawn a new demon or produce more chaos. All desires are like this – they only make us want things even more.
6. Shumbh And Nishumbh (Pleasant And Unpleasant)
As the story continued, the goddess defeat two more foes–Shumbh and Nishumbh. The essence of this passage seems to be that we can’t judge things as being either good or bad. There are only levels of understanding, so it doesn’t matter what you’re looking at; when you reach enlightenment, all there is left are pure love and kindness which are inherent within us.
7. Surath And Samadhi (Good Path And Oneness)
After defeating all of your inner demons, it’s finally time for you to take part in this ultimate reward – Samadhi. Surat is wisdom and intellect that guide one on their path towards finding enlightenment – Samadhi, the connection with God.
Also read: What is Om (ॐ)? Symbol, Meaning And Benefits of Chanting Om
Durga Saptashati is read by many around the world during Navratri festivities. This text has been cherished and revered for centuries as an integral part of these celebrations. Chanting Durga Saptashati will bestow you with a fearless attitude and offer protection from all kinds of negative influences.
We are grateful to the people from 12 countries who participated in this chanting last year making the program successful. Hence, this year we are back with another Durga Saptshloki Chanting with Harshvardhan Jhaveri on the 3rd, 4th & 5th October-5:30-6:15 AM IST.
Let’s once again recite and understand the true meaning of these powerful verses in praise of Mata Durga with Harshvardhan Jhaveri.