The Devi Mahatmya, also known as the Durga Saptashati or Chandi Patha.
It is a Hindu philosophical text that describes the Goddess Durga/Adishakti as the supreme power and creator of the universe.
It is part of the Markandeya Purana and was written about the 5th or 6th century CE.
Who wrote Devi-Mahatmya?
The author of the text is not known, but it is believed to have been composed by a sage named Markandeya, who is also the narrator of the text.
The text contains 700 verses arranged into 13 chapters and is considered one of the most important texts in Shaktism, along with the Devi-Bhagavata Purana and Devi Upanishad.
The Devi Mahatmya describes a storied battle between good and evil, where the Devi manifesting as goddess Durga leads the forces of good against the demon Mahishasura. In peaceful prosperous times, states the text, the Devi manifests as Lakshmi, empowering creation and happiness.
The text is also significant in that it regards various forms of the Goddess—ranging from the fearsome and dangerous Kali to the benign and gentle Shri—as fundamentally unified.
The Devi Mahatmya has been particularly popular in eastern states of India, such as West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Assam, as well as Goa and Nepal.
It is recited during Navaratri celebrations, the Durga Puja festival, and in Durga temples across India.
Listen to the recitation of Devi Mahatmya
