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Devi-Mahatmyam
It is an English translation by Swami Jagadiswarananda of the Devi-mahatmya or Durga-Saptasati, popularly known as candi. The original text has been printed in Devanagari type with running lucid English translation. Footnotes have been added wherever necessary. The Candi is divided into 13 chapters and consists of 700 mantras and hence it is called the Saptasati. Three aspects of the Divine Mother have been depicted in the book and they are (1) Mahakali (Chapter I), (2) Mahalaksmi (Chapters II to IV) and (3)Mahasarasvati (Chapters V to XIII) and meditation on each of them has been added with English translation. The whole of Devi-Mahatmyam is chanted on sacred occasions, especially during the Durga-Puja (Navaratri).
170 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 550
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234 people want to read
About the author
Markandeya
6 books1 followerMarkandeya (Sanskrit: मार्कण्डेय) is an ancient rishi (sage) from the Hindu tradition, born in the clan of Brigu Rishi. He is celebrated as a devotee of both Shiva and Vishnu and is mentioned in a number of stories from the Puranas. The Markandeya Purana especially, comprises a dialogue between Markandeya and a sage called Jaimini and a number of chapters in the Bhagavata Purana are dedicated to his conversations and prayers. He is also mentioned in the Mahabharata. Markandeya is venerated within all mainstream Hindu traditions.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 6, 2021
I have heard the audiobook version of it. It is really beautiful to hear the translation. Of course there are few words you cannot translate properly in english apart from that it is beautiful and a must read for anyone interested in knowing more about Devi.
September 27, 2020
Devi Mahatmyam has to be one of the greatest stories ever told and this is the best translation in English so far, wonderfully fluid and lyrical yet staying true to the original. I was so impressed I produced an audiobook of it! Check out Audible or audiobook trailer: https://youtu.be/I_qbiB5AWW0
February 20, 2025
I was not familiar with the story of Chandi, or The Divine Mother, previous to reading this book. Her story is a fascinating one and I would love to hear more about it!
The audio is great because you can actually hear some of the Hindi chanting at the beginning of each chapter. It’s a very quick listen and I learned a lot. I would definitely need to listen again to remember more of her story, since so much happens.
The audio is great because you can actually hear some of the Hindi chanting at the beginning of each chapter. It’s a very quick listen and I learned a lot. I would definitely need to listen again to remember more of her story, since so much happens.
April 6, 2020
This is an English translation of the original Devi Mahatmyam in Sanskrit. The translation is accurate and easy to read. The prose form keeps the flow simple and engaging while staying true to the original in meaning. I needed to read an English version for the times I could simply take a break from work and read a chapter like a story, when I don't have time to chant or read the Sanskrit (or Kannada) version. I was delighted to find that this translation does not attempt to add any layers or take away from the original. Great work.
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June 14, 2019Hindu Goddess-sectarian text. Very interesting read if one wants to understand the power and creation of the Goddess from a Hindu Goddess worshiper’s beliefs/perspective.
July 26, 2021
Very precious - Jai Mata Di!
November 14, 2021
Loved it
October 7, 2023
This book is a wonderful resource for worshiping God as Mother.
"Greater is their trouble whose minds are set on the Unmanifested; for the goal of the Unmanifested is very hard for the embodied to reach" (Bhagavad-Gita, 12.5). Worship of a manifested personal God with form is an easy way to realise the Infinite Formless Unmanifested Reality.
"Since the dawn of civilisation, the worship of the Divine Mother came into practice... Mother-worship was psychologically more appealing to the devotee, the Mother being nearest in filial affection to the child... It is easier to establish a conscious relationship with the Providence in terms of kindly motherhood than by the concept of an unfathomable void. God is devoid of qualities, in reality, but a relative superimposition of the positive ideals of goodness and virtue is essential for self-culture and spiritual progress of the aspirant... The Upasana or the worship of the Universal Mother leads to the attainment of the knowledge of the Self. The Mother is the creative aspect of the Absolute. She is symbolised as Cosmic Energy. Energy is the physical ultimate of all forms of matter and the sustaining force of the Spirit. Energy and Spirit are inseparable. They are essentially one" (Swami Sivananda, The Devi Mahatmya in Sanskrit Original with a Lucid Running Translation in English, Pages 13-14).
"In the individual’s spiritual life, however much it may be true in the ultimate reaches of realisation that he is not this physical body, he is Pure Atman which is beyond body and mind, yet we find that if the aspirant is foolish enough to start with this basis in his life of practical spiritual Sādhana he will come to grief very soon" (Swami Chidananda, God as Mother, Page 60). On the other hand, the path of Bhakti or worship of a personal God is safe, natural, and easy.
This book is absolutely essential in worshiping God as Mother. "The Devī Māhātmyam or Durgā Saptaśatī contains thirteen chapters which describe the process of the Mother giving battle to, on behalf of divine beings, and destroy the entire array of cosmic nescience, of wickedness, of all that is a negation of the Supreme Truth. Each aspect of this negation of truth is depicted in this great scripture which is a wonderful allegory, by some particular demon; and these demons are given appropriate names and forms according to those aspects of nescience. And the thirteen chapters describe how Mother using numerous forms annihilates all the aspects of evil, of nescience, ignorance and this cosmic delusion. And at the end the Supreme Victory to the powers of wisdom and knowledge is achieved and the Jiva is freed for ever from ignorance (Swami Chidananda, God as Mother, Pages 34-35).
This book will be of great help in worshiping God as Mother. Anyone interested in worshiping God as Mother must study this book repeatedly.
"Greater is their trouble whose minds are set on the Unmanifested; for the goal of the Unmanifested is very hard for the embodied to reach" (Bhagavad-Gita, 12.5). Worship of a manifested personal God with form is an easy way to realise the Infinite Formless Unmanifested Reality.
"Since the dawn of civilisation, the worship of the Divine Mother came into practice... Mother-worship was psychologically more appealing to the devotee, the Mother being nearest in filial affection to the child... It is easier to establish a conscious relationship with the Providence in terms of kindly motherhood than by the concept of an unfathomable void. God is devoid of qualities, in reality, but a relative superimposition of the positive ideals of goodness and virtue is essential for self-culture and spiritual progress of the aspirant... The Upasana or the worship of the Universal Mother leads to the attainment of the knowledge of the Self. The Mother is the creative aspect of the Absolute. She is symbolised as Cosmic Energy. Energy is the physical ultimate of all forms of matter and the sustaining force of the Spirit. Energy and Spirit are inseparable. They are essentially one" (Swami Sivananda, The Devi Mahatmya in Sanskrit Original with a Lucid Running Translation in English, Pages 13-14).
"In the individual’s spiritual life, however much it may be true in the ultimate reaches of realisation that he is not this physical body, he is Pure Atman which is beyond body and mind, yet we find that if the aspirant is foolish enough to start with this basis in his life of practical spiritual Sādhana he will come to grief very soon" (Swami Chidananda, God as Mother, Page 60). On the other hand, the path of Bhakti or worship of a personal God is safe, natural, and easy.
This book is absolutely essential in worshiping God as Mother. "The Devī Māhātmyam or Durgā Saptaśatī contains thirteen chapters which describe the process of the Mother giving battle to, on behalf of divine beings, and destroy the entire array of cosmic nescience, of wickedness, of all that is a negation of the Supreme Truth. Each aspect of this negation of truth is depicted in this great scripture which is a wonderful allegory, by some particular demon; and these demons are given appropriate names and forms according to those aspects of nescience. And the thirteen chapters describe how Mother using numerous forms annihilates all the aspects of evil, of nescience, ignorance and this cosmic delusion. And at the end the Supreme Victory to the powers of wisdom and knowledge is achieved and the Jiva is freed for ever from ignorance (Swami Chidananda, God as Mother, Pages 34-35).
This book will be of great help in worshiping God as Mother. Anyone interested in worshiping God as Mother must study this book repeatedly.
October 8, 2021
Devi Mahatmyam is highly regarded in India as one the best religious books to read and chant.
Detailing Durga Devi's origin, the origin of Mahakali and their battles against Mahishasura and Chanda-Munda.
There are many miraculous powers associated with reading this book.
Even if you don't believe in that, this particular version is good for those well versed only in English and want to get an understanding of the stanzas and their meanings.
Highly recommend!
Detailing Durga Devi's origin, the origin of Mahakali and their battles against Mahishasura and Chanda-Munda.
There are many miraculous powers associated with reading this book.
Even if you don't believe in that, this particular version is good for those well versed only in English and want to get an understanding of the stanzas and their meanings.
Highly recommend!
December 6, 2023
Good start for those who know nothing about Adi shakti. Few stories of Mata killing Mahishasur, Chanda, Munda, Shumbh and Nishumbh whom even Devas were unable to kill due to the boon and other reasons. I read because it was written by non other than Markandeya Muni and it is a part of Purana, who also wrote beautiful Chandrashekhar Asktakam.
April 4, 2023
On my first reading of this I didn’t appreciate the value and power of the great Mahamaya Shakti.
This is much more than a pleasant fable. This is the affirmation of the goddess that is all of consciousness and by which consciousness can be obtained.
This is much more than a pleasant fable. This is the affirmation of the goddess that is all of consciousness and by which consciousness can be obtained.
October 17, 2025
Jai Mata Di! Maa, it’s with your extreme blessing that i read this sacred text. To say that it changed my life would be an understatement.
June 24, 2012
Excellent story out of annals of ancient India, Devi (Mother Goddess) incarnates in various forms (Durga, Chandi, Kali) to do battle with insidious asuras (demons)and make the three worlds much nicer places to be.
October 15, 2021
Devi is OP as usual, and she lent her grace to me throughout this period. Eternally indebted to the Cosmic Mother. Happy Navratri and Vijaya Dashami 2k21.
September 28, 2022
Loved it and the mantras was beautiful
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews