Chandi Path, also known as Durga Saptashati or Devi Mahatmyam, is a Hindu scripture dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is commonly recited during Navratri, the nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of the divine feminine. The Chandi Path recounts the story of the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasur.
During Navratri, devotees often recite the Chandi Path to seek blessings from Goddess Durga for strength, protection, and victory over obstacles. It is believed that chanting the verses of the Chandi Path with devotion and sincerity can bring about spiritual transformation and fulfillment of desires.
Many devotees perform elaborate rituals and ceremonies alongside the recitation of the Chandi Path during Navratri. It’s a time of intense devotion and celebration, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and the power of the divine feminine.
The Chandi Path consists of 13 chapters, each known as an “Adhyay” or “Episode.” These chapters narrate the story of the Devi Mahatmyam, which depicts the battles of Goddess Durga with various demons, ultimately culminating in her victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasur. Each chapter contains hymns, prayers, and descriptions of the battles and the glory of the goddess. The recitation of these chapters is a central part of the worship of Goddess Durga during Navratri and other occasions dedicated to her worship.
The 13 chapters of the Chandi Path, also known as the Devi Mahatmyam or Durga Saptashati, are as follows:
- Pratham Charitra (First Episode) – The story of the demon king Mahishasur and the birth of Goddess Durga.
- Madhyam Charitra (Second Episode) – The battle between Goddess Durga and Mahishasur’s army.
- Tritiya Charitra (Third Episode) – The defeat of Chand Mund, the commander of Mahishasur’s army.
- Chaturtha Charitra (Fourth Episode) – The battle with Raktabija and his clones.
- Panchama Charitra (Fifth Episode) – The defeat of Shumbha and Nishumbha, the brothers of Mahishasur.
- Shashtha Charitra (Sixth Episode) – The narration of the story of Kalaratri.
- Saptama Charitra (Seventh Episode) – The tale of the birth of Skanda, the son of Shiv and Parvati.
- Ashtama Charitra (Eighth Episode) – The glory of Goddess Chandika.
- Navama Charitra (Ninth Episode) – The story of the demon Raktabija’s defeat.
- Dashama Charitra (Tenth Episode) – The battle with the demon Shumbha.
- Ekadasha Charitra (Eleventh Episode) – The annihilation of the demon Dhumralochana.
- Dwadasha Charitra (Twelfth Episode) – The story of the battle with Chand and Mund.
- Trayodasha Charitra (Thirteenth Episode) – The final victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasur.
These chapters are recited and revered by devotees during Navratri and other occasions dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga.
Prayers