Day 1: Welcoming the Divine Mother with Chapters 1 and 2 of Durga Saptashati

Devi Keelakam – Significance and all ... Day 2: The Divine Birth of the Goddes...

Day 1: Welcoming the Divine Mother with Chapters 1 and 2 of Durga Saptashati

As the gentle breeze of Navratri sweeps through our homes, filling the air with the scent of jasmine and the glow of diyas, our hearts turn to the Divine Mother, Maa Durga. The first day of Navratri, marked by Ghat Sthapana—the sacred installation of the kalash—ushers in a time of devotion, purity, and surrender. On this blessed day, we begin our spiritual journey with the recitation of Chapters 1 and 2 of the Durga Saptashati, the sacred hymn that sings of the Mother’s infinite glory. Let us open our hearts, light the lamp of bhakti, and invite her divine presence into our lives, chanting “Jai Maa Durga” with love that flows like a river to her lotus feet.

The Sacred Beginning: The Essence of Chapters 1 and 2

The Durga Saptashati, also called Devi Mahatmya or Chandi Path, is a radiant jewel within the Markandeya Purana, glowing with 700 verses that narrate the triumphs of the Goddess. On Day 1, we immerse ourselves in the Prathama Charitra (First Part), comprising Chapters 1 and 2. These opening chapters are like the first rays of dawn, awakening our souls to the Mother’s boundless compassion and power. They set the stage for her divine leelas (plays), teaching us that she is the eternal force who creates, protects, and restores balance in the universe.

Below, I present the essence of Chapters 1 and 2 in simple English.

Chapter 1: The Divine Narrative Begins and the Slaying of Madhu-Kaitabh

The chapter opens in a world filled with turmoil. A king named Suratha, once mighty but now dethroned, wanders in sorrow, his heart heavy with the loss of his kingdom. In a forest, he finds refuge in the ashram of Sage Medhas, a beacon of wisdom. There, he meets Samadhi, a merchant cast out by his own family, his mind clouded with grief. Both men, though strangers, share the same pain—attachment to what they’ve lost. They ask the sage, “Why do our hearts cling to sorrow? Why do we suffer despite knowing better?”

Sage Medhas, with eyes full of compassion, begins to unravel the mystery of existence. He speaks of Mahamaya, the Great Illusion of the Divine Mother, who veils the truth and binds all beings to the cycle of life. “She is the supreme power,” he says, “the one who creates this world, sustains it, and dissolves it in her divine will. Even the wise are swayed by her, yet through devotion, we can seek her grace to awaken.”

The sage then shares a divine tale. Long ago, at the dawn of creation, Bhagwan Vishnu rested in his cosmic sleep upon the serpent Shesha, floating on the universal ocean. From the wax in his ears emerged two fierce demons, Madhu and Kaitabh, their hearts filled with pride and malice. They sought to slay Bhagwan Brahma, the creator, who sat trembling on the lotus sprouting from Vishnu’s navel. Brahma, in desperation, turned to the Goddess Yogamaya, the divine Shakti residing within Vishnu. With folded hands, he sang her praises: “O Mother, you are the eternal one, the source of all. Awaken Vishnu, for only your power can save creation!”

Moved by Brahma’s devotion, the Goddess stirred Vishnu from his slumber. The Bhagwan arose, his eyes blazing with divine resolve. For five thousand years, he battled Madhu and Kaitabh, whose strength seemed boundless. Yet, the demons, drunk with arrogance, offered Vishnu a boon. With wisdom, Vishnu replied, “Grant me the power to slay you.” Bound by their own words, the demons agreed but demanded to be killed where there was no water. Vishnu, smiling, lifted them to his thighs—above the cosmic ocean—and severed their heads, restoring peace to the universe.

This chapter also gifts us the Devi Kavach, a sacred hymn of protection. It describes the Goddess as a shield, her divine forms guarding every part of the devotee’s body—her energy in the heart, her strength in the limbs, her wisdom in the mind. Chanting it, we feel her embrace, a fortress against all harm. The chapter ends with the sage’s words echoing in our hearts: “This is the glory of the Mother, who destroys evil and uplifts her devotees.”

Chapter 2: The Cosmic Glory of the Devi

The second chapter builds on the sage’s teachings, deepening our reverence for the Mother. Sage Medhas continues to guide Suratha and Samadhi, explaining the Devi’s infinite forms. “She is Mahakali, who destroys; Mahalakshmi, who nurtures; and Mahasaraswati, who grants wisdom,” he says. “She is the one who creates the universe, holds it in her loving embrace, and dissolves it when the time comes. All gods bow to her, for she is the source of their power.”

The sage describes how the Devi manifests in every aspect of life. She is the strength in the warrior, the love in a mother’s heart, the knowledge in a scholar’s mind. When the gods face danger, it is she who rises to protect them. When devotees call her name, she rushes to their side, her compassion boundless. This chapter is a poetic hymn, each verse a flower offered at her feet. It reminds us that the Mother is not far away—she is in every breath, every moment, every prayer.

Though shorter than the first, Chapter 2 is a bridge to the grand battles ahead. It fills the heart with awe, as we realize the Devi’s presence is everywhere, guiding us like a lighthouse in the darkest night. The chapter closes with the sage urging the king and merchant to surrender to her, for only through devotion can we transcend suffering.

How to Recite on Day 1: A Simple Guide for Every Devotee

On this first day of Navratri, create a sacred space in your home. Light a diya, offer flowers, and place a picture of Maa Durga before you. Begin with the traditional preliminaries to awaken the text’s spiritual potency:

Siddha Kunjika Stotram: A powerful hymn to unlock the blessings of the Saptashati.Devi Kavach: Chant this from Chapter 1 to seek the Mother’s protection.Argala Stotram and Keelakam Stotram: These remove obstacles and deepen your focus.

Then, with a pure heart, recite Chapters 1 and 2. If you’re new to the text, don’t worry—read a trusted translation in English or Hindi, or listen to a recording by a learned priest. The key is devotion, not perfection. Let each verse wash over you like a wave of grace. If time is short, focus on the Devi Kavach and a few verses, offering them with love. End with an aarti, singing “Jai Ambe Gauri” or another hymn, and feel her presence fill the room.

A Call to Bhakti: Let the Mother’s Light Shine

Dear devotee, as you chant these sacred verses on Day 1, picture Maa Durga riding her lion, her eyes sparkling with love for you. The story of Madhu and Kaitabh is not just ancient lore—it’s a reminder that the Mother destroys the demons of doubt and fear in our lives. With every word you recite, let bhakti bloom like a lotus in your heart. Feel her strength shielding you, her compassion healing you. She is the mother who never leaves her child’s side, no matter how dark the path.

As the diya flickers and the fragrance of incense rises, whisper your prayers to her. “Maa, guide me, protect me, fill me with your love.” Let the recitation of Chapters 1 and 2 be your offering at her feet, a garland of devotion woven with faith. This Navratri, begin this journey with a heart full of trust, knowing that the Divine Mother is holding your hand. Jai Maa Durga! May her blessings shower upon you, lighting your path with peace and joy on this sacred first day.

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