Devi Mahatmya

PURVANGA · BEFORE THE PATH

Recite these before beginning Chapter 1.

देवीकवचम्

Devi Kavacham

The armour of the Goddess — invokes Her forms to protect every part of the body and life before the Path begins.

अर्गलास्तोत्रम्

Argala Stotram

The bolt-opening hymn — removes obstacles with the refrain “rūpaṃ dehi jayaṃ dehi yaśo dehi dviṣo jahi”.

कीलकस्तोत्रम्

Keelakam

The pin hymn — Shiva's teaching that unlocks the power of the Saptashati so the recitation bears fruit.

UTTARANGA · AFTER THE PATH

Recite these after completing Chapter 13.

प्राधानिकरहस्यम्

Pradhanika Rahasyam

First secret — Mahalakshmi as the primordial Source from whom Mahakali and Mahasaraswati arise.

वैकृतिकरहस्यम्

Vaikritika Rahasyam

Second secret — the forms, colours and weapons of the three Devis and how to worship them.

मूर्तिरहस्यम्

Murti Rahasyam

Third secret — the incarnations Nanda, Raktadantika, Shakambhari, Durga, Bhima and Bhramari.

सिद्धकुञ्जिकास्तोत्रम्

Siddha Kunjika Stotram

The key hymn of seed-syllables — awakens the mantras of the whole Saptashati.

देवीक्षमापणस्तोत्रम्

Kshama Prarthana

The prayer for forgiveness — offering every omission in mantra, action or devotion back to the Mother. Recited at the close of the homam.