Worship of Maa Durga, the protective form of the Divine Mother, performed at home or during Navratri with Saptashati recitation and aarti.
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Goddess Durga (Chandi)
Durga Saptashati Path
Recitation of the 700 verses of the Devi Mahatmya from the Markandeya Purana, traditionally chanted during Navratri and in times of difficulty.
In-person Online available3 to 4 hours for a single complete pathAlso: Chandi PathAlso: Devi Mahatmya Path
Overview
What is Durga Saptashati Path?
Durga Saptashati, also called the Devi Mahatmya or Chandi Path, is a holy text of 700 verses (sapta-shati) in 13 chapters, forming part of the Markandeya Purana. It narrates the Goddess's victories over Madhu-Kaitabha, Mahishasura and Shumbha-Nishumbha, and is one of the most revered texts of Shakta worship.
The text is traditionally arranged in three charitras dedicated to Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. A complete path is usually preceded by the Devi Kavach, Argala Stotram and Keelak Stotram, with the Navarna mantra, and followed by the Siddha Kunjika Stotram and a kshama prarthana. Correct Sanskrit pronunciation is considered important, which is why many families request a trained Pandit.
The path may be done once, over several days during Navratri, or in special forms such as a samput path, where a specific verse is repeated with each verse, as per the intention. Families can also combine it with a Chandi Homam. Traditions differ, and the Pandit will follow the vidhi your family prefers.
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्तिरूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Yā devī sarvabhūteṣu śaktirūpeṇa saṁsthitā, namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ.
Significance
The Devi Mahatmya is considered one of the earliest texts to present the Goddess as the supreme reality. Its closing chapters include the Goddess's assurance that she will appear whenever her devotees remember her in distress, which is why the path is traditionally recited in difficult times.
Devotees associate the Saptashati path with protection, courage and the removal of negativity. Beyond specific intentions, many families recite it simply as an offering of devotion to the Divine Mother, especially during Navratri.
Who performs it
- Devotees of the Goddess observing Navratri
- Families going through a challenging period who wish to pray for strength
- Those who have made a vow to have the Saptashati recited
- Households wishing to invoke the Goddess's blessings before a major undertaking
When to perform
- Chaitra and Sharad Navratri, especially Ashtami and Navami
- Durga Ashtami and Tuesdays or Fridays
- During a difficult phase, as a devotional observance
- Before or alongside a Chandi Homam
- On a date suggested by the Pandit for a specific sankalp
Traditionally associated with
- Traditionally recited to seek the Goddess's protection
- Devotees associate the path with courage and resilience in difficult times
- Believed to remove negativity and obstacles from the household
- Considered a complete offering of devotion to the Divine Mother
- Creates a focused, holy atmosphere in the home
These are traditional beliefs associated with the ritual. Pujas are acts of devotion and are not a substitute for medical, financial or professional advice.
How the puja is performed
- 1
Ganesh Pujan and sankalp
The path begins with Ganesh Pujan and a sankalp in the family's name, with gotra and the specific intention.
- 2
Kalash and Devi puja
A kalash is established and Goddess Durga is worshipped with flowers, red chunri, sindoor, lamp and incense.
- 3
Kavach, Argala and Keelak
The three preliminary stotras are recited, traditionally understood to protect, empower and unlock the path.
- 4
Navarna mantra japa
The Navarna mantra associated with Chamunda is chanted a set number of times, as per the vidhi.
- 5
Recitation of 13 chapters
The three charitras are recited in full: chapter 1 (Pratham), chapters 2 to 4 (Madhyam) and chapters 5 to 13 (Uttam).
- 6
Concluding stotras
The Devi Suktam, Siddha Kunjika Stotram and Kshama Prarthana are recited, as per tradition.
- 7
Aarti and prasad
The path concludes with Devi aarti, pushpanjali and distribution of prasad. A short havan may follow if included.
The exact vidhi varies by region and family tradition, your Pandit will follow your customs.
Samagri (puja materials)
- Durga idol or picture
- Durga Saptashati book
- Red cloth and red chunri
- Kalash with mango leaves and coconut
- Red flowers, hibiscus and marigold garlands
- Sindoor, roli, haldi and akshat
- Shringar items for the Goddess
- Ghee lamp, camphor and incense
- Betel leaves, supari and cloves
- Fruits and sweets for bhog
- Rudraksha or sphatik mala for japa
- Asan (seat) for the Pandit
- Ganga jal
- Havan samagri, if a havan is included
Samagri can be arranged on request. We'll share a list suited to your vidhi before the day.
What's included
Usually included
- Experienced Pandit(s) trained in Saptashati recitation
- Sankalp in your family's name and gotra
- Complete path with Kavach, Argala, Keelak and concluding stotras
- Guidance on samagri and preparation before the day
- Advice on the right form of path (single, multi-day or samput) for your intention
Not included
- Samagri and idol, unless arranged on request
- Prasad and bhog items unless arranged
- Chandi Homam, unless booked together
- Travel beyond the service area
- Dakshina, where customs vary and are discussed openly
Duration: 3 to 4 hours for a single complete path. Inclusions are confirmed for your booking on WhatsApp.
In-person puja
A Pandit performs the ritual at your home, office or chosen venue in Varanasi or Hyderabad. We help with muhurat, samagri and preparation.
Online puja
- · Share your family's names, gotra and intention on WhatsApp
- · The Pandit takes the sankalp and recites the full Saptashati in your name
- · Join by video call for the sankalp, key portions and aarti
Available in
More cities are coming soon.
Durga Saptashati Path across regions
The same ritual goes by different names in different traditions. Whichever name your family uses, we can help.
- Chandi Path
- Bengali
- Devi Mahatmya Parayanam
- Telugu
- Devi Mahatmyam
- Tamil
- Durga Saptashati Paath
- Hindi
- Saptashati Path
- Sanskrit
- Durga Saptshati Path
- Spelling variant
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Durga Saptashati Path FAQs
How much does a Durga Saptashati Path cost?
It depends on whether it is a single path, a multi-day or samput path, the number of Pandits, samagri and location. Share details on WhatsApp for a quote.
How long does a full Durga Saptashati Path take?
A complete path with preliminary and concluding stotras usually takes about 3 to 4 hours for a single Pandit. Samput paths take considerably longer.
What is the difference between Saptashati Path and Chandi Homam?
Saptashati Path is recitation of the text. In a Chandi Homam, the verses are also offered into the holy fire. Many families do the path first and the homam afterwards.
What is a samput path?
In a samput path, a chosen verse or mantra is recited before and after each verse of the Saptashati according to the intention. The Pandit will advise on whether it suits your needs.
Can I listen online while the Pandit recites?
Yes. The Pandit takes the sankalp in your name and you can join by video call for the whole path or key portions.
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Chandi Homam
4 to 6 hours, longer for extended formats
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