Durga Saptashati Path in Varanasi

Durga Saptashati Path samagri list

• 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

The Pandit confirms the final list for your family's vidhi, and Pandit ji can arrange the samagri in Varanasi at an additional cost, agreed after discussion.

Durga Saptashati Path vidhi, step by step

1. 1Ganesh Pujan and sankalp. The path begins with Ganesh Pujan and a sankalp in the family's name, with gotra and the specific intention.
2. 2Kalash and Devi puja. A kalash is established and Goddess Durga is worshipped with flowers, red chunri, sindoor, lamp and incense.
3. 3Kavach, Argala and Keelak. The three preliminary stotras are recited, traditionally understood to protect, empower and unlock the path.
4. 4Navarna mantra japa. The Navarna mantra associated with Chamunda is chanted a set number of times, as per the vidhi.
5. 5Recitation 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. 6Concluding stotras. The Devi Suktam, Siddha Kunjika Stotram and Kshama Prarthana are recited, as per tradition.
7. 7Aarti and prasad. The path concludes with Devi aarti, pushpanjali and distribution of prasad. A short havan may follow if included.