Devi-Mahatmyam (The Chandi)

The Devi Mahatmyam (DevI MAhAtmyam), also known as DurgA Saptas'ati or Can.d.I, is represented by 700 verses divided in 13 chapters and belongs to the Markandeya Purana. Despite being the MP a MahaPurana often regarded as a Vaishnava text, the section named Devi Mahatmyam is perhaps one of the most important texts for the Shakta tradition as well. It describes the exploits of the Goddess Durga, in her 3 aspects (MahaKali, MahaLaksmi and MahaSaraswati), as a Cosmic defender of the Dharma, destroyer of demons, granter of liberation, overcomer of obstacles, hearer of humans in distress, compassionate reliever of difficulties. It is a central text of the Liturgy of Durga Puja in Bengal, and its recitation is regarded as a sacred act. There are many complex treaties written on the esoteric and philosophical implications on this beautiful text, and many English translations of the DM are available also on the West. With this review, I simply would like to bring to the attention of those few interested readers who may be perhaps unaware that this particular edition of the DM was originally created by Swami Jagadiswarananda in 1953, has been published and reprinted with no changes by the Ramakrishna Math, and it is to all extents a true `classic' amidst modern editions of the DM. It is presented in a small format, suitable to be carried at all times, offers both Devanagari text and a limpid, rigorous and literal English translation. Given its exceptionally reasonable price, it is a true jewel, and I recommend all the people interesting in the S'akta tradition, as well people interested in Hinduism in general, to have it and cherish it.

I'm really enjoying the stories in this book. It's full of interesting, colorful tales of Shakti power. Sometimes, it's nice to be able to read the stories without too much commentary or in-depth analysis of Hindu philosophy. Still, the book seems chock full of mystic metaphor. I appreciate the Sanskrit that precedes the English translation, which is well done and is easily read, imo. The form factor of the book is nice - it's small and flexible but doesn't feel cheap. It was perfect to stick in my carry-on bag for a plane trip I took recently.

Excellent and exceptable English version.seemed slightly archaic and a lil crude I am very much pleased though cuz it was straight to the point translation. OK m not sure it's spirit was conveyed accurately, but still, I understood everything. And it being paper back and pocket size also made it fun and convenient to carry around and get another paragraph in between breaks lol ;/"⁴⅝&?[

Was looking to replace my old tattered copy from 1993 or 1994 gifted by an Aunt . Great and the same brand new copy delivered promptly in the mail respectfully not thrown on the ground like prime packages !!! Thank you !!!!

This the source of a great deal of the Hindu Goddess doctrines. It is nice to access it thus as vital source material at last. For the divine feminine and the devotee it matters in the sense that it makes note of the Names and attributes that I am conversant with as spiritual truths. Plus there is hope for believers against the demonic.

Chances are, if you're checking this out you already know what to expect from this book. It's a classic telling of Durga Ma's most famous tale. As much as I enjoyed reading this, I do have a very minor complaint. The print in this book is quite bad at times. Certain words will be missing various letters, or will be so faded that they are illegible. Still, for $6, you really can't go wrong. Just be aware that you're getting what you pay for in terms of overall quality in regards to the book itself.

Very beautiful book

This is an amazing book for anyone with an interest in philosphy. The binding itself is a bit flimsy, but the cover features a lovely picture of the divine mother, and this is an affordable way to hear one of her greatest stories.

Arrived a lot earlier than expected. Also arrived in perfect condition as bush or wrapped with a lovely hand written thank you note which gave it a nice personal touch. Very pleased with my purchase, can’t wait to start reading!

It is a good book if you are looking for actual text and simple translations without the author's own interpretations.

Traduction en anglais d'un classique parmi les classiques hindous. Un roi déchu et un marchand ruiné - aux noms assez prédestinés - rencontrent un sage dans la forêt et se font expliquer le monde, son caractère illusoire, la lutte entre la Déesse et les démons... L'un deviendra un Kshatrya, l'autre un éveillé. Une description pleine de tendresse de la Prakriti, qu'on peut aborder à tous les niveaux, selon ce que le vie nous donne à voir - connaissance, dévotion, etc. Mais on ne voit bien qu'avec le coeur, nous a dit Saint Exupéry.

Awesome book

Le Durga Saptasati (700 versets dédiés à Durga) ou Chandi path est un texte sacrée de référence pour le culte à la Grande Mère. Sa récitation est un acte sacré, mais il présente également tout un système de compréhension, de dévotion, d'approche de la Grande Mère. C'est tout un système très profond qui dépasse notre propre personne pour permettre de se relier à l'Universel. Cet ouvrage est très bien, néanmoins, il a un défaut. Il présente le texte sanskrit en "caractère sanskrits", bref, en caractère illisible pour une personne qui ne connaît par cette langue. Cela oblige donc à se cantonner à une récitation en anglais. De plus, cette édition ne comprend pas des textes annexes importants pour la pratique du Chandi : kunjika stotram etc... La version de Swami Satyananda Saraswati, du Devi Mandir, est beaucoup plus complète. Elle contient les caractères sanskrits, une traduction en anglais et surtout une translittération phonétique pour pouvoir réciter en sanskrit, ce qui ouvre une toute autre dimension à la récitation : on ressens les rythmes poétiques, le chant des mantras, on contact la force vibratoire de ce texte dans sa langue originale. Cela change beaucoup de choses. De plus, cette version contient une puja préalable, les textes à réciter en amonts (système pour ôter les verrous, armure, argala stotram...), les textes à réciter après la récitation, une traduction pertinente, et cela par un pratiquant sincère et expérimenté qui a consacré sa vie à la Grande Mère. Cela n'enlève en rien le mérite de cette version qui à son époque était tout nouveau et à permit une entrée des occidentaux dans une meilleure compréhension de ce texte millénaire, jusque la fort peu connus hors d'Inde. Aussi, nous pouvons remercier cet auteur qui a ouvert le chemin.