#devi mahatmyam

[jukti-torko-golpo]

Lalitha Tripura Sundari

Sindhuraruna vigraham trinayanam manikya mouli spurath Thara Nayaga sekaram smitha mukhi mapina vakshoruham, Panibhayam alipoorna ratna chashakam rakthothpalam vibhrathim, Soumyam ratna gatastha raktha charanam, dhyayeth paramambikam.

[vedsutras]

Durga saptashati: Vaikrutik Rahasyam (अथ वैकृतिकं रहस्यम्)

Durga saptashati Vaikrutik rahasyam ऋषिरुवाचॐ त्रिगुणा तामसी देवी सात्त्विकी या त्रिधोदिता।सा शर्वा चण्डिका दुर्गा भद्रा भगवतीर्यते॥१॥ ऋषि कहते हैं – राजन् ! पहले जिन सत्त्वप्रधाना त्रिगुणमयी महालक्ष्मी के तामसी आदि भेद से तीन स्वरूप बतलाये गये , वे ही शर्वा , चण्डिका , दुर्गा , भद्रा और भगवती आदि नामों से कही जाती हैं ॥१॥ योगनिद्रा हरेरुक्ता महाकाली तमोगुणा।मधुकैटभनाशार्थं यां…

[hindulivesmatter]

Resources to learn more about Hinduphobia, and Hindu culture.

Making a masterpost about this because I'm getting a lot of asks for it. The list will be updated!

Books to read:

Not Without My Daughter by Betty Mahmoody. This is the memoir of a woman stuck in Iran and how she has to illegally sneak out with her daughter. It doesn't focus on Hinduphobia but it does highlight the violence perpetuated by Muslims to women. This is a true story and a movie has also been made on it. Also, I just need to appreciate how well it's written, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.

Aavarna by  S. L. Bhyrappa. This book basically details how Hindu history was derailed and destroyed by Mughal invaders, specifically Aurangzeb, the plot is fictional but the history is real.

All Religions Are Not the Same by Sanjay Dixit. This is a new book and I've just ordered it actually. It discusses the differences between religions and how secularism affects that.

Why I Killed Gandhi by Nathuram Godse. Includes the testimonial of the man who killed Gandhi. I'm about to read this book and I'm excited. Don't be fooled by the one-star reviews.

Hindus in Hindu Rashtra by Anand Ranganathan. Illustrates 9 examples of the hypocrisy of the current government when it comes to legalities and laws concerning Hindus.

Some people you can follow on Twitter are Dr Anand Ranganathan, The Skin Doctor, and VivanVatsa. They're all well-read on Hinduphobia and/or Hindu history.

A fantastic account on Instagram called vrindkavi posts amazing comics on Indian history and mythology.

Blogs you can follow for awareness, and learning about Hinduphobia/Hindu culture:

@rhysaka (debunking common myths, awareness, politics/geopolitics, news, culture)

@mrityuloknative (debunking common myths, awareness, politics/geopolitics, news, culture)

@main-agar-kahoon (debunking common myths, awareness, culture)

@yato-dharmastato-jayah (history and explanations, culture)

@forgotten-bharat (amazing for the history of ancient India, and culture)

@kailash-se-birha (culture, awareness)

@aranyaani (debunking common myths, awareness, politics/geopolitics, news, culture)

Interesting masterposts from other blogs:

Booklist to learn more about Hindu History by @mrityuloknative

The Ayodhya Masterpost by @mrityuloknative

Some important Hindu literature:

Mahabharata This is classified as an Itihasa text. It deals with a war between 2 royal factions and is a vehicle for describing the activities of the Avatar Krishna.

Ramayana This is also an Itihasa text. It provides the biography of Lord Rama who is considered an Avatar of Vishnu.

Bhagavad Gita This is an important text of the Vedanta school and is treated separately although it is part of Mahabharata. It provides a coherent summary of Vedanta.

Srimad Bhagavatam This is a Purana and provides a biography of Lord Krishna. This is an important text for the Vaishnava sect of Hinduism.

Shiva Purana and Linga Purana These Puranas provide the biography of Lord Shiva and are important texts for the Saivite sect of Hinduism.

Chandi or Devi Mahatmyam This is an important text for Saktas who worship Sakti or Devi. This text is really part of the Markandeya Purana.

But really, the best way to combat Hinduphobia, is to learn about our history and culture, because if you know the truth, you won't fall for the twisted narrative being peddled by the media today. If you've got to the end of this, thank you for educating yourself and learning about us.

[jeahreading]

-Katyayani

Sixth day of the nine days belongs to Devi Katyayani. The goddess is seated on lion and has three eyes and four arms. The destroyer of evil demon– Mahishasur. She is associated with the fierce forms of Shakti or Durga, a Warrior goddess, which also includes Bhadrakali and Chandika, and traditionally she is associated with the colour red. Skanda Purana mentions her being created out of the spontaneous anger of Gods, which eventually led to slaying the demon, Mahishasura, mounted on the lion given to her by Goddess Parvati. She was born a daughter of Katyayana Rishi, born in the Katya lineage originating from Vishwamitra, thus called Katyayani, “daughter of Katyayana”. Her exploits are described in the Devi-Bhagavata Purana and Devi Mahatmyam, part of the Markandeya Purana attributed to sage Markandeya Rishi, who wrote it in Sanskrit ca. 400-500 CE. Over a period of time, her presence was also felt in Buddhist and Jain texts and several Tantric text, especially the Kalika-Purana(10th century), which mentions Uddiyana or Odradesa (Odisha), as the seat of Goddess Katyayani and Lord Jagannath.In Hindu traditions like Yoga and Tantra, she is ascribed to the sixth Ajna Chakra or the Third eye chakra and her blessings are invoked by concentrating on this point.

@no-idea-where-i-am-lost @zeherili-ankhein DON'T BE MAD AT ME PLEASE OSRRY SORRY

[talonabraxas]

Maha Kali Talon Abraxas

Symbolism

Kali symbolizes the death of the ego in the ultimate goal of human life in Hindu dharma — moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth). Kali is the embodiment of time (kaala) and the female form of Shiva (Kaala). Her name literally means “she who is black”.

Kali is said to live in cemeteries amid decaying corpses, reminding us that our world is nothing but a cemetery where all things that are born must decay and die. She wears a garland of skulls to show us that we too must cut asunder the skeletons in our closet. She gives us the implements for our own personal excisions. She drips blood while consuming all of creation. She reminds us that every minute is constantly destroyed in the cycle of time.

We must rise above this manifested world to see Her in her infinitude, just as Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, that great saint of Bengal, saw her. He found in her “the benign all-loving Mother.” He felt in her breath “the soothing touch of tender love and saw in her the seed of immortality.”

Born of Vishnu’s sense organs or perhaps the composite of Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva and the glory of the devas, she encourages us to come to our senses through teachers like Sri Ramakrishna. “You see her only as black because you are far away from her. Go near and you will find her devoid of all color….The nearer you come to God, the more you will realize that (God) has neither name nor form.”

Shloka/Prayer + Translation

Devi Mahatmyam, Chapter 4, v.17-20 Eapir hathair Jagathupaithi sukham thadaihe, Kurvanthu nama narakaya chiraya papam, Samgrama mruthyu madhigamya divam prayanthu, Mathwethi noona mahithan vinihamsi devi.

“Mother, you kill your enemies wishing happiness for this world. These asuras are killed so that they do no more sin and so that they will not reach hell, filled with disease. Killed by you, they will travel towards heaven.”

Dushtaiva kim bhavathi prakarothi bhasma, Sarvasuranareeshu yal prahinoshi sasthram, Lokaan prayanthu ripavo api hi sasthra puthra, Itham mathir bhavathi theshwa hithesu swadhi.

“Mother, your very sight turns all asuras to ashes. You only send your weapons at them to purify them and with the intention that even your enemies should reach heaven.”

Gadga prabha nikara vishuranai sthodhagrai, Soolagra kanthi nivahena druso asuranam, Yannagatha vilayamamsuma dindhu ganda, Yogyananam thava vilokayatham thdethath.

“The asuras stare at your face adorned with the cool crescent moon, the glitter of your shining swords and your spear.”

Dur vrutha vrutha samanam thava devi seelam, Roopam thadiva thadha vicinthya mathulya manyai, Veeryam cha hanthya hrutha deva parakramanam, Vairishwapi prakatithaiva dhaya twayetham.

“Mother, your pristine character brings to an end the bad characteristics of baser instincts. Your beautiful being cannot be imagined by ordinary minds. Your valor kills all asuras, showing mercy even to your enemies.”

[srividyatantram]

Why asuras got such boons ? Why Devi has to fight to destroy asuras ? Why Devi only wakes up Vishnu ? .... Getting lot of genuine questions from earnest aspirants who read Durga Saptashati this Navratri

Pls go through the link and listen to the 5 Videos this Navratri. It will clear your doubts.

It shows the famous Hero's journey and 3 obstacles. How Durga Saptashati outlines every spiritual aspirants journey. It shows that not just 3 obstacles of Buddha, 3 tests of Christ, 3 tests of Reiki Father Usui,.... but every one embarking on spiritual path is a Hero who has to overcome the 3 obstacles.

[hasarjunadoneanythingwrong]

The size of my pog face when I saw Kali's Extra Attack line outright references the Devi Mahatmyam was immense.

dude I read that

[alephskoteinos]

A while back I posted some threads about the nature of Maya and the power of "Asurasya Mayaya", and just hours ago someone on Bluesky responded with a bit of a critique that actually had me thinking about something else to look into.

Someone called Jhamba took issue with something I said about later forms of Hinduism emphasizing Maya as an "inferior" false reality to the "superior" reality of Brahman/God. She said that it wasn't quite like that, and that actually the notion of Maya as the power of creation and manifestation is still maintained within contemporary Hinduism.

It's actually something I'd benefit from finding out more about. When I asked where to find resources, she said it was hard to find anything but recommended looking into the Devi Mahatmyam as well as Shaktism in general since Shakti was also called Mahamaya.

[jukti-torko-golpo]

Started reading Devi Mahatmyam finally....that too with Chandramukhi, my beloved.

[newspatron]

Chandi Path Transform Your Life with This Ancient Science

Do you want to transform your life with an ancient science of divine power and protection? Then you need to read this article on Chandi Path Benefits. You will learn how Chandi Path can help you achieve spiritual growth, mental peace and physical health.

Chandi Path is a sacred text that reveals the glory and power of the Goddess Durga, who is the supreme manifestation of the Mother Divine. But did you know that Chandi Path is also a science of cosmic energy that can transform your life in positive ways? In this article, we will explore the benefits and significance of Chandi Path, as well as how to perform it correctly and effectively. We will…

[vedsutras]

Durga Saptashati; Pradhanik Rahasyam-प्राधानिकं रहस्यम्

Durga Saptashati Pradhanik Rahsyam प्राधानिकं रहस्यम्

॥ Atha Pradhanikam Rahasyam ॥ ॥ अथ प्राधानिकं रहस्यम् ॥॥ विनियोगः ॥ॐ अस्य श्रीसप्तशतीरहस्यत्रयस्यनारायण ऋषिरनुष्टुप्छन्दः, महाकालीमहालक्ष्मीमहासरस्वत्यो देवतायथोक्तफलावाप्त्यर्थं जपे विनियोगः। Listen Pradhanik Rahasyam in Sanskrit राजोवाचभगवन्नवतारा मेचण्डिकायास्त्वयोदिताः। एतेषां प्रकृतिं ब्रह्मन्प्रधानं वक्तुमर्हसि॥1॥ आराध्यं यन्मया देव्याःस्वरूपं येन च द्विज। विधिना ब्रूहि…

[sigappurojakal]

🌿🌼Darshan of Durgashtami Durgamma🌼🌿Many difficulties in daily life will follow us and make us fearful. Drowning in the midst of grief can lead to mental stress. Poverty is rampant and pushes us into pessimism. In such difficult situations, remembering the name of mother once, glorifying mother's qualities, seeing mother's form, countless difficulties and endless disasters will vanish. 'Devi Mahatmyam' suggests that we should praise Durga Devi for our sorrows, poverty and fear to go away.Durga Smrutha Harasi fear with the massesha people దుGet well soon Shubham DadasiPoverty, sorrow, fear, and fearful.All-rounder, compassionate, good heart!! (Devi Mahatmyam 4-17)Oh Durga! You will remove the fear of those who think of you in difficult times. If those who are happy remember you, you will give them the wisdom to give them more blessings.No one else has the gentle mind that removes poverty, sorrow, fear and gives happiness to everyone except you mother! "Killing Durga Masurunni who is torturing the whole world has become a disaster for Brahmadi goddesses.Then the sages begged Parvathi Devi to save them from the burden of Durga Masuru. Mother's heart, who is the form of compassion, melted and killed Durga Masuruna. Mother Jagan is getting worshipped as 'Durga' because of killing Durga and Durga. Even the worst difficulties we face will be eliminated.Om Dum Durgaayi Namaha

[sivashri]

Nava Chandi Homam: The Best Guide to the Sacred Ritual

In the vast tapestry of Hindu rituals and ceremonies, the Nava Chandi Homam holds a prominent place. This powerful Vedic ritual is dedicated to Goddess Chandi, an embodiment of Durga, who is revered as the destroyer of evil and protector of the righteous. The Nava Chandi Homam is not just a simple fire sacrifice; it is a profound spiritual practice that invokes the divine energies of the Goddess to bring peace, prosperity, and protection to the participants.

The Nava Chandi Homam is a highly revered and elaborate ritual that involves the chanting of the Devi Mahatmyam (also known as Durga Saptashati or Chandi Path), which is a collection of 700 verses extolling the glory and power of the Goddess. The ritual is known for its efficacy in removing obstacles, nullifying negative energies, and bestowing blessings upon those who partake in it. This article delves into the significance, process, and benefits of performing the Nava Chandi Homam, offering a detailed understanding of this ancient practice.

Significance of Nava Chandi Homam

The word "Chandi" is derived from the Sanskrit root "Chand," which means fierce or intense. Goddess Chandi is a fierce aspect of Shakti, the primordial cosmic energy, and is often depicted as a warrior goddess who fights and vanquishes evil forces. The Nava Chandi Homam is particularly significant because it invokes the nine forms of Durga, known as Nava Durga, each representing a different aspect of the divine feminine energy. These nine forms are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.

The Nava Chandi Homam is performed to seek the blessings of these nine forms of Durga for protection, prosperity, and overall well-being. It is believed that by performing this homam, one can overcome difficult challenges, remove negative energies, and attain spiritual growth. The ritual is also known to bring peace and harmony to families, resolve conflicts, and fulfill desires.

One of the key aspects of the Nava Chandi Homam is the recitation of the Devi Mahatmyam. This text narrates the three great battles fought by Goddess Durga against the demons Mahishasura, Shumbha, and Nishumbha, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The chanting of these verses during the homam is believed to invoke the divine presence of the Goddess, filling the environment with positive vibrations and divine energy.

The Devi Mahatmyam and Its Importance

The Devi Mahatmyam, also known as Durga Saptashati or Chandi Path, is a key component of the Nava Chandi Homam. This ancient text is part of the Markandeya Purana and is composed of 700 verses (shlokas) divided into 13 chapters. The Devi Mahatmyam is considered one of the most important scriptures in the Shakta tradition, which is devoted to the worship of the Divine Mother.

The text narrates the stories of the Goddess's battles against various demons, each representing different forms of ignorance, ego, and negative tendencies within humans. The three primary episodes in the Devi Mahatmyam are:

Madhu-Kaitabha Vadh: The killing of the demons Madhu and Kaitabha by Goddess Mahakali, who emerges from the anger of Vishnu.

Mahishasura Mardini: The slaying of the buffalo demon Mahishasura by Goddess Durga, symbolizes the victory of divine power over brute force and ignorance.

Shumbha-Nishumbha Vadh: The destruction of the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha by the Goddess, representing the triumph of spiritual wisdom over ego and pride.

Each of these episodes symbolizes the victory of divine forces over negative influences, and the chanting of these verses during the Nava Chandi Homam is believed to invoke the protective and benevolent energies of the Goddess.

The Ritual of Nava Chandi Homam

The Nava Chandi Homam is a highly structured and elaborate ritual that requires precise execution by learned priests or purohits. The ritual is typically performed in temples or homes by those seeking divine intervention in overcoming challenges or seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being.

The Nava Chandi Homam can be broadly divided into the following stages:

Preparatory Rituals:

Sankalpa: The ritual begins with the Sankalpa, where the devotees or Ajman (the person for whom the homam is being performed) make a solemn vow or intention to perform the homam for specific purposes, such as health, wealth, or spiritual growth.

Ganesha Puja: A worship of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is performed to ensure that the Homam proceeds smoothly without any hindrances.

Kalasha Sthapana: The setting up of the Kalasha (sacred pot) is done, symbolizing the presence of the divine. The Kalasha is filled with water, and a coconut is placed on top, adorned with mango leaves and flowers.

Main Ritual:

Agni Prathisthapana: The fire or Agni is invoked in the homa kunda (sacred fire pit) with the chanting of Vedic mantras. The fire is considered a direct link to the divine, and offerings made into the fire are believed to reach the gods.

Navavarana Puja: This is a special worship involving the nine enclosures of the Sri Chakra, which is a powerful yantra (mystical diagram) representing the divine feminine energy. The nine enclosures are worshipped with mantras, and offerings are made to each.

Chandi Path: The recitation of the Devi Mahatmyam is done, usually by a group of priests. The chanting is accompanied by various offerings into the fire, such as ghee, herbs, and other sacred items. The power of collective chanting is believed to amplify the benefits of the Homam.

Homam: As the Chandi Path is recited, offerings are made into the fire at specific intervals. The priests chant the mantras, and each offering is believed to please the Goddess and invoke her blessings.

Purnahuti:

The ritual concludes with the Purnahuti, the final offering, which symbolizes the completion of the Homam. A special offering, such as a coconut or a bundle of sacred herbs, is made into the fire.

The Purnahuti is accompanied by the chanting of auspicious mantras and prayers for the well-being of all beings.

Aarti and Prasad Distribution:

The ritual concludes with the Aarti, where a lamp is lit and waved before the deities as a sign of reverence and devotion.

Prasad, which is the blessed food offering, is distributed to all participants, symbolizing the sharing of divine blessings.

Benefits of Performing Nava Chandi Homam

The Nava Chandi Homam is considered one of the most powerful and effective rituals in the Hindu tradition. The benefits of performing this homam are manifold and include the following:

Removal of Obstacles: The homam is known to remove obstacles in personal and professional life. It is particularly beneficial for those facing challenges in health, career, or relationships.

Protection from Negative Energies: The ritual is believed to ward off negative energies, evil forces, and black magic. It acts as a protective shield for the participants, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Blessings of Prosperity and Abundance: The Nava Chandi Homam is often performed to seek the blessings of the Goddess for wealth, prosperity, and abundance. It is believed to attract positive energies that lead to material and spiritual growth.

Health and Longevity: The ritual is also known for its benefits in promoting good health and longevity. It is believed that the divine energy invoked during the homam can heal physical and mental ailments.

Spiritual Growth: The Nava Chandi Homam is not just about material benefits; it is also a powerful tool for spiritual growth. The ritual helps in purifying the mind, body, and soul, leading to greater inner peace and spiritual awakening.

Family Harmony and Peace: The homam is often performed to bring peace and harmony to families. It is believed to resolve conflicts and misunderstandings, fostering love and unity among family members.

Fulfillment of Desires: The Nava Chandi Homam is known to fulfill the desires of those who perform it with devotion and faith. Whether it is a desire for wealth, success, or spiritual enlightenment, the home is believed to help in achieving one's goals.

When and Where to Perform Nava Chandi Homam

The Nava Chandi Homam can be performed on any auspicious day, but it is particularly powerful when performed during Navaratri, which is the nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. Navaratri is considered the most auspicious time to invoke the blessings of the Goddess, and performing the Homam during this period is believed to bring maximum benefits.

The homam can be performed at home, in a temple, or any other sacred place. It is important to ensure that the ritual is conducted by learned priests who are well-versed in the Vedic traditions and the chanting of the Devi Mahatmyam. The Homam can also be performed collectively, with a group of devotees coming together to chant the Chandi Path and offer their prayers.

Conclusion

The Nava Chandi Homam is a deeply spiritual and powerful ritual that has been practiced for centuries in the Hindu tradition. It is a profound way to connect with the divine feminine energy, seek protection, and receive the blessings of the Goddess for a prosperous and fulfilling life. Whether performed for removing obstacles, seeking protection, or achieving spiritual growth, the Nava Chandi Homam remains a timeless and potent ritual that continues to inspire and uplift those who partake in it.

By understanding the significance, process, and benefits of the Nava Chandi Homam, one can appreciate the depth and richness of this ancient practice and its enduring relevance in the modern world. Whether you are seeking material prosperity, spiritual enlightenment, or simply the peace and protection of the divine, the Nava Chandi Homam offers a powerful means to achieve your goals and experience the grace of the Goddess in your life.

[talonabraxas]

Eyes of Kali ॐ Talon Abraxas

Under the third eye of Kali, the signs of both sun, moon, and fire are visible which represent the driving forces of nature. Kali is not always thought of as a Dark Goddess. Despite Kali's origins in battle, She evolved to a full-fledged symbol of Mother Nature in Her creative, nurturing and devouring aspects.

Durga Ma & Shakti's Third Eye

DURGA is the three eyed Ambika or Parvathi who takes the form of Ma Kali. Mother Durga is a Shakti manifestation representing the infinite power of the universe and symbol of feminine dynamism and potency of Siva.

The manifestation of Durga is said to emerge from Her formless essence and she is inseparable from the Source. She is worshiped for her gracious as well as terrifying aspects. Durga’s story appears primarily in the Skanda Purana which is part of the Markandeya Purana. Durga is said to have projected Kali out of her third eye.

When Goddess Durga is depicted having three eyes, she is referred to as Triyambake. These are similar to that of Lord Siva and symbolise knowledge that consumes ignorance. Symbolically Her left eye represent desire – the moon; the right action – the sun and the third eye represents knowledge or Fire.

Devi Mahatmyam, Sri Durga Saptasati – Chandi. Opening Sloka: 7:

Sarva Mangala Mangalye, Shive Sarvartha Sadhike, Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namostute, Narayani Namostute, Narayani Namostute:

Meaning:

Oh Gauri Maa! Consort of Lord Shiva, You who bestows auspiciousness in all, And fulfill everyone's wishes, I prostrate myself before Thee, I salute you or take me under your care.

In Puranic literature, Goddess Parvathi is worshipped as Shakti. She is described as having many forms, including Durga, Chandi, Kali and Uma. While Siva symbolizes the efficient cause of the creation, Shakti symbolizes the material cause. Jai Maa Durga

SHAKTI’S THIRD EYE

​Coconuts are a favourite offering to Hindu Gods and Goddesses as it has three ‘eyes’ and symbolises the breaking of ego. Exposing the purity of white copra is just that. The third eye refers to one’s inner vision.

It is the gate of the inner realms of higher consciousness. Thus it metaphorically symbolises non-dualistic thinking. In Shiva Tattva it is the eye of higher perception. It is not physically present but everyone ‘has’ a third eye. Jnani’s and enlightened persons realise its presence.

According to the Puranas, the third eye symbolises wisdom and knowledge. Siva’s burning of Kama Deva by his third eye is symbolic of destroying desire and lust.

As ‘Tryambaka’ Lord Siva is the ‘the three eyes’ God. While this has vedic origins and mentioned in the Upanishads, the Mahabaratha states ‘ambaka’ denotes ‘the eye’ of Ambika meaning mother’s eye.

Goddesses Parvathi, Saraswathi and Lakshmi, the consorts of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva are also collectively called Ambika. In the Baratha story, there is the saguna character of Ambika being the daughter of the King of Kashi. Her swamvara is interrupted by Bhisma who takes Ambika and her sisters Amba and Ambaliks. Om Shakti

[piyalibhoir]

Goddess Bhadrakali: The Auspicious Protector of Divine Order

Bhadrakali's mythology is rich with stories that emphasize her role as a divine protector. One prominent legend recounts how she emerged from the goddess Parvati’s rage to annihilate demons who threatened the cosmic order.

[baranibaran]

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