Shri Devi Mahatmyam – Purvangam Text
An Inspired Interpretation
ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः
Oṃ Śrī Gurubhyo Namaḥ
ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे।
Oṃ Aiṃ Hrīṃ Klīṃ Cāmuṇḍāyai Vicce |
The divine text revered by the great Seers as ‘Śrī Devī Kavacham’ forms part of the invocation rites or the ‘Purvāngam’ belonging to the performance of ‘Śri Devī Māhātmyam Pārāyana Yajna’, variably hailed as ‘Chandi-pāth’ and ‘Saptaśatī Pārāyana’.
The prescribed method for any formal contemplation of ‘Śri Devī Māhātmyam’ also known as Saptaśatī or seven-hundred hymns, involves as part of the invocation, first the recital of ‘Śrī Devī Kavacham’ which acts like the protective armor for the aspirant in the pursuit of happiness, which then should be followed with the recital of three divine texts in succession, namely: ‘Argalā Stotram’, ‘Kīlaka Stotram’, and ‘Vedokta Rātri Suktam’.
Sages consider every verse of these texts as divine mantras, potent with immense power, revealing only to those who are sincere in their approach, and dedicated in their study of these texts for the devoted contemplation on Mother Durga.
These inspired interpretation on Śrī Devī Kavacham’, along with that of ‘Argalā Stotram’, ‘Kīlaka Stotram’, and ‘Vedokta Rātri Suktam’ are my humble attempts to create a learning aid for those who seek. Only when the meaning is contemplated upon, the ‘karma’ of doing ritual gets elevated to the higher state of ‘Upāsana’. Note that prefix mantras for rituals such as the ‘nyāsa’ are not elaborated here.
Knowing my limitations, my prayer is for this collection of texts to be in good stead for aiding an understanding and triggering a positive interest in the minds of the readers to seek greater sources of knowledge.
May my obeisance be forever to Mother Śri Akilāndeśwari for Her immense grace that directs me towards this pursuit! May Her eternal compassion bestow the luminance of Truth in this text and be the guiding light for the fellow seekers.
Oṃ Sri Mātre Namaḥ | Oṃ Śrī Gurubhyo Namaḥ |
Mee. Rajagopalan
London
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