Sri Devi Mahatmyam Alias Sri Durga Saptasati (Seven Hundred Mantras Incanted as Paean to Devi Durga and Meaning)

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About the Book Śrī Devī Māhātmyam, a profound elucidation of the transformative power, glory, and greatness of the Supreme Goddess Candikā, is a hymn with 578 verses, reckoned as 700 Mantras. It serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring us to strive for spiritual growth, leading us towards perfection and realising Moksha. This tribute, known as 'Śrī Durgă Saptaśatī' (700), testifies to the uplifting power of the Goddess.

It is evident that correctly understanding and reciting this hymn enables the devotee to attain countless benefits. Thus, Devi, the panacean eradicator, offers relief and release from hardships and, as the bestower of all benisons, grants emancipation from the cycle of rebirths. The Twelfth Chapter, a pivotal part of the hymn, is a direct discourse by Devi Herself, which lends further credence to the hymn's power and potential, depicting the Goddess's immense puissance and providing guidance on invoking Her blessings. The prayer is replete with slokas such as:-

sarvamangalamāngalye śive sarvärthasādhike saranye tryambake gauri nārāyaņi namo'stu te śaraṇāgatadinārta pariträņaparāyane sarvasyärtihare devi narayani namo'stu te (XI-10,12)

Oh, Goddess, the bestower and the presenter of well-being in all felicitous objects; the facilitator of all human goals; who is paramount in protection, endowed with three eyes, accords utmost care in safe- guarding the depressed and suffering who seek refuge in You, wipes away all the afflictions. Oh, Devi Nārāyaņi, we offer our salutations to You. (XI-10,12)

What sets this book apart from similar texts is its comprehensive and detailed nature. It is not a mere translation but a reassuring and reliable companion, providing profound understanding, guidance, and support to readers. This humble attempt equips them to quickly assimilate the morals and earn divine blessings through this spiritual journey.

About the Author Iswardas's journey began in the financial sector, where he honed his skills and eventually ascended to the role of a bank's CEO. His professional growth did not deter him from pursuing his passions, including philanthropy, travel, and writing. Today, he serves as a freelance advisor to corporates and groups, dedicating his free time to his passions with even greater zeal.

His dedication to philanthropy continues to be unwavering, as he participates in the work of a few organizations by contributing to their charitable activities. His fascination with visiting far-off, exotic, and remote places and countries and meeting people of varied cultures and traditions has remained robust. Equally vital is his unbounded enthusiasm for his foremost interest-writing.

The lasting impressions made by the multitude of humbling experiences and transformative situations encountered during these activities have transcended his chronicles with great verve, like mirror reflections. While shaping his personal and professional journey, these experiences have served as a source of inspiration for his literary works. His books, The Lethal Elixir and Destination Moksha, are a testament to this.

His deep dive into the vast ocean of spiritual literature and related philosophies is worth mentioning here. This unremitting venture has enabled him to delve into their deeper recesses and discern the arcane, latent import of a few priceless pearls of wisdom-no wonder this rare insight has also transfused ineluctably to some of his latest didactic narratives.

Acknowledgements I am grateful to my friend Dr Giridharan U.R. for his assistance in conceiving and consummating this work differently. His input and guidance during its preparation, no doubt, have been invaluable.

I sincerely thank A.K. for the meticulous review of the draft manuscript and the necessary modifications.

I am obligated to Mr. Venkatesan Krishnamoorthy for the cover page sketch.

Further, my indebtedness is due to those great scholars whose works have inspired me and influenced the content and construction of this work.

Finally, Sri. Rajendra P. Jain and his publishing team at Motilal Banarsidass Publishing House deserve mention for their editorial guidance and efforts in making the book easy to read.

Introduction Śrī Devī Māhātmyam, an elucidation of the glory and greatness of the supreme Goddess Candika and the manifold protection it affords, finds its portrayal as a part of Märkandeya Purāņa. Incidentally, Märkandeya Purāņa is one of the most ancient eighteen Purāņa-s populated with one hundred and thirty-nine chapters.