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 belongsto the Markandeya Purana. Despite being the MP a MahaPuranaoften regarded as a Vaishnava text, the section named Devi Mahatmyamis 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 attentionof those few interested readers who may be perhaps unaware that thisparticular edition of the DM was originally created by Swami Jagadiswarananda in 1953, has been published and reprinted with nochanges 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 carriedat 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.

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 !!!!

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&?[

...which I do not, yet. Already have "In Praise of the Goddess," the translation by Devadatta Kali, which I like very much. However, it is a trade-size paperback, and I wanted a mass-market edition for portability. This would have worked for me if had included a transliteration, Romanization, of the text, in between the Devanagari and the english. But that would have made the book larger, and defeated my purpose in buying it. Oh, well.

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.

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.