Durga Rigvedoktam Devi Suktam ॥ ऋग्वेदोक्त देवीसूक्त

Durga Rigvedoktam Devi Suktam

॥ Viniyogah ॥

Om Ahamityashtarchasya Suktasya Vagambhrini Rishih,

Sachchitsukhatmakah Sarvagatah Paramatma Devata,

Dvitiyaya Richo Jagati, Shishtanam Trishtup Chhandah,

Devimahatmyapathe Viniyogah।

॥ Dhyanam ॥

Om Sinhastha Shashishekhara Marakataprakhyaishchaturbhirbhujaih

Shankham Chakradhanuhsharanshcha Dadhati Netraistribhih Shobhita।

Amuktangadaharakankanaranatkanchiranannupura

Durga Durgatiharini Bhavatu No Ratnollasatkundala॥

॥ Devisuktam॥

Om Aham Rudrebhirvasubhishcharamyahamadityairuta Vishvadevaih।

Aham Mitravarunobha Bibharmyahamindragni Ahamashvinobha॥1॥

Aham Somamahanasam Bibharmyaham Tvashtaramuta Pushanam Bhagam।

Aham Dadhami Dravinam Havishmate Supravye Yajamanaya Sunvate॥2॥

Aham Rashtri Sangamani Vasunam Chikitushi Prathama Yajniyanam।

Tam Bha Deva Vyadadhuh Purutra Bhuristhatram Bhuryyaveshayantim॥3॥

Maya So Annamatti Yo Vipashyati Yah Praniti Ya Im Shrinotyuktam।

Amantavo Mam Ta Upa Kshiyanti Shrudhi Shruta Shraddhivam Te Vadami॥4॥

Ahameva Svayamidam Vadami Jushtam Devebhiruta Manushebhih।

Yam Kamaye Tam Tamugram Krinomi Tam Brahmanam Tamrishim Tam Sumedham॥5॥

Aham Rudraya Dhanura Tanomi Brahmadvishe Sharave Hantava U।

Aham Janaya Samadam Krinomyaham Dyavaprithivi A Vivesha॥6॥

Aham Suve Pitaramasya Murdhanmama Yonirapsvantah Samudre।

Tato Vi Tishthe Bhuvananu Vishvo-tamum Dyam Varshmanopa Sprishami॥7॥

Ahameva Vata Iva Pravamyarabhamana Bhuvanani Vishva।

Paro Diva Para Ena Prithivyaitavati Mahina Sambabhuva॥8॥

॥ Iti Rigvedoktam Devisuktam Samaptam ॥

What is the Devi Suktam?

The Devi Suktam is a revered hymn found in the Rigveda, specifically in the 10th Mandala. It’s an invocation to the Goddess or Divine Feminine (Devi) in her various forms. It’s attributed to the sage Vak Ambhrini and celebrates the Divine Mother’s qualities of strength, wisdom, and cosmic power. The hymn emphasizes that the goddess is not separate from the universe, embodying it and existing within all beings.

When to Recite the Devi Suktam?

The Devi Suktam is recited at specific times to maximize its spiritual and energetic benefits:

During Navaratri:

Navaratri is a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, when devotees honor her various forms. Reciting the Devi Suktam during Navaratri brings blessings, spiritual upliftment, and devotion. It’s especially powerful on Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami days.

On Fridays:

Fridays are traditionally associated with Goddess worship in Hinduism. Many devotees recite the Devi Suktam on Fridays to receive blessings, peace, and prosperity.

During the Brahma Muhurta:

The early morning Brahma Muhurta (between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM) is considered the most auspicious time for any form of worship, including the Devi Suktam. At this time, the mind is more focused, and the spiritual benefits are enhanced.

During Personal Crisis or When Seeking Strength:

Many people recite the Devi Suktam when they need protection, strength, or support. The Devi Suktam invokes the powerful, compassionate, and protective energy of the Divine Feminine, which helps overcome difficulties and provides emotional strength.

How to Recite the Devi Suktam?

Prepare Your Space:

Light a diya (oil lamp) or incense in front of an image or idol of the goddess.

Sit Calmly:

Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths to calm your mind.

Chant with Devotion:

Chant the Devi Suktam with devotion and clarity. Focus on the meaning of the words and feel the presence of the goddess in your heart.

Meditate on the Goddess:

After reciting, sit in silence for a few moments, feeling the energy of the goddess within you.

Benefits of Reciting Devi Suktam

The recitation of Devi Suktam offers numerous benefits:

Spiritual Growth: It elevates one’s spiritual awareness and brings a sense of inner peace.

Strength and Protection: It is believed to invoke the goddess’s protective energy, offering physical and mental strength.

Emotional Healing: Reciting the Devi Suktam can help heal emotional wounds and bring comfort.

Connection to the Divine Feminine: It fosters a closer connection to the goddess, nurturing qualities of compassion, love, and wisdom.

Durga Stuti and Its Chapters

Durga Stuti is a general term that encompasses various hymns dedicated to Goddess Durga. One of the most well-known texts of Durga Stuti is found within the Devi Mahatmyam, also known as Durga Saptashati or Chandi Path.

What is the Durga Saptashati?

The Durga Saptashati is a major text in Shaktism (worship of the Divine Mother). It comprises 700 verses describing the goddess’s victories over various demons and her role in sustaining the universe. The text is divided into 13 chapters or 13 Adhyayas and is often categorized into three sections:

Prathama Charitra (First Characterization):

In the first chapter, Mahakali emerges to defeat Madhu and Kaitabha, symbolizing the removal of ignorance and darkness.

Madhyama Charitra (Middle Characterization):

The second to fourth chapters describe Goddess Mahalakshmi’s battle with Mahishasura, representing the destruction of ego and attachments.

Uttama Charitra (Last Characterization):

The remaining chapters focus on the goddess Mahasaraswati’s battles with Shumbha, Nishumbha, and other demons, symbolizing the victory of purity, wisdom, and knowledge.

How to Recite Durga Stuti

Pick a Peaceful Time:

The best time to recite the Durga Saptashati is during Navaratri or when you feel called to invoke the power of the goddess in your life. Each chapter can be recited as per one’s specific need.

Set an Intention:

Focus on what you are seeking from the goddess—protection, wisdom, or courage.

Perform a Simple Ritual:

Offer flowers, light a diya (oil lamp), and incense in front of an image or idol of Goddess Durga. You can also offer fruits or sweets as Prasad.

Recite with Respect:

If you’re reciting the entire Durga Saptashati, it’s a good idea to perform it under the guidance of a spiritual teacher. Otherwise, read specific chapters or stutis according to your intention.

Benefits of Reciting Durga Stuti

The benefits of Durga Stuti are manifold:

Removes Obstacles: It is believed to destroy internal and external obstacles.

Provides Protection: It invokes the goddess’s protection over one’s life.

Empowers the Devotee: It brings courage, resilience, and the power to face challenges.

Grants Peace and Prosperity: It blesses the devotee with mental peace, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment.