Saptasati

Saptasati, also known as the Chandipatha or Devi Mahatmyam, is a significant sacred text in Hinduism. It is a part of the Markandeya Purana and is dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga, also known as Devi or Chandi. The text is composed of 700 verses, hence the name Saptasati, which literally means "seven hundred verses".

The Saptasati narrates the exploits of the goddess Durga in her various forms as she battles and defeats powerful demons, primarily Mahishasura, Shumbha, and Nishumbha. These battles are not merely physical confrontations but are interpreted as allegories for the triumph of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and righteousness over unrighteousness. The narrative emphasizes the inherent power and cosmic significance of the Divine Feminine.

Recitation of the Saptasati is a common practice among Hindus, particularly during the Navaratri festival, a nine-night celebration honoring Durga. It is believed that chanting these verses bestows blessings, protection, and spiritual liberation upon the devotee. The text is revered for its philosophical depth, its devotional fervor, and its role in the larger tradition of Shakti worship, which venerates the supreme feminine energy as the ultimate reality.