How should I read the Durgā Saptaśatī at home?

read its 13 chapters in one sitting or spread across Navarātri, ideally with the Kavaca, Argalā and Kīlaka before; read with care and respect.

The Durgā Saptaśatī (also called Caṇḍī Pāṭha or Devī Māhātmya) has 700 verses in 13 chapters, describing the Devī’s victories over Madhu-Kaiṭabha, Mahiṣāsura and Śumbha-Niśumbha. It is the heart of Navarātri for many families.

The usual order: Devī Kavaca, Argalā Stotra and Kīlaka first, then the 13 chapters, often followed by the Devī Sūkta and a prayer for forgiveness of errors. A full reading takes around two to three hours. Many families split it over the days of Navarātri — one, two or a few chapters a day — so that it finishes by Navamī. Others read just one chapter daily all year.

Sit on a clean seat, keep the book on a stand or cloth rather than on your lap, and read clearly. If Sanskrit is hard, reading a good Hindi translation with devotion is also accepted. If even that is too much, the short Siddha Kuñjikā Stotra is widely used.

700 verses in 13 chapters · Source: Devī Māhātmya, Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa

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