Devi-mahatmyam, a part of Markandeya-purana, glorifies the feminine aspect of God, venerating both the saguna and the nirguna aspects of the God. The saguna aspects, represented by Mahasarasvati (creator and sattva), Mahalakshmi (sustainer and rajasic) and Mahakali (destroyer and tamas) endorses the guna theory that is core to the Upanishads and the Bhagavad-gita.
The text is found in 13 sequential chapters in the Markandeya-purana, where Sage Markandeya narrates it to his students in three parts. Each part venerates a different aspect of Devi: Part one as Shakti, Part two as Durga and Part three as Kali. These three depictions are verily depictions of man’s inner and outer experiences, and how the Goddess destroys them through Her different aspects. The study of this text leads a seeker to purify himself through an understanding of his experiences and thus gains the strength to understand the Truth (his identity) and firmly get established in it. This text expounds the hitherto hidden aspects of the Adi Parashakti. The study of this mystic text helps to embrace all aspects of spiritual life from chanting, to meditation and contemplation of the supreme Mother. The rich symbolism of Indian tradition is unveiled through these talks.
Swami Sharadananda Sarasvati explains Divine Mother’s glories and inspires us with his devotional fervour. His deep insight into both Vedic and Tantrik scriptures unfolds as we delve into this truly sublime text, Devi-mahatmyam.
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