The Devi Bhagwat Purana (or Devi Bhagavata Purana) is one of the major Puranas dedicated to Adishakti Devi (Divine Mother). It is a sacred scripture that glorifies Devi in her various forms, such as Durga, Kali, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Tripura Sundari, and Parvati.
Composed in Sanskrit, traditionally attributed to Rishi Veda Vyasa
Contains 12 Skandhas (Cantos) and over 18,000 verses
Focuses on the Supremacy of Devi as the creator, sustainer, and destroyer of the universe
Creation by Mahashakti: Devi as the origin of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.
Devi’s Forms: Stories of Durga, Kali, Tripura Sundari, Chandi, etc.
Devi Mahatmya (Glory of the Goddess): Victory over Mahishasura, Shumbha-Nishumbha, etc.
Spiritual Teachings: Bhakti (devotion), Shraddha (faith), and Moksha (liberation).
Devi Gita: Philosophical discourse between the Goddess and King Himalaya.
Navaratri Significance: Importance of the 9 nights of Devi worship.
Stories of Devotees: Praises of saints and devotees like King Harishchandra, and others who achieved liberation through Devi worship.
Choose a Qualified Kathavachak: The narrator should be well-versed in Devi scriptures.
Select Venue & Duration: Often performed as a 9-day (Navratri) Katha, but can also be 7 or 3 days.
Sankalp: The host (Yajman) makes a vow to perform the Katha with sincerity.
Kalash Sthapana: A sacred pot (Kalash) symbolizing the presence of Devi is established.
Ganesh Puja: To remove obstacles.
Guru Puja: Honoring the Guru or spiritual teacher.
Navagraha Puja: Worship of nine planets for blessings.
Devi Puja: Invoking the presence of the Divine Mother through mantras and offerings.
Bhajan/Kirtan: Begins with devotional singing.
Invocation and Prarthana: Inviting Devi into the venue.
Kathavachan: Storytelling and spiritual explanation by the Kathavachak.
Aarti and Prasad: Ends with aarti and distribution of sanctified food.
Typical Breakdown (9-Day Format):
| Day | Topic |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Introduction, creation story, forms of Devi |
| Day 2 | Glory of Mahakali and her battles |
| Day 3 | Durga’s birth and Mahishasura Mardini story |
| Day 4 | Tripura Sundari and her grace |
| Day 5 | Story of Sati and Shiva, Devi’s renunciation |
| Day 6 | Navadurga significance |
| Day 7 | Stories of Bhakti and miracles by Devi |
| Day 8 | Devi Gita discourse |
| Day 9 | Universal form of Devi and Samapan (conclusion) |
Purnahuti (if Yagya is performed): Final fire offerings.
Chandi Path (optional): Chanting of Durga Saptashati or Devi Mahatmya.
Devi Aarti and Blessings
Vastra and Dakshina to Kathavachak and Brahmins
Prasadam Distribution
Navratri is an ideal time for Devi Bhagwat Katha.
Can be paired with Devi Yagna, Chandi Homa, or Kanya Puja (worship of young girls).
Promotes Shakti (inner power), Bhakti (devotion), and Jnana (spiritual knowledge).
Blessings of protection, strength, and wisdom from Maa Durga
Uplifts household spiritually
Helps in overcoming mental, physical, and material challenges
Promotes health, harmony, and spiritual growth
