दुर्गा सप्तशती- Durga Saptasati Sanskrit Text with Seven Commentaries (Set of 2 Volumes)

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The Durga Saptasati or Devi Mähätyma of Saptasati Candi is a sacred and most Signi ficant text is Sanskrit literature. It is very dear to the the Hindus and is chanted everyday by many as a very favourite scripture. The text is called Saptasati, as it contains 700 verses. This count includes even one line sentence which are not strictly verses. Besides, it deals with the story of Seven Satis or Devis, viz. Brahmi, Mähesvari, Kaumari, Vaisnavi, Varahi, Indrani and Camunda. Candi or Candika is the name by which the supreme Goddess is referred to Durga Saptasati.

The Durga Saptasati, which exists as an independent Scripture' originally, formed part of the Märkandeya Purana, chapter 81- 93. Surely, it was the work of a rare genius, the fruit of the highest poetic inspiration and overflowing devotion of a highly concen- trared soul. The story of Durga Saptasati depicts Devi in her universal forn as Sakti. Durga, the great warrior Goddess, represents the lethal energy of Divine anger when turned against evil. She killed the most fruious and evil demon Mahisasura. Hence, Devi portrayed as Mahisasura Mardini, i.e. slayer of the Buffalo demon a central episode of Durga Saptasati.

The book contain Sanskrit text along with seven commentaries and English translation. Besides a general Index, Sloka Index a Glossary is also appended with the book for the benefit of researchers.

Prof. Narasingha Charan Panda (Prof. N.C. Panda) is serving as Professor & Head in the Dept. of Sanskrit, Central University of Odisha, Koraput. Presently, he is also working as Dean, School of Languages along with the responsibility of the post of Director of IQAC at the Central University of Odisha. Earlier, he has also served as the Professor of Sanskrit & Chairman, Dept. of Vishveshvaranand Vishva Bandhu Institute of Sanskrit and Indological Studies, Panjab University (Chandigarh), Hoshiarpur, Punjab. Prof. Panda is well- known in the field of Indological Research and combines a comprehensive understanding of scholarly issues, impartial judgment and an exemplary clarity of expression. Field of Specialization: Veda, Indian Philosophy, Buddhism, Art & Architecture, etc.

Prof. Panda has served as ICCR Chair Visiting Professor of Sanskrit at Sanskrit Studies Center, Faculty of Archaeology, Silpakorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. Besides, Prof. Panda is working as the Editor of International Journal of Indology & Culture (Thai Prajna) -- A Peer Reviewed International Research Journal, being published by the Sanskrit Studies Centre, Silpakorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. In addition to these, he has written & edited several books.

Durga Saptasati is known as a religious and most popu- lar text in India. It describes the victory of the Goddess Durga over the demon Mahisasura. Durga Saptasati or Devi Mahatmya or Saptasati Candi is a part of the Markandeya Purana and contains 700 verses. A ritual reading of this text is part of Navaratri celebrations in honour of the Goddess. Devi Durga portrayed as Mahisasura Mardini, i.e. slayer of the buffalo-demon is being worshipped by the devotees of Sakti in India and Abroad. In India, especially the people of Eastern India worship Her with great devotion and fervour.

I am extending my sincere regards and thanks to Prof. Gangadhar Panda, Head & Dean, Dept. of Purana-Itihasa, Sampurnananda Sanskrit University, Varanasi, Prof. Gopabandhu Mishra, B.H.U. Varanasi, Prof. Brijes Kumar Shukla, Dept. of Sanskrit, Lucknow University, Lucknow, Prof. Surendra Mohan Mishra, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Prof. Shukdev Bhoi, L.B.S., New Delhi, for their enlightening inspiration and scholarly suggestions to complete this work successfully.

Puranas are known as the fifth Veda' in Indian culture. The aim of Puranas is to acquaint the general mass with the teachings and philosophy of the Veda which are to be adopted as the principle and thus achieve the goal of life. As Vedavyasa says: “itihasa-pura?abhya? vedam samupabrmhayet."2 So, for the complete study of the Veda, Puranas are indispensable Vedic study was confined to a limited intellectual group. But, the Puranas were open to all. Various Puranas provide us valu- able information about the social religious and cultural life of ancient and medieval India. It is noteworthy that despite exag- gerations, myths and legends, some of these works throw con- siderable light on the early political history of India.