Devi Mahatmyam Reading Procedure | How to read Devi Saptashati

Devi Mahatmyam (Durga Saptashati or Chandi Path) is a powerful text dedicated to Goddess Shakti. The reading procedure of Devi Saptashati is given here in detail version. Many devotees are confused on how to recite this powerful text – on which day, which adhyaya (chapter) needs to be chanted..

In 2025, Navratri begins on September 22 and ends on October 2. Chaitra Vasant Navratri begins on March 30 and ends on April 7.

There are two methods to start reading Devi Mahatmym – Trayangam and Navangam.

Trayangam is a method in which we need to chant three prayers – Devi Kavacham, Argala Stotram and Devi Keelakam followed by Navakshari Mantram.

Navangam is a method for which nine prayers are recited prior of starting reading the book. Navangam stotrams are: Devi Nyasa, Devi Avahana, Devi Namani, Argala Stotram, Keelaka Stotram, Devi Hrudaya, Dhala, Devi Dhyana and Devi Kavacha.

As per the prescribed methods in ancient scriptures, Devi Mahatmya should be read in one sitting. After finishing the recital of Devi Mahatmya, one should chant the Devi Suktam (slokas 7 to 36 of Chapter 8).

Devi Saptashati Parayana in 3 days

Apart from one sitting recital, devotees read Devi mahatmya for three consecutive days: Prathama Charitra or 1^st Chapter on first day, Madhyama Charitra (2, 3, 4 chapters) on 2^nd day, and Uttama Charitra (5-13 chapters) on third day.

Example:

Durga Saptashati 1st Chapter on 22 September 2025

Durga Saptashati 2nd, 3rd and 4th Chapters on 23 September 2025

Durga Saptashati 5th to 13 Chapters on 24 September 2025

Devi Saptashati Parayana in 7 days

Some devotees also read Devi Mahatmya in 7 days. They chant 1^st Chapter on first day, 2-3 chapters on 2^nd day, 4^th chapter on 3^rd day, 5-8 chapters on 4^th day, 9-10 chapters on 5^th day, 11^th chapter on 6^th day and 12-13 chapters on 7^th day.

Example:

Durga Saptashati 1st Chapter on 22 September 2025

Durga Saptashati 2nd and 3rd Chapters on 23 September 2025

Durga Saptashati 4th Chapter on 24 September 2025

Durga Saptashati 5th to 8th Chapters on 25 September 2025

Durga Saptashati 9th and 10th chapters on 26 September 2025

Durga Saptashati 11th chapter on 27 September 2025

Durga Saptashati 12th and 13th chapters on 28 September 2025

Each chapter should be read in single sitting. Due to any reason, Parayana is stopped in between a chapter; the whole chapter should be read again.

The order of reciting Durga Saptashati Parayana daily is: Trayanga Mantra, Devi Mahatmya text followed by Devi Suktam.

Many devotees read Durga Saptashati during Navratri Durga Puja 9/10 days.. Here is the procedure to read Devi Mahatmyam during Navratri

How to read Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmyam) during Navratri festival

1^st day: Chapter 1 (Madhu kaitabha samhaaram) | 22 September 2025

2^nd day: Chapter 2, 3 and 4 (Mahishhasura samhaara) | 23 September 2025

3^rd day: Chapter 5 and 6 (Dhuumralochana vadha) | 24 September 2025

4^th day: Chapter 7 (Chanda Munda vadha) | 25 September 2025

5^th day: Chapter 8 (Rakta biija samhaara) | 26 September 2025

6^th day: Chapter 9 and 10 (Shumbha Nishumbha vadha) | 27 September 2025

7^th day: Chapter 11 (Praise of Narayani) | 28 September 2025

8^th day: Chapter 12 (Phalastuti – reciting merits or benefits) | 29 September 2025

9^th day: Chapter 13 (Blessings to Suratha and the Merchant) | 30 September 2025

10^th day: Chapter 14 (Aparadha Kshamaprarthana) on 10th day | 1 October 2025

You can also complete the recital on 9th day by chanting Devi Aparadha Kshama Prarthana Stotram on 9th day itself.

You should read Siddha Kunjika Stotram after completing the recital of every chapter.