The Durga Saptashati, also called the Chandi Path or Devi Mahatmya, is the heart of Navratri for millions of families. Its 700 verses tell how the Goddess arose from the combined radiance of the gods to defeat the forces of darkness. Many people want to read it during Navratri but aren't sure where to begin. This guide explains the order, the structure and the traditional reading plans, simply.
Navratri 2026 begins with Ghatasthapana on Sunday, 11 October 2026. Exact muhurat depends on your city, so confirm it with your local panchang.
What is the Durga Saptashati?
It is a section of the Markandeya Purana: 13 chapters, traditionally counted as 700 verses (sapta-shati means "seven hundred"). The chapters form three parts, called charitras, each centred on a form of the Goddess:
| Charitra | Chapters | Form of the Goddess | Story |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prathama (first) | 1 | Mahakali | The slaying of Madhu and Kaitabha |
| Madhyama (middle) | 2–4 | Mahalakshmi | The defeat of Mahishasura |
| Uttama (final) | 5–13 | Mahasaraswati | The defeat of Shumbha and Nishumbha |
Free PDF guide
Durga Saptashati Starter Guide
Navratri 2026 at a glance, the Saptashati in 3 parts, the right order of reading, the 7-day and 3-day plans, and one verse with its meaning: 7 phone-friendly pages. Enter your email and the download appears right here.
The guide is in English. We'll also email you before major festivals; unsubscribe anytime.
The traditional order of reading
Families and traditions vary a little, but a commonly followed order is:
- Devi Kavach, the prayer of protection
- Argala Stotram, the hymn that "opens the bolt"
- Kilak Stotram, the hymn that unlocks the text
- In many traditions, Navarna mantra japa (Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche) and the Ratri Suktam
- The 13 chapters of the Saptashati
- Closing prayers such as the Devi Suktam, and Kshama Prarthana, asking forgiveness for any mistakes
If your family has its own sequence, follow it. Sincerity matters more than a perfect order.
The 7-day reading plan
Reading all 13 chapters in one sitting takes a long time. The traditional 7-day plan spreads them out:
| Day | Chapters |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Chapter 1 |
| Day 2 | Chapters 2–3 |
| Day 3 | Chapter 4 |
| Day 4 | Chapters 5–8 |
| Day 5 | Chapters 9–10 |
| Day 6 | Chapter 11 |
| Day 7 | Chapters 12–13 |
Many families begin on the first or second day of Navratri so the reading ends before Ashtami or Navami.
The 3-day plan, by charitra
If you have less time, read one charitra a day: Day 1, chapter 1; Day 2, chapters 2–4; Day 3, chapters 5–13.
The nine forms of Durga, one for each night
Alongside the reading, each day of Navratri honours one of the nine forms (Navadurga): Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri.
If you don't read Sanskrit
You don't need to be fluent to read the Saptashati with devotion. A good edition gives each verse in Sanskrit, in clear transliteration so you can pronounce it, and with its meaning, so you understand what you're saying.
The Complete Book of Durga Saptashati does exactly that: all 700 verses in Sanskrit, transliteration and English meaning, with Kavach, Argala and Kilak, the Navratri 2026 calendar, Ghatasthapana and daily puja vidhi, and both reading plans. 322 pages, instant PDF, ₹199. Or get it with our Diwali puja book in the Festival Bundle for ₹349.
Navratri begins the day after Pitru Paksha ends. See our Pitru Paksha 2026 guide.
Frequently asked questions
When does Navratri 2026 begin?
Navratri 2026 begins with Ghatasthapana on Sunday, 11 October 2026. Confirm the exact muhurat in your local panchang.
In what order should the Durga Saptashati be read?
A commonly followed order is the Devi Kavach, Argala Stotram and Kilak Stotram, then (in many traditions) the Navarna mantra and Ratri Suktam, the 13 chapters, and closing prayers such as the Devi Suktam and Kshama Prarthana.
Can I read the Durga Saptashati at home without a priest?
Yes. Many families read it themselves every Navratri.
Do I have to read all 700 verses?
Traditionally the full path is read, often spread over several days. If you can't, read with devotion what you can: the Argala, Kilak and the Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu verses in chapter 5 are loved on their own.
When exactly is Ashtami in 2026?
Panchangs can differ by a day depending on when the tithi begins in your location. Check your local panchang or family priest.
Traditions differ between families and regions; this guide describes widely followed practice. Please follow your own family's custom where it differs.