Sri-Durgasaptasati or Devi-Mahatmyam : श्रीदुर्गासप्तशती

Shri Durga Saptashati or Devi Mahatmyam (The Glory of the Goddess) is a sacred text that forms part of the Markandeya Purana, one of the 18 Mahāpurāṇas in Hinduism. The text is a highly revered scripture and is widely recited during the festival of Navaratri, which celebrates the divine feminine power embodied by Goddess Durga.

The Devi Mahatmyam is divided into 13 chapters and describes the battle between the goddess and the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The text is also known for its praise of the goddess Durga in her many forms, and it contains a blend of mythology, theology, and philosophy.

Key Themes:

1. Victory of Durga over Mahishasura: This is the central narrative of the text, where Goddess Durga, created by the gods to defeat the demon Mahishasura, eventually slays him after a long and fierce battle. This represents the victory of divine power (Shakti) over ignorance and evil.

2. Worship of the Divine Feminine: Durga is worshiped in this text as a powerful form of Shakti (divine feminine energy), emphasizing the importance of the feminine principle in the universe.

3. The Three Major Episodes:

   • The Killing of Mahishasura: The goddess defeats the buffalo-headed demon after a fierce battle.
   • The Story of Shumbha and Nishumbha: Two powerful demons who, after being defeated by Durga, further symbolize the eternal conflict between good and evil.
   • The Power of the Goddess's Roar: The goddess’s power is also conveyed through her formidable roar, which inspires terror in the hearts of demons.

Devi Mahatmyam by F. Eden Pargiter

F. Eden Pargiter, an English scholar and Indologist, was known for his translations of Sanskrit texts into English. His translation of Devi Mahatmyam is part of his broader interest in Hindu scriptures. Pargiter’s version makes the text accessible to a wider audience, especially those who do not read Sanskrit, and it provides a detailed account of the mythological episodes in a clear, understandable manner.

The text itself contains numerous hymns and mantras in praise of the goddess, reflecting on her qualities such as strength, compassion, and protection. It is often considered a profound spiritual work, offering both a devotional reading and an exploration of deeper philosophical ideas about the nature of the universe, the self, and the divine.

If you are interested in the specific translation by F. Eden Pargiter, it would be found in collections of translations of Sanskrit texts, particularly in his contributions to the study of Hindu scripture. His work may provide detailed insights into the cultural and religious significance of the Devi Mahatmyam for readers across different traditions and academic disciplines.