Devi Mahatmya Parayanam Chapter - 01 | Day 01

Devi Mahatmyam or Devi Saptashati is a powerful scripture dedicated to Goddess Shakti. It is an auspicious practice observed during the Dasara celebrations at Prasanthi Nilayam. Bhagawan had personally blessed and encouraged many of His students to participate in the same. The FIRST CHAPTER of the Devi Mahatmya depicts Devi in Her form as Mahakali. Here Devi is central and key to the creation. She is the power that induces Lord Narayana's deep slumber on the waters of the cosmic ocean prior to the manifestation of the Universe which is a continuous cycle of manifestation, destruction, and re-manifestation. Lord Vishnu manifests from the all-pervading Lord Narayana as 'Narayana' and goes into a deep slumber on Adi Sesha. Two demons, Madhu-Kaitabh, arise as thought forms from Lord Vishnu's sleeping body and endeavour to vanquish Lord Brahma who is preparing to create the next cycle of the Universe. Lord Brahma sings to the Great Goddess, asking Her to withdraw from Lord Vishnu so He may awaken and slay the demons. Devi agrees to withdraw and Lord Vishnu awakens and vanquishes the demons. Here Devi serves as the agent who allows the cosmic order to be restored.