General Rules for Reading Sri Sri Chandi

By Sri Swami Sivananda

Source: http://www.sivanandaonline.org/graphics/activities/navaratri_04/general_rules.htm

In the morning after taking bath and finishing ones daily Puja (Sandhya etc.), one should sit on a clean and pure Asana (seat) facing North or East with mind concentrated and full of Bhakti (devotion). Sri Sri Chandi should be read with firm faith, devotion and correct pronunciation. During the time of reading, one should not talk, think, sleep, sneeze, yawn or spit, but read with full concentration on Devi in the form which appeals to him. He should not stop in the middle of a chapter and the book should be placed on a stand, preferably a copper plate. At the beginning and end of each chapter bells are to be rung. Before reading, it is necessary to do the Sankalpa and Sri Devi Puja. Tuesday, Friday and Saturday are especially auspicious in a week for the reading of Sri Sri Chandi. Devi Tithis are Ashtami, Navami and Chaturdasi. The reading should be in the following order:

Devi Suktam Kavacham Argala Stotra Keelakam Ratri Suktam Devi Mahatmya Phala Sruti Kshama Prarthana

Sri Sri Chandi is divided into three parts:

Prathama (first) Madhyama (middle) Uttara (final)

The first chapter contains the glory of Maha Kaali, the 2nd, 3rd and the 4th chapters glorify Sri Maha Lakshmi, and the last nine chapters from the 5th to the 13th, glorify Sri Maha Sarasvati. He who reads Sri Sri Chandi with faith and devotion attains health, wealth, long life and salvation.

Devi Suktam: (Acc:to Rig Veda): The 8 Slokas composed by Vak, the daughter of Maharshi Ambharin, are from the Rig Veda, 10th Mandala, 10th Anuvaka, 125th Sukta. These Slokas express the truth realised by Vak, who identifies herself as Brahma Sakti, and expresses herself as 11 Rudras, 8 Vasus, 12 Adityas and all the Devas, Indra, Agni and Asvini Kumaraswho are sustained by Her and She is the source, substratum and support of the whole world. She is verily Brahmasvarupini.

Devi Kavacham: Devi Kavacham consisting of 61-Slokas is in Markandeya Puranam. This Kavacham (armour) protects the reader in all parts of his body, in all places and in all difficulties. Every part of the body is mentioned

and Devi, in all different forms, is being worshipped. Further, Devi, in different names, is prayed to for happiness, wealth, health, power and prosperity.

Argala Stotra: Here Rishi Markandeya is telling his disciples in 27-inspiring couplets on the greatness of Devi. She has been described in all aspects and names and at the end of each Sloka, prayer is offered to Devi for material prosperity, physical fitness, fame and victory.

Keelakam: Here also Rishi Markandeya tells his disciples in 16-Slokas the ways and means of removing obstacles faced by devotees while reading Devi Mahatmya. Reading of Keelakam brings blessings of Devi and spiritual harmony and peace of mind and success in all pursuits.

Ratri Suktam: Ratri Suktam (8 Slokas) has been taken from Rig Veda, 10th Mandala, 10th Anuvaka, 127th Sukta, which shows that Devi was worshipped from time immemorial. Devi is described as the all-pervading Supreme Lord of the Universe appearing in Omkara. Ratri means she who fulfils our prayers.