This spiritual classic, written about 16 centuries ago by author or authors unknown, weaves into a verbal tapestry the central text for worshippers of the Hindu Devi, the Divine Mother. The Devimahatmya addresses the perennial questions of the nature of the universe, humankind, and divinity. Written in the form of a narrative of a dispossessed king, a merchant betrayed by the family he loves, and a seer, this classic presents a trilogy of myths concerning the all-powerful Divine Mother, Durga-, and the fierce battles she wages against the throngs of demonic foes. These allegories represent our all-too-human impulses toward power, possessions, and pleasure. This easy-to-read translation of the Devimahatmya combines sound scholarship with an insider's perspective based on 35 years of spiritual practice within the Hindu religion. Includes Sanskrit text with transliteration. For scholars, devotees, and readers looking for a thorough introduction to Hinduism as well as insight into goddess worship.
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: Wonderful ! Comment: This is an insightful, lovely translation.
Very Inspirational.
The Introduction is quite informative and delightfully written.
Included in the text is the "Armor of the Devi" along with all of the shorter hymns and texts that accompany the recitation of the Devi Mahatmya. The comentaries of the different verses are very thought provoking
The only problem I had with the book is that the transliteration is VERY small. If a person wants to recite the text using the Sanskrit transliteration...they may find it difficult..it was for me. Also, the transliteration is separate from the translation. A benefit of having the 2 together is that over time, one does acquire an understanding of meanings of Sanskrit words if a text is chanted on a regular basis when the translation and transliteration are together
If you are looking for a excellent translation and commentary..this is your book..
As a chanting text, I would recommend the "Chandi Path" by Swami Satyananda Saraswati as the transliteration type face is much easier to read...
Truly a treasure for any serious collector of Devi texts...It is a joy to read... outside of this problem I had with the transliteration..I would highly recommend it Customer Rating: Summary: Beautiful translation, introduction, and commentary! Comment: This is a superb translation and presentation of the Devi Mahatmya, complete with a long introduction, insightful commentary sections after each of the Devi Mahatmya's chapters, endnotes, the original devanagiri Sanskrit text, and transliteration of that script into English lettering for easy chanting by those not (yet) adept at reading the ancient sanskrit lettering.
Devadatta Kali (David Nelson) has not only translated the 13 original chapters of the Devi Mahatmya or Candi (inserted circa 6th century into the Markandeya Purana), but also the 6 ancillary short texts including the 3 "rahasya" secret texts on Sakta theology. He has also translated and explained two ancient hymns from the Rg Veda (x.125, 127), the Ratrisukta and Devisuktra, that are chanted to open and close recitation of the Devi Mahatmya.
This is a work to have and to cherish-- transparent for the Divine Mother's mysterous power, beauty, and love.
--Timothy Conway, Ph.D., author, *Women of Power & Grace: Nine Astonishing, Inspiring Luminaries of Our Time* Customer Rating: Summary: Great introduction to the Devadatta Comment: Enjoyed reading this book. It is my first experience reading a complete poem about Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Read some excerpts of poems in other books, and became quite confused after reading them. The commentaries in this book cleared up alot of questions regarding Hindu mythology, and what can be learned from it. It will now be easier for me to read other books on Hindu mythology and the sacred books of Hinduism. The translation was easy to follow. I especially found interesting and helpful the comments regarding the history and development of the worship of the Devi from the earliest periods of civilization, to the present time.
