Victory of the Goddess

This course provides an introduction to Foundational Śākta Philosophy through an examination of a central text of Śākta Tantra.

Devī Māhātmya, the Glory of the Goddess, or Durga Saptaśatī, the 700 verses to Sri Durga (5th-6th Century) is preserved as an episode of the Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa. In three primary sections, it describes the Goddess Durga’s triumph in battle against Mahiṣāsura and other demons. Simultaneously one of the most ancient tantras and most popular devotional texts, each verse is accorded the status of a mantra endowed with spiritual potency. Āchārya Sthaneshwar explores the diverse parameters of interpretation including the allegorical, philosophical, and ritual domains, then provides a detailed verse-by-verse commentary on the four stavas at the heart of the text.

This self-paced course contains 12 video lectures and 12 Q&A sessions.

Section 1: Myth, Philosophy, and Ritual

1. Summary of the Myths
2. Deciphering the Myths: Contemporary Approach
3. Deciphering the Myths: Classical Approach
4. Philosophical Parameters
5. Rituals of the Devī Māhātmya

Section 2: The Four Sūktas

6. Rātrī Sūkta
7-9. Śakrādi Stava
10. Devī Sūkta
11-12. Nārāyaṇī Stava