Durga Saptashati, also known as Devi Mahatmya or Chandi Path, is a Hindu religious text that describes the victory of the Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. It is part of the Markandeya Purana and contains 700 verses arranged into 13 chapters. The text is one of the most important in Shaktism, along with Devi-Bhagavata Purana and Devi Upanishad. The tales of Devi symbolize the power of good over evil. The battle tales of Goddess Durga were christened as the Durga Saptshati in the North and the Devi Mahatmiya in South India, and Chandi Path in West Bengal.

The Durga Saptashati is traditionally recited during Navratri celebrations in the honor of the Goddess Durga. It is also a significant composition to perform Chandi Homa, which is one of the most significant homas done to gain health and to conquer over enemies. The text is believed to have been composed between 400-600 CE and is very auspicious to chant the Durga Saptashati verses during Chaitra Navratri and Sarada Navaratri.

The text contains thirteen chapters, each describing the valor of the Goddess Durga through different avatars. The chapters are as follows:

• Chapter 1: Slaying of Madhu and Kaitabha
• Chapter 2: Slaughter of the Armies of Mahishasura
• Chapter 3: Slaying of Mahishasura
• Chapter 4: Devi Stuti
• Chapter 5: Devi’s Conversation with the Messenger
• Chapter 6: Slaying of Dhumralochana
• Chapter 7: Slaying of Chanda and Munda
• Chapter 8: Slaying of Raktabija
• Chapter 9: Slaying of Nishumbha
• Chapter 10: Slaying of Shumbha
• Chapter 11: Hymn to Narayani
• Chapter 12: Eulogy of Merits
• Chapter 13: Devi blessing Raja Suratha and Vaishya (merchant)

The 12th chapter of Durga Saptashati is Pahala Shruti, which speaks about the benefits of reciting this sacred text, as revealed by Devi Herself to the gods.