Markandeya Purana is one of the most important Puranas. Chapter 81 to 93 of the Purana contains the stories associated with Navratri and Durga Puja and is referred as Durga Saptashati or Devi Mahatmyam. Now the Ved Puran website is offering the entire Markandeya Purana in Hindi online. It is not in pdf format. So you can only read it online.Markandeya Purana And Worship Of Goddess Durga
The Markandeya Purana is one of the eighteen major Puranas
in Hinduism, and it contains a wealth of mythological stories, cosmology,
theology, and guidelines for rituals and worship. Within its vast content, it
indeed includes narratives related to the worship of various deities, including
Goddess Durga.
Durga, also known as Devi or Shakti, is a prominent goddess
in Hinduism, revered for her power and strength. She is often depicted as a
warrior goddess riding a lion or tiger, wielding weapons in her multiple arms,
symbolizing the power to combat evil and protect her devotees.
In the Markandeya Purana, there are several chapters
dedicated to describing the manifestations of Goddess Durga, her battles
against demons, and her role in the cosmic order. These narratives often
emphasize her divine qualities and the significance of her worship for
spiritual growth and protection from adversity.
The worship of Goddess Durga is observed in various forms
across different regions of India and among Hindu communities worldwide. The
most popular form of worship dedicated to her is during the festival of
Navaratri (meaning "nine nights"), which occurs twice a year, usually
in the months of March-April (Chaitra Navaratri) and September-October (Sharad
Navaratri). During Navaratri, devotees engage in fasting, prayers, and rituals
to honor Goddess Durga and seek her blessings for prosperity, success, and spiritual
enlightenment.
Devotees may also worship Goddess Durga through daily
prayers, chanting of hymns (such as the Durga Saptashati or Devi Mahatmya),
performing pujas (ritual worship), and visiting temples dedicated to her. The
worship of Durga is often associated with the worship of other forms of the
divine feminine, such as Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) and Saraswati (goddess of
knowledge), representing different aspects of existence and cosmic energy.
Overall, the Markandeya Purana provides valuable insights
into the mythology and worship of Goddess Durga, highlighting her significance
in Hindu spirituality and the practices associated with venerating her as a
divine force.