Markandeya Purana

The Markandeya Purana is one of the eighteen major Puranas in the sacred literature of Hinduism. A purana is a collection of myth, legend, and genealogy. Puranas are in the category of ancient Hindi writings considered to be "Smriti" (remembered by ordinary human beings and attributed to an author). Other Hindu scriptures such as the Vedas are considered to have been heard and transmitted through direct knowledge by accomplished and enlightened sages and seers (called "rishis"); those texts are not "Smriti" but instead are categorized as "Śruti".

The Markandeya Purana is believed to have been composed between 250 CE and 550 CE.

The eighteen so-called "Maha Puranas" (major ones) are: Vishnu, Naradiya, Padma, Garuda, Varaha, Bhagavata, Matsya, Kurma, Linga, Shiva, Skanda, Agni, Brahmanda, Brahmavaivarta, Markandeya, Bhavishya, Vamana, Brahma.

Contents

Durga Saptashati (700 Verses)

Chapters 81-93 of the Markandeya Purana consist of the Durga Saptashati (English: 700 Verses), which is a Hindu religious text written in Sanskrit describing the victory of the Goddess Durga over various evil influences. The text is also known as "Devi Mahatmya", "Chandi Paath", or "the Chandi". A ritualistic reading of Durga Saptashati is part of the Navratri celebrations in India in the honor of the Goddess Durga. Because all of it is in verse, the text has been referred to as a divine song. Chapter 8 of the 700 Verses consists of the well-known 32 Names of Durga mantra.

Devī Mahātmyam (Hymn to Goddess to Remove Impediments)

Chapters ?-? of the Markandeya Purana consist of the Devī Mahātmyam, which includes the Devi Argalā Stotram (Hymn to Goddess to Remove Impediments). The first version of the Devi Argalā Stotram is the well-known Om Jayanti Maṅgalā Kālī mantra.