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Devi Upanishad (Samskrit: देव्युपनिषत्) is one of the minor Upanishads listed as the 81st of the 108 Upanishads mentioned in the Muktikopanishad.<ref>[https://gita-society.com/wp-content/uploads/PDF/108upanishads.pdf 108 Upanishads]</ref> It is a Shakta Upanishad (ie. an Upanishad extolling Shakti) belonging to the Atharvaveda.<ref name=":0">[https://sanskritdocuments.org/doc_upanishhat/devi.html Devi Upanishad]</ref> In this Upanishad, Devi declares that she is the all; the deities pray to her with Devi-Gayatri; and the Goddess is identified with Adi-vidya through whom sorrow is overcome.<ref name=":1">TMP Mahadevan, [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.264370/page/n423/mode/2up?view=theater The Upanishads], Madras: G.A.Natesan & Co.</ref>

Devi Upanishad (Samskrit: देव्युपनिषत्) is one of the minor Upanishads listed as the 81st of the 108 Upanishads mentioned in the Muktikopanishad.<ref>[https://gita-society.com/wp-content/uploads/PDF/108upanishads.pdf 108 Upanishads]</ref> It is a Shakta Upanishad (ie. an [[Upanishads (उपनिषदः)|Upanishad]] extolling Shakti) belonging to the [[Atharvaveda (अथर्ववेदः)|Atharvaveda]].<ref name=":0">[https://sanskritdocuments.org/doc_upanishhat/devi.html Devi Upanishad]</ref> In this Upanishad, Devi declares that she is the all; the deities pray to her with Devi-[[Gayatri (गायत्री)|Gayatri]]; and the Goddess is identified with Adi-vidya through whom sorrow is overcome.<ref name=":1">TMP Mahadevan, [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.264370/page/n423/mode/2up?view=theater The Upanishads], Madras: G.A.Natesan & Co.</ref>

== शान्तिमन्त्रः ॥ Shanti Mantra ==

== शान्तिमन्त्रः ॥ Shanti Mantra ==

svasti na indro vr̥ddhaśravāḥ svasti naḥ pūṣā viśvavedāḥ । svasti nastārkṣyo ariṣṭanemiḥ svasti no br̥haspatirdadhātu ॥

svasti na indro vr̥ddhaśravāḥ svasti naḥ pūṣā viśvavedāḥ । svasti nastārkṣyo ariṣṭanemiḥ svasti no br̥haspatirdadhātu ॥

oṁ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ ॥</blockquote>Meaning: Om, O worshipful ones, may our ears hear what is good and auspicious. Many we see what is auspicious. May we sing your praise, live our allotted span of life in perfect health and strength. May Indra (who is) extolled in the scriptures, Pushan, the all-knowing, Tarkshya who saves from all harm, and Brhaspati who protects our spiritual lustre, vouchsafe prosperity in our study of the scriptures and the practice of the truths contained therein. Om peace, peace, peace.<ref>[https://vedantastudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/01-Muktikopanishad.pdf Muktikopanishad]</ref>

oṁ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ ॥</blockquote>Meaning: Om, O worshipful ones, may our ears hear what is good and auspicious. Many we see what is auspicious. May we sing your praise, live our allotted span of life in perfect health and strength. May [[Indra (इन्द्रः)|Indra]] (who is) extolled in the scriptures, Pushan, the all-knowing, Tarkshya who saves from all harm, and Brhaspati who protects our spiritual lustre, vouchsafe prosperity in our study of the scriptures and the practice of the truths contained therein. Om peace, peace, peace.<ref>[https://vedantastudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/01-Muktikopanishad.pdf Muktikopanishad]</ref>

The first half of this mantra ie. 'bhadraṁ karṇebhiḥ... devahitaṁ yadāyuḥ' appears atleast, if not more, in Rgveda (sukta 1.89)<ref>Rgveda, Mandala 1, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A7.%E0%A5%AE%E0%A5%AF Sukta 89]</ref>, Yajurveda (Maitrayani samhita, 4.14)<ref>Maitrayani Samhita, Kanda 4, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%AA/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AA Prapathaka 14]</ref>, Aitareya Aranyaka (1.1)<ref>Aitareya Aranyaka, Aranyaka 1, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%90%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%AF_%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95_%E0%A5%A7/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7 Adhyaya 1]</ref>, Laugakshi Grhyasutra<ref>Laugakshi Grhyasutra, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%BF_%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%BF/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE_%E0%A5%AA%E0%A5%A7-%E0%A5%AB%E0%A5%A6 Kandika 41-50]</ref>, etc. while the complete mantra is seen in Samaveda (Kauthumiya samhita, 2.9.3)<ref>Samaveda, Kauthumiya Samhita, Uttararchika, Prapathaka 9, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A5%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83/2.9_%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83/2.9.3_%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%BD%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%83 Urddha 3]</ref>, Taittiriya Aranyaka (1.1)<ref>Taittiriya Aranyaka, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D(%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B0)/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7 Prapathaka 1]</ref>, Apastamba Shrautasutra (14.16)<ref>Apastamba Shrautasutra, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AC-%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AA Prashna 14]</ref>, Hiranyakeshi Shrautasutra (15.5)<ref>Hiranyakeshi Shrautasutra, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%BF/%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BF-%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AB Prashna 15]</ref>, etc.

The first half of this mantra ie. 'bhadraṁ karṇebhiḥ... devahitaṁ yadāyuḥ' appears atleast, if not more, in [[Rigveda (ऋग्वेदः)|Rgveda]] (sukta 1.89)<ref>Rgveda, Mandala 1, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A7.%E0%A5%AE%E0%A5%AF Sukta 89]</ref>, [[Yajurveda (यजुर्वेदः)|Yajurveda]] (Maitrayani samhita, 4.14)<ref>Maitrayani Samhita, Kanda 4, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%AA/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AA Prapathaka 14]</ref>, Aitareya Aranyaka (1.1)<ref>Aitareya Aranyaka, Aranyaka 1, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%90%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%AF_%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95_%E0%A5%A7/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7 Adhyaya 1]</ref>, Laugakshi Grhyasutra<ref>Laugakshi Grhyasutra, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%BF_%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%BF/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE_%E0%A5%AA%E0%A5%A7-%E0%A5%AB%E0%A5%A6 Kandika 41-50]</ref>, etc. while the complete mantra is seen in [[Samaveda (सामवेदः)|Samaveda]] (Kauthumiya samhita, 2.9.3)<ref>Samaveda, Kauthumiya Samhita, Uttararchika, Prapathaka 9, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A5%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83/2.9_%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83/2.9.3_%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%BD%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%83 Urddha 3]</ref>, Taittiriya Aranyaka (1.1)<ref>Taittiriya Aranyaka, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D(%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B0)/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7 Prapathaka 1]</ref>, Apastamba Shrautasutra (14.16)<ref>Apastamba Shrautasutra, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AC-%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AA Prashna 14]</ref>, Hiranyakeshi Shrautasutra (15.5)<ref>Hiranyakeshi Shrautasutra, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%BF/%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BF-%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AB Prashna 15]</ref>, etc.

== विषयानुक्रमणी ॥ Subject Matter ==

== विषयानुक्रमणी ॥ Subject Matter ==

The key tenets and subject matter explored in the Devi Upanishad may be summarised as follows:   

The key tenets and subject matter explored in the Devi Upanishad may be summarised as follows:   

# चिद् शक्तेः सर्वात्मरूपेण ब्रह्मत्वम् ॥ The Power of Consciousness, as the Self of all, is Brahman

# चिद् शक्तेः सर्वात्मरूपेण ब्रह्मत्वम् ॥ The Power of Consciousness, as the Self of all, is [[Brahman (ब्रह्मन्)|Brahman]]

# चिद् शक्तेः सर्वधारकत्वम् ॥ The Power of consciousness is the ground of all

# चिद् शक्तेः सर्वधारकत्वम् ॥ The Power of consciousness is the ground of all

# देवकृतदेवीस्तुतिः ॥ Glory of the Goddess by the Deities  

# देवकृतदेवीस्तुतिः ॥ Glory of the Goddess by the Deities  

== देव्याः स्वरूपम् ॥ Nature of Devi ==

== देव्याः स्वरूपम् ॥ Nature of Devi ==

The text begins with all the deities asking Devi about her true nature. They ask, <blockquote>काऽसि त्वं महादेवि ॥१॥ kā'si tvaṁ mahādevi ॥1॥</blockquote>Meaning: Who are you, O great Goddess ?<ref name=":1" />

The text begins with all the deities asking Devi about her true nature. They ask, <blockquote>काऽसि त्वं महादेवि ॥१॥ kā'si tvaṁ mahādevi ॥1॥</blockquote>Meaning: Who are you, O great Goddess ?<ref name=":1" /> As a reply to this, Devi expounds on her true form as follows. She says, <blockquote>अहं ब्रह्मस्वरूपिणी । मत्तः प्रकृतिपुरुषात्मकं जगच्छून्यं चाशून्यं च । अहमानन्दानानन्दाः विज्ञानाविज्ञानेऽहम् ।<ref name=":1" /> ब्रह्माब्रह्मणी वेदितव्ये । इत्याहाथर्वणी श्रुतिः ॥२॥<ref name=":3">A.Mahadeva Sastri (1950), [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.383591/page/n65/mode/2up?view=theater The Sakta Upanisads], Madras: The Adyar Library.</ref>  

 

As a reply to this, Devi expounds on her true form as follows. She says, <blockquote>अहं ब्रह्मस्वरूपिणी । मत्तः प्रकृतिपुरुषात्मकं जगच्छून्यं चाशून्यं च । अहमानन्दानानन्दाः विज्ञानाविज्ञानेऽहम् ।<ref name=":1" /> ब्रह्माब्रह्मणी वेदितव्ये । इत्याहाथर्वणी श्रुतिः ॥२॥<ref name=":3">A.Mahadeva Sastri (1950), [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.383591/page/n65/mode/2up?view=theater The Sakta Upanisads], Madras: The Adyar Library.</ref>  

अहं पञ्चभूतान्यपञ्चभूतानि । अहमखिलं जगत् ।<ref name=":1" /> वेदोऽहमवेदोऽहम् । विद्याऽहमविद्याऽहम् । अजाऽहमनजाऽहम् । अधश्चोर्ध्वं च तिर्यक्<ref name=":3" /> चाहम् ॥३॥

अहं पञ्चभूतान्यपञ्चभूतानि । अहमखिलं जगत् ।<ref name=":1" /> वेदोऽहमवेदोऽहम् । विद्याऽहमविद्याऽहम् । अजाऽहमनजाऽहम् । अधश्चोर्ध्वं च तिर्यक्<ref name=":3" /> चाहम् ॥३॥

* I am of the nature of Brahman.  

* I am of the nature of Brahman.  

* From Me (has proceeded) the world, of the nature of Prakriti and Purusha, void and non-void.  

* From Me (has proceeded) the world, of the nature of [[Prakrti (प्रकृतिः)|Prakriti]] and [[Purusha (पुरुषः)|Purusha]], void and non-void.

* I am bliss and non-bliss. Knowledge and ignorance are Myself.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">A.G.Krishna Warrier (1967), [https://archive.org/details/KRI186TheSaktaUpanishadsTr.ByA.G.KrishnaWarrierAdyarLibrary/page/n97/mode/2up?view=theater The Sakta Upanisads], Madras: The Adyar Library and Research Centre.</ref>

* I am bliss and non-bliss. Knowledge and ignorance are Myself.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">A.G.Krishna Warrier (1967), [https://archive.org/details/KRI186TheSaktaUpanishadsTr.ByA.G.KrishnaWarrierAdyarLibrary/page/n97/mode/2up?view=theater The Sakta Upanisads], Madras: The Adyar Library and Research Centre.</ref>

* Brahman and non-brahman are to be known (as Myself) - says the scripture of the Atharvan-s.<ref name=":2" />

* Brahman and non-brahman are to be known (as Myself) - says the scripture of the Atharvan-s.<ref name=":2" />

* I am the five elements as also what is different from them ie. apanchabhutas or the fundamental forms of the five elements, earth, water, fire, air and akasha in their uncompounded state; known also as Panchatanmatras.<ref name=":2" />

* I am the [[Panchamahabhutas (पञ्चमहाभूतानि)|five elements]] as also what is different from them ie. apanchabhutas or the fundamental forms of the five elements, [[Prthvi (पृथ्वी)|earth]], [[Jala (जलम्)|water]], [[Agni (अग्निः)|fire]], air and akasha in their uncompounded state; known also as Panchatanmatras.<ref name=":2" />

* I am the entire world.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

* I am the entire world.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

* I am the Veda as well as aveda ie. what is different from the Veda meaning, all non-scriptural work in all languages, including Sanskrit.<ref name=":2" />

* I am the [[Vedas (वेदाः)|Veda]] as well as aveda ie. what is different from the Veda meaning, all non-scriptural work in all languages, including Sanskrit.<ref name=":2" />

* I am vidya as well as avidya.

* I am [[Vidya (विद्या)|vidya]] as well as avidya.

* I am the unborn; I am the born.  

* I am the unborn; I am the born.  

* Below and above and around am I.<ref name=":2" />

* Below and above and around am I.<ref name=":2" />

ahaṁ dadhāmi draviṇaṁ haviṣmate suprāvye yajamānāya sunvate । ahaṁ rāṣṭrī saṅgamanī vasūnāmahaṁ suve pitaramasya mūrdhan ॥6॥

ahaṁ dadhāmi draviṇaṁ haviṣmate suprāvye yajamānāya sunvate । ahaṁ rāṣṭrī saṅgamanī vasūnāmahaṁ suve pitaramasya mūrdhan ॥6॥

mama yonirapsvantaḥ samudre । ya evaṁ veda sa devīpadamāpnoti ॥7॥</blockquote>Meaning: I move with Rudras and Vasus, with Adityas and Vishvedevas. Mitra and Varuna, Indra and Agni, I support and the two Ashvinas. I uphold Soma, Tvashtr, Pushan and Bhaga, the wide-stepping Vishnu, Brahma, Prajapati. To the zealous yajna-karta offering oblation and pressing the Soma-juice do I grant wealth; I am the state, the bringer of wealth; Above it all, place I its protector. Who so knows my essence in the water of the inner sea, attains he the Goddess's abode.

mama yonirapsvantaḥ samudre । ya evaṁ veda sa devīpadamāpnoti ॥7॥</blockquote>Meaning: I move with [[Rudra (रुद्रः)|Rudras]] and Vasus, with [[Adityas (आदित्याः)|Adityas]] and [[Vishvedevas (विश्वेदेवाः)|Vishvedevas]]. Mitra and [[Varuna (वरुणः)|Varuna]], Indra and Agni, I support and the two [[Ashvini Kumaras (अश्विनीकुमारौ)|Ashvinas]]. I uphold [[Soma (सोमः)|Soma]], [[Tvashtra (त्वष्ट्रा)|Tvashtr]], Pushan and Bhaga, the wide-stepping Vishnu, [[Brahma (ब्रह्मा)|Brahma]], Prajapati. To the zealous [[Yajna (यज्ञः)|yajna-karta]] offering oblation and pressing the Soma-juice do I grant wealth; I am the state, the bringer of wealth; Above it all, place I its protector. Who so knows my essence in the water of the inner sea, attains he the Goddess's abode.

Here, the inner sea or antah samudra, is said to be the lotus of the heart in each living being; the divine essence present in it has been identified with mama yonih or devi's svarupa.<ref name=":2" />

Here, the inner sea or antah samudra, is said to be the lotus of the heart in each living being; the divine essence present in it has been identified with mama yonih or devi's svarupa.<ref name=":2" />

* Refuge I seek in Her who is the colour of fire, burning with ascetic ardour, Goddess resplendent, delighting in actions' fruits; O Devi, hard to reach, dispel our gloom.

* Refuge I seek in Her who is the colour of fire, burning with ascetic ardour, Goddess resplendent, delighting in actions' fruits; O Devi, hard to reach, dispel our gloom.

* The deities gave rise to divine speech; Her, beasts of all forms speak; the cow that yields sweet fruits and vigour - to us may lauded Speech appear.

* The deities gave rise to [[Vak (वाक्)|divine speech]]; Her, beasts of all forms speak; the [[Kamadhenu (कामधेनुः)|cow]] that yields sweet fruits and vigour - to us may lauded Speech appear.

* To holy Shiva, to Daksha's daughter, to Aditi and Sarasvati, to Skanda's mother, Vishnu's Power, to Kalaratri lauded by Brahma, we render obeisance.

* To holy Shiva, to Daksha's daughter, to [[Aditi (अदिति)|Aditi]] and Sarasvati, to Skanda's mother, Vishnu's Power, to Kalaratri lauded by Brahma, we render obeisance.

* Know we Great Lakshmi, Goddess of good Fortune; On all fulfilment do we meditate. May the Goddess inspire us !

* Know we Great Lakshmi, Goddess of good Fortune; On all fulfilment do we meditate. May the Goddess inspire us !

* Through You, Dakshayani, was Aditi born; She is your daughter; after her were born the deities, auspicious, immortal beings.

* Through You, Dakshayani, was Aditi born; She is your daughter; after her were born the deities, auspicious, immortal beings.

In this stuti,  

In this stuti,  

* Tamah (gloom) is the darkness of ignorance concerning the Supreme being who is the Goddess herself.

* [[Tamas (तमः)|Tamah]] (gloom) is the darkness of ignorance concerning the Supreme being who is the Goddess herself.

* Dhenu (cow) is the Vag dhenu yielding milk which is the fruit of actions (karmaphalātmakaṁ payaḥ). And this cow has been identified with Sarasvati.

* Dhenu (cow) is the Vag dhenu yielding milk which is the fruit of actions (karmaphalātmakaṁ payaḥ). And this cow has been identified with Sarasvati.

* Kalaratri is the night of death or destruction. The term denotes the Goddess who destroys the darkness of dual appearances.<ref name=":2" />

* Kalaratri is the night of death or destruction. The term denotes the Goddess who destroys the darkness of dual appearances.<ref name=":2" />

== आदिविद्योद्धारः ॥ Construction of Adividya ==

== आदिविद्योद्धारः ॥ Construction of Adividya ==

The Devi Stuti is followed by a beautiful construction of the Adividya (mantra) 'kaeilahrim; hasakahalahrim; sakalahrim' through the following verse.<blockquote>कामो योनिः कामकला वज्रपाणिर्गुहा हसा मातरिश्वाऽभ्रमिन्द्रः । पुनर्गुहा सकला मायया च पुरुच्येषा विश्वमाताऽऽदिविद्योम् ॥१४॥<ref name=":3" />  

The Devi Stuti is followed by a beautiful construction of the Adividya ([[Mantra (मंत्र)|mantra]]) 'kaeilahrim; hasakahalahrim; sakalahrim' through the following verse.<blockquote>कामो योनिः कामकला वज्रपाणिर्गुहा हसा मातरिश्वाऽभ्रमिन्द्रः । पुनर्गुहा सकला मायया च पुरुच्येषा विश्वमाताऽऽदिविद्योम् ॥१४॥<ref name=":3" />  

kāmo yoniḥ kāmakalā vajrapāṇirguhā hasā mātariśvā<nowiki>'bhramindraḥ । punarguhā sakalā māyayā ca purucyeṣā viśvamātā''</nowiki>dividyom ॥14॥</blockquote>Translation: Love, womb, love's part, the bearer of the thunderbolt, the cave; ha-sa, the wind, the cloud, Indra; again the cave; sa-ka-la with maya - So runs the full primeval science or adividya begetting all.

kāmo yoniḥ kāmakalā vajrapāṇirguhā hasā mātariśvā<nowiki>'bhramindraḥ । punarguhā sakalā māyayā ca purucyeṣā viśvamātā''</nowiki>dividyom ॥14॥</blockquote>Translation: Love, womb, love's part, the bearer of the thunderbolt, the cave; ha-sa, the wind, the cloud, Indra; again the cave; sa-ka-la with [[Maya (माया)|maya]] - So runs the full primeval science or adividya begetting all.

Here, each word symbolises a letter as follows:

Here, each word symbolises a letter as follows:

Following the enumeration of the Adividya (mantra), it is further described as follows:  <blockquote>एषात्मशक्तिः । एषा विश्वमोहिनी पाशाङ्कुशधनुर्बाणधरा । एषा श्रीमहाविद्या ॥१५॥ य एवं वेद स शोकं तरति ॥१६॥<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" />

Following the enumeration of the Adividya (mantra), it is further described as follows:  <blockquote>एषात्मशक्तिः । एषा विश्वमोहिनी पाशाङ्कुशधनुर्बाणधरा । एषा श्रीमहाविद्या ॥१५॥ य एवं वेद स शोकं तरति ॥१६॥<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" />

eṣātmaśaktiḥ । eṣā viśvamohinī pāśāṅkuśadhanurbāṇadharā । eṣā śrīmahāvidyā ॥15॥ ya evaṁ veda sa śokaṁ tarati ॥16॥</blockquote>Meaning: This is the power of Self, enchanting all, armed with the noose, goad, bow and arrow. This is the greatest wisdom. The one who knows thus tides over grief.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />  

eṣātmaśaktiḥ । eṣā viśvamohinī pāśāṅkuśadhanurbāṇadharā । eṣā śrīmahāvidyā ॥15॥ ya evaṁ veda sa śokaṁ tarati ॥16॥</blockquote>Meaning: This is the power of Self, enchanting all, armed with the noose, goad, bow and arrow. This is the greatest wisdom. The one who knows thus tides over grief.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> In this way, establishing the oneness of Adividya and the Supreme Shakti, she is eulogised as follows: <blockquote>नमस्ते अस्तु भगवति भवति मातरस्मान्पातु सर्वतः ॥१७॥  

 

In this way, establishing the oneness of Adividya and the Supreme Shakti, she is eulogised as follows: <blockquote>नमस्ते अस्तु भगवति भवति मातरस्मान्पातु सर्वतः ॥१७॥  

सैषाऽष्टौ वसवः । सैषैकादशरुद्राः । सैषा द्वादशादित्याः । सैषा विश्वेदेवाः सोमपा असोमपाश्च । सैषा यातुधाना असुरा रक्षांसि पिशाचा यक्षाः सिद्धाः । सैषा सत्त्वरजस्तमांसि । सैषा प्रजापतीन्द्रमनवः । सैषा ग्रहनक्षत्रज्योतींषि कलाकाष्ठाऽऽदिकालरूपिणी । तामहं प्रणौमि नित्यम् ॥१८॥  

सैषाऽष्टौ वसवः । सैषैकादशरुद्राः । सैषा द्वादशादित्याः । सैषा विश्वेदेवाः सोमपा असोमपाश्च । सैषा यातुधाना असुरा रक्षांसि पिशाचा यक्षाः सिद्धाः । सैषा सत्त्वरजस्तमांसि । सैषा प्रजापतीन्द्रमनवः । सैषा ग्रहनक्षत्रज्योतींषि कलाकाष्ठाऽऽदिकालरूपिणी । तामहं प्रणौमि नित्यम् ॥१८॥  

* Divine mother ! Salutation to you; protect us in all possible ways.

* Divine mother ! Salutation to you; protect us in all possible ways.

* She, here, is the eight Vasus, the eleven Rudras, the twelve Adityas, She is the Vishvedevas, (those) who drink soma and (those) who do not; she is the goblins, demons, evil beings, ghosts, beings superhuman, the semi-divine; She is sattva, rajas and tamas. She is Prajapati, Indra and Manu. She is the planets, stars and luminous spheres, the divisions of time and the form of primeval Time. I salute Her ever.

* She, here, is the eight Vasus, the eleven Rudras, the twelve Adityas, She is the Vishvedevas, (those) who drink soma and (those) who do not; she is the goblins, demons, evil beings, ghosts, beings superhuman, the semi-divine; She is [[Sattva (सत्त्वम्)|sattva]], [[Rajas (रजः)|rajas]] and tamas. She is Prajapati, Indra and [[Manu (मनु)|Manu]]. She is the [[Graha (ग्रह)|planets]], [[Nakshatras (नक्षत्राणि)|stars]] and luminous spheres, the [[Kalamana (कालमानम्)|divisions of time]] and the form of primeval [[Kala (कालः)|Time]]. I salute Her ever.

* Goddess who banishes distress, grants pleasure and deliverance alike, infinite, victorious, pure, refuge, the giver of good, Shiva.

* Goddess who banishes distress, grants pleasure and deliverance alike, infinite, victorious, pure, refuge, the giver of good, Shiva.

* Fashioned by speech, born of Brahman, the sixth with face equipped, the Sun, the left ear where the point is, the eighth and the third conjoint

* Fashioned by speech, born of Brahman, the sixth with face equipped, the Sun, the left ear where the point is, the eighth and the third conjoint

* The air, with Narayana united, and with the lip, vicche, the nine-lettered. The letter, shall delight the lofty ones.

* The air, with Narayana united, and with the lip, vicche, the nine-lettered. The letter, shall delight the lofty ones.

* Seated in the lotus-heart, resplendent as the morning sun, bearing noose and goad, tender, with gesture granting boons, dissolving fears, three-eyed, red-robed, granting devotees their heart' desires, you I adore.

* Seated in the lotus-heart, resplendent as the morning [[Surya (सूर्यः)|sun]], bearing noose and goad, tender, with gesture granting boons, dissolving fears, three-eyed, red-robed, granting devotees their heart' desires, you I adore.

* I bow down to you, Oh goddess, the dispeller of gravest fears, vanquisher of obstacles, and of the form of compassion.<ref name=":2" />

* I bow down to you, Oh goddess, the dispeller of gravest fears, vanquisher of obstacles, and of the form of compassion.<ref name=":2" />

daśavāraṁ paṭhedyastu sadyaḥ pāpaiḥ pramucyate । mahādurgāṇi tarati mahādevyāḥ prasādataḥ ॥31॥

daśavāraṁ paṭhedyastu sadyaḥ pāpaiḥ pramucyate । mahādurgāṇi tarati mahādevyāḥ prasādataḥ ॥31॥

prātaradhīyāno rātrikr̥taṁ pāpaṁ nāśayati । sāyamadhīyāno divasakr̥taṁ pāpaṁ nāśayati । tat sāyaṁ prātaḥ prayuñjānaḥ pāpo'pāpo bhavati । niśīthe turīyasandhyāyāṁ japtvā vāksiddhirbhavati । nūtanapratimāyāṁ japtvā devatāsāṁnidhyaṁ bhavati । prāṇapratiṣṭhāyāṁ japtvā prāṇānāṁ pratiṣṭhā bhavati । bhaumāśvinyāṁ mahādevīsaṁnidhau japtvā mahāmr̥tyuṁ tarati ya evaṁ vedetyupaniṣat ॥32॥</blockquote>Meaning: One who studies this Atharvashirsha gains the fruit of repeating (all) five Atharvashirshas; he who, having mastered this Atharvashirsha persists in worship. Of this vidya, ten million chants (or 100 lakh chants) are less than the worship's fruit. Hundred and eight recitations thereof make but this rite's inauguration. Who reads it but ten times, is released at once from papa; Through the grace of the great Goddess, he tides over great obstacles.  

prātaradhīyāno rātrikr̥taṁ pāpaṁ nāśayati । sāyamadhīyāno divasakr̥taṁ pāpaṁ nāśayati । tat sāyaṁ prātaḥ prayuñjānaḥ pāpo'pāpo bhavati । niśīthe turīyasandhyāyāṁ japtvā vāksiddhirbhavati । nūtanapratimāyāṁ japtvā devatāsāṁnidhyaṁ bhavati । prāṇapratiṣṭhāyāṁ japtvā prāṇānāṁ pratiṣṭhā bhavati । bhaumāśvinyāṁ mahādevīsaṁnidhau japtvā mahāmr̥tyuṁ tarati ya evaṁ vedetyupaniṣat ॥32॥</blockquote>Meaning: One who studies this Atharvashirsha gains the fruit of repeating (all) five Atharvashirshas; he who, having mastered this Atharvashirsha persists in worship. Of this vidya, ten million chants (or 100 lakh chants) are less than the worship's fruit. Hundred and eight recitations thereof make but this rite's inauguration. Who reads it but ten times, is released at once from [[Papa and Punya (पाप एवं पुण्य)|papa]]; Through the grace of the great Goddess, he tides over great obstacles.  

* Reading it in the morning, one destroys papa of the night.

* Reading it in the morning, one destroys papa of the night.

* Its recitation before a new image brings to it the presence of the deity.  

* Its recitation before a new image brings to it the presence of the deity.  

* Its recitation at the time of consecration (of an image) makes it a centre of energy.  

* Its recitation at the time of consecration (of an image) makes it a centre of energy.  

* Reciting it on Tuesday under the asterism Ashvini, in the presence of the great Goddess, one overcomes death.

* Reciting it on Tuesday under the asterism Ashvini, in the presence of the great Goddess, one overcomes [[Mrutyu (मृत्युः)|death]].

One who knows thus that this is the secret.<ref name=":2" />

One who knows thus that this is the secret.<ref name=":2" />

== References ==

== References ==