Markandeya Purana – Devi Mahatmya

Description

Among the 18 Maha Puranas, Markandeya Purana holds a unique place. It is the result of Maharshi Jaimini’s 5 questions on Mahabharata that he was unable to get answered by Veda Vyasa. It is structured as follows:

1. The first 10 chapters cover Maharshi Jaimini’s questions and their answers by the birds
2. 10 – 40 chapters: Creation, Origins, death, and other philosophical topics (tattva ) is discussed
3. 45 – 80 chapters: Narrated by Markandeya to his disciple Kraushtiki, covers the core content of the Purana
4. 81 – 92 chapters: Is known as Devi Mahatmya which discusses many mantras and secrets of worship of Devi
5. Chapters 93 – end: Discusses lineage of various kings and their kingdoms

Markandeya Purana is known for its detailed coverage of each Manvantara, Narrations of Madalasa, Kuvalayasva, discourses of Dattratreya to Alarka, Agni Stotra, History of Nabhaga, Khanitra & Dama. It details the worship of Sun and talks of Martanda (Surya / Sun) Mahatmya, Aditya Stavam, Surya Stavam, and Ravi Mahatmya at length.

Devi Mahatmya covers the Victory over Madhu Kaitabha, Chanda, Munda, Raktha Bheeja, Sumbha & Nisumbha and other important aspects of worship of Devi