Keelakam Stotram
A pivotal hymn from Durga Saptashati, recited to unlock the full spiritual benefits and power of the Devi Mahatmyam. It's considered the 'key' to activating the Saptashati's efficacy.
Chant Details
Origin: Durga Saptashati (Markandeya Purana), Rishi: Shiva
Author:
Language: Sanskrit, Hindi, English
Scripture: Durga Saptashati (Markandeya Purana)
Total Verses: 11
Spiritual Benefits
- Removes spiritual and material obstacles
- Unlocks the secret benefits of reciting Devi Mahatmya
- Grants peace, wealth, wisdom, and divine grace
- Ensures protection from evil
Media
Sacred Verses
1.Verse 1
Sanskrit
ॐ अस्य श्रीदुर्गा सप्तशती कीलक स्तोत्र मंत्रस्य शिव ऋषिः, अनुष्टुप् छन्दः, श्री महाकाली देवता, श्रीदुर्गाप्रीत्यर्थे सप्तशती पाठाङ्गत्वेन जपे विनियोगः॥
Hindi Translation
ॐ इस दुर्गा सप्तशती कीलक स्तोत्र के ऋषि शिव हैं, छन्द अनुष्टुप् है, देवता श्री महाकाली हैं। इसका जप श्री दुर्गा की प्रसन्नता हेतु सप्तशती पाठ के अंग के रूप में किया जाता है।
English Translation
Om. The seer of this Keelaka Stotram of the Durga Saptashati is Shiva; the meter is Anushtubh; the deity is Mahakali. This is chanted as a limb of the Saptashati recitation for the pleasure of Devi Durga.
Explanation
The introductory verse gives the traditional invocation format, stating the rishi (sage), meter, deity, and purpose (vinyoga) of this stotra.
2.Verse 2
Sanskrit
विश्वामित्र उवाच। ओं नमश्चण्डिकायै॥
Hindi Translation
विश्वामित्र ने कहा – ॐ चण्डिका देवी को नमस्कार है।
English Translation
Vishvamitra said: Om, salutations to Chandika Devi.
Explanation
A respectful invocation and bow to the divine goddess Chandika before proceeding.
3.Verse 3
Sanskrit
मार्कण्डेय उवाच। ॐ यद्यद्भावेन मन्त्राणां स्तोत्रानां चापि यत्फलम्। तच्छ्रुणु प्रीतये देवि तन्मे त्वं वक्तुमर्हसि॥
Hindi Translation
मार्कण्डेय ने कहा: हे देवी! मंत्रों और स्तोत्रों के जो-जो फल होते हैं, कृपया वे मुझे कहो, ताकि मैं तुम्हारी प्रसन्नता हेतु उनका वर्णन कर सकूँ।
English Translation
Markandeya said: O Devi, kindly tell me about the fruits obtained by the chanting of various mantras and hymns, so I may describe them for your pleasure.
Explanation
The sage Markandeya seeks the divine permission and knowledge of the secret benefits of chanting mantras and hymns to the goddess.
4.Verse 4
Sanskrit
गुह्याद्गुह्यतरं देवि तव तन्त्रं पृथक्पृथक्। सौम्यं रूपं कृपापूर्णं स्थूलसूक्ष्मं च तत्त्वतः॥
Hindi Translation
हे देवी! तुम्हारा तंत्र अत्यंत गोपनीय है, अनेक रूपों में विभक्त है, सौम्य रूपयुक्त, करुणामयी और स्थूल व सूक्ष्म रूप से तत्त्वों में स्थित है।
English Translation
O Devi! Your tantra is supremely secret, appearing in many forms—gentle, filled with compassion, gross and subtle in its essence.
Explanation
The divine knowledge of the goddess is subtle, esoteric, and multifaceted—accessible only to the devoted.
5.Verse 5
Sanskrit
तदहं तेऽनुरोधेन रहस्यं ब्रह्मरूपिणि। वक्ष्यामि श्रीमहादेवि सावधानं श्रृणु प्रिये॥
Hindi Translation
हे ब्रह्मस्वरूपिणि महादेवी! तुम्हारे अनुरोध पर मैं यह रहस्य बताने जा रहा हूँ, अतः सावधान होकर सुनो।
English Translation
O Brahma-rupini Mahadevi, at your request I shall now reveal the secret. Listen carefully, beloved one.
Explanation
The sage agrees to explain the hidden knowledge, asking for the listener’s full attention.
6.Verse 6
Sanskrit
न मन्त्रैर्नौषधैर्देवि न स्नानेन न होमकैः। न च होपाययोगेन सिध्यतेऽम्भोजलोचना॥
Hindi Translation
हे कमललोचने देवी! न तो मंत्रों से, न औषधियों से, न स्नान से, न हवन से और न ही उपवास आदि साधनों से सिद्धि प्राप्त होती है।
English Translation
O lotus-eyed Devi! Neither by mantras, nor medicines, nor ablutions, nor rituals, nor austerities is perfection attained.
Explanation
This verse emphasizes that true spiritual success does not come merely through external practices.
7.Verse 7
Sanskrit
गुप्तं रहस्यं यत्तत्त्वं तच्छृणुष्व अनसूयया। महाप्रभावं पावनं मुक्तिहेतुं च यत्फलम्॥
Hindi Translation
जो अत्यंत गोपनीय रहस्य है, वह तत्त्व सुनो – वह महान प्रभावशाली, पवित्र करने वाला और मुक्ति का कारण है।
English Translation
Listen without envy to this secret truth, which is greatly powerful, purifying, and the cause of liberation.
Explanation
The sacred knowledge being revealed is a key to purification and liberation if approached with the right attitude.
8.Verse 8
Sanskrit
सप्तशत्याः पाठेन न किंचित् सिद्ध्यति ध्रुवम्। विनायककृतं चापि कीलकं निहि तं यदा॥
Hindi Translation
जब तक गणेश द्वारा किया गया कीलक (बन्धन) नहीं हटाया जाता, तब तक सप्तशती का पाठ निष्फल होता है।
English Translation
Until the 'keelaka' (spiritual lock) placed by Vinayaka is removed, reciting the Saptashati yields no result.
Explanation
The power of the Devi Mahatmya is locked by divine will—this stotra helps to unlock that energy.
9.Verse 9
Sanskrit
तदा तत्सिद्धिदं प्रोक्तं रहस्यं ब्रह्मणा पुरा। कीलकं नाम तत्त्वज्ञं न कश्चिद् विबुधोऽपि वा॥
Hindi Translation
तब वह सिद्धिदायक रहस्य प्रकट हुआ जिसे स्वयं ब्रह्मा ने बताया था, जिसका नाम कीलक है और जिसे ज्ञानी भी नहीं जानते।
English Translation
Then the secret called 'Keelaka' was revealed, as told by Brahma, which even the wise do not know.
Explanation
The knowledge of Keelakam is ancient and was once shared by Brahma—it remains hidden to most.
10.Verse 10
Sanskrit
स मारकं महादेवि तं निघ्नं विनिवर्तयेत्। पठित्वा पाठमात्रेण न सिद्धिर्भवति क्वचित्॥
Hindi Translation
हे महादेवी! वह बाधक कीलक दोष नष्ट किया जाना चाहिए। केवल पाठ करने से सिद्धि नहीं होती।
English Translation
O Mahadevi! That obstructive energy must be removed. Just reciting the text is not enough to gain results.
Explanation
The verse reinforces the idea that spiritual success requires more than mechanical recitation.
11.Verse 11
Sanskrit
गोपनीयं प्रयत्नेन स्वयम्भूः कथितं मया। अशेषाणां च मन्त्राणां सिद्धिः स्यात्सप्तशत्याः॥
Hindi Translation
यह रहस्य स्वयंभू (ब्रह्मा) द्वारा बताया गया है, इसे प्रयत्नपूर्वक गुप्त रखना चाहिए। तब सप्तशती के सभी मंत्र सिद्ध हो जाते हैं।
English Translation
This secret was told by Svayambhu (Brahma) and must be carefully guarded. Then, all the mantras of Saptashati become effective.
Explanation
The final verse urges secrecy and respect for this knowledge, promising the full efficacy of the Saptashati as a result.
Important Notes
This hymn has 11 verses. The introductory verse states: The seer of this Keelaka Stotram of the Durga Saptashati is Shiva; the meter is Anushtubh; the deity is Mahakali. This is chanted as a limb of the Saptashati recitation for the pleasure of Devi Durga. Phala Sruti (Concluding Part): Thus ends the Keelaka Stotram in the Devi Mahatmya section of the Markandeya Purana during the Savarni Manvantara. (Sanskrit: इति श्रीमार्कण्डेयपुराणे सावर्णिके मन्वन्तरे देवीमाहात्म्ये कीलकं सम्पूर्णम्॥)
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