Contents: Foreword. A critique by Devarshi Kalanath Shastri. Inspiration. Chakra and Bijamantras. Ghatargalayantram. Chandi Yantram. Puja Yantra. Introduction. 1. Nava Durga-Dhyanam. 2. Procedure of recitation. 3. Armour of Devi. 4. The bolting (Argala stotram). 5. The nailing (Kilkam). 6. Vedic Ratri Suktam. 7. Tantrik Ratrisuktam. 8. The procedure of Navarna. 9. Dhyanam: 1-13 chapter. 10. Epilogue: Viniyoga; Dhyanam; Rigvedic Devi Sukta; Tantrik Devi Sukta. 11. The primal secret. 12. The secret of mutation/modification. 13. The secret of form. 14. Siddha-Kunjika-Stotram. 15. Devyapradhakshamapana Stotram. 16. The Markandeya Purana. 17. Arti of Devi Ji. Glossary.

"A nice exposition of devotional philosophy in the Shakti tradition is found in the Devi-Mahatmayam, popularly revered as the Durga Saptashati. Shakti as a Supreme Mother has found an elaborate position in this highly occult scripture of the Shaktas. Devi is adored with the name and form of Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. This sacred scripture is a section of the Markandeya Purana. It is multi-dimensional in spirit, devotional in Stuti and philosophic in approach. It throws sufficient light on Jnana-Karma-Bhakti. Through this triadic approach, a Sadhaka enters in the divine laboratory, putting on the Kavacham / apron of various moods of the Divine Mother, around the spiritual atmosphere during the Navaratra Puja, explains Dr. C.L. Raina in his detailed introduction of this book." (jacket)