Atha Keelakam

Atha Keelakam (Devi Keelaka Stotram) is a 14-verse Sanskrit hymn read as one of the angas (limbs) of the Durga Saptashati, also called Devi Mahatmya or Chandi Path, which is part of the Markandeya Purana. The usual order is Devi Kavacham, Argala Stotram, Keelakam, the Navarna mantra and then the thirteen chapters. In the text, Markandeya is the speaker. Keelaka means "a pin" or "a bolt," and in tradition the Saptashati''s power is said to be "pinned" by Shiva, so that it is not misused, and the stotra is the way to open it. Some of its verses are hard to read, and readers differ on exact sense, so the gist is given.

Vinyoga. The opening says the rishi of this keelaka mantra is Shiva, the metre is Anushtup, the deity is Shri Mahasaraswati, and its use is as a part of the Saptashati path to please Jagadamba. "Om namashchandikayai" is the bow to Chandika.

Verse 1: bow to Shiva. "Om vishuddhajnanadehaya trivedidivyachakshushe, shreyahprapti-nimittaya namah somardhadharine": salutations to the one whose body is pure knowledge, whose divine eyes are the three Vedas, who is the cause of the highest good, and who bears the half-moon.

Verses 2 to 4: the power of the stotra. One who knows this keelaka and keeps reciting finds welfare. By praising the Devi in this stotra itself, all things are accomplished. Here the text says, using the tantric terms ucchatana and the like, that such rites succeed with no other mantra or medicine. These terms are examples of the old context, and this page does not recommend any such rite. The point is that devotion to the Devi is itself sufficient.

Verses 5 and 6: Shiva keeps it hidden. Shiva made all this auspicious and invited all to it, and he kept the Chandika stotra secret, so that its merit is not obtained without proper method. The idea is that something precious asks for care and discipline.

Verses 7 and 8: the days and the giving. One who does this attentively on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi or Ashtami gains welfare. The Devi is pleased only by right giving and receiving, in the way Mahadeva fixed it. Ashtami and Chaturdashi are the traditional days of Devi worship.

Verses 9 and 10: the fruit for the devotee. One who makes the Saptashati "free of the pin" and reads it daily, clearly, becomes a siddha, a Gana, even a Gandharva, has no fear anywhere, does not meet an untimely death and gains liberation at death. These are statements of faith and devotional emphasis, not guarantees.

Verses 11 to 13: know, then begin. One should begin after knowing, and one who does not start is lost; wise people start only after knowing this. Whatever good fortune is seen among people, all of it is by her grace, so this should be recited. As it is read quietly, wealth comes in full measure, so one should begin. It ends by saying the practice should be started with understanding.

Verse 14: praise of the Devi. "Aishvaryam yatprasadena saubhagyarogyasampadah, shatruhanih paro mokshah stuyate sa na kim janaih": the one by whose grace come prosperity, good fortune, health and wealth, the end of enemies and the highest liberation: why would people not praise her?

The message. Keelakam reminds the reader that a powerful text is to be approached with preparation and respect, and that real prosperity and peace are gifts of grace. Benefits mentioned in tradition are matters of faith. Prayer should never be used to harm anyone, and health, money or legal problems also need proper help. See the Durga Chalisa, Mahishasura Mardini Stotram and Kali Chalisa.