Keelakam Stotram
The Keelakam represents the third limb of the main body of Sri Durgasaptasiti. They are also in Anustup chchanda. These mantras reveal disclosures made by Shiva regarding Saptashati. He recommends the recitation of Saptashati for obtaining Siddhi (competence) but he also talks about some restrictions attached to it.
We accumulate many curses during our lifetime. The curses and condemnations we earn may be due to our misbehaviour with others, objectional outbursts in anger, bad-mouthing others for selfish reasons etc. A devotee of Durga should free himself from all curses before beginning the recitation of the Saptashati. This is known as “Shap Vimukti” (riddance from curses).
Shiva says that he has locked the verses and they will not be beneficial till the process of “Utkilan” (unlocking) is completed. The verses are in “Kilit” (locked) state.
For utkilan he says that either on Ashtami or Chaturdashi of the Krishnapaksha, the devotee should offer everything earned by him in fair manners to the Devi. Thereafter, he is required to worship her for blessings and then ask for offerings he made in the form of “Prasad”. His earnings turn into the form of “Prasad” which should be fairly spent. This will provide the necessary basis for Utkilan.
The Durga Paatha becomes successful only after the process of Utkilan is completed.
॥ अथ कीलकम् ॥
ॐ अस्य श्रीकीलकमन्त्रस्य शिव ऋषिः,अनुष्टुप् छन्दः,
श्रीमहासरस्वती देवता,श्रीजगदम्बाप्रीत्यर्थं सप्तशतीपाठाङ्गत्वेन जपे विनियोगः।
ॐ नमश्चण्डिकायै॥
Om asya shree keelaka mantrasya । Shiva Rishhi । anushhtup Chandah । Maha Sarasvati devata, Shree Jagadambaa Preetyarthe Saptashatee Paathaa Mgatvaena Jape Viniyogah ।
Om Namash Chandikaayai ॥
Meaning:
Of this Keelakam Stotram, Lord Shiva is the Rishi, Anushtup (eight syllables in a pada) is the meter, Mahasarasvati is the deity and it is recited for the love of Shri Jagadamba as a part of Durga Saptashati.
Salutation to Shri Chandika.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
विशुद्धज्ञानदेहाय त्रिवेदीदिव्यचक्षुषे ।
श्रेयः प्राप्तिनिमित्ताय नमः सोमार्धधारिणे ॥१॥
Maarkannddeya Uvaaca
Vishuddha-Jnyaana-Dehaaya Tri-Vedii-Divya-Cakssusse |
Shreyah Praapti-Nimittaaya Namah Soma-Ardha-Dhaarinne ||1||
Meaning:
Sage Markandeya said:
(I offer my Salutations to the One) The essence of Whose Form is that of Pure Knowledge (of Absolute Consciousness) [Vishuddha-Jnana-Dehaya] and Whose Three Divine Eyes form the Three Vedas [Tri-Vedi-Divya-Cakssusse]. To imbibe that Auspiciousness (of Pure Knowledge) (I meditate on Shiva and Shakti in their Conscious Blissful Form). I offer my Salutations (to Shiva) Who bears the Half-of-Soma (in His Head as Crescent Moon) (Soma here is Moon) and also. I offer my Salutations (to Shakti) Who bears the Half-of-Soma (in Her Body as Ardhanareeswara) (Soma here is Shiva) (Soma is another name for Shiva). (Since Shakti bears half the body of Shiva, she also has the same qualities of Shiva, of Visuddha Jnana Deha and Trivedi Divya Cakssu.
Keelaka is Pin or Nail. The Conscious Form of Shakti is pinned to all the mantras of Devi Mahatmyam as the underlying principle through the Keelaka Stotram.)
सर्वमेतद् विजानीयान्मन्त्राणामपि कीलकम् ।
सोऽपि क्षेममवाप्नोति सततं जाप्यतत्परः ॥२॥ ॥२॥
Sarvam-Etad Vijaaniiyaan-Mantraannaam-Api Kiilakam |
So-[A]pi Kssemam-Avaapnoti Satatam Jaapya-Tatparah ||2||
Meaning:
All these (Hymns of Keelaka Stotram), one should know, are indeed the Keelaka (Pin or Nail) by which the Mantras (of Devi Mahatmyan are pinned) (i.e., by which the underlying principle of the Conscious Form of Devi are pinned). He who devotes himself to continuously chanting these hymns indeed attains Tranquility of Mind (i.e., he who continuously meditates on the Conscious Form of Devi in the heart indeed attains Tranquility of Mind).
सिद्ध्यन्त्युच्चाटनादीनि कर्माणि सकलान्यपि ।
एतेन स्तुवतां देविं स्तोत्रवृन्देन भक्तितः ॥३॥
Siddhyanty[i]-Uccaattana-[A]adiini Karmaanni Sakalaany[i]-Api |
Etena Stuvataam Devim Stotra-Vrndena Bhaktitah ||3||
Meaning:
He accomplishes Uccatana (eradication of inner enemies) to the very root, and all related (spiritual) accomplishments. By extolling the Devi with Devotional fervour with this collection of Hymns (knowing their true import).
न मन्त्रो नौषधं तत्र न किञ्चिदपि विद्यते ।
विना जप्येन सिद्धयेत्तु सर्वमुच्चाटनादिकम् ॥४॥
Na Mantro Na-[A]ussadham Tatra Na Kin.cid-Api Vidyate |
Vinaa Japyena Siddhayet-Tu Sarvam-Uccaattana-[A]adikam ||4||
Meaning:
There are no Mantras (Hymns) or Ousadha (Medicine) available, even a trace (which can accomplish Uccatana). Without chanting (any Mantras) one accomplishes Uccatana (eradication of inner enemies), all to its very root (by meditating on the Conscious Form of Devi in the heart while reciting the Devi Mahatmyam).
(Here reciting Devi Mahatmyam is not like chanting any Mantra to obtain the fruit of Uccatana, but for meditation on the Conscious Form of Devi and merging our ego in Her.)
समग्राण्यपि सेत्स्यन्ति लोकशङ्कामिमां हरः ।
कृत्वा निमन्त्रयामास सर्वमेवमिदं शुभम् ॥५॥
Samagraanny[i]-Api Setsyanti Loka-Shangkaam-Imaam Harah |
Krtvaa Nimantrayaamaasa Sarvam-Evam-Idam Shubham ||5||
Meaning:
(People had this doubt) (How can it be that) Everything is indeed accomplished (Uccatana and other fruits) (by reciting the Devi Mahatmyam which appears to be full of violence?); When people had this apprehension, Lord Shiva summoned (i.e. invoked) (the Pin of Keelaka) (and pinned the underlying principle of the Conscious Form of Devi to all the Mantras of Devi Mahatmyam); and having done that all this indeed became Auspicious (i.e. now the violence in the battlefield became the Auspicious force purging us from within).
स्तोत्रं वै चण्डिकायास्तु तच्च गुह्यं चकार सः ।
समाप्नोति स पुण्येन तां यथावन्निमन्त्रणाम् ॥६॥
Stotram Vai Cannddikaayaas-Tu Tac-Ca Guhyam Cakaara Sah |
Samaapnoti Sa Punnyena Taam Yathaavan-Nimantrannaam ||6||
Meaning:
That Stotra of Devi Chandika (i.e. Keelaka Stotra), He (i.e. Lord Shiva) indeed made it hidden (behind every Mantra of Devi Mahatmyam) (thus making the Conscious Form of Devi as the object of meditation). He achieves everything by Her Auspiciousness when She is invoked in the right manner (by meditating on Her eternal Conscious Form).
सोऽपि क्षेममवाप्नोति सर्वमेव न संशयः ।
कृष्णायां वा चतुर्दश्यामष्टम्यां वा समाहितः ॥७॥
So-[A]pi Kssemam-Avaapnoti Sarvam-Eva Na Samshayah |
Krssnnaayaam Vaa Caturdashyaam-Assttamyaam Vaa Samaahitah ||7||
Meaning:
He indeed attains Tranquility of Mind and all other fruits, there is no doubt about it. He who meditates (on the Devi) on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi or Ashtami of a month.
ददाति प्रतिगृह्णाति नान्यथैषा प्रसीदति ।
इत्थंरूपेण कीलेन महादेवेन कीलितम् ॥८॥
Dadaati Pratigrhnnaati Na-Anyathai[aa-E]ssaa Prasiidati |
Ittham-Ruupenna Kiilena Mahaadevena Kiilitam ||8||
Meaning:
(While meditating on the Conscious Form of Devi during recitation of Devi Mahatmyam) He should give himself in Surrender to Her Lotus Feet, and receive in return Her Grace (when Her Grace is awakened); Otherwise, she is not pleased (by the mechanical recitation of Devi Mahatmyam bereft of Devotion). In this manner, by the Keela (Pin of Keelaka Stotram) Mahadeva pinned the Mantras of Devi Mahatmyam (making the meditation on the Conscious Form of Devi the central theme).
यो निष्कीलां विधायैनां चण्डीं जपति नित्यशः ।
स सिद्धः स गणः सोऽथ गन्धर्वो जायते ध्रुवम् ॥९॥
Yo Nisskiilaam Vidhaayai[a-E]naam Cannddiim Japati Nityashah |
Sa Siddhah Sa Gannah Sotha Gandharvo Jaayate Dhruvam ||9||
Meaning:
He who after unpinning the Keelaka makes Her manifest (i.e., invokes Her Conscious Form in the heart), and then recites the Chandi, by constantly dwelling (on Her Conscious Form). He becomes a Siddha (spiritually accomplished), he becomes a Gana (an attendant of the Devi), and he becomes a Gandharva (celestial singer who glorifies the Devi), truly.
न चैवापाटवं तस्य भयं क्वापि न जायते ।
नापमृत्युवशं याति मृते च मोक्षमाप्नुयात् ॥१०॥
Na Cai[a-E]va-Apaattavam Tasya Bhayam Kvaapi Na Jaayate |
Na-Apamrtyu-Vasham Yaati Mrte Ca Mokssam-Aapnuyaat ||10||
Meaning:
He indeed does not become handicapped (prematurely) with major Diseases; Fear does not rise in him anywhere (which leads to unnecessary anxiety). He does not become victim of premature Death; And after Death attains Moksha (Liberation).
ज्ञात्वा प्रारभ्य कुर्वीत ह्यकुर्वाणो विनश्यति ।
ततो ज्ञात्वैव सम्पूर्णमिदं प्रारभ्यते बुधैः ॥११॥
Jnyaatvaa Praarabhya Kurviita Hy[i]-Akurvaanno Vinashyati |
Tato Jnyaatvai[aa-E]va Sampuurnnam-Idam Praarabhyate Budhaih ||11||
Meaning:
(Only) after knowing (the Keelakam), he should begin (reciting the Devi Mahatmyam); If not done in this manner, he is deprived (of the fruits of recitation). Therefore, only after knowing this fully (i.e., understanding the Keelaka fully), do the wise men begin (reciting the Devi Mahatmyam).
सौभाग्यादि च यत्किञ्चिद् दृश्यते ललनाजने ।
तत्सर्वं तत्प्रसादेन तेन जप्यमिदं शुभम् ॥१२॥
Saubhaagya-[A]adi Ca Yatkin.cid Drshyate Lalanaa-Jane |
Tat-Sarvam Tat-Prasaadena Tena Japyam-Idam Shubham ||12||
Meaning:
Whatever Good Fortune, Beauty, Charm and the like are seen in Women. All that is the result of Your Grace; (Therefore Women) should chant this Auspicious Stotra (and meditate on the Auspicious Form of the Devi).
शनैस्तु जप्यमानेऽस्मिन् स्तोत्रे सम्पत्तिरुच्चकैः ।
भवत्येव समग्रापि ततः प्रारभ्यमेव तत् ॥१३॥
Shanaistu Japyamaane-[A]smin Stotre Sampattir-Uccakaih |
Bhavaty[i]-Eva Samagra-Api Tatah Praarabhyam-Eva Tat ||13||
Meaning:
If this Stotra is chanted gently (without haste) (meditating on its true import), one attains (Spiritual) Wealth of the highest kind. One indeed becomes the Whole (i.e. fragmentation of the ego gradually melts and one feels the Conscious Form of Devi behind everything); Therefore, one should undertake the chanting (of this Keelaka).
ऐश्वर्यं यत्प्रसादेन सौभाग्यारोग्यसम्पदः ।
शत्रुहानिः परो मोक्षः स्तूयते सा न किं जनैः ॥१४॥
Aishvaryam Yat-Prasaadena Saubhaagya-[A]arogya-Sampadah |
Shatru-Haanih Paro Mokssah Stuuyate Saa Na Kim Janaih ||14||
Meaning:
By Whose Grace Divine Qualities (Aishwaryam) are awakened; By Whose Presence Good Fortune (Saubhagya), Health (Freedom from Disease) (Arogya) and Wealth (Sampada) are manifested. By Whose Mercy Enemies are eradicated; (And) By Whose special Grace one finally attains the highest Liberation (Moksha); Why shouldn’t She be Praised by the People (Who is All-Merciful)?
चण्डिकां हृदयेनापि यः स्मरेत् सततं नरः ।
हृद्यं काममवाप्नोति हृदि देवी सदा वसेत् ॥१५॥
Cannddikaam Hrdayena-Api Yah Smaret Satatam Narah |
Hrdyam Kaamam-Avaapnoti Hrdi Devii Sadaa Vaset ||15||
Meaning:
The person who constantly Remembers (the Conscious Form of) Devi Chandika by his Heart (with Devotion), attains his innermost longing; And Devi always dwells in his Heart (i.e., he always feels the presence of the Conscious Form of Devi within the Heart).
अग्रतोऽमुं महादेवकृतं कीलकवारणम् ।
निष्किलञ्च तथा कृत्वा पठितव्यं समाहितैः ॥१६॥
Agrato-[A]mum Mahaadeva-Krtam Kiilaka-Vaarannam |
Nisskilan.-Ca Tathaa Krtvaa Patthitavyam Samaahitaih ||16||
Meaning:
First of all, the preventive measure of Keelaka created by Mahadeva (i.e., the Pin of Keelaka) should be unpinned, and then after doing that one should recite (the Devi Mahatmyam) with concentration (meditating on the Conscious Form of the Devi).
I am a Vedic astrologer by profession. I have done Jyotish Acharya from Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan. I am devoted to my Sadguru Shri Sai Nath of Shirdi. I am also interested in spirituality. I love to guide people.
I am a Vedic astrologer by profession. I have done Jyotish Acharya from Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan. I am devoted to my Sadguru Shri Sai Nath of Shirdi. I am also interested in spirituality. I love to guide people.