DM-1.1

There are 700 verses in all. These are broadly classified into three parts namely: first that is devoted to the mahakali aspect, second to mahalaxmi and third to mahasaraswati. I shall strive to gather what I have understood about the devi aspect itself in a separate post.
There are 13 chapters;
The story mainly is simple, yet important. It appears to me as a guideline to look at life in general.
I do not know big words like kalpa, manvantaras, vedas, upanishads and the like. What I do not know, I do not elaborate on. I am not going to relate the names of the period and lineage of the players etc
What I understand or catches my fancy comes in a sequence below.
The mahatmiyam of the devi is set this way: Sage Markandeya is relating to his disciple.

First Chapter:-

Suratha is a valiant and mighty king. He treats his subjects as his own children. He fights many battles and in course makes powerful enemies too. Then comes a time when his own ministers turn hostile, his treasury is looted by his army. It will be but a matter of days when the thus saddened king is usurped by his ministers. So thinking the dejected king rides on his horseback into the nearby jungle seemingly going hunting!
First, the lost splendor tugs at his heart. He wonders whether the royal horses and elephants are treated with as much respect and love.The king spends his time alone, thinking of the turn of events and surprised at his own naivete. He sights a hermitage and the sovereign is welcomed with friendship and serenity in the ashram of rishi Medhas. Thus comforted he now roams the jungle with an introspecting mind.

Soon he comes across a well dressed merchant sitting under a tree and lost in thought. Samaadhi the merchant, feeling instant kinship with Suratha unburdens his woes. He is a wealthy man with sons and relatives living with him and doing his bid. In course of time affection makes way to greed for wealth and his wife and sons misappropriate his funds and cast him penniless. Woebegone Samadhi wanders into the woods and still pines for his family and their wellness.

Observation: Samaadhi(also means equanimity) is drawn to Suratha( a good charioteer). It is wonderful is it not?


continued...