Step into the world of ancient Sanskrit storytelling with the Devīmāhātmya, a powerful hymn of devotion, philosophy, and cosmic battle. In this course, we follow the journey of King Suratha and Merchant Samādhi, two exiles searching for meaning after being cast out by their own kin. Guided by a sage in the wilderness, they hear the wondrous tales of the Goddess—supreme power, creator of the universe, mistress of illusion, and fierce protector of her devotees.
As we read the Sanskrit verses of this sacred text—also known as the Durgā Saptaśatī and the Caṇḍī Pāṭh—we encounter breathtaking narratives of divine battles where the Goddess vanquishes demons, cutting through ego, ignorance, and greed. Alongside these mythic tales, we explore profound teachings from Sāṅkhya, Yoga, and Advaita Vedānta, discovering how philosophy and devotion intertwine in the Sanskrit tradition.
Through close reading and translation of verses, beginning with the first chapter, we deepen our understanding of Sanskrit grammar, expand vocabulary, and refine our grasp of syntax. We also examine the text’s rich layers of meaning, unraveling why this hymn continues to resonate with millions worldwide. Whether you're drawn to its linguistic beauty, spiritual depth, or narrative power, this course offers an immersive journey into one of Sanskrit's most revered texts.
Course Structure
- 18 Live Class Sessions (90 min each)
- Mondays and Wednesdays @ 12-1:30pm Pacific (California)
- All live sessions will take place via Zoom and will be recorded for later viewing.
Students Will Receive:
- 18 live class sessions (90 min each)
- 5 ACP Credits
- 27 Hours of CE credit with YA
- Yogic Studies Certificate (PDF)
- Access to the private Community Forum
Dr. Anya Golovkova
Assistant Professor of Religion, Lake Forest College
Anya Golovkova is a historian of Asian Religions and a Sanskritist. Prior to joining Lake Forest College as Assistant Professor of Religion, she was an A. W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow in Religion at Bowdoin College and a Visiting Scholar at Cornell University’s South Asia Program. Dr. Golovkova completed her Ph.D. in Asian Studies at Cornell University and holds a B.A. (with distinction) in Linguistics and Intercultural Communication from Moscow State Linguistics University, an M.A. in the Middle East and Asian Languages and Cultures from Columbia University, and a Master of Studies (with distinction) in Oriental Studies from Oxford University. Dr. Golovkova has published articles in peer-reviewed journals and edited book chapters. She is the co-editor (with Hugh Urban and Hillary Langberg) of The Tantric World, forthcoming from Routledge. Her forthcoming monograph, A Goddess for the Second Millennium: The Making of Śrīvidyā, is the first comprehensive study of a Hindu Tantric (esoteric) tradition called Śrīvidyā. Dr. Golovkova serves as the Co-Chair of the Tantric Studies Unit of the American Academy of Religion, the largest scholarly society dedicated to the academic study of religion, with more than 8,000 members around the world.
🦚 Save 20% with the Early Bird discount! 🦚
The Early Bird discount ends Monday, April 7th at 5 pm PT.
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This course is eligible for up to 27 hours of Continued Education (CE) credits with Yoga Alliance
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