Keelak Stotram
कीलक स्तोत्रम्
The Pin that unlocks the Durga Saptashati — from Markandeya Purana
Deity: Goddess Durga / Lord Shiva (देवी दुर्गा / भगवान शिव) | Part of: Durga Saptashati Trayam (Kavach → Argala → Keelak)
Opening Verse — Salutation to Shiva
आरम्भिक श्लोक — शिव वन्दना
The stotram opens with salutation to Lord Shiva, who is the one who placed the Keelak (pin) on the Saptashati.
ॐ विशुद्धज्ञानदेहाय त्रिवेदीदिव्यचक्षुषे । श्रेयःप्राप्तिनिमित्ताय नमः सोमार्धधारिणे ॥
The Purpose of the Keelak
कीलक का उद्देश्य
Lord Shiva explains why the Saptashati was locked — to ensure only devoted practitioners can access its immense power.
कृष्णपक्षस्य दशम्यां तु वाच्यायां विहितं पुरा । यथावत् सम्पूर्णां चण्डिकायाः फलं लभेत् ॥
The Nature of the Divine Lock
दिव्य कीलक का स्वरूप
Shiva reveals how he pinioned the Saptashati so that its power would only flow to the worthy.
महादेवः कीलकं प्रोक्तवान् शिवः । न कीलकं विना देवी प्रीयते नात्र संशयः ॥
निष्कीलां या पठेन्नित्यं सम्पूर्णफलदायिनीम् । सप्तशतीं समाराध्य वरमाप्नोति दुर्लभम् ॥
Closing — Removal of the Pin
समापन — कीलक निवारण
The concluding verses declare the Keelak removed, granting the devotee full access to the Saptashati.
इति श्री भगवत्याः कीलकस्तोत्रं सम्पूर्णम् । शापोद्धारं विना देवि कीलकं नापि सिद्ध्यति ॥
ॐ श्री चण्डिकायै नमः । इति कीलकस्तोत्रं समाप्तम् ॥
Significance
The word Keelak means “pin” or “wedge.” It is believed that Lord Shiva “pinioned” (locked) the Saptashati so that its immense power is only accessible to those with pure devotion. Reciting this stotram “removes the pin,” granting the devotee full access to the blessings of Goddess Chandika. It is the third and final part of the Trayam (Triad: Kavach → Argala → Keelak).
Benefits
Removes the divine lock on the Saptashati, enables the devotee to receive the complete fruit of Chandi worship, grants access to the full spiritual power of the Durga Saptashati, and ensures the recitation is complete and effective.