Shri Durga Chalisa

You manifest the primordial energy of the universe, and for the sustenance of all living creatures, you graciously bestow nourishing grain and prosperity.

As Mother Annapurna, you nurture the entire world. You are the primordial youthful maiden (Tripurasundari / Bala), embodying eternal beauty.

At the time of cosmic dissolution (Pralaya), you withdraw the entire universe. You are Mother Gauri, the beloved divine consort of Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva and all elevated yogis chant your divine virtues, while Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu continually meditate upon your glory.

Assuming the form of Goddess Saraswati, you bestowed pure wisdom upon the seers and sages, guiding them to enlightenment.

As the divine power within Lord Narasimha, O Mother, you manifested bursting forth from the stone pillar to protect child Prahlada.

You safeguarded your faithful devotee Prahlada, and dispatching the arrogant tyrant Hiranyakashipu, you liberated the righteous.

Manifesting in the world as Goddess Lakshmi, you reside in inseparable union upon the chest of Lord Sri Narayana.

Resting gracefully upon the cosmic ocean of milk (Kshira Sagara), O ocean of boundless mercy, fulfill the sincere aspirations of my heart!

In Hinglaj and sacred Shaktipeethas you preside as Bhavani; your glory is boundless and beyond the capability of mortal words to describe.

You are the great Mahavidyas: Matangi, Dhumavati, Bhuvaneshwari, and Bagalamukhi, who bestow supreme joy and protection upon seekers.

Accompanied by Bhairava, you are Mother Tara who ferries souls across the ocean of worldly existence, and Chhinnamasta who severs the distress of samsara.

Mounted majestically upon your lion (Kehari), O Bhavani, you ride forth with the heroic guardian Langur Veera leading your vanguard.

In your hands rest the skull-bowl (Khappara) and blazing sword; beholding your invincible splendour, even Death (Kala) flees in terror.

Adorned with divine weapons and the gleaming Trident (Trishula), the sight of which strikes agonizing terror into the hearts of demonic adversaries.

You reside gloriously in Nagarkot (Jwalamukhi / Kangra); your triumphal victory drum resounds throughout all three worlds.

You vanquished the formidable tyrants Shumbha and Nishumbha, and annihilated the innumerable clones of demon Raktabija.

King Mahishasura had grown exceedingly arrogant, through whose sinful atrocities Mother Earth groaned under intolerable oppression.

Assuming the fierce, formidable form of Mahakali, you annihilated Mahishasura along with his entire demonic army.

Whenever righteous saints and devotees encountered grave distress, O compassionate Mother, you manifested without delay to come to their aid.

Restoring peace to Amaravati and the tradition of Indra (Basava), all the celestial denizens were freed from sorrow through your boundless grace.

In the sacred flame of Jwalamukhi shines your eternal light; women and men forever revere and worship your divine presence.

Whoever sings your glorious praises with genuine love and devotion, grief and poverty never venture near their household.

Whoever meditates upon you with a focused, dedicated heart is liberated from the relentless cycle of birth and death.

Yogis, gods, and sages proclaim with one voice: no spiritual attainment or communion with the Divine is possible without your grace as Shakti!

Adi Shankaracharya performed arduous austerities and conquered all lust and anger by surrendering unto your divine lotus feet.

When seekers initially contemplate Lord Shiva alone without acknowledging Shakti, they soon realize that Shiva and Shakti are indivisible.

He who fails to understand the mystery of divine Shakti realizes upon the departure of vital power that without Shakti, Shiva is transcendent stillness.

Taking refuge at your feet and extolling your glory, the devotee exclaims: 'Hail, victory, all victory to Jagadamba, Mother Bhavani!'

The primordial Mother of the universe became pleased, and without delay bestowed vitality, spiritual radiance, and divine benediction (anugraha).

O Mother, immense afflictions have surrounded me; except for you, who else can alleviate my sorrows and shield my spirit?

Desires and worldly cravings torment my mind, while inner enemies of delusion and pride attempt to frighten me.

Vanquish all hostile and negative forces, O Empress of creation! With single-pointed devotion I meditate upon you, O Bhavani!

Shower your benevolent mercy upon me, O compassionate Mother! Bestowing righteous abundance (Riddhi) and spiritual wisdom (Siddhi), make my life blessed.

As long as I live in this body, may I abide under the fruit of your kindness, and continually sing of your glorious grace.

Whoever daily sings this sacred Durga Chalisa enjoys wholesome worldly joys and ultimately attains the supreme spiritual destination.

Recognizing this humble devotee as surrendered under your shelter, shower your tender grace, O Mother Jagadamba Bhavani!

Even the thousand-headed Sheshanaga sings of your boundless majesty, yet none can fathom the full expanse of your divine nature.

Whoever recites this prayer with devoted heart also receives the benevolent blessings of Lord Rama, who Himself worshipped Mother Durga before the Lanka battle.

Shower your gracious mercy upon all living beings, O Mother of the universe! None in all creation compares to your boundless compassion.