Shri Durga Chalisa

Salutations to Durga, giver of joy; salutations to Ambe, remover of sorrow.

Formless is your radiance; its light spreads through the three worlds.

Moon-browed, vast of face, red-eyed and fierce-browed.

The Mother’s form is most pleasing; beholding it, devotees find deep joy.

You drew the world’s power into yourself; for its nurture you gave food and wealth.

As Annapurna you nourished the world; you alone are the primal beautiful maiden.

At deluge-time you destroy all; you are Gauri, beloved of Shiv-Shankar.

Shiva’s yogis sing your virtues; Brahma and Vishnu ever meditate on you.

You took Saraswati’s form, granting wisdom and uplifting the sages.

Taking Narasimha’s form, O Mother, you burst forth rending the pillar.

You protected Prahlad and saved him; you sent Hiranyakashipu to heaven.

Taking Lakshmi’s form in the world, you rest upon Shri Narayana’s limbs.

You sport in the ocean of milk; O ocean of mercy, fulfil the heart’s hope.

In Hinglaj you are Bhavani; your boundless glory cannot be told.

Matangi and Dhumavati Mata; Bhuvaneshwari and Bagala, givers of joy.

Shri Bhairavi, Tara, saviour of the world; Chhinnamasta, remover of worldly sorrow.

Lion-vehicled Bhavani shines; the brave Langur marches ahead.

Skull-bowl and sword shine in your hands, seeing which death itself flees in fear.

Astras and trident adorn you, striking pangs into enemy hearts.

In Nagarkot you reign; your drum resounds through the three worlds.

You slew the demons Shumbha-Nishumbha and destroyed Raktabija with his hosts.

Mahishasura, the arrogant king, whose burden of sin distressed the earth.

Taking dread Kali’s form, with your army you destroyed him.

Whenever calamity befell the saints, Mother, you aided them each time.

In Amarpuri and Indra’s realm, all live free of sorrow through your glory.

In Jwala your flame burns; men and women ever worship you.

Whoever sings your glory with loving devotion — sorrow and poverty draw not near.

Whoever meditates on you with devoted mind is freed from birth and death.

Yogis, gods and sages proclaim: without your power no union is won.

Shankaracharya performed penance, conquering lust and anger wholly.

Night and day he meditated on Shankar, never remembering you at any time.

He grasped not the secret of Shakti’s form; when Shakti left, he repented in heart.

Taking refuge, he sang your fame — hail, hail, hail, Jagadamba Bhavani!

The primal Mother of the world was pleased and granted power without delay.

Mother, grievous pain besets me; who but you can end my sorrow?

Hope and craving torment me utterly; may delusion, arrogance and all else perish.

Destroy my foes, O great queen; with one-pointed mind I remember you, Bhavani.

Show mercy, O kindly Mother; bless me with fulfilment and prosperity.

As long as I live may I reap your grace; ever shall I proclaim your glory.

Whoever daily sings the Durga Chalisa enjoys all joys and attains the supreme state.

Knowing Devidas as your own refugee, show mercy, Jagadamba Bhavani!