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🕉 Durga Chalisa

📿 Durga Chalisa

Chalisa

AuthorDevidas

LanguageAwadhi-Braj

Verses40 chaupais + 1 doha

Recitation timeabout 8–10 minutes

Special daysNavratri, Ashtami, Friday

MalaRudraksha or red sandalwood

The Durga Chalisa describes the many forms of Maa Durga — Annapurna, Gauri, Saraswati, Lakshmi, the ten Mahavidyas, Kali — and her slaying of demons (Mahishasura, Shumbha-Nishumbha, Raktabeej). It is recited daily in Navratri.

📖 Full text — with meaning

Tap «Roman (English) script» to see the original Devanagari text.

नमो नमो दुर्गे सुख करनी। नमो नमो अम्बे दुःख हरनी॥

Namo Namo Durge Sukh Karni | Namo Namo Ambe Duhkh Harni ||

Salutations to you, Durga, giver of happiness; salutations again and again, Amba, remover of sorrow.

निरंकार है ज्योति तुम्हारी। तिहूँ लोक फैली उजियारी॥

Nirankar Hai Jyoti Tumhari | Tihun Lok Phaili Ujiyari ||

Your light is formless, and its radiance spreads through the three worlds.

शशि ललाट मुख महाविशाला। नेत्र लाल भृकुटि विकराला॥

Shashi Lalat Mukh Mahavishala | Netra Lal Bhrikuti Vikarala ||

The moon is on your forehead, your face is radiant; your eyes are red and your brows fierce.

रूप मातु को अधिक सुहावे। दरश करत जन अति सुख पावे॥

Rup Matu Ko Adhik Suhave | Darash Karat Jan Ati Sukh Pave ||

The Mother's form is most beautiful; devotees feel great joy at her darshan.

तुम संसार शक्ति लय कीना। पालन हेतु अन्न धन दीना॥

Tum Sansar Shakti Lay Kina | Palan Hetu Anna Dhan Dina ||

All the power of the world resides in you; you gave food and wealth to sustain it.

अन्नपूर्णा हुई जग पाला। तुम ही आदि सुन्दरी बाला॥

Annapurna Hui Jag Pala | Tum Hi Adi Sundari Bala ||

As Annapurna you nourish the world; you are the primal beauty, the young Tripurasundari.

प्रलयकाल सब नाशन हारी। तुम गौरी शिवशंकर प्यारी॥

Pralaykal Sab Nashan Hari | Tum Gauri Shivashankar Pyari ||

At the time of dissolution you destroy all; you are Gauri, beloved of Shiva-Shankar.

शिव योगी तुम्हरे गुण गावें। ब्रह्मा विष्णु तुम्हें नित ध्यावें॥

Shiv Yogi Tumhare Gun Gaven | Brahma Vishnu Tumhen Nit Dhyaven ||

Shiva and the yogis sing your virtues; Brahma and Vishnu meditate on you daily.

रूप सरस्वती को तुम धारा। दे सुबुद्धि ऋषि मुनिन उबारा॥

Rup Sarasvati Ko Tum Dhara | De Subuddhi Rishi Munin Ubara ||

Taking the form of Saraswati you gave wisdom to the sages and uplifted them.

धरयो रूप नरसिंह को अम्बा। परगट भई फाड़कर खम्बा॥

Dharyo Rup Narsinh Ko Amba | Pargat Bhai Phadakar Khamba ||

O Amba, you took the form of Narasimha and appeared by tearing the pillar.

रक्षा करि प्रह्लाद बचायो। हिरणाकुश को स्वर्ग पठायो॥

Raksha Kari Prahlad Bachayo | Hiranakush Ko Svarga Pathayo ||

You protected and saved Prahlad and sent Hiranyakashipu to heaven (by slaying him).

लक्ष्मी रूप धरो जग माहीं। श्री नारायण अंग समाहीं॥

Lakshmi Rup Dharo Jag Mahin | Shri Narayan Ang Samahin ||

You took the form of Lakshmi in the world and merged into Shri Narayana.

क्षीरसिन्धु में करत विलासा। दयासिन्धु दीजै मन आसा॥

Kshirasindhu Men Karat Vilasa | Dayasindhu Dijai Man Asa ||

You play in the ocean of milk; O ocean of mercy, fulfil the hope of my heart.

हिंगलाज में तुम्हीं भवानी। महिमा अमित न जात बखानी॥

Hingalaj Men Tumhin Bhavani | Mahima Amit Na Jat Bakhani ||

You are Bhavani at Hinglaj (shaktipeeth); your boundless glory cannot be described.

मातंगी अरु धूमावति माता। भुवनेश्वरी बगला सुख दाता॥

Matangi Aru Dhumavati Mata | Bhuvaneshvari Bagla Sukh Data ||

Matangi, Dhumavati, Bhuvaneshwari and Bagalamukhi — these (Mahavidya) forms give happiness.

श्री भैरव तारा जग तारिणी। छिन्न भाल भव दुःख निवारिणी॥

Shri Bhairav Tara Jag Tarini | Chhinna Bhal Bhav Duhkh Nivarini ||

As Bhairavi and Tara you carry the world across; as Chhinnamasta you remove worldly sorrow.

केहरि वाहन सोह भवानी। लांगुर वीर चलत अगवानी॥

Kehari Vahan Soh Bhavani | Langur Vir Chalat Agavani ||

O Bhavani, the lion is your vehicle; the brave Langur (Hanuman/Bhairav) walks ahead of you.

कर में खप्पर खड्ग विराजै। जाको देख काल डर भाजै॥

Kar Men Khappar Khadga Virajai | Jako Dekh Kal Dar Bhajai ||

The skull-bowl and sword shine in your hands; seeing them even death flees in fear.

सोहै अस्त्र और त्रिशूला। जाते उठत शत्रु हिय शूला॥

Sohai Astra Aur Trishula | Jate Uthat Shatru Hiy Shula ||

Your weapons and trident shine, piercing the hearts of enemies with fear.

नगरकोट में तुम्हीं विराजत। तिहुँलोक में डंका बाजत॥

Nagarkot Men Tumhin Virajat | Tihunlok Men Danka Bajat ||

You reside at Nagarkot (Kangra); your drum resounds in the three worlds.

शुम्भ निशुम्भ दानव तुम मारे। रक्तबीज शंखन संहारे॥

Shumbha Nishumbha Danav Tum Mare | Raktabij Shankhan Sanhare ||

You slew the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha, and destroyed countless demons like Raktabeej.

महिषासुर नृप अति अभिमानी। जेहि अघ भार मही अकुलानी॥

Mahishasur Nrip Ati Abhimani | Jehi Agh Bhar Mahi Akulani ||

The proud king Mahishasura's sins weighed down the earth.

रूप कराल कालिका धारा। सेन सहित तुम तिहि संहारा॥

Rup Karal Kalika Dhara | Sen Sahit Tum Tihi Sanhara ||

Then you took the terrible form of Kali and destroyed him with his army.

परी गाढ़ सन्तन पर जब जब। भई सहाय मातु तुम तब तब॥

Pari Gadh Santan Par Jab Jab | Bhai Sahay Matu Tum Tab Tab ||

Whenever the saints were in difficulty, O Mother, you came to their help.

अमरपुरी अरु बासव लोका। तब महिमा सब रहें अशोका॥

Amarpuri Aru Basav Loka | Tab Mahima Sab Rahen Ashoka ||

Amaravati and Indra's world remain free of sorrow by your glory.

ज्वाला में है ज्योति तुम्हारी। तुम्हें सदा पूजें नर-नारी॥

Jvala Men Hai Jyoti Tumhari | Tumhen Sada Pujen Nar-Nari ||

Your flame burns at Jwalamukhi (shaktipeeth); men and women always worship you.

प्रेम भक्ति से जो यश गावें। दुःख दारिद्र निकट नहिं आवें॥

Prem Bhakti Se Jo Yash Gaven | Duhkh Daridra Nikat Nahin Aven ||

Sorrow and poverty do not come near those who sing your glory with love and devotion.

ध्यावे तुम्हें जो नर मन लाई। जन्म-मरण ताकौ छुटि जाई॥

Dhyave Tumhen Jo Nar Man Lai | Janma-Maran Takau Chhuti Jai ||

Whoever meditates on you with a focused mind is freed from the cycle of birth and death.

जोगी सुर मुनि कहत पुकारी। योग न हो बिन शक्ति तुम्हारी॥

Jogi Sur Muni Kahat Pukari | Yog Na Ho Bin Shakti Tumhari ||

Yogis, gods and sages proclaim that yoga cannot succeed without your power.

शंकर आचारज तप कीनो। काम अरु क्रोध जीति सब लीनो॥

Shankar Acharaj Tap Kino | Kam Aru Krodh Jiti Sab Lino ||

Acharya Shankar did penance and conquered desire and anger.

निशिदिन ध्यान धरो शंकर को। काहु काल नहिं सुमिरो तुमको॥

Nishidin Dhyan Dharo Shankar Ko | Kahu Kal Nahin Sumiro Tumako ||

Day and night he meditated on Shankar, but never remembered you.

शक्ति रूप का मरम न पायो। शक्ति गई तब मन पछितायो॥

Shakti Rup Ka Maram Na Payo | Shakti Gai Tab Man Pachhitayo ||

He did not understand the secret of Shakti; when his power left him, he repented.

शरणागत हुई कीर्ति बखानी। जय जय जय जगदम्ब भवानी॥

Sharnagat Hui Kirti Bakhani | Jai Jai Jai Jagdamba Bhavani ||

Then, taking refuge, he sang your glory — «Jai Jai Jai Jagadamba Bhavani».

भई प्रसन्न आदि जगदम्बा। दई शक्ति नहिं कीन विलम्बा॥

Bhai Prasanna Adi Jagdamba | Dai Shakti Nahin Kin Vilamba ||

The primal Jagadamba was pleased and without delay gave him power again.

मोको मातु कष्ट अति घेरो। तुम बिन कौन हरै दुःख मेरो॥

Moko Matu Kashta Ati Ghero | Tum Bin Kaun Harai Duhkh Mero ||

O Mother, great sufferings surround me; who but you will remove my sorrow?

आशा तृष्णा निपट सतावें। मोह मदादिक सब बिनशावैं॥

Asha Trishna Nipat Sataven | Moh Madadik Sab Binashavain ||

Hope and craving trouble me greatly; (by your grace) may delusion, pride and all vices be destroyed.

शत्रु नाश कीजै महारानी। सुमिरौं इकचित तुम्हें भवानी॥

Shatru Nash Kijai Maharani | Sumiraun Ikachit Tumhen Bhavani ||

O Great Queen, destroy my enemies; O Bhavani, I remember you with a single mind.

करो कृपा हे मातु दयाला। ऋद्धि-सिद्धि दै करहु निहाला॥

Karo Kripa He Matu Dayala | Riddhi-Siddhi Dai Karhu Nihala ||

O compassionate Mother, be gracious; grant me prosperity and success and fulfil me.

जब लगि जिऊँ दया फल पाऊँ। तुम्हरो यश मैं सदा सुनाऊँ॥

Jab Lagi Jiun Daya Phal Paun | Tumharo Yash Main Sada Sunaun ||

As long as I live, may I receive the fruit of your mercy and always sing your glory.

दुर्गा चालीसा जो नित गावै। सब सुख भोग परमपद पावै॥

Durga Chalisa Jo Nit Gavai | Sab Sukh Bhog Parampad Pavai ||

Whoever sings the Durga Chalisa daily enjoys all happiness and attains the highest state.

देवीदास शरण निज जानी। करहु कृपा जगदम्ब भवानी॥

Devidas Sharan Nij Jani | Karhu Kripa Jagdamba Bhavani ||

Knowing Devidas to have taken your refuge, O Jagadamba Bhavani, be gracious.

॥ दोहा ॥ शरणागत रक्षा करे, भक्त रहे निःशंक। मैं आया तेरी शरण में, मातु लीजिये अंक॥

|| Doha || Sharnagat Raksha Kare, Bhakta Rahe Nihshank | Main Aya Teri Sharan Men, Matu Lijiye Ank ||

The Mother protects those who take refuge, so the devotee stays fearless; O Mother, I have come to your refuge — take me in your lap.

💡 Essence

The Durga Chalisa sees the Mother as the power, sustainer and destroyer of all creation; the devotee prays for removal of troubles, enemies and vices and for prosperity and success.

📿 Japa counter (mala of 108)

Tap the button for each repetition; every 108 counts as one mala (your phone vibrates). The count is saved on this device/browser.

📅 Next auspicious days (from our panchang)

23 Oct (Friday)
30 Oct (Friday)
6 Nov (Friday)
13 Nov (Friday)
20 Nov (Friday)
27 Nov (Friday)

Dates are for Delhi sunrise; see today's panchang for your city.

🪔 How to chant / recite

Time: Morning or evening; daily during the nine days of Navratri.
Seat & direction: On a red asana, facing east or north.
Preparation: Offer a ghee lamp, red flowers and roli-akshata before the Mother.
Count: 1 daily; 9 days continuously in Navratri; a 108-recitation anushthan under an acharya for a special wish.
Along with it: One mala of the Navarna mantra «Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche».
End: Aarti «Jai Ambe Gauri» and feeding a girl/married woman (on Ashtami/Navami).

🛕 Puja vidhi (step by step)

🧺 Items needed

Picture/idol of Maa Durga
Red chunari and red cloth
Red flowers (especially hibiscus)
Roli, kumkum, akshata, sindoor
Solah shringar items (as possible)
Ghee lamp (akhand jyoti in Navratri)
Coconut, fruits, halwa-puri or sweets as bhog
Cloves, cardamom, betel leaf

🪷 Procedure

Bathe and wear clean clothes; clean the puja place and spread a fresh cloth on the altar (chowki).
Do achamana (sip water three times) and purify hands and mouth; sit on an asana and calm the mind.
Light a lamp of ghee or sesame oil — by tradition the lamp is kept to the deity's right.
Take water, akshata (unbroken rice) and a flower in the right hand and make the sankalpa — your name, gotra, place, date and the purpose of the puja, spoken or in the mind; then let the water fall to the ground.
First remember Shri Ganesha (Om Gam Ganapataye Namah).
Invoke the Mother; in Navratri establish the kalash on the altar, otherwise just the picture.
Offer water, drape the red chunari; offer roli-kumkum, sindoor, akshata and red flowers.
Show incense and lamp, offer coconut and bhog; recite Durga Chalisa / Durga Saptashati or chant the Navarna mantra (Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche).
Sing «Jai Ambe Gauri»; on Ashtami/Navami kanya-pujan is customary.
Finally perform aarti, offer pushpanjali (flowers) and do parikrama (or turn around in your place).
Ask forgiveness for any mistakes in the puja, distribute the prasad and take it yourself.

⚠️ Rules & precautions

In Navratri keep sattvic food, celibacy and fast as per capacity; onion-garlic avoided.
Durva grass is not offered to the Mother — it is dear to Ganesha.
If an akhand jyoti is lit, do not let it go out and do not leave the house empty.
The worship of one who disrespects women is not accepted — the core spirit of the Shakta tradition.

📜 Story / origin

The Chalisa tells a story about Adi Shankaracharya — he meditated only on Shiva, never on Shakti; when he became powerless he praised the Mother, and she gave him power again. The lesson: Shiva and Shakti are not separate.

The Chalisa names three famous shaktipeeths — Hinglaj, Nagarkot (Kangra) and Jwalamukhi.

🌟 Benefits (as per tradition)

A prayer for protection from fear, enemies and trouble.
The core text of Navratri sadhana; a prayer for courage and strength of mind.
A prayer for prosperity and peace at home.

These are traditional beliefs described in scriptures; results are understood to depend on faith, discipline and one's own actions.

❓ Frequently asked questions

When should the Durga Chalisa be recited?

During the nine days of Navratri, every Friday and on Ashtami; it can also be recited daily morning or evening.

Are the Durga Chalisa and Durga Saptashati the same?

No. The Saptashati (Devi Mahatmya) is 700 Sanskrit verses of the Markandeya Purana; the Chalisa is a short, simple folk-language hymn in the same spirit.

Can it be recited during menstruation?

Traditions differ; many families remember the Mother mentally in those days without formal worship — follow your family tradition.

How many times in Navratri?

Usually once or three times a day; reciting morning and evening with the akhand jyoti is also customary.

🪔 Durga Aarti (Jai Ambe Gauri) · 🪔 Lakshmi Aarti (Om Jai Lakshmi Mata) · 🪔 Find your planet/deity from your kundali · 🧙 Ask an astrologer · 🕉 All mantras & aartis · 🇮🇳 हिन्दी में पढ़ें

Note: recite with devotion and correct pronunciation; for special anushthans take guidance from a learned acharya.

Other Mantras and Aarti

📿 Hanuman Chalisa 📿 Shiv Chalisa 📿 Ganesh Chalisa 📿 Lakshmi Chalisa 📿 Shani Chalisa 📿 Krishna Chalisa 📿 Ram Chalisa 🕉 Gayatri Mantra 🕉 Mahamrityunjaya Mantra 🪔 Ganesh Aarti (Jai Ganesh Deva)🪔 Shiv Aarti (Om Jai Shiv Omkara)🪔 Lakshmi Aarti (Om Jai Lakshmi Mata)🪔 Durga Aarti (Jai Ambe Gauri)🪔 Hanuman Aarti (Aarti Kijai Hanuman Lala Ki)🕉 Om Namah Shivaya

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