Durga Chalisa
दुर्गा चालीसा
Origin & Story
Hindu devotional tradition · Unknown (folk devotional composition) · Medieval period
The Durga Chalisa draws its narrative from the Devi Mahatmyam (also called Durga Saptashati or Chandi Path) from the Markandeya Purana, one of the most important texts in Shaktism. It recounts how Goddess Durga was created from the combined energies of all the gods to destroy the buffalo demon Mahishasur, whom no god could defeat. She fought for 9 days and nights (the origin of Navratri) before slaying him on the 10th day (Vijayadashami/Dussehra).
✦ As told in scripture
The Devi Mahatmyam narrates that when Mahishasur had conquered heaven and earth, the gods pooled their divine energies — each god contributing a weapon and a power — creating Goddess Durga. She rode a lion into battle and fought the demon army for 9 nights. When Mahishasur transformed into a buffalo to escape, Durga leaped onto him, pinned him with her foot, and pierced him with her trident. This victory of good over evil is celebrated as Navratri and Dussehra across India.
Complete Text with Meaning
नमो नमो दुर्गे सुख करनी। नमो नमो अम्बे दुःख हरनी॥
Namo Namo Durge Sukh Karni Namo Namo Ambe Dukh Harni
Meaning:Salutations to Durga, bestower of happiness. Salutations to Amba, remover of all sorrows.
निरंकार है ज्योति तुम्हारी। तिहुँ लोक फैली उजियारी॥
Nirankar Hai Jyoti Tumhari Tihun Lok Faili Ujiyari
Meaning:Your radiance is formless. Its light illuminates all three worlds.
शशि ललाट मुख महाविशाला। नेत्र लाल भृकुटी विकराला॥
Shashi Lalat Mukh Maha Vishala Netra Laal Bhrikuti Vikrala
Meaning:With the moon on your forehead, your face vast and magnificent. Red eyes and fierce eyebrows.
रूप मातु को अधिक सुहावे। दरश करत जन अति सुख पावे॥
Roop Matu Ko Adhik Suhave Darash Karat Jan Ati Sukh Pave
Meaning:The form of the Mother is supremely beautiful. Those who behold you attain great bliss.
तुम संसार शक्ति लय कीना। तिहुँ लोक में बल न कीना॥
Tum Sansar Shakti Lay Keena Tihun Lok Mein Bal Na Keena
Meaning:You created the power of the universe. No one in the three worlds can match your strength.
प्रतिपालक संतन हितकारी। असुर संहारिणी गुणधारी॥
Pratipalak Santan Hitkaari Asur Samharini Gundhaari
Meaning:Protector and benefactor of saints. Destroyer of demons, bearer of virtues.
महिषासुर नृप अति अभिमानी। जेहि अघ भार मही अकुलानी॥
Mahishasur Nrip Ati Abhimani Jehi Agh Bhar Mahi Akulani
Meaning:The demon king Mahishasur was supremely arrogant. The earth groaned under the weight of his sins.
रूप कराल काली को धारा। सेन सहित तुम तिहि संहारा॥
Roop Karaal Kaali Ko Dhara Sen Sahit Tum Tihi Samhara
Meaning:Assuming the fierce form of Kali, you destroyed him along with his entire army.
परिणामे देवन सुख दीन्हा। उग्र रूप को प्रकट कीन्हा॥
Pariname Devan Sukh Deenha Ugra Roop Ko Prakat Keenha
Meaning:In the end, you gave happiness to the gods. You manifested your fierce form for their protection.
सूत शुम्भ निशुम्भ विदारे। ब्रह्मा विष्णु शंकर हारे॥
Soot Shumbh Nishumbh Vidare Brahma Vishnu Shankar Hare
Meaning:You slew the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha. Even Brahma, Vishnu and Shankar were amazed.
रक्तबीज तब आसुर आयो। एक से अनेक रूप बनायो॥
Raktabeej Tab Asur Aayo Ek Se Anek Roop Banayo
Meaning:Then came the demon Raktabeej. From one drop of his blood, countless copies arose.
रक्त गिरे जित भूमि पे उसके। भए अनेक रूप ता तसके॥
Rakt Gire Jit Bhoomi Pe Uske Bhaye Anek Roop Ta Taske
Meaning:Wherever his blood fell on the earth, new demons sprang up from each drop.
तब माता ने रूप विकराला। काली बन खप्पर धर ज्वाला॥
Tab Mata Ne Roop Vikrala Kali Ban Khappar Dhar Jwala
Meaning:Then O Mother, you assumed the fierce form of Kali, holding a skull cup and blazing with fire.
रक्त पिया बिनु भूमि गिरायो। सब रक्तबीज को तुम मारयो॥
Rakt Piya Binu Bhoomi Girayo Sab Raktabeej Ko Tum Maryo
Meaning:You drank every drop of blood before it touched the ground. Thus you destroyed Raktabeej completely.
दुर्गम काज जगत के जेते। सुगम अनुग्रह तुमते तेते॥
Durgam Kaj Jagat Ke Jete Sugam Anugrah Tumte Tete
Meaning:Every difficult task in the world becomes easy with your grace.
हरन करो जनता की पीरा। माँ वैष्णवी तू है वीरा॥
Haran Karo Janta Ki Peera Maa Vaishnavi Tu Hai Veera
Meaning:Remove the suffering of the people. O Mother Vaishnavi, you are the brave one.
जब सती रूप धरा था माता। दक्ष यज्ञ में भई विधाता॥
Jab Sati Roop Dhara Tha Mata Daksh Yagya Mein Bhayi Vidhata
Meaning:When you took the form of Sati, O Mother, the fate of Daksha's sacrifice was sealed.
तहाँ शम्भु अपमान सहायो। क्रोध किया तुम तन त्यागायो॥
Tahan Shambhu Apmaan Sahayo Krodh Kiya Tum Tan Tyagayo
Meaning:There Shambhu (Shiva) was insulted. In rage, you gave up your body.
तब शिव जी ने रूद्र मचायो। सती अंग दक्षिण विधि पायो॥
Tab Shiv Ji Ne Rudra Machayo Sati Ang Dakshin Vidhi Payo
Meaning:Then Lord Shiva unleashed his fury. Sati's body parts fell across the land.
जहाँ जहाँ अंग गिरे माता। शक्तिपीठ वहाँ विख्याता॥
Jahan Jahan Ang Gire Mata Shaktipeeth Vahan Vikhyata
Meaning:Wherever your body parts fell, O Mother, those places became famous Shakti Peethas.
बावन शक्तिपीठ जग माहीं। तव महिमा कछु कही न जाहीं॥
Bavan Shaktipeeth Jag Mahin Tav Mahima Kachhu Kahi Na Jahin
Meaning:52 Shakti Peethas exist in the world. Your glory cannot be fully described.
नवदुर्गा नव रात्रि पूजा। तव समान कोउ देव न दूजा॥
Navdurga Nav Ratri Pooja Tav Saman Kou Dev Na Dooja
Meaning:Nine forms of Durga worshipped over nine nights — no other deity equals you.
नव विधान करि पूजा जो कोई। सकल सिद्धि आवे तब सोई॥
Nav Vidhan Kari Pooja Jo Koi Sakal Siddhi Aave Tab Soi
Meaning:Whoever performs the nine-fold worship, all spiritual powers come to them.
शैलपुत्री ब्रह्मचारिणी नामा। चन्द्रघण्टा सुख देत अकामा॥
Shailputri Brahmacharini Nama Chandraghanta Sukh Det Akama
Meaning:Shailputri and Brahmacharini are your names. Chandraghanta grants happiness selflessly.
कूष्माण्डा जग शक्ति तुम्हारी। स्कन्दमाता सब हित करती भारी॥
Kushmanda Jag Shakti Tumhari Skandmata Sab Hit Karti Bhari
Meaning:Kushmanda, the cosmic power is yours. Skandmata benefits all greatly.
कात्यायनी महिषासुर मर्दिनी। कालरात्रि करे दुष्ट विदारिनी॥
Katyayani Mahishasur Mardini Kaalratri Kare Dusht Vidarini
Meaning:Katyayani, slayer of Mahishasur. Kaalratri, destroyer of the wicked.
महागौरी शुभ्र रूप विराजे। सिद्धिदात्री सब सिद्धि के साजे॥
Mahagauri Shubhra Roop Viraje Siddhidatri Sab Siddhi Ke Saje
Meaning:Mahagauri shines in radiant white form. Siddhidatri bestows all spiritual powers.
नव दुर्गा तव नाम नवामा। सदा रहें हम पर इनकी शामा॥
Nav Durga Tav Naam Navama Sada Rahen Ham Par Inki Shama
Meaning:Nine Durga, nine sacred names. May their grace always remain upon us.
ब्रह्मा वैष्णवी शिवा कल्याणी। माता तू है जगत भवानी॥
Brahma Vaishnavi Shiva Kalyani Mata Tu Hai Jagat Bhavani
Meaning:Brahma's power, Vishnu's power, Shiva's grace — O Mother, you are Bhavani of the world.
जो सरणागत हुई तुम्हारी। ताहि सदा तुम रखवारी॥
Jo Sharanagat Hui Tumhari Tahi Sada Tum Rakhwari
Meaning:Whoever takes refuge in you, you always protect them.
दोहा: अमर सुहागिन हो तुम्हीं, अम्बे तू है दुर्गा। शरणागत को रक्षा करो, माँ जय जय जय दुर्गा॥
Doha: Amar Suhagin Ho Tumhi Ambe Tu Hai Durga Sharanagat Ko Raksha Karo Maa Jai Jai Jai Durga
Meaning:Closing Doha: You are the eternal auspicious one, O Amba, you are Durga. Protect all who seek your refuge. Victory, victory, victory to Mother Durga!
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Durga Chalisa
Invokes the protective power of Goddess Durga — destroyer of evil
Essential during Navratri (9 nights of Durga worship)
Removes fear, negativity and all forms of suffering
Grants courage, confidence and strength to face difficulties
Protects from enemies, black magic and evil forces
Fulfills wishes when chanted with sincere devotion during Navratri
How to Chant Durga Chalisa
Light a ghee diya before an image of Goddess Durga. Offer red flowers and kumkum. Chant the Durga Chalisa 9 times during Navratri for maximum benefit. On regular days, once daily is sufficient. Face east or north. The chalisa is especially powerful when chanted during Ashtami (8th day of Navratri).