Durga Mantra — Word-by-Word Meaning
दुर्गा मंत्र
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
ॐ
Om
the primordial sound
दुं
Dum
the beej (seed) syllable of Goddess Durga — the vibration of protective Shakti
दुर्गायै
Durgayai
to Goddess Durga, the invincible Mother
नमः
Namah
salutations / I bow
Complete Translation
Om. To Goddess Durga, the invincible Divine Mother, I bow.
Origin & History
Source: The beej mantra of Goddess Durga
Author: Traditional (Vedic / Puranic)
"Om Dum Durgayai Namah" is the foremost seed mantra of Goddess Durga — the invincible Divine Mother who rides the lion and slays the demon Mahishasura. Her beej "Dum" carries the very vibration of protective Shakti. Through the nine nights of Navratri and in every hour of danger, devotees have chanted this mantra to call upon the Mother's courage, strength and unfailing protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Durga Mantra?▼
The principal seed mantra of Goddess Durga is "Om Dum Durgayai Namah". "Dum" is her beej (seed) syllable — the vibration of her protective, invincible Shakti — and the mantra is a salutation to the Divine Mother.
What are the benefits of the Durga Mantra?▼
It is chanted for protection from enemies, dangers, accidents, negativity, black magic and fear, and for courage, strength and victory. The Mother is invoked as the destroyer of evil and the guardian of her devotees.
How many times should I chant the Durga Mantra?▼
Chant it 108 times daily on a mala, especially at dawn or dusk and through the nine nights of Navratri. It may also be chanted whenever protection or courage is needed.
When is the best time to chant the Durga Mantra?▼
Navratri (both Chaitra and Sharad) is the most powerful time, especially Ashtami and Navami. Tuesdays and Fridays are the weekly days of the Goddess.
Which other Durga prayers can I recite?▼
Recite the Durga Chalisa, the Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmyam), "Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu", the Durga Kavach and the Siddha Kunjika Stotram along with this mantra.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →