Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu (Tantrokta Devi Suktam) — Word-by-Word Meaning
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु (तन्त्रोक्त देवीसूक्तम्)
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु
yā devī sarvabhūteṣu
The Goddess who (abides) in all beings
शक्तिरूपेण संस्थिता
śaktirūpeṇa saṃsthitā
is established in the form of power (Shakti)
नमस्तस्यै
namastasyai
Salutation to her
नमो नमः
namo namaḥ
salutation again and again
नमो देव्यै महादेव्यै
namo devyai mahādevyai
Salutation to the Devi, to the Mahadevi
Complete Translation
The Tantrokta Devi Suktam — popularly known as 'Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu' — is the gods' hymn of praise from the fifth chapter of the Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmyam), also called the Aparajita Stuti. Robbed of heaven by Shumbha and Nishumbha, the gods extol the Divine Mother as the one Shakti who abides within all beings — as consciousness (chetana), intelligence (buddhi), sleep, hunger, shadow, power, thirst, forbearance, the kind, modesty, peace, faith, loveliness, fortune (Lakshmi), activity, memory, compassion, contentment, the mother, and as the very consciousness (chiti) that pervades the universe. After each invocation comes the beloved refrain: 'Namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah' — 'Salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation again and again.' It is among the most recited and best-loved hymns of the Goddess, chanted daily and especially through Navratri.
Origin & History
Source: Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmyam), Chapter 5 — Markandeya Purana
Author: Sage Markandeya (traditional)
Period: c. 5th–6th century CE
When Shumbha and Nishumbha seized the three worlds, the gods went to the Himalaya and praised the Goddess with this hymn — the Tantrokta Devi Suktam. Adoring her as the one Shakti present in all beings, it forms the devotional heart of the fifth chapter of the Durga Saptashati.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu'?▼
It is the refrain of the Tantrokta Devi Suktam (also called the Aparajita Stuti), the gods' hymn from Chapter 5 of the Durga Saptashati. Each verse says 'Ya Devi sarvabhuteshu [X]-rupena samsthita' — 'the Goddess who abides in all beings in the form of [X]' — followed by 'Namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah.'
What does 'Namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah' mean?▼
'Salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation again and again.' The threefold salutation is offered to the one Goddess who dwells within every being as consciousness, intelligence, power, peace, compassion and all things.
Where does the Devi Suktam come from?▼
It is from the fifth chapter (Devya Duta Samvada) of the Durga Saptashati / Devi Mahatmyam, part of the Markandeya Purana. It is also known as the Tantrokta Devi Suktam or Aparajita Stuti and is recited both on its own and within the Saptashati.
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