Durga Chalisa

Salutations again and again to Durga, the giver of joy, and to Mother Amba, who carries away all sorrow.

Your light is formless and boundless; its radiance fills and illumines all three worlds.

Your forehead shines like the moon and your face is vast; your eyes glow red and your knitted brow is fearsome to behold.

O Mother, your form is supremely beautiful, and merely beholding you fills the devotee with deep happiness.

You are the power that holds the whole world together, and you provide the food and wealth that sustain it.

As Annapurna you nourish all creation, and you are the timeless, ever-youthful Adi Sundari, the original beauty.

At the time of cosmic dissolution you withdraw all that exists; you are Gauri, the beloved consort of Lord Shiva.

Shiva and the yogis sing your praises, while Brahma and Vishnu constantly meditate upon you.

Taking the form of Saraswati, you grant clear wisdom and uplift the sages and seers.

O Amba, you assumed the form of Narasimha and burst forth by splitting open the pillar.

You protected and saved the devotee Prahlada, and by slaying Hiranyakashipu you sent even him to heaven.

As Goddess Lakshmi you appear in this world and abide at the side of Lord Narayana.

You dwell joyfully upon the ocean of milk; O ocean of compassion, please grant the wishes of my heart.

At Hinglaj it is you alone who reside as Bhavani; your glory is infinite and beyond all description.

You are Mother Matangi and Dhumavati, and as Bhuvaneshwari and Bagalamukhi you bestow happiness.

As Bhairavi and Tara you ferry souls across through yoga, and as Chhinnamasta you remove the sorrows of worldly existence.

Bhavani is resplendent riding upon her lion, while the brave Langur (Hanuman) goes ahead to welcome her.

In your hands the skull-bowl and sword shine forth, the very sight of which makes even Death flee in fear.

Your weapons and trident are dazzling, and at the sight of them a sharp pang of dread strikes the heart of your enemies.

At Nagarkot (Kangra) you are enthroned, and your triumphant drum resounds throughout all three worlds.

You slew the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha and destroyed Raktabija along with his countless replicas.

The arrogant demon-king Mahishasura, whose burden of sin made the earth groan in distress, was overcome by you.

Assuming the terrible form of Kali, you destroyed him together with his entire army.

Whenever danger or hardship has befallen the devout, you, O Mother, have come to their aid.

In the city of the gods and in every realm of beings, by your glory all dwell free from grief.

At Jwala Ji it is your sacred flame that burns, and men and women everywhere offer you constant worship.

Those who sing your praises with love and devotion are never approached by sorrow or poverty.

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

Yogis, gods and sages proclaim aloud that no spiritual union is possible without your divine power.

Shankaracharya performed great austerities and thereby conquered desire, anger and every other vice.

He held Shiva alone in meditation day and night, yet for a time he failed to remember you, the Mother.

He did not grasp the mystery of your power as Shakti, and when that power left him he was filled with remorse.

Then he took refuge in you, extolling your glory and crying, 'Victory, victory, victory to Jagadamba Bhavani!'

The primordial Mother Jagadamba was pleased and, without the least delay, restored his power to him.

O Mother, grave troubles surround me; apart from you, who can take away my suffering?

Craving and endless desire torment me without relief; pray destroy my delusion, pride and all such failings.

O great Queen, vanquish my enemies; I call upon you, Bhavani, with single-pointed remembrance.

Be merciful, O compassionate Mother; bless me with prosperity and accomplishment and make me wholly content.

As long as I live, may I enjoy the fruit of your grace and forever sing and proclaim your glory.

Whoever sings this Durga Chalisa enjoys every happiness and ultimately attains the supreme state.