Saraswati Chalisa

Victory to you, the storehouse of all intellect and strength; victory to the all-knowing, deathless, and imperishable one.

Victory again and again to you who hold the veena and forever travel seated on your graceful swan.

O four-armed Mother, your fame is known across the entire universe.

Whenever sinful thinking spreads through the world and the light of righteousness grows dim,

then, Mother, you take birth in your own form and free the earth from sin, lifting it to safety.

Valmiki was once a hunter and killer; the whole world knows that by your grace he was transformed.

He composed the great Ramayana and earned the title of Adi Kavi, the first poet.

Kalidasa too became renowned only through your gracious glance, O Mother.

Tulsidas, Surdas, and many other learned and wise ones rose to greatness,

none of whom had any other support, O Mother, but your grace alone.

Show me that same mercy, Mother Bhavani, knowing me as your grieving and humble servant.

Even when a child commits many faults, a loving mother does not keep them in her heart.

Guard my honour now, Mother; in many ways I offer you my earnest prayer.

I am helpless and lean only on you; have mercy, victory and victory to you, Mother of the universe.

The mighty demons Madhu and Kaitabha locked Lord Vishnu in hand-to-hand combat.

For five thousand fierce years of battle, he still did not turn his face away from them.

At that moment you came to his aid, turning the demons' own minds against them.

By that the wicked ones met their death; so fulfil my heart's wish too, O Mother.

Chanda and Munda, demons famed for their power, you destroyed in a single instant, Mother.

Before a sinner as formidable as Raktabija, the hearts of gods and sages all trembled.

You severed his head as easily as a banana stalk; again and again I pray to you, Mother of the world.

Shumbha and Nishumbha, notorious throughout the world, you slew in a moment, O Amba.

You turned the mind of Bharata's mother so that Rama was sent into forest exile.

In this way you brought about Ravana's death and gave joy to gods, humans, and sages alike.

Who is able to sing your fame and virtues fully? Even the eternal Vedas describe you as without beginning or end.

Not even Vishnu, Rudra, or Brahma can slay one whom you have chosen to protect.

As Raktadantika and Shatakshi you bear countless names, devourer of demons.

You accomplished impossible tasks upon the earth, and so the whole world took up the name Durga.

As Durga and other forms you remove all troubles, Mother, granting comfort whenever you show grace.

If an angry king seeks to kill someone, or one is surrounded by beasts in the forest,

or a ship breaks apart in mid-ocean, caught in a violent storm with no one beside them,

or one is troubled by ghosts and spirits, or sunk in poverty and danger,

by chanting your name all turns auspicious; of this let no one hold any doubt.

One anxious for a child should set all else aside and worship this Mother.

Whoever recites this Chalisa daily is blessed with a child of fine and beautiful qualities.

One who offers incense and sacred food will surely be freed of every difficulty.

Whoever always keeps devotion to the Mother will find that sorrow never comes near them.

A prisoner who recites this a hundred times will have every bond and fetter fall away.

Grant me liberation from worldly bondage, O Bhavani, always counting me as your own servant.

Whoever recites this with focused devotion enjoys every happiness and attains the supreme state.