Renuka Chalisa

Victory to Mother Renuka, and victory to the one who rescues and protects the whole world.

She granted boons to sage Jamadagni and destroys the sorrows that come with worldly life.

When King Renu undertook severe penance and turned to a life of renunciation, he longed for a virtuous daughter.

Then Mother Bhavani, appearing as an aspect of Shiva's power, was pleased with his penance.

The Goddess rose from the sacred fire altar, taking the form of Renuka.

She appeared in the home of King Renu, filling everyone in the household with joy.

Even in childhood she lived with discipline and self-control, devoted to the study of the Vedas and scriptures.

When she reached the age of fifteen, she was married and came to the home of sage Jamadagni.

Seven mighty sons were born to her, matchless among men.

The last of them was Shri Parashuram, himself an incarnation of the Divine.

She was ever steadfast in the vow of devotion to her husband, serving faithfully at his feet.

By the sheer purity of her mind she could gather the water of the Ganga in an unbaked clay pot.

One day she went, as always, to the river to draw water and fill her pot.

There she saw the Gandharva king playing in the water with his companions.

For a brief moment her mind was distracted, and she slipped from her steady discipline.

When she reached for the Ganga water, the unbaked pot could no longer hold it and it spilled away.

Sage Jamadagni, through his yogic insight, at once perceived her lapse of focus.

He commanded his seven sons to behead her that very moment.

Six of the sons refused to obey, and the sage cursed them for their disobedience.

Shri Parashuram took up his weapon and carried out his father's command.

Parashuram then asked for boons from his father, mindful of the good of his mother and brothers.

Mother Renuka, the giver of life, was restored to life, and his brothers were released from the curse.

Hail to Mother Renuka Devi, hail to the Mother of the whole universe.

Her Shakti Peeth in Maharashtra is celebrated as a seat of the Mother throughout the three worlds.

She dwells at Mahur and reigns at Saundatti, honoured at both her great shrines.

Yellamma is her name, and devotees call out to her from the very depths of their hearts.

In the forest she is the giver of food, granting strength to those who are weak.

Mother Renuka Devi, turn your grace and your kind gaze towards me.

She does not weigh sin against merit but is simply the very life of her devotees.

She protects all who turn to her, guarding her devotees as she is said to have shielded Shivaji.

May the vow and mighty protection of Renuka Mata come to the aid of her devotees.

Unfailingly she takes away every sorrow of those who call upon her.

Those whose homes are without children hold firm to Mother Renuka in faith.

By Mother Renuka's grace they are blessed with children and their fears are set to rest.

She destroys illness, fear and grief, and puts an end to sorrow and dread.

Whoever remembers Mother Renuka faithfully by night and day…

…to that person's home Mother Renuka brings lasting joy and her presence.

Glory, glory, glory to Renuka, who pours out grace on all who serve her.

Whoever recites this Renuka Chalisa every day with sincere devotion…

…gains happiness, prosperity, and the protecting refuge of Mother Renuka.