Durga Chalisa
श्री दुर्गा चालीसा
The Durga Chalisa is a forty-verse Hindi prayer to Goddess Durga that begins 'Namo namo Durge sukh karni'. It praises her many forms, from Gauri and Lakshmi to Kali and the Mahavidyas, and recalls her victories over Mahishasura, Shumbha-Nishumbha and Raktabija. Families read it on Tuesdays and Fridays and on every day of Navratri.
- 42 verses
- 9 min
- Traditional; the closing chaupai names Devidas
- Best on Tuesday, Friday
Namo Namo Durge Sukh Karniनमो नमो दुर्गे सुख करनी।
Namo Namo Ambe Dukh Harniनमो नमो अम्बे दुःख हरनी॥
I bow to you again and again, Durga, giver of happiness. I bow to you again and again, Amba, who takes away sorrow.
Some printings repeat 'Durge' in the second line ('namo namo Durge dukh harni'). We print 'Ambe', which most sources have.
Nirankar Hai Jyoti Tumhariनिरंकार है ज्योति तुम्हारी।
Tihun Lok Phaili Ujiyariतिहूँ लोक फैली उजियारी॥
Your light has no form, and its brightness fills all three worlds.
Shashi Lalat Mukh Mahavishalaशशि ललाट मुख महाविशाला।
Netra Lal Bhrikuti Vikralaनेत्र लाल भृकुटि विकराला॥
The moon shines on your forehead and your face is grand. Your eyes are red and your brows are fierce.
Roop Matu Ko Adhik Suhaveरूप मातु को अधिक सुहावे।
Darash Karat Jan Ati Sukh Paveदरश करत जन अति सुख पावे॥
The Mother's form is very lovely. Whoever sees her feels great joy.
Tum Sansar Shakti Lay Kinaतुम संसार शक्ति लय कीना।
Palan Hetu Ann Dhan Dinaपालन हेतु अन्न धन दीना॥
By your power the world comes into being and dissolves again. To sustain it, you gave food and wealth.
Some books read 'shakti lai kina' (you made the world by taking up your power) in place of 'shakti lay kina'. The sense is close.
Annapurna Hui Jag Palaअन्नपूर्णा हुई जग पाला।
Tum Hi Aadi Sundari Balaतुम ही आदि सुन्दरी बाला॥
As Annapurna, the giver of food, you nourish the world. You are the first and eternal one, the beautiful young Goddess.
Pralaykal Sab Nashan Hariप्रलयकाल सब नाशन हारी।
Tum Gauri Shivshankar Pyariतुम गौरी शिवशंकर प्यारी॥
At the time of the great dissolution, you bring everything to an end. You are Gauri, beloved of Shiva Shankar.
Shiv Yogi Tumhre Gun Gavenशिव योगी तुम्हरे गुण गावें।
Brahma Vishnu Tumhen Nit Dhyavenब्रह्मा विष्णु तुम्हें नित ध्यावें॥
Shiva and the yogis sing of your virtues. Brahma and Vishnu meditate on you every day.
Roop Saraswati Ko Tum Dharaरूप सरस्वती को तुम धारा।
De Subuddhi Rishi Munin Ubaraदे सुबुद्धि ऋषि मुनिन उबारा॥
You took the form of Saraswati, gave the sages clear understanding and lifted them up.
Dharyo Roop Narsingh Ko Ambaधरयो रूप नरसिंह को अम्बा।
Pargat Bhai Phaadkar Khambaपरगट भई फाड़कर खम्बा॥
O Amba, you took the form of Narasimha and appeared by bursting out of the pillar.
Here the Chalisa sees the Goddess as the power behind Vishnu's avatars. Many people sing 'pragat' for परगट.
Raksha Kari Prahlad Bachayoरक्षा करि प्रह्लाद बचायो।
Hirnakush Ko Swarg Pathayoहिरणाकुश को स्वर्ग पठायो॥
You protected Prahlad and saved him, and you sent Hiranyakashipu to heaven.
Some printings read 'Hiranyaksh' (हिरण्याक्ष) here. We follow the sources that read हिरणाकुश (Hiranyakashipu), the father of Prahlad whom Narasimha killed. 'Sent to heaven' means he was freed by dying at the Lord's hand.
Lakshmi Roop Dharo Jag Mahinलक्ष्मी रूप धरो जग माहीं।
Shri Narayan Ang Samahinश्री नारायण अंग समाहीं॥
In the world you took the form of Lakshmi and you dwell at the side of Shri Narayan.
Kshirsindhu Mein Karat Vilasaक्षीरसिन्धु में करत विलासा।
Dayasindhu Dijai Man Aasaदयासिन्धु दीजै मन आसा॥
You dwell happily in the ocean of milk. O ocean of mercy, fulfil the hopes of my heart.
Hinglaj Mein Tumhin Bhavaniहिंगलाज में तुम्हीं भवानी।
Mahima Amit Na Jaat Bakhaniमहिमा अमित न जात बखानी॥
You are Bhavani who dwells at Hinglaj. Your glory has no limit and cannot be put into words.
Hinglaj Mata's shrine is in Balochistan, Pakistan, and tradition counts it among the Shakti Peethas.
Matangi Aru Dhumavati Mataमातंगी अरु धूमावति माता।
Bhuvaneshwari Bagla Sukh Dataभुवनेश्वरी बगला सुख दाता॥
You are Mother Matangi and Dhumavati. You are Bhuvaneshwari and Bagala, who give happiness.
Verses 15 and 16 name forms among the ten Mahavidyas, the great wisdom-goddesses of Shakta tradition.
Shri Bhairav Tara Jag Tariniश्री भैरव तारा जग तारिणी।
Chhinna Bhal Bhav Dukh Nivariniछिन्न भाल भव दुःख निवारिणी॥
You are Bhairavi, and Tara who carries the world across. As Chhinnamasta you end the sorrows of worldly life.
'Bhairav' here is read as Bhairavi and 'chhinna bhal' (severed head) as Chhinnamasta, two of the Mahavidyas.
Kehari Vahan Soh Bhavaniकेहरि वाहन सोह भवानी।
Langur Veer Chalat Agvaniलांगुर वीर चलत अगवानी॥
Bhavani looks splendid riding her lion, and the brave Langur walks ahead of her.
In North Indian Devi worship, the 'Langur' or 'Languriya' who walks before the Mother is usually understood as Hanuman; some families understand Bhairav.
Kar Mein Khappar Khadag Virajeकर में खप्पर खड्ग विराजै।
Jako Dekh Kaal Dar Bhajeजाको देख काल डर भाजै॥
In your hands are the skull-bowl and the sword. Seeing them, even Death runs away in fear.
Sohai Astra Aur Trishulaसोहै अस्त्र और त्रिशूला।
Jate Uthat Shatru Hiy Shulaजाते उठत शत्रु हिय शूला॥
Weapons and the trident adorn you, and at their sight a sharp pain rises in the enemy's heart.
Nagarkot Mein Tumhin Virajatनगरकोट में तुम्हीं विराजत।
Tihun Lok Mein Danka Bajatतिहुँ लोक में डंका बाजत॥
You dwell at Nagarkot, and your victory drum sounds in all three worlds.
Nagarkot is the old name of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, home of the Brajeshwari Devi temple. Some books print 'Nagar koti'.
Shumbh Nishumbh Danav Tum Maareशुम्भ निशुम्भ दानव तुम मारे।
Raktabeej Shankhan Sanhareरक्तबीज शंखन संहारे॥
You killed the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha, and destroyed Raktabija though he multiplied beyond counting.
'Shankhan' comes from shankh, a very large number. Every drop of Raktabija's blood became a new demon, so he multiplied without end.
Mahishasur Nrip Ati Abhimaniमहिषासुर नृप अति अभिमानी।
Jehi Agh Bhaar Mahi Akulaniजेहि अघ भार मही अकुलानी॥
King Mahishasura was very proud, and the earth was in distress under the weight of his sins.
Roop Karal Kalika Dharaरूप कराल कालिका धारा।
Sen Sahit Tum Tihi Sanharaसेन सहित तुम तिहि संहारा॥
You took the terrible form of Kali and destroyed him along with his whole army.
Pari Gaadh Santan Par Jab Jabपरी गाढ़ सन्तन पर जब जब।
Bhai Sahay Matu Tum Tab Tabभई सहाय मातु तुम तब तब॥
Whenever hard times fell on the good and the devout, Mother, you came to help them.
Amarpuri Aru Basav Lokaअमरपुरी अरु बासव लोका।
Tab Mahima Sab Rahen Ashokaतब महिमा सब रहें अशोका॥
The city of the gods and Indra's heaven all stay free of sorrow through your glory.
'Basav' is Vasava, a name of Indra. 'Tab' here is the old form 'tav', meaning 'your'.
Jwala Mein Hai Jyoti Tumhariज्वाला में है ज्योति तुम्हारी।
Tumhen Sada Poojen Nar Nariतुम्हें सदा पूजें नर-नारी॥
Your light burns in the flame at Jwala, and men and women worship you always.
This is usually read as the Jwalamukhi temple in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, where natural flames are worshipped as the Goddess.
Prem Bhakti Se Jo Yash Gavenप्रेम भक्ति से जो यश गावें।
Dukh Daridra Nikat Nahin Aavenदुःख दारिद्र निकट नहिं आवें॥
Those who sing your glory with love and devotion, sorrow and poverty do not come near them.
Dhyave Tumhen Jo Nar Man Laaiध्यावे तुम्हें जो नर मन लाई।
Janam Maran Tako Chhuti Jaaiजन्म-मरण ताकौ छुटि जाई॥
Whoever meditates on you with the whole mind is freed from the cycle of birth and death.
Jogi Sur Muni Kahat Pukariजोगी सुर मुनि कहत पुकारी।
Yog Na Ho Bin Shakti Tumhariयोग न हो बिन शक्ति तुम्हारी॥
Yogis, gods and sages declare aloud that without your power no yoga is possible.
Shankar Aacharaj Tap Kinoशंकर आचारज तप कीनो।
Kaam Aru Krodh Jeeti Sab Linoकाम अरु क्रोध जीति सब लीनो॥
Shankaracharya performed great austerities and conquered desire and anger.
Verses 30 to 34 tell a devotional legend about Shankaracharya. It is told to show that even a great sage needs the Mother's shakti; it is not a historical account.
Nishidin Dhyan Dharo Shankar Koनिशिदिन ध्यान धरो शंकर को।
Kahu Kaal Nahin Sumiro Tumkoकाहु काल नहिं सुमिरो तुमको॥
Day and night he meditated on Shiva, but never once did he remember you.
Shakti Roop Ka Maram Na Payoशक्ति रूप का मरम न पायो।
Shakti Gayi Tab Man Pachhitayoशक्ति गई तब मन पछितायो॥
He did not understand the secret of your form as Shakti. When his strength left him, he was filled with regret.
Sharanagat Hui Kirti Bakhaniशरणागत हुई कीर्ति बखानी।
Jai Jai Jai Jagdamb Bhavaniजय जय जय जगदम्ब भवानी॥
Then he took refuge in you and sang your glory: victory, victory, victory to Jagadamba Bhavani!
Bhai Prasann Aadi Jagdambaभई प्रसन्न आदि जगदम्बा।
Dai Shakti Nahin Keen Vilambaदई शक्ति नहिं कीन विलम्बा॥
The primal Mother of the world was pleased and gave back his strength without delay.
Moko Matu Kasht Ati Gheroमोको मातु कष्ट अति घेरो।
Tum Bin Kaun Harai Dukh Meroतुम बिन कौन हरै दुःख मेरो॥
Mother, great troubles surround me. Who but you can take away my pain?
Aasha Trishna Nipat Satavenआशा तृष्णा निपट सतावें।
Moh Madadik Sab Binshavenमोह मदादिक सब बिनशावें॥
Hope and craving torment me deeply. Destroy delusion, pride and all such faults in me.
Some books have a different second line here: 'ripu moorakh mohi ati darpave' (foolish enemies frighten me greatly).
Shatru Naash Kijai Maharaniशत्रु नाश कीजै महारानी।
Sumiraun Ikchit Tumhen Bhavaniसुमिरौं इकचित तुम्हें भवानी॥
O great Queen, destroy my enemies. With a single mind I remember you, Bhavani.
Tradition reads 'enemies' both as outside foes and as the inner ones named in the verse before.
Karo Kripa He Matu Dayalaकरो कृपा हे मातु दयाला।
Riddhi Siddhi Dai Karahu Nihalaऋद्धि-सिद्धि दै करहु निहाला॥
O kind Mother, be gracious to me. Give me prosperity and success and fill my life with joy.
Jab Lagi Jiun Daya Phal Paaunजब लगि जिऊँ दया फल पाऊँ।
Tumhro Yash Main Sada Sunaunतुम्हरो यश मैं सदा सुनाऊँ॥
As long as I live, may I receive the fruit of your kindness, and I will always tell of your glory.
Shri Durga Chalisa Jo Koi Gavaiश्री दुर्गा चालीसा जो कोई गावै।
Sab Sukh Bhog Parampad Pavaiसब सुख भोग परमपद पावै॥
Whoever sings this Shri Durga Chalisa enjoys every happiness and reaches the highest state.
This is the phalashruti, the traditional statement of what the recitation brings. Other books read 'Durga chalisa jo nit gavai' or 'jo jan gavai'.
Devidas Sharan Nij Janiदेवीदास शरण निज जानी।
Karahu Kripa Jagdamb Bhavaniकरहु कृपा जगदम्ब भवानी॥
Knowing Devidas as one who has come to your shelter, show him your grace, O Jagadamba Bhavani.
Here the poet places his name, Devidas, as poets did in a closing verse. Little is reliably known about him.
Sharanagat Raksha Kare, Bhakt Rahe Nishankशरणागत रक्षा करे, भक्त रहे निःशंक।
Main Aaya Teri Sharan Mein, Matu Lijiye Ankमैं आया तेरी शरण में, मातु लीजिये अंक॥
You protect those who come to you, and your devotee lives without fear. I have come to your shelter, Mother; take me into your lap.
Many booklets end with this doha; some older printings stop at the Devidas chaupai.
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Questions
Who wrote the Durga Chalisa?
Nobody knows for certain. The closing chaupai names Devidas, so tradition credits a devotee of that name, but there are no reliable dates for him. The Chalisa spread through temples, family worship and cheap aarti booklets across North India.
When should I read the Durga Chalisa?
Tuesdays and Fridays are the Goddess's days in most North Indian homes, and Navratri is the main season. Many people read it once every day of Navratri, morning or evening, after lighting a diya. Durga Ashtami and the days of Durga Puja are also common.
Can I read it if I don't know Hindi?
Yes. Read it in Roman letters or your own script on this page, and keep the meaning open beside it. Many families abroad learn it by ear first and pick up the words over a few Navratris.
Is the Durga Chalisa the same as the Durga Saptashati?
No. The Saptashati (Devi Mahatmya) is a 700-verse Sanskrit scripture. The Chalisa is a short Hindi prayer that retells a few of its stories. Reading the Saptashati in full takes a couple of hours; the Chalisa takes under ten minutes.
How long does it take?
About eight to ten minutes at a steady pace.
Source and review
Source: Traditional Hindi text as printed in popular chalisa and aarti-sangrah booklets; cross-checked line by line against sanskritdocuments.org (doc_z_otherlang_hindi/durga40, both versions on that page), BhaktiBharat.com, Bharat Discovery (bharatdiscovery.org) and ShubhPanchang.com
Our base text follows the first sanskritdocuments.org version, which matches BhaktiBharat word for word. We depart from it in two places, following the 'mool paath' on sanskritdocuments.org, Bharat Discovery and ShubhPanchang: 'नमो नमो अम्बे दुःख हरनी' (base repeats 'दुर्गे', ch. 1) and 'हिरणाकुश' (base 'हिरण्याक्ष', which does not fit the Narasimha story, ch. 11). Other variants: 'लय/लै कीना' (ch. 5), 'परगट/प्रगट' (ch. 10), 'नगरकोट/नगर कोटि/नाग कोटि' (ch. 20), 'ज्वाला/ताही में' (ch. 26), 'मोह मदादिक सब बिनशावें' vs 'रिपु मूरख मोहि अति डरपावे' (ch. 36), 'श्री दुर्गा चालीसा जो कोई गावै' vs 'जो नित/जो जन गावै' (ch. 40). The closing doha appears in BhaktiBharat and ShubhPanchang but not in the two other sources. Spelling of तिहुँ लोक normalised with a space. We have not yet compared against a Gita Press printing.
We checked the text line by line against the sources named here. The meanings are an AI-assisted draft. A scholar has not reviewed them yet.
The meanings are our own first draft. A scholar has not reviewed them yet. If you spot a mistake, please tell us.