Ambe Tu Hai Jagdambe Kali (अम्बे तू है जगदम्बे काली)
Chaitra Navratri, Sharad Navratri, evening puja
About this Aarti
Chaitra Navratri, Sharad Navratri, evening puja
Significance & Importance
Ambe Tu Hai Jagdambe Kali is among the most beloved Navratri aartis, addressing the Divine Mother as Jagadamba -- mother of the universe -- and Kali, the destroyer of evil. Its moving refrain asks not for gold or silver but for a corner in the Mother's heart.
The verses paint the Mother's form with theological precision: she rides a lion (simha), is eight-armed (ashtabhuja), and carries the khappar -- the skull-cup -- emblem of dissolution. Tradition describes her as a hundredfold stronger than a hundred lions, yet also as the one who rains down nectar (amrit) on all. This paradox of fierce power and boundless tenderness is the heart of Shakti worship.
Sung at the evening aarti throughout Chaitra and Sharad Navratri, this hymn marks the close of each day's puja in millions of households and temples from North India to the Deccan. The collective singing -- lamps raised, voices joined in the plea for a place in the Mother's heart -- creates one of the most moving experiences of communal devotion in the Hindu calendar.
English Transliteration
Ambe Tu Hai Jagdambe Kali, Jai Durge Khappar Wali.
Tere Hi Gun Gaaven Bharti, O Maiya Hum Sab Utaaren Teri Aarti.
Tere Bhakt Janon Par Mata Bheer Padi Hai Bhari.
Daanav Dal Par Toot Pado Maa Karke Singh Savari.
Sau-Sau Singhon Se Balshali, Hai Ashta Bhujaon Wali.
Dushton Ko Pal Mein Sanharti, O Maiya Hum Sab Utaaren Teri Aarti.
Maa-Bete Ka Hai Is Jag Mein Bada Hi Nirmal Nata.
Poot-Kapoot Sune Hain Par Na Mata Suni Kumata.
Sab Pe Karuna Darshane Wali, Amrit Barsane Wali.
Dukhiyon Ke Dukhde Nivarti, O Maiya Hum Sab Utaaren Teri Aarti.
Nahi Maagte Dhan Aur Daulat, Na Chaandi Na Sona.
Hum To Maangen Maa Tere Man Mein Ik Chhota Sa Kona.
Sabki Bigdi Banane Wali, Laaj Bachane Wali.
Satiyon Ke Sat Ko Sanvarti, O Maiya Hum Sab Utaaren Teri Aarti.
Ambe Tu Hai Jagdambe Kali, Jai Durge Khappar Wali.
Tere Hi Gun Gaaven Bharti, O Maiya Hum Sab Utaaren Teri Aarti.Verse-by-Verse Meaning
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Ambe Tu Hai Jagdambe Kali, Jai Durge Khappar Wali. / Tere Hi Gun Gaaven Bharti, O Maiya Hum Sab Utaaren Teri Aarti.
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O Ambe, you are Jagdamba, the Mother of the universe, and you are Kali too; victory to you, O Durga, holder of the khappar (the sacred bowl/skull-cup). The people of Bharat (your devotees) sing only of your glories; O Mother, we all together perform your aarti. (This is the refrain, repeated throughout.)
Tere Bhakt Janon Par Mata Bheer Padi Hai Bhari. / Daanav Dal Par Toot Pado Maa Karke Singh Savari.
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O Mother, a grave calamity has befallen your devotees; so, O Mother, mounting your lion, fall upon the army of demons (and destroy them).
Sau-Sau Singhon Se Balshali, Hai Ashta Bhujaon Wali. / Dushton Ko Pal Mein Sanharti, O Maiya Hum Sab Utaaren Teri Aarti.
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You are mightier than a hundred lions and you are the eight-armed (Ashtabhuja) Goddess; in an instant you annihilate the wicked. O Mother, we all perform your aarti. (refrain)
Maa-Bete Ka Hai Is Jag Mein Bada Hi Nirmal Nata. / Poot-Kapoot Sune Hain Par Na Mata Suni Kumata.
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In this world the bond between mother and child is the most pure and untainted of all; a son may turn out unworthy (kapoot), but a mother is never heard to be a bad mother (kumata).
Sab Pe Karuna Darshane Wali, Amrit Barsane Wali. / Dukhiyon Ke Dukhde Nivarti, O Maiya Hum Sab Utaaren Teri Aarti.
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You show compassion upon all and rain down nectar (amrit); you remove the sorrows of the suffering. O Mother, we all perform your aarti. (refrain)
Nahi Maagte Dhan Aur Daulat, Na Chaandi Na Sona. / Hum To Maangen Maa Tere Man Mein Ik Chhota Sa Kona.
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O Mother, we do not ask for wealth and riches, neither silver nor gold; we only ask for a small little corner (a place) in your heart.
Sabki Bigdi Banane Wali, Laaj Bachane Wali. / Satiyon Ke Sat Ko Sanvarti, O Maiya Hum Sab Utaaren Teri Aarti.
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You set right everyone's spoiled affairs and protect the honour of your devotees; you uphold the virtue (sat) of devoted, chaste women. O Mother, we all perform your aarti. (refrain)
Ambe Tu Hai Jagdambe Kali, Jai Durge Khappar Wali. / Tere Hi Gun Gaaven Bharti, O Maiya Hum Sab Utaaren Teri Aarti.
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(Refrain repeated — the opening invocation is sung again to close the aarti.)
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should the Ambe Tu Hai Jagdambe Kali be recited?
Chaitra Navratri, Sharad Navratri, evening puja
What are the benefits of reciting the Ambe Tu Hai Jagdambe Kali?
Reciting the Ambe Tu Hai Jagdambe Kali with devotion is traditionally believed to invoke the grace of Durga / Kali, steady the mind, dispel negativity, and create an auspicious, sattvic atmosphere at home. It is offered as an act of bhakti (loving devotion) rather than for any guaranteed material result.
Where can I read the complete Ambe Tu Hai Jagdambe Kali lyrics?
VedKosh provides the complete Ambe Tu Hai Jagdambe Kali lyrics dedicated to Durga / Kali (दुर्गा / काली) in both Hindi and English (with transliteration for regional readers), along with its meaning and a printable/downloadable version.