Shyama Mai Aarti (Darbhanga) — Maithili
Significance & Importance
The Shyama Mai Mandir at Darbhanga is one of Mithila's most powerful Shakti shrines and a unique site in all of Hindu sacred geography — it stands on the cremation ground of Maharaja Rameshwar Singh of the Darbhanga Raj (1860–1929). The temple was constructed in 1933 by his son Maharaja Kameshwar Singh on the very samadhi-sthal where his father was cremated. The black-stone Kali idol is considered swayambhu (self-manifested) and faces north — a rare orientation associated with Tantric Shakta worship. Daily aarti is performed at sunrise, midday, and at the auspicious 'Madhya-ratri' (midnight) hour during Kali Puja and Diwali. The shrine attracts devotees from across Mithila — Bihar, Jharkhand, and the Nepal Terai — particularly during Kali Chaudas (Naraka Chaturdashi) and Sharad Navratri. The aarti's distinctive feature is its bilingual register, mixing Maithili devotional vocabulary with classical Sanskrit Shakta epithets.
English Transliteration
Jay jay Shyama Maiya,
Darbhanga raaj ke laaj.
Mithila ke maa Bhagwati,
Raakhu humara sab kaaj.
Kaali rupa tum dharani,
Mundamala gala mein sohey.
Khappar khadga kar liye,
Devi prachand swaroopa.
Raj-paramparan ke pujit,
Lakhsmishvar ke karaayal.
Sindur arpan, japa-archana,
Bhakta sakal sukh paayal.
Naivedya phool dhup deep,
Aarti utaarab maa tohar.
Shyama maiya kripa karu,
Mithila ke har ghar-ghar.
Jay jay Shyama Maiya,
Darbhanga raaj ke laaj.Meaning / Bhavarth (Complete)
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should the Shyama Mai Aarti— Maithili be recited?
The Shyama Mai Aarti— Maithili is traditionally sung during the morning and evening aarti of Maa Shyama— Darbhanga, and especially on days and festivals dedicated to Maa Shyama— Darbhanga. It may be recited on any day with devotion.
What are the benefits of reciting the Shyama Mai Aarti— Maithili?
Reciting the Shyama Mai Aarti— Maithili with devotion is traditionally believed to invoke the grace of Maa Shyama— Darbhanga, 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 Shyama Mai Aarti— Maithili lyrics?
VedKosh provides the complete Shyama Mai Aarti— Maithili lyrics dedicated to Maa Shyama (Goddess Kali) — Darbhanga in both Hindi and English (with transliteration for regional readers), along with its meaning and a printable/downloadable version.
