Durga Chalisa
Significance & Importance
The Durga Chalisa is the foremost devotional text of Shakti worship, recited by millions during the sacred nights of Navratri and throughout the year for divine protection and empowerment. This forty-verse hymn honors Goddess Durga in her many manifestations — from the nurturing Annapurna who feeds the world to the fierce Kalika who destroys demonic forces.
The Chalisa draws heavily from the Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati), the foundational scripture of Shaktism that narrates Durga's cosmic battles. It recounts how she slew the buffalo demon Mahishasura, vanquished Shumbha and Nishumbha, and destroyed Raktabija — a demon who could multiply from every drop of his blood that touched the ground. These mythological narratives carry deep symbolic meaning: they represent the triumph of higher consciousness over ignorance, ego, and destructive tendencies within the human psyche.
The Chalisa uniquely emphasizes Durga's role as the underlying power (Shakti) without which even the greatest gods cannot function. A pivotal verse describes how Lord Shiva, despite performing intense austerities and conquering desire and anger, could not attain his full yogic power until he recognized and honored the feminine principle. This theological insight — that consciousness (Shiva) is incomplete without energy (Shakti) — is the cornerstone of Hindu tantric philosophy.
Devotees recite this Chalisa especially during the two annual Navratri festivals — Chaitra Navratri in spring and Sharad Navratri in autumn — as well as on Fridays and during Durga Puja. The text promises that dedicated recitation brings Shakti (inner strength), victory over adversaries, mental peace, and ultimately liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
English Transliteration
Durga Chalisa
Namo Namo Durge Sukh Karni.
Namo Namo Durge Dukh Harni.
Nirankaar Hai Jyoti Tumhari.
Tihun Lok Phaili Ujiyari.
Shashi Lalaat Mukh Mahavishaala.
Netra Laal Bhrikuti Vikraala.
Roop Matu Ko Adhik Suhaave.
Darash Karat Jan Ati Sukh Paave.
Tum Sansaar Shakti Lai Keena.
Paalan Hetu Ann Dhan Deena.
Annpurna Hui Jag Paala.
Tum Hi Aadi Sundari Baala.
Pralaykaal Sab Naashan Haari.
Tum Gauri Shivshankar Pyaari.
Shiv Yogi Tumhre Gun Gaavein.
Brahma Vishnu Tumhein Nit Dhyaavein.
Roop Saraswati Ko Tum Dhaara.
De Subuddhi Rishi Munin Ubaara.
Dharyo Roop Narsingh Ko Amba.
Pragat Bhai Phaadkar Khamba.
Raksha Kari Prahlaad Bachaayo.
Hiranyaksh Ko Swarg Pathaayo.
Lakshmi Roop Dharo Jag Maaheen.
Shri Narayan Ang Samaaheen.
Ksheersindu Mein Karat Vilaasa.
Dayasindhu Deejai Man Aasa.
Hinglaaj Mein Tumheen Bhavani.
Mahima Amit Na Jaat Bakhaani.
Maatangi Aru Dhoomavati Mata.
Bhuvaneshwari Bagla Sukh Data.
Shri Bhairav Tara Jag Taarini.
Chhinn Bhaal Bhav Dukh Nivaarini.
Kehari Vaahan Soh Bhavani.
Langur Veer Chalat Agvaani.
Kar Mein Khappar Khadg Viraaje.
Jaako Dekh Kaal Dar Bhaaje.
Sohai Astra Aur Trishoola.
Jaate Uthat Shatru Hiy Shoola.
Nagarkot Mein Tumheen Viraajat.
Tihunlok Mein Danka Baajat.
Shumbh Nishumbh Daanav Tum Maare.
Raktbeej Shankan Sanhaare.
Mahishaasur Nrip Ati Abhimaani.
Jehi Agh Bhaar Mahi Akulaani.
Roop Karaal Kaalika Dhaara.
Sen Sahit Tum Tihi Sanhaara.
Pari Gaadh Santan Par Jab Jab.
Bhai Sahaay Matu Tum Tab Tab.
Amarpuri Aru Baasav Loka.
Tab Mahima Sab Rahein Ashoka.
Jwaala Mein Hai Jyoti Tumhari.
Tumhein Sada Poojein Nar-Naari.
Prem Bhakti Se Jo Yash Gaavein.
Dukh Daaridra Nikat Nahin Aavein.
Dhyaave Tumhein Jo Nar Man Laai.
Janm-Maran Taako Chhuti Jaai.
Jogi Sur Muni Kahat Pukaari.
Yog Na Ho Bin Shakti Tumhari.
Shankar Aachaaraj Tap Keeno.
Kaam Aru Krodh Jeeti Sab Leeno.
Nishidin Dhyaan Dharo Shankar Ko.
Kaahu Kaal Nahin Sumiro Tumko.
Shakti Roop Ka Maram Na Paayo.
Shakti Gayi Tab Man Pachhitaayo.
Sharnaagat Hui Keerti Bakhaani.
Jai Jai Jai Jagdamb Bhavani.
Bhai Prasann Aadi Jagdamba.
Dai Shakti Nahin Keen Vilamba.
Moko Matu Kasht Ati Ghero.
Tum Bin Kaun Harai Dukh Mero.
Aasha Trishna Nipat Sataavein.
Ripu Moorakh Mohin Darpaave.
Shatru Naash Keejai Maharani.
Sumirau Ikchit Tumhein Bhavani.
Karo Kripa He Matu Dayaala.
Riddhi-Siddhi Dai Karahu Nihaala.
Jab Lagi Jiun Daya Phal Paaun.
Tumharo Yash Main Sada Sunaaun.
Durga Chalisa Jo Koi Gaavai.
Sab Sukh Bhog Parampad Paavai.
Devidaas Sharan Nij Jaani.
Karahu Kripa Jagdamb Bhavani.
|| Iti Shri Durga Chalisa Sampurna ||Verse-by-Verse Meaning
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Namo Namo Durge Sukh Karni. Namo Namo Durge Dukh Harni.
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Salutations again and again to Durga, giver of happiness; salutations again and again to Durga, remover of sorrow.
Nirankaar Hai Jyoti Tumhari. Tihun Lok Phaili Ujiyari.
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Your light is formless (nirankar), and its radiance is spread across all three worlds.
Shashi Lalaat Mukh Mahavishaala. Netra Laal Bhrikuti Vikraala.
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The crescent moon adorns your forehead and your face is vast; your eyes are red and your brow fierce.
Roop Matu Ko Adhik Suhaave. Darash Karat Jan Ati Sukh Paave.
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O Mother, your form is exceedingly lovely; beholding you, devotees attain the highest joy.
Tum Sansaar Shakti Lai Keena. Paalan Hetu Ann Dhan Deena.
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With your power you brought forth the world, and for its sustenance you bestowed food and wealth.
Annpurna Hui Jag Paala. Tum Hi Aadi Sundari Baala.
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As Annapurna you nourished the world; you alone are the primordial Shakti and the beautiful maiden (Tripurasundari).
Pralaykaal Sab Naashan Haari. Tum Gauri Shivshankar Pyaari.
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At the time of dissolution you destroy all; you are Gauri, the beloved of Shiva-Shankar.
Shiv Yogi Tumhre Gun Gaavein. Brahma Vishnu Tumhein Nit Dhyaavein.
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Shiva and the yogis sing your virtues; Brahma and Vishnu meditate on you unceasingly.
Roop Saraswati Ko Tum Dhaara. De Subuddhi Rishi Munin Ubaara.
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You assumed the form of Saraswati and, granting right wisdom, uplifted the rishis and sages.
Dharyo Roop Narsingh Ko Amba. Pragat Bhai Phaadkar Khamba.
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O Amba, you took the form of Narasimha and appeared by bursting forth from the pillar.
Raksha Kari Prahlaad Bachaayo. Hiranyaksh Ko Swarg Pathaayo.
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You protected and saved the devotee Prahlada, and slaying the demon-king (Hiranyakashipu) sent him to the beyond.
Lakshmi Roop Dharo Jag Maaheen. Shri Narayan Ang Samaaheen.
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You took the form of Lakshmi in the world and abide in the person of Shri Narayana (Vishnu).
Ksheersindu Mein Karat Vilaasa. Dayasindhu Deejai Man Aasa.
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You dwell in delight in the ocean of milk (with Vishnu); O ocean of compassion, fulfil my heart's hope.
Hinglaaj Mein Tumheen Bhavani. Mahima Amit Na Jaat Bakhaani.
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O Bhavani, at Hinglaj (the Shakti-pitha) too it is you who reside; your boundless glory cannot be fully described.
Maatangi Aru Dhoomavati Mata. Bhuvaneshwari Bagla Sukh Data.
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You are Matangi and Dhumavati Mata; as Bhuvaneshwari and Bagalamukhi you bestow happiness. (These are forms among the ten Mahavidyas.)
Shri Bhairav Tara Jag Taarini. Chhinn Bhaal Bhav Dukh Nivaarini.
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As Bhairavi and Tara you deliver the world; as Chhinnamasta you dispel the sorrows of worldly existence.
Kehari Vaahan Soh Bhavani. Langur Veer Chalat Agvaani.
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O Bhavani, you are resplendent mounted upon your lion; the valiant Langur (Bhairava) goes before you as your escort.
Kar Mein Khappar Khadg Viraaje. Jaako Dekh Kaal Dar Bhaaje.
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In your hands the skull-bowl and sword shine forth, seeing which even Death itself flees in fear.
Sohai Astra Aur Trishoola. Jaate Uthat Shatru Hiy Shoola.
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Many weapons and the trident adorn you, by which a piercing anguish rises in the hearts of your foes.
Nagarkot Mein Tumheen Viraajat. Tihunlok Mein Danka Baajat.
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At Nagarkot (the Kangra Shakti-pitha) too you are enshrined; your triumph resounds through all three worlds.
Shumbh Nishumbh Daanav Tum Maare. Raktbeej Shankan Sanhaare.
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You slew the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha and destroyed asuras such as Raktabija.
Mahishaasur Nrip Ati Abhimaani. Jehi Agh Bhaar Mahi Akulaani.
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Mahishasura, the exceedingly arrogant demon-king, under the burden of whose sins the earth grew distressed —
Roop Karaal Kaalika Dhaara. Sen Sahit Tum Tihi Sanhaara.
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Taking the terrible form of Kalika, you destroyed him together with his army.
Pari Gaadh Santan Par Jab Jab. Bhai Sahaay Matu Tum Tab Tab.
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Whenever grave calamity befell the saints, then, O Mother, you came to their aid.
Amarpuri Aru Baasav Loka. Tab Mahima Sab Rahein Ashoka.
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Amarapuri (heaven) and the realm of Indra — all the worlds remain free of sorrow through your glory.
Jwaala Mein Hai Jyoti Tumhari. Tumhein Sada Poojein Nar-Naari.
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At Jwalaji (the Shakti-pitha) your flame burns ever bright; men and women worship you always.
Prem Bhakti Se Jo Yash Gaavein. Dukh Daaridra Nikat Nahin Aavein.
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Those who sing your glory with love and devotion — sorrow and poverty come not near them.
Dhyaave Tumhein Jo Nar Man Laai. Janm-Maran Taako Chhuti Jaai.
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Whoever meditates on you with a focused mind is freed from the cycle of birth and death.
Jogi Sur Muni Kahat Pukaari. Yog Na Ho Bin Shakti Tumhari.
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Yogis, gods and sages proclaim aloud that without your power (Shakti), yoga (attainment) is impossible.
Shankar Aachaaraj Tap Keeno. Kaam Aru Krodh Jeeti Sab Leeno.
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Lord Shankara, as an ascetic teacher, performed penance and wholly conquered lust and anger.
Nishidin Dhyaan Dharo Shankar Ko. Kaahu Kaal Nahin Sumiro Tumko.
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Day and night he held the supreme Shankara-principle in meditation, but at no time did he remember you (the Shakti).
Shakti Roop Ka Maram Na Paayo. Shakti Gayi Tab Man Pachhitaayo.
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Thus he did not grasp the secret of the Shakti-principle; when the power departed from him, his heart was filled with remorse.
Sharnaagat Hui Keerti Bakhaani. Jai Jai Jai Jagdamb Bhavani.
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Then, taking refuge, he extolled your glory: "Victory, victory, victory to you, Jagadamba Bhavani!"
Bhai Prasann Aadi Jagdamba. Dai Shakti Nahin Keen Vilamba.
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The primordial Jagadamba was pleased and, without delay, restored his power (Shakti) to him.
Moko Matu Kasht Ati Ghero. Tum Bin Kaun Harai Dukh Mero.
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O Mother, great troubles have surrounded me; who but you can take away my sorrow?
Aasha Trishna Nipat Sataavein. Ripu Moorakh Mohin Darpaave.
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Hope and craving torment me sorely, and foolish enemies keep frightening me.
Shatru Naash Keejai Maharani. Sumirau Ikchit Tumhein Bhavani.
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O great Queen, destroy my enemies; O Bhavani, with single-minded focus I remember you.
Karo Kripa He Matu Dayaala. Riddhi-Siddhi Dai Karahu Nihaala.
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Show grace, O compassionate Mother; bestowing prosperity and spiritual attainment (riddhi-siddhi), make me blessed.
Jab Lagi Jiun Daya Phal Paaun. Tumharo Yash Main Sada Sunaaun.
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As long as I live, may I receive the fruit of your compassion and forever proclaim your glory.
Durga Chalisa Jo Koi Gaavai. Sab Sukh Bhog Parampad Paavai.
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Whoever sings this Durga Chalisa enjoys all happiness and attains the supreme state.
Devidaas Sharan Nij Jaani. Karahu Kripa Jagdamb Bhavani.
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Knowing Devidas (the poet) to have come to your refuge, O Jagadamba Bhavani, show him your grace.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should the Durga Chalisa be recited?
The Durga Chalisa is traditionally recited during the morning or evening worship of Goddess Durga, and especially on the deity's sacred days. Reciting it daily — or for forty days — is a common devotional practice.
How many verses are there in a Chalisa?
A chalisa is a devotional hymn of forty (chālīs) chaupai verses, usually framed by opening and closing doha couplets, composed here in praise of Goddess Durga.
What are the benefits of reciting the Durga Chalisa?
Reciting the Durga Chalisa with faith is traditionally believed to invoke the grace of Goddess Durga, steady the mind, and bring courage and inner peace. It is offered as an act of bhakti (devotion), not as a guarantee of any specific material result.