The Durga Chalisa is a devotional hymn dedicated to Goddess Durga, a revered deity in Hinduism. It is a collection of forty verses (hence the name “Chalisa,” which means forty in Hindi) that sing the praises of Goddess Durga. Devotees recite or sing the Durga Chalisa to express their devotion, seek the goddess’s blessings, and invoke her divine qualities.
The Chalisa is typically recited during the worship of Goddess Durga, especially during the festival of Navaratri. Each verse of the Durga Chalisa highlights various aspects of the goddess’s nature, attributes, and divine exploits. Devotees believe that reciting or chanting the Durga Chalisa with sincerity and devotion brings spiritual benefits and fosters a deep connection with Goddess Durga.
दुर्गा चालीसा
नमो नमो दुर्गे सुख करनी ।
नमो नमो दुर्गे दुःख हरनी ॥
निरंकार है ज्योति तुम्हारी ।
तिहूँ लोक फैली उजियारी ॥
Namo Namo Durge Sukh Karani ।
Namo Namo Ambe Dukh Harani ॥
Nirankar Hai Jyoti Tumhari ।
Tihun Lok Pheli Ujayari ॥
Meaning
This verse from the Durga Chalisa expresses reverence and devotion to Goddess Durga. The devotee bows to her, acknowledging her as the remover of difficulties and sorrows, and recognizes her divine, formless nature that illuminates the three worlds.
शशि ललाट मुख महाविशाला ।
नेत्र लाल भृकुटि विकराला ॥
रूप मातु को अधिक सुहावे ।
दरश करत जन अति सुख पावे ॥
Shashi Lalat Mukh Maha Vishala,
Netra Lal Brikuti Vikrala.
Roop Matu Ko Adhika Suhave,
Daras Karat Jan Ati Sukh Pave.
Meaning
This verse from the Durga Chalisa describes the majestic and awe-inspiring appearance of Goddess Durga. It highlights her vast and radiant face, fierce red eyes, and eyebrows, all of which bring immense joy to the devotees who have the privilege of beholding this divine form.
तुम संसार शक्ति लै कीना ।
पालन हेतु अन्न धन दीना ॥
अन्नपूर्णा हुई जग पाला ।
तुम ही आदि सुन्दरी बाला ॥
Tum Sansar Shakti Laya Kina,
Palan Hetu Anna Dhan Dina.
Annapurna Hui Jag Pala,
Tumhi Adi Sundari Bala.
Meaning
This verse from the Durga Chalisa praises Goddess Durga as the one who brought the power for the sake of the world, providing nourishment, wealth, and protection. It acknowledges her as Annapurna, the goddess of food, and describes her as the original and beautiful source of strength and power.
प्रलयकाल सब नाशन हारी ।
तुम गौरी शिवशंकर प्यारी ॥
शिव योगी तुम्हरे गुण गावें ।
ब्रह्मा विष्णु तुम्हें नित ध्यावें ॥
Pralaya Kal Sab Nashan Hari,
Tum Gauri Shiv Shankar Pyari.
Shiv Yogi Tumhare Gun Gave,
Brahma Vishnu Tumhe Nit Dhyaven.
Meaning
This verse from the Durga Chalisa acknowledges Goddess Durga as the destroyer of all during cosmic dissolution, the beloved of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and the recipient of praise from Shiva’s devotees. It also highlights that Brahma and Vishnu continuously meditate upon her.
रूप सरस्वती को तुम धारा ।
दे सुबुद्धि ऋषि मुनिन उबारा ॥
धरयो रूप नरसिंह को अम्बा ।
परगट भई फाड़कर खम्बा ॥
Roop Saraswati Ko Tum Dhara,
De Subudhi Rishi Munin Ubara
Dharyo Roop Narsimha Ko Amba,
Pragat Bhayin Phar Kar Kamba.
Meaning
This verse praises Goddess Durga, acknowledging her manifestation as Saraswati, the bestower of wisdom. It describes how she grants intellect and wisdom, saving sages and wise individuals. The verse also mentions her manifestation as Narsimha, the deity with a lion’s face, and how she appeared by tearing apart a pillar.
रक्षा करि प्रह्लाद बचायो ।
हिरण्याक्ष को स्वर्ग पठायो ॥
लक्ष्मी रूप धरो जग माहीं ।
श्री नारायण अंग समाहीं ॥
Raksha Kari Prahalad Bachayo,
Hiranakush Ko Swarg Pathayo.
Lakshmii Roop Dharo Jag Mahi,
Shree Narayan Ang Samahi
Meaning
This verse praises Goddess Durga for her protective nature, highlighting how she saved Prahlad and sent Hiranakashipu to heaven. It also acknowledges her manifestation as Goddess Lakshmi in the world and her unity with the divine aspect of Lord Vishnu.
क्षीरसिन्धु में करत विलासा ।
दयासिन्धु दीजै मन आसा ॥
हिंगलाज में तुम्हीं भवानी ।
महिमा अमित न जात बखानी ॥
Ksheree Sindhu Karat Vilasa,
Daya Sindhu Deejay Man Aasa
Hingalaj Mein Tumhi Bhavani,
Mahima Amit Na Jaat Bakhani
Meaning
This verse praises Goddess Durga for playing in the ocean of milk, being the ocean of compassion, worshipped in Hinglaj as Bhavani, and having a glory that is beyond description.
मातंगी अरु धूमावति माता ।
भुवनेश्वरी बगला सुख दाता ॥
श्री भैरव तारा जग तारिणी ।
छिन्न भाल भव दुःख निवारिणी ॥
Matangi Dhoomavati Mata,
Bhuvneshwari Bagala Sukhdata
Shree Bairav Tara Jog Tarani,
Chin-Na Bhala Bhav Dukh Nivarani.
Meaning
This verse praises Goddess Durga in various forms—Matangi, Dhoomavati, Bhuvneshwari, and Bagala—acknowledging her as the giver of happiness, the union of Shree Bairav and Tara, and the eliminator of sorrow and worldly suffering.
केहरि वाहन सोह भवानी ।
लांगुर वीर चलत अगवानी ॥
कर में खप्पर खड्ग विराजै ।
जाको देख काल डर भाजै ॥
Kehari Vahan Soh Bhavani,
Langur Veer Chalat Agavani
Kar Men Khappar Khadag Viraje,
Jako Dekh Kal Dar Bhaje.
Meaning
This verse describes Goddess Durga seated on a lion, with valiant monkeys approaching her. She holds a skull and a sword in her hands, and upon witnessing her, even Yama, the god of death, flees in fear.
सोहै अस्त्र और त्रिशूला ।
जाते उठत शत्रु हिय शूला ॥
नगरकोट में तुम्हीं विराजत ।
तिहुँलोक में डंका बाजत ॥
Sohe Astra Aur Trishoola,
Jase Uthata Shatru Hiya Shoola
Nagarkot Mein Tumhi Virajat,
Tihun Lok Mein Danka Bajat
Meaning
This verse describes the divine weapons of Goddess Durga, particularly her trident, which shines and, when wielded, strikes fear in the hearts of enemies. It also mentions her divine presence in the fort of Nagarkot, and her glory resounding like the beating of a drum in all three worlds.
शुम्भ निशुम्भ दानव तुम मारे ।
रक्तबीज शंखन संहारे ॥
महिषासुर नृप अति अभिमानी ।
जेहि अघ भार मही अकुलानी ॥
Shumbhu Nishumbhu Danuja Tum Mare,
Rakta-Beeja Shankhan Samhare.
Mahishasur Nripa Ati Abhimani,
Jehi Agha Bhar Mahi Akulani
Meaning
This verse praises Goddess Durga for her ability to slay demons, including Shumbhu, Nishumbhu, and the powerful Rakta-Beeja. It also mentions her victory over the proud and arrogant Mahishasur, whose sins had burdened the earth.
रूप कराल कालिका धारा ।
सेन सहित तुम तिहि संहारा ॥
परी गाढ़ सन्तन पर जब जब ।
भई सहाय मातु तुम तब तब ॥
Roop Kaaral Kalika Dhara,
Sen Sahita Tum Tin Samhara
Pari Garha Santan Par Jab Jab,
Bhayi Sahaya Matu Tum Tab Tab
Meaning
This verse praises Goddess Durga for embodying a fierce form as Kalika and highlights her ability to destroy the armies of the three worlds. It also acknowledges her constant role as a protector and helper of celestial beings and devotees in times of distress or danger.
अमरपुरी अरु बासव लोका ।
तब महिमा सब रहें अशोका ॥
ज्वाला में है ज्योति तुम्हारी ।
तुम्हें सदा पूजें नरनारी ॥
Amarpuri Aru Basava Loka,
Tava Mahima Sab Rahen Asoka
Jwala Mein Hai Jyoti Tumhari,
Tumhen Sada Pujan Nar Nari
Meaning
This verse from the Durga Chalisa praises Goddess Durga, recognizing her glory in the eternal realm and the abode of Lord Shiva. It acknowledges that her divine light resides in the flame and emphasizes the continuous worship offered to her by men and women. The overall tone conveys a sense of joy and contentment associated with her divine presence.
प्रेम भक्ति से जो यश गावें ।
दुःख दारिद्र निकट नहिं आवें ॥
ध्यावे तुम्हें जो नर मन लाई ।
जन्ममरण ताकौ छुटि जाई ॥
Prem Bhakti Se Jo Yash Gaye,
Dukh-Daridra Nikat Nahin Ave
Dhyave Tumhen Jo Nar Man Laee,
Janam-Maran Tako Chuti Jaee.
Meaning
This verse emphasizes that those who chant Durga Chalisa with love and devotion find freedom from suffering and poverty. It further highlights that meditating on Goddess Durga with a devoted mind leads to liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The verse encourages the practice of love, devotion, and meditation for spiritual well-being and liberation.
जोगी सुर मुनि कहत पुकारी ।
योग न हो बिन शक्ति तुम्हारी ॥
शंकर आचारज तप कीनो ।
काम अरु क्रोध जीति सब लीनो ॥
Jogi Sur-Muni Kahat Pukari,
Jog Na Ho Bin Shakti Tumhari
Shankar Aacharaj Tap Keenhon,
Kam, Krodh Jeet Sab Leenhon
Meaning
This verse acknowledges that yogis, deities, and sages declare the greatness of Goddess Durga, emphasizing that spiritual practices are not possible without her divine power. It also mentions Lord Shiva’s astonishing penance, where he conquered and subdued all worldly desires and emotions with the help of Goddess Durga’s energy. The verse highlights the integral role of divine power in spiritual practices and ascetic endeavors.
निशिदिन ध्यान धरो शंकर को ।
काहु काल नहिं सुमिरो तुमको ॥
शक्ति रूप का मरम न पायो ।
शक्ति गई तब मन पछितायो ॥
Nisidhin Dhyan Dharo Shanker Ko,
Kahu Kal Nahin Sumiron Tum Ko
Shakti Roop Ko Maram Na Payo,
Shakti Gayi Tab Man Pachitayo
Meaning
This verse advises continuous meditation on Lord Shiva without delay and emphasizes the importance of remembering and contemplating upon Goddess Durga. It highlights the regret that arises when one loses touch with the embodiment of divine power. The verse encourages devotion and a timely connection with the divine.
शरणागत हुई कीर्ति बखानी ।
जय जय जय जगदम्ब भवानी ॥
भई प्रसन्न आदि जगदम्बा ।
दई शक्ति नहिं कीन विलम्बा ॥
Sharnagat Hui Keerti Bakhani,
Jai Jai Jai Jagdamb Bhavani
Bhayi Prasanna Aadi Jagdamba,
Dayi Shakti Nahin Keen Vilamba
Meaning
This verse expresses the idea that seeking refuge brings fame, and it repeatedly praises Jagdamba Bhavani, the Mother of the universe, with victorious chants. It emphasizes that the primal Mother, pleased by devotion, does not delay in bestowing righteous power.
मोको मातु कष्ट अति घेरो ।
तुम बिन कौन हरै दुःख मेरो ॥
आशा तृष्णा निपट सतावें ।
मोह मदादिक सब बिनशावें ॥
Mokun Matu Kashta Ati Ghero,
Tum Bin Kaun Hare Dukh Mero
Asha Trishna Nipat Sataven,
Moh Madadik Sab Binsaven
Meaning
This verse is an appeal to Goddess Durga, acknowledging the encompassing difficulties and sorrows in life. It expresses the belief that without the divine intervention of the Mother, no one else can alleviate the sorrows and remove the obstacles such as desires, attachments, and ego. The devotee seeks the removal of all troubles through the grace of Goddess Durga.
शत्रु नाश कीजै महारानी ।
सुमिरौं इकचित तुम्हें भवानी ॥
करो कृपा हे मातु दयाला ।
ऋद्धिसिद्धि दै करहु निहाला ॥
Shatru Nash Keeje Maharani,
Sumiron Ekachita Tumhen Bhavani
Karo Kripa Hey Matu Dayala
Riddhi-Siddhi De Karahu Nihala
Meaning
This verse is a prayer to Goddess Durga, asking her to destroy enemies, requesting devotees to contemplate her with single-minded devotion, and seeking her compassionate grace for prosperity and success, leading to joy and bliss.
जब लगि जिऊँ दया फल पाऊँ ।
तुम्हरो यश मैं सदा सुनाऊँ ॥
श्री दुर्गा चालीसा जो कोई गावै ।
सब सुख भोग परमपद पावै ॥
Jab Lagi Jiyoon Daya Phal Paoon,
Tumro Yash Mein Sada Sunaoon,
Durga Chalisa Jo Gaye,
Sab Sukh Bhog Parampad Pave
Meaning
This verse expresses the devotee’s desire to receive the fruits of Goddess Durga’s compassion as long as they live. It emphasizes the perpetual proclamation of the goddess’s glory and states that whoever recites the Durga Chalisa will attain all happiness and the supreme state of liberation.
देवीदास शरण निज जानी ।
कहु कृपा जगदम्ब भवानी ॥
Devidas Sharan Nij Jani,
Karahu Kripa Jagdamb Bhavani
Meaning
This verse expresses the devotee’s surrender and seeking refuge in the goddess, acknowledging their relationship as a devoted child seeking the grace of the universal mother, Jagdamba Bhavani.
॥ इति श्री दुर्गा चालीसा ॥