Durga Chalisa

नमो नमो दुर्गे सुख करनी । नमो नमो अम्बे दुःख हरनी ॥ १ ॥

Namo Namo Durge Sukh Karni, Namo Namo Ambe Dukh Harni

namo namo durge sukha karanī namo namo ambe duḥkha haranī

Salutations, O Durga, giver of happiness; salutations, O Mother, remover of sorrow.

निरंकार है ज्योति तुम्हारी । तिहूँ लोक फैली उजियारी ॥ २ ॥

Nirankar Hai Jyoti Tumhari, Tihun Lok Phaili Ujiyari

niraṃkāra hai jyoti tumhārī tihū̃ loka phailī ujiyārī

Your light is formless, and its brightness fills the three worlds.

शशि ललाट मुख महाविशाला । नेत्र लाल भृकुटि विकराला ॥ ३ ॥

Shashi Lalaat Mukh Mahavishala, Netra Laal Bhrikuti Vikrala

śaśi lalāṭa mukha mahāviśālā netra lāla bhṛkuṭi vikarālā

The moon is on your brow, your face is vast; your eyes are red and your brows fierce.

रूप मातु को अधिक सुहावे । दरश करत जन अति सुख पावे ॥ ४ ॥

Roop Matu Ko Adhik Suhave, Darash Karat Jan Ati Sukh Pave

rūpa mātu ko adhika suhāve daraśa karata jana ati sukha pāve

The Mother’s form is so beautiful that those who see it feel great joy.

तुम संसार शक्ति लय कीना । पालन हेतु अन्न धन दीना ॥ ५ ॥

Tum Sansar Shakti Lay Kina, Palan Hetu Ann Dhan Dina

tuma saṃsāra śakti laya kīnā pālana hetu anna dhana dīnā

You gave the world its power, and to sustain it you gave food and wealth.

अन्नपूर्णा हुई जग पाला । तुम ही आदि सुन्दरी बाला ॥ ६ ॥

Annapurna Hui Jag Pala, Tum Hi Adi Sundari Bala

annapūrṇā huī jaga pālā tuma hī ādi sundarī bālā

As Annapurna you nourish the world; you are the first, the beautiful maiden.

प्रलयकाल सब नाशन हारी । तुम गौरी शिवशंकर प्यारी ॥ ७ ॥

Pralaykal Sab Nashan Hari, Tum Gauri Shivshankar Pyari

pralayakāla saba nāśana hārī tuma gaurī śivaśaṃkara pyārī

At the time of dissolution you destroy all; you are Gauri, beloved of Shiva.

शिव योगी तुम्हरे गुण गावें । ब्रह्मा विष्णु तुम्हें नित ध्यावें ॥ ८ ॥

Shiv Yogi Tumhare Gun Gaven, Brahma Vishnu Tumhen Nit Dhyaven

śiva yogī tumhare guṇa gāveṃ brahmā viṣṇu tumheṃ nita dhyāveṃ

Shiva and the yogis sing your virtues; Brahma and Vishnu meditate on you always.

रूप सरस्वती को तुम धारा । दे सुबुद्धि ऋषि मुनिन उबारा ॥ ९ ॥

Roop Saraswati Ko Tum Dhara, De Subuddhi Rishi Munin Ubara

rūpa sarasvatī ko tuma dhārā de subuddhi ṛṣi munina ubārā

Taking the form of Saraswati, you gave good understanding and uplifted the sages.

धरयो रूप नरसिंह को अम्बा । परगट भई फाड़कर खम्बा ॥ १० ॥

Dharyo Roop Narsimha Ko Amba, Pragat Bhai Phadkar Khamba

dharayo rūpa narasiṃha ko ambā paragaṭa bhaī phāṛakara khambā

O Mother, you took the form of Narasimha and burst out from the pillar,

रक्षा करि प्रह्लाद बचायो । हिरण्याक्ष को स्वर्ग पठायो ॥ ११ ॥

Raksha Kari Prahlad Bachayo, Hiranyaksh Ko Swarg Pathayo

rakṣā kari prahlāda bacāyo hiraṇyākṣa ko svarga paṭhāyo

protecting and saving Prahlada, and sending the demon king to heaven.

लक्ष्मी रूप धरो जग माहीं । श्री नारायण अंग समाहीं ॥ १२ ॥

Lakshmi Roop Dharo Jag Mahin, Shri Narayan Ang Samahin

lakṣmī rūpa dharo jaga māhīṃ śrī nārāyaṇa aṃga samāhīṃ

In the world you took the form of Lakshmi, resting at Lord Narayana’s side.

क्षीरसिन्धु में करत विलासा । दयासिन्धु दीजै मन आसा ॥ १३ ॥

Kshirsindhu Mein Karat Vilasa, Dayasindhu Dijai Man Aasa

kṣīrasindhu meṃ karata vilāsā dayāsindhu dījai mana āsā

You play in the ocean of milk; O ocean of mercy, fulfil the hopes of my heart.

हिंगलाज में तुम्हीं भवानी । महिमा अमित न जात बखानी ॥ १४ ॥

Hinglaj Mein Tumhin Bhavani, Mahima Amit Na Jaat Bakhani

hiṃgalāja meṃ tumhīṃ bhavānī mahimā amita na jāta bakhānī

You are Bhavani at Hinglaj; your boundless glory cannot be described.

मातंगी अरु धूमावति माता । भुवनेश्वरी बगला सुख दाता ॥ १५ ॥

Matangi Aru Dhumavati Mata, Bhuvaneshwari Bagala Sukh Data

mātaṃgī aru dhūmāvati mātā bhuvaneśvarī bagalā sukha dātā

You are Mother Matangi and Dhumavati, Bhuvaneshvari and Bagala, givers of happiness;

श्री भैरव तारा जग तारिणी । छिन्न भाल भव दुःख निवारिणी ॥ १६ ॥

Shri Bhairav Tara Jag Tarini, Chhinna Bhaal Bhav Dukh Nivarini

śrī bhairava tārā jaga tāriṇī chinna bhāla bhava duḥkha nivāriṇī

Bhairavi and Tara who carry the world across, and Chhinnamasta who ends worldly sorrow.

केहरि वाहन सोह भवानी । लांगुर वीर चलत अगवानी ॥ १७ ॥

Kehari Vahan Soh Bhavani, Langur Veer Chalat Agvani

kehari vāhana soha bhavānī lāṃgura vīra calata agavānī

Bhavani shines upon her lion, the heroic Langura (Hanuman) leading the way.

कर में खप्पर खड्ग विराजै । जाको देख काल डर भाजै ॥ १८ ॥

Kar Mein Khappar Khadag Virajai, Jako Dekh Kaal Dar Bhajai

kara meṃ khappara khaḍga virājai jāko dekha kāla ḍara bhājai

In your hands shine the skull-bowl and sword; seeing them, even Death flees in fear.

सोहै अस्त्र और त्रिशूला । जाते उठत शत्रु हिय शूला ॥ १९ ॥

Sohai Astra Aur Trishula, Jaate Uthat Shatru Hiya Shula

sohai astra aura triśūlā jāte uṭhata śatru hiya śūlā

Weapons and the trident adorn you, piercing the hearts of enemies with fear.

नगरकोट में तुम्हीं विराजत । तिहुँलोक में डंका बाजत ॥ २० ॥

Nagarkot Mein Tumhin Virajat, Tihun Lok Mein Danka Baajat

nagarakoṭa meṃ tumhīṃ virājata tihũloka meṃ ḍaṃkā bājata

You reside at Nagarkot, and your drum resounds through the three worlds.

शुम्भ निशुम्भ दानव तुम मारे । रक्तबीज शंखन संहारे ॥ २१ ॥

Shumbh Nishumbh Danav Tum Maare, Raktabeej Shankhan Sanhare

śumbha niśumbha dānava tuma māre raktabīja śaṃkhana saṃhāre

You killed the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha, and destroyed countless Raktabijas.

महिषासुर नृप अति अभिमानी । जेहि अघ भार मही अकुलानी ॥ २२ ॥

Mahishasur Nrip Ati Abhimani, Jehi Agh Bhaar Mahi Akulani

mahiṣāsura nṛpa ati abhimānī jehi agha bhāra mahī akulānī

Mahishasura, the arrogant demon king, under whose weight of sin the earth groaned —

रूप कराल कालिका धारा । सेन सहित तुम तिहि संहारा ॥ २३ ॥

Roop Karal Kalika Dhara, Sen Sahit Tum Tihi Sanhara

rūpa karāla kālikā dhārā sena sahita tuma tihi saṃhārā

taking the terrible form of Kali, you destroyed him along with his army.

परी गाढ़ सन्तन पर जब जब । भई सहाय मातु तुम तब तब ॥ २४ ॥

Pari Gaadh Santan Par Jab Jab, Bhai Sahay Matu Tum Tab Tab

parī gāṛha santana para jaba jaba bhaī sahāya mātu tuma taba taba

Whenever hardship fell upon the good, O Mother, you came to their aid.

अमरपुरी अरु बासव लोका । तब महिमा सब रहें अशोका ॥ २५ ॥

Amarpuri Aru Basav Loka, Tab Mahima Sab Rahen Ashoka

amarapurī aru bāsava lokā taba mahimā saba raheṃ aśokā

By your glory, the city of the gods and Indra’s realm remain free of sorrow.

ज्वाला में है ज्योति तुम्हारी । तुम्हें सदा पूजें नरनारी ॥ २६ ॥

Jwala Mein Hai Jyoti Tumhari, Tumhen Sada Pujen Nar Nari

jvālā meṃ hai jyoti tumhārī tumheṃ sadā pūjeṃ naranārī

Your light burns at Jwala, where men and women always worship you.

प्रेम भक्ति से जो यश गावें । दुःख दारिद्र निकट नहिं आवें ॥ २७ ॥

Prem Bhakti Se Jo Yash Gaven, Dukh Daridra Nikat Nahin Aaven

prema bhakti se jo yaśa gāveṃ duḥkha dāridra nikaṭa nahiṃ āveṃ

Those who sing your glory with love and devotion are never touched by sorrow or poverty.

ध्यावे तुम्हें जो नर मन लाई । जन्म-मरण ताकौ छुटि जाई ॥ २८ ॥

Dhyave Tumhen Jo Nar Man Lai, Janam Maran Takau Chhuti Jai

dhyāve tumheṃ jo nara mana lāī janma-maraṇa tākau chuṭi jāī

Whoever meditates on you with a focused mind is freed from birth and death.

जोगी सुर मुनि कहत पुकारी । योग न हो बिन शक्ति तुम्हारी ॥ २९ ॥

Jogi Sur Muni Kahat Pukari, Yog Na Ho Bin Shakti Tumhari

jogī sura muni kahata pukārī yoga na ho bina śakti tumhārī

Yogis, gods and sages proclaim aloud: without your power, there is no yoga.

शंकर आचारज तप कीनो । काम अरु क्रोध जीति सब लीनो ॥ ३० ॥

Shankar Acharaj Tap Kino, Kaam Aru Krodh Jeeti Sab Lino

śaṃkara ācāraja tapa kīno kāma aru krodha jīti saba līno

Shankaracharya performed austerities and conquered desire and anger,

निशिदिन ध्यान धरो शंकर को । काहु काल नहिं सुमिरो तुमको ॥ ३१ ॥

Nishidin Dhyan Dharo Shankar Ko, Kahu Kaal Nahin Sumiro Tumko

niśidina dhyāna dharo śaṃkara ko kāhu kāla nahiṃ sumiro tumako

meditating day and night on Shiva, but never once remembering you.

शक्ति रूप का मरम न पायो । शक्ति गई तब मन पछितायो ॥ ३२ ॥

Shakti Roop Ka Maram Na Payo, Shakti Gayi Tab Man Pachhitayo

śakti rūpa kā marama na pāyo śakti gaī taba mana pachitāyo

He did not grasp the secret of Shakti; when his power left him, he repented.

शरणागत हुई कीर्ति बखानी । जय जय जय जगदम्ब भवानी ॥ ३३ ॥

Sharanagat Hui Kirti Bakhani, Jai Jai Jai Jagadamb Bhavani

śaraṇāgata huī kīrti bakhānī jaya jaya jaya jagadamba bhavānī

Taking refuge, he sang your glory: “Victory, victory, victory to Bhavani, Mother of the world!”

भई प्रसन्न आदि जगदम्बा । दई शक्ति नहिं कीन विलम्बा ॥ ३४ ॥

Bhai Prasanna Aadi Jagadamba, Dai Shakti Nahin Kin Vilamba

bhaī prasanna ādi jagadambā daī śakti nahiṃ kīna vilambā

The primordial Mother was pleased and returned his power without delay.

मोको मातु कष्ट अति घेरो । तुम बिन कौन हरै दुःख मेरो ॥ ३५ ॥

Moko Matu Kasht Ati Ghero, Tum Bin Kaun Harai Dukh Mero

moko mātu kaṣṭa ati ghero tuma bina kauna harai duḥkha mero

O Mother, great troubles surround me — who but you can take my sorrow away?

आशा तृष्णा निपट सतावें । रिपु मूरख मोहि अति डरपावें ॥ ३६ ॥

Aasha Trishna Nipat Sataven, Ripu Murakh Mohi Ati Darpaven

āśā tṛṣṇā nipaṭa satāveṃ ripu mūrakha mohi ati ḍarapāveṃ

Hope and craving torment me endlessly, and foolish enemies frighten me.

शत्रु नाश कीजै महारानी । सुमिरौं इकचित तुम्हें भवानी ॥ ३७ ॥

Shatru Naash Kijai Maharani, Sumiraun Ikchit Tumhen Bhavani

śatru nāśa kījai mahārānī sumirauṃ ikacita tumheṃ bhavānī

Destroy my enemies, O great Queen; I remember you single-mindedly, O Bhavani.

करो कृपा हे मातु दयाला । ऋद्धि-सिद्धि दै करहु निहाला ॥ ३८ ॥

Karo Kripa He Matu Dayala, Riddhi Siddhi Dai Karahu Nihala

karo kṛpā he mātu dayālā ṛddhi-siddhi dai karahu nihālā

Have mercy, O compassionate Mother; bless me with prosperity and success.

जब लगि जिऊँ दया फल पाऊँ । तुम्हरो यश मैं सदा सुनाऊँ ॥ ३९ ॥

Jab Lagi Jiun Daya Phal Paun, Tumharo Yash Main Sada Sunaun

jaba lagi jiū̃ dayā phala pāū̃ tumharo yaśa maiṃ sadā sunāū̃

As long as I live, may I receive your kindness, and always tell of your glory.

दुर्गा चालीसा जो कोई गावै । सब सुख भोग परमपद पावै ॥ ४० ॥

Durga Chalisa Jo Koi Gavai, Sab Sukh Bhog Parampad Pavai

durgā cālīsā jo koī gāvai saba sukha bhoga paramapada pāvai

Whoever sings the Durga Chalisa enjoys every happiness and reaches the highest state.

देवीदास शरण निज जानी । करहु कृपा जगदम्ब भवानी ॥

Devidas Sharan Nij Jani, Karahu Kripa Jagadamb Bhavani

devīdāsa śaraṇa nija jānī karahu kṛpā jagadamba bhavānī

Knowing Devidas to be in your refuge, have mercy on him, O Bhavani, Mother of the world.