The Mantra
ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे
Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche
oṃ aiṃ hrīṃ klīṃ cāmuṇḍāyai vicce
Om — wisdom, radiance and love — to Chamunda, the Divine Mother, I offer myself; free me and protect me.
DurgaMantra
Navarna Mantra
Lyrics · Meaning · Audio
The nine-syllable heart-mantra of the Divine Mother — Aim, Hreem, Kleem, Chamundayai Vichche — uniting the powers of Saraswati, Lakshmi and Kali, chanted above all during Navaratri.
The root mantra of the Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati)
Listen
Navarna Mantra
Son of Kali · Navratri Nights
0:007:34
- Deity
- Durga
- Type
- Mantra
- Verses
- 1
- Language
- Sanskrit
Navarna Mantra Lyrics with Meaning
Each line shows an easy way to say it, with its English meaning. Turn on the Sanskrit, the exact pronunciation or the word-by-word meaning whenever you want to go deeper.
About Navarna Mantra
The Navarna (“nine-lettered”) mantra is the central mantra of the Devi Mahatmya, the great scripture of the Goddess also known as the Durga Saptashati or Chandi Path. Its nine syllables — aiṃ hrīṃ klīṃ cā-muṇ-ḍā-yai vi-cce — are chanted before and after the scripture is recited, and on their own as a powerful japa during Navaratri.
It begins with three seed sounds, traditionally linked to the three great forms of the Goddess in the Devi Mahatmya: aiṃ to Mahasaraswati (wisdom), hrīṃ to Mahalakshmi (abundance and the creative power of the universe) and klīṃ to Mahakali (transformation and fearless love). Then it names Chamunda, the fierce form of Durga who defeated the demons Chanda and Munda, and ends with vicce, a seed word of release and protection.
Because of its power, many traditions recommend learning it with respect and steady practice. Its essence is simple: a prayer to the Mother in all her forms to free us from ignorance and fear.
The Stories Inside the Hymn
How Chamunda got her name
In the Devi Mahatmya, the demon generals Chanda and Munda were sent to capture the Goddess. From her furrowed brow sprang Kali, terrible and radiant, who destroyed them both.
When Kali brought their heads to the Goddess, she named her Chamunda — the slayer of Chanda and Munda. The Navarna mantra salutes the Mother in this victorious form.
The three seeds
Aim (Saraswati), Hreem (Lakshmi) and Kleem (Kali) represent knowledge, power and love — or creation, preservation and transformation.
Chanting them together is like invoking the complete Goddess: the wisdom to see clearly, the strength to act, and the love to let go.
How to Chant Navarna Mantra
When to chant
- ✦The nine nights of Navaratri
- ✦Before and after reciting the Devi Mahatmya
- ✦Ashtami and Navami
- ✦Tuesdays and Fridays
How many times
108 times daily; during Navaratri many keep a vow of 108 or 1,008 each day.
- 1
Bathe, light a lamp and sit before an image of the Goddess.
- 2
Listen to the recording to learn the exact sounds.
- 3
Chant slowly and clearly, keeping count on a mala.
- 4
Feel each seed sound: clarity (Aim), radiance (Hreem), love (Kleem).
- 5
Close with a moment of silent gratitude to the Mother.
Pronunciation Guide
The sounds that trip people up most in this hymn, and how to say them.
aiṃ hrīṃ klīṃ
“aim, hreem, kleem” — each closing in a soft nasal hum.
cāmuṇḍāyai
chaa-mun-daa-yai — ṇḍ with the tongue curled back.
vicce
vich-chay — a doubled “ch”.
More for Durga
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Navarna Mantra?
“Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche” — the nine-syllable root mantra of the Devi Mahatmya, invoking the Goddess in her forms as Saraswati, Lakshmi and Kali, and as Chamunda.
What does Navarna mean?
Nava means nine and varna means letter or syllable. The mantra (after Om) has nine syllables.
When should it be chanted?
Above all during Navaratri, and before and after reciting the Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati).
Is it safe to chant without initiation?
Many devotees chant it with simple devotion, while some traditions prefer that it be received from a teacher. Chanting it respectfully, with a clean mind and good intentions, is the common guidance.