Introduction: The Power of Bhakti and the Divine Feminine

Bhakti, or devotion, is the purest form of connection between the individual soul and the Divine. Through chanting and meditating on sacred hymns, we tune into divine vibrations that uplift the mind, purify the heart, and align us with truth.

Among the great hymns in the Hindu tradition, the Mahishasura Mardini Stotram stands as a powerful invocation of Shakti, the Divine Mother who slays ignorance, ego, and darkness.

This hymn, composed by Adi Shankaracharya, celebrates Maa Durga in her fierce yet compassionate form as the slayer of the demon Mahishasura. The language is poetic, the imagery is rich, and the spiritual power is transformative.

Devotees often chant this stotram during Navaratri, a time of year dedicated to the worship of the Divine Mother.

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How to Use This Guide

Each verse includes:

• Original Sanskrit
• Transliteration
• English Meaning
• Brief Spiritual Commentary

This will help you understand not only what the words mean, but also the deeper spiritual message they carry.

Verse 1

Sanskrit
अयि गिरिनन्दिनि नन्दितमेदिनि विश्वविनोदिनि नन्दिनुते
गिरिवरविन्ध्यशिरोऽधिनिवासिनि विष्णुविलासिनि जिष्णुनुते
भगवति हे शितिकण्ठकुटुम्बिनि भूरिकुटुम्बिनि भूरिकृते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते

Transliteration
ayi girinandini nanditamedini vishvavinodini nandinute
girivara vindhya shirodhi nivaasini vishnu vilaasini jishnu nute
bhagavati he shitikantha kutumbini bhoori kutumbini bhoori krute
jaya jaya he mahishasura mardini ramyakapardini shailasute

Meaning
O daughter of the mountains, delight of the Earth,
Enchanter of the universe, adored by Nandi,
You who dwell on the peak of Vindhya mountain,
Beloved of Vishnu and praised by Indra,
O consort of Lord Shiva, mother of the worlds,
Victory to you, O slayer of Mahishasura,
O beautifully-haired daughter of the Himalayas.

Commentary
This opening verse glorifies Maa Durga in her cosmic form. She is celebrated by devas, adored by the divine consort Nandi, and is the joyful energy behind all creation. As the slayer of Mahishasura, she is both fierce and loving, capable of restoring balance when evil rises.

Verse 2

Sanskrit
सुरवरवर्षिणि दुर्धरधर्षिणि दुर्मुखमर्षिणि हर्षरते
त्रिभुवनपोषिणि शङ्करतोषिणि किल्बिषमोषिणि घोषरते
दनुजनिरोषिणि दितिसुतरोषिणि दुर्मदशोषिणि सिन्धुसुते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते

Transliteration
suravara varshini durdhara darshini durmukha marshini harsharate
tribhuvana poshini shankara toshini kilbisha moshini ghosharate
danuja niroshini ditisuta roshini durmada shoshini sindhusute
jaya jaya he mahishasura mardini ramyakapardini shailasute

Meaning
Giver of blessings to the gods, destroyer of the invincible,
Punisher of the wicked, delighting in divine joy,
Sustainer of the three worlds, pleaser of Lord Shiva,
Destroyer of sin, revealer of divine sounds,
Annihilator of demons, pride, and arrogance,
Daughter of the ocean, victory to you,
O slayer of Mahishasura, beautiful-haired mountain-born goddess.

Commentary
This verse reveals the dual nature of the Goddess—nurturing and protective to the righteous, yet merciless toward evil. She is the energy that sustains all worlds and destroys ignorance in its many forms. Her role is cosmic and compassionate.

Verse 3

Sanskrit
अयि जगदम्ब मदम्ब कदम्ब वनप्रियवासिनि हासरते
शिखरि शिरोमणि तुङ्गहिमालय शृङ्गनिजालय मध्यगते
मधुमधुरे मधुकैटभगञ्जिनि कैटभभञ्जिनि रासरते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते

Transliteration
ayi jagadamba madamba kadamba vanapriya vāsini hāsarate
shikhari shiromani tungahimalaya shringa nijalaya madhyagate
madhu madhure madhu kaitabha ganjini kaitabha bhanjini rāsarate
jaya jaya he mahishasura mardini ramyakapardini shailasute

Meaning
O Mother of the Universe, who lovingly resides in the Kadamba forest,
Dwelling joyfully in the peaks of the Himalayas,
Sweet as honey, destroyer of the demons Madhu and Kaitabha,
Victory to you, slayer of Mahishasura,
O beautifully-haired daughter of the mountain.

Commentary
Here, the stotram brings in a softer imagery—of the Goddess enjoying the beauty of nature, even as she remains the fierce destroyer of ancient demons like Madhu and Kaitabha. She is the embodiment of sweetness and power.

Verse 4

Sanskrit
अयि शतखण्ड विखण्डितरुण्ड वितुण्डितशुण्द गजाधिपते
रिपुगजगण्ड विदारणचण्ड पराक्रमशुण्ड मृगाधिपते
निजभुजदण्ड निपातितखण्ड विपातितमुण्ड भटाधिपते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते

Transliteration
ayi shatakanda vikhanda tarunda vitundita shunda gajādhipate
ripugaja ganda vidāraṇa chaṇḍa parākrama shunda mrigādhipate
nijabhuja danda nipātita khanda vipātita munda bhaṭādhipate
jaya jaya he mahishasura mardini ramyakapardini shailasute

Meaning
O Mother, who shattered hundreds of demon heads,
Who broke the trunks of enemy elephants with fierce force,
Whose strength pierced the pride of enemy warriors and beasts,
Who crushed demon kings with the blows of your arms,
Victory to you, O slayer of Mahishasura,
O beautifully-haired daughter of the mountains.

Commentary
This verse vividly depicts the fierce warrior form of Maa Durga. Her strength is unmatched, and she destroys the might of demons and their armies. The symbolism is deep—she crushes the pride and arrogance that rise in the hearts of evil forces.

Verse 5

Sanskrit
अयि रणदुर्मद शत्रुवधोदित दुर्धरनिर्जर शक्तिभृते
चतुरविचार धुरीणमहाशिव दूतकृत प्रमथाधिपते
दुरितदुरीह दुराशयदुर्मति दानवदूत कृतान्तमते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते

Transliteration
ayi raṇa durmada śatru vadhodita durdhara nirjara shaktibhr̥te
chatura vichāra dhurīṇa mahāśiva dūtakr̥ta pramathādhipate
durita durīha durāśaya durmati dānavadūta kr̥tāntamate
jaya jaya he mahishasura mardini ramyakapardini shailasute

Meaning
O Mother, who is invoked in battle to destroy arrogant enemies,
Holder of invincible divine powers,
Who sends Shiva’s wise messengers to guide and destroy demonic forces,
You bring the end to evil intentions, wrong thoughts, and sinful acts,
Victory to you, O slayer of Mahishasura,
O beautifully-haired daughter of the mountains.

Commentary
Durga is not only a warrior, she is also strategic and wise. This verse honors her ability to outthink and overpower evil forces. She ends not only actions, but the very roots of wrong thinking, purifying the world.

Verse 6

Sanskrit
अयि शरणागत वैरिवधुवर वीरवराभय दायकरे
त्रिभुवनमस्तक शुलविरोधि शिरोऽधिकृतामल शुलकरे
दुमिदुमितामर धुन्दुभिनादमहोमुखरीकृत दिङ्मकरे
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते

Transliteration
ayi śaraṇāgata vairi vadhuvara vīravarābhaya dāyakare
tribhuvana mastaka śula virodhi śirodhikṛtāmala śulakare
dumidumita amara dundubhināda maho mukharīkṛta diṅmakare
jaya jaya he mahishasura mardini ramyakapardini shailasute

Meaning
O Mother, who protects the brave and gives fearlessness to those who surrender to you,
Who wields the sharp trident above the heads of enemies in all three worlds,
Whose victory drums echo in all directions,
Victory to you, O slayer of Mahishasura,
O beautifully-haired daughter of the mountains.

Commentary
This verse reminds us that surrender to the Divine brings fearlessness. She protects those who live in dharma, and no evil—internal or external—can stand before her trident. Her victory resounds through all realms.

Verse 7

Sanskrit
अयि निजहुङ्कृति मात्रनिराकृत धूम्रविलोचन धूम्रशते
समरविशोषित शोणितबीज समुद्भवशोणित बीजलते
शिवशिवशुम्भ निशुम्भमहाहव तर्पितभूत पिशाचरते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते

Transliteration
ayi nija huṅkṛti mātra nirākṛta dhūmra-vilochana dhūmraśate
samara viśoṣita śoṇita bīja samudbhava śoṇita bīja late
śiva śiva śumbha niśumbha mahāhava tarpitabhūta piśācharate
jaya jaya he mahishasura mardini ramyakapardini shailasute

Meaning
O Mother, with just a roar, you destroyed hundreds of demons like Dhumralochana,
You dried up the blood-seed of the demon Raktabeej in battle,
And satisfied fierce spirits through your battle with Shumbha and Nishumbha,
Victory to you, O slayer of Mahishasura,
O beautifully-haired daughter of the mountains.

Commentary
This powerful verse speaks of Durga's strength in battles against the worst of demons, like Dhumralochana, Raktabeej (whose blood spawned more demons), and the brothers Shumbha and Nishumbha. Her divine roar alone can dissolve evil.

Verse 8

Sanskrit
धनुरनुषङ्ग रणक्षणसङ्ग परिस्फुरदङ्ग नटत्कटके
कनकपिशङ्ग पृषत्कनिषङ्ग रसद्भटशृङ्ग हताबटुके
कृतचतुरङ्ग बलक्षितिरङ्ग घटद्बहुरङ्ग रटद्बटुके
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते

Transliteration
dhanura anuṣaṅga raṇa kṣaṇa saṅga parisphurad aṅga naṭat kaṭake
kanaka piśaṅga pṛṣat kaniṣaṅga rasad bhaṭa śṛṅga hatābaṭuke
kṛta caturaṅga bala kṣiti raṅga ghaṭad bahuraṅga raṭad baṭuke
jaya jaya he mahishasura mardini ramyakapardini shailasute

Meaning
With your bow in hand and armor shining in battle,
You move gracefully among the warriors,
Your golden weapons sparkle, and enemy generals are defeated,
You destroy mighty armies with ease,
Victory to you, O slayer of Mahishasura,
O beautifully-haired daughter of the mountains.

Commentary
Here, Durga is portrayed as the perfect warrior, graceful yet unstoppable. She doesn't just win battles—she commands the battlefield. Her golden weapons and divine presence inspire awe in both friend and foe.

Verse 9

Sanskrit
सुरललना ततथेयि तथेयि कृताभिनयोदर नृत्यरते
कृत कुकुथः कुकुथो गडदादिकताल कुतूहल गानरते
धुधुकुट धुक्कुट धिंधिमित ध्वनि धीर मृदङ्ग निनादरते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते

Transliteration
sura-lalanā tatatheyi tatheyi kr̥tābhinayodara nr̥tya-rate
kr̥ta kukuthaḥ kukutho gaḍadādi-katāla kutūhala gāna-rate
dhudhukuṭa dhukkuta dhiṃdhimita dhvani dhīra mr̥daṅga nināda-rate
jaya jaya he mahishasura mardini ramyakapardini shailasute

Meaning
O Mother, who delights in the dance performed by the celestial maidens,
Accompanied by their graceful expressions and musical movements,
Enjoying the rhythm of drums, cymbals, and melodious songs,
Victory to you, O slayer of Mahishasura,
O beautifully-haired daughter of the mountains.

Commentary
This verse celebrates the divine joy that follows the Goddess’s victory. It portrays the celestial world rejoicing with dance and music in her honor. It reminds us that divine victory is not just destruction—it brings celebration and peace.

Verse 10

Sanskrit
जय जय जप्य जयेजयशब्द परस्तुति तत्परविश्वनुते
झणझणझिञ्झिमि झिङ्कृत नूपुरशिञ्जितमोहित भूतपते
नटित नटार्ध नटी नट नायक नाटितनाट्य सुगानरते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते

Transliteration
jaya jaya japya jayejaya śabda parastuti tatpara viśvanute
jhaṇajhaṇa jhiñjhimijhiṅkr̥ta nūpura śiñjita mohitabhūtapate
naṭita naṭārdha naṭī naṭanāyaka nāṭita nāṭya sugāna-rate
jaya jaya he mahishasura mardini ramyakapardini shailasute

Meaning
Victory to you, O Mother, praised with constant chants of "Jaya Jaya",
Adored with heartfelt hymns and celestial praises,
Your anklets jingle as you dance, enchanting even the Lord of spirits,
Dancing gracefully with divine rhythms and songs,
Victory to you, O slayer of Mahishasura,
O beautifully-haired daughter of the mountains.

Commentary
This verse continues the theme of divine celebration. The Mother is not only a warrior but also the source of art, music, and dance. Even the celestial beings are enchanted by her beauty and movement. She is the embodiment of all divine expression.

Verse 11

Sanskrit
अयि सुमनःसुमनःसुमनः सुमनःसुमनोहरकान्तियुते
श्रितरजनी रजनीरजनी रजनीरजनी करवक्त्रवृते
सुनयनविभ्रमर भ्रमरभ्रमर भ्रमरभ्रमराधिपते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते

Transliteration
ayi sumanaḥ sumanaḥ sumanaḥ sumanaḥ sumanohara kānti-yute
śrita rajanī rajanī rajanī rajanī karavaktra vr̥te
sunayana vibhramara bhramara bhramara bhramara bhramārādhipate
jaya jaya he mahishasura mardini ramyakapardini shailasute

Meaning
O beautiful and radiant one, adorned with lovely flowers,
Surrounded by the radiance of divine lotuses like the moon at night,
With eyes like graceful bees moving among fragrant flowers,
Victory to you, O slayer of Mahishasura,
O beautifully-haired daughter of the mountains.

Commentary
This verse highlights the gentle beauty of the Goddess. Though she is fierce in battle, she is also filled with grace, charm, and divine elegance. Her eyes, her face, her aura—all draw the sincere devotee toward peace and devotion.

Verse 12

Sanskrit
सहितमहाहव मल्लमतल्लिक मल्लितरल्लक मल्लरते
विरचितवल्लिक पल्लिकमल्लिक झिल्लिकभिल्लिक वर्गवृते
शितकृतफुल्ल समुल्लसितारुण तल्लजपल्लव सल्ललिते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते

Transliteration
sahita mahāhava mallamatallika mallita rallaka mallarate
virachita vallika pallika mallika jhillika bhillika varga vr̥te
śita kr̥ta phulla samullasita āruṇa tallaja pallava sallalite
jaya jaya he mahishasura mardini ramyakapardini shailasute

Meaning
You delight in great battles, engaging powerful wrestlers in combat,
Surrounded by garlands, vines, and flowers,
Adorned with blossoming, crimson-colored petals, soft and lovely,
Victory to you, O slayer of Mahishasura,
O beautifully-haired daughter of the mountains.

Commentary
This verse again reflects the duality of Durga—she is engaged in battle and beauty simultaneously. She wears garlands of nature, yet stands fierce on the battlefield. This reminds us that spiritual life is about balance—strength and softness.

Verse 13

Sanskrit
अविरलगण्ड गलन्मदमेदुर मत्तमतङ्ग जराजपते
त्रिभुवनभूषण भूतकलानिधि रूपपयोनिधि राजसुते
अयि सुदतीजन लालसमानस मोहन मन्मथ राजसुते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते

Transliteration
avirala gaṇḍa galan mada medura matta matanga jarāja pate
tribhuvana bhūṣaṇa bhūta kalānidhi rūpa payonidhi rāja sute
ayi sudatījana lālasa mānasa mohana manmatha rāja sute
jaya jaya he mahishasura mardini ramyakapardini shailasute

Meaning
O Mother, who is as radiant and powerful as a wild elephant in heat,
Adorned as the jewel of the three worlds, treasure of beauty and arts,
Daughter of the king, who enchants even the minds of the most beautiful women,
Victory to you, O slayer of Mahishasura,
O beautifully-haired daughter of the mountains.

Commentary
Maa Durga is described here as the ultimate source of beauty and power. She is irresistible in her grace, and her form is desired even by celestial beings. This verse reminds us that real beauty is divine, powerful, and awe-inspiring.

Verse 14

Sanskrit
कमलदलामल कोमलकान्ति कलाकलितामल भाललते
सकलविलास कलानिलयक्रम केलिचलत्कल हंसकुले
अलिकुलसङ्कुल कुवलयमण्डल मौलिमिलद्बकुलालिकुले
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते

Transliteration
kamala-dalāmala komala-kānti kalā-kalitāmala bhālalate
sakala-vilāsa kalā-nilaya-krama keli-calat-kala haṁsa-kule
alikula-saṅkula kuvalaya-maṇḍala mauli-milad-bakulālikule
jaya jaya he mahishasura mardini ramyakapardini shailasute

Meaning
O Mother, your pure and soft glow resembles a lotus petal,
Your forehead is adorned with the light of the moon’s phases,
You move gracefully among elegant swans who embody divine art,
Surrounded by buzzing bees, blue lotuses, and fragrant bakula flowers,
Victory to you, O slayer of Mahishasura,
O beautifully-haired daughter of the mountains.

Commentary
This verse is rich in natural and artistic imagery. Maa is described as the essence of beauty and culture, moving amidst divine swans and lotus gardens, representing purity, art, and spiritual serenity. She is beauty made divine.

Verse 15

Sanskrit
करमुरलीरव वीजितकूजित लज्जितकोकिल मञ्जुमते
मिलितपुलिन्द मनोहरगुञ्जित रञ्जितशैल निकुञ्जगते
निजगणभूत महाशबरीगण सद्गुणसम्भृत केलितले
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते

Transliteration
kara-muralī-rava vījita kūjita lajjita kokila mañjumate
milita pulinda manohara guñjita rañjita śaila nikuñjagate
nijagaṇa bhūta mahāśabarīgaṇa sadguṇa sambhr̥ta kelitale
jaya jaya he mahishasura mardini ramyakapardini shailasute

Meaning
O one whose sweet voice defeats the melodious cooing of the koel,
You reside in the forest groves of the mountains, enchanted by tribal songs,
Accompanied by noble-hearted women from the forest clans,
Victory to you, O slayer of Mahishasura,
O beautifully-haired daughter of the mountains.

Commentary
This verse highlights how Maa Durga resides not just in temples, but also in forests and among humble, tribal devotees. Her sweetness and beauty are so divine that even the koel (nightingale) feels shy in her presence. She is accessible to all—regardless of caste, class, or knowledge.

Verse 16

Sanskrit
कटितटपीत दुकूलविचित्र मयुखतिरस्कृत चन्द्ररुचे
प्रणतसुरासुर मौलिमणिस्फुर दंशुलसन्नख चन्द्ररुचे
जितकनकाचल मौलिमदोर्जित निर्भरकुञ्जर कुम्भकुचे
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते

Transliteration
kaṭitaṭa-pīta dukūla-vicitra mayūkha-tiraskṛta chandra-ruce
praṇata surāsura mauli-maṇi sphura daṁśula sanna-kha chandra-ruce
jita-kanakāchala mauli-mada-urjita nirbhara-kuñjara kumbha-kuce
jaya jaya he mahishasura mardini ramyakapardini shailasute

Meaning
Your golden silk garments outshine the moon’s brilliance,
Your nails glitter like moons, dazzling the crowns of gods and demons who bow before you,
Your chest surpasses the rounded temples of mighty elephants in grandeur,
Victory to you, O slayer of Mahishasura,
O beautifully-haired daughter of the mountains.

Commentary
This verse uses royal and radiant imagery to describe Maa's formidable beauty and divine majesty. Even the pride of the strongest kings and gods dissolves in her presence. It’s a reminder that true beauty radiates from divine strength and purity.

Verse 17

Sanskrit
विजितसहस्रकरैक सहस्रकरैक सहस्रकरैकनुते
कृतसुरतारक सङ्गरतारक सङ्गरतारक सूनुसुते
सुरथसमाधि समानसमाधि समाधिसमाधि सुजातरते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते

Transliteration
vijita-sahasrakaraika sahasrakaraika sahasrakaraika-nute
kṛta-suratāraka saṅgaratāraka saṅgaratāraka sūnu-sute
suratha-samādhi samāna-samādhi samādhi-samādhi sujāta-rate
jaya jaya he mahishasura mardini ramyakapardini shailasute

Meaning
You defeated a thousand-armed warrior and are praised by such countless arms,
You protected the son of Sage Tarkasura in fierce battles,
You bestowed deep meditation to King Suratha and the merchant Samadhi,
Victory to you, O slayer of Mahishasura,
O beautifully-haired daughter of the mountains.

Commentary
This verse blends mythology and devotion. It recalls how Maa Durga helped King Suratha and the merchant Samadhi, two common seekers who were granted divine wisdom and peace through her blessings. She is not just a goddess of war, but of spiritual realization.

Verse 18

Sanskrit
पदकमलं करुणानिलये वरिवस्यति योऽनुदिनं सुशिवे
अयि कमले कमलानिलये कमलानिलयः स कथं न भवेत्
तव पदमेव परम्पदमित्यनुशीलयतो मम किं न शिवे
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते

Transliteration
padakamalaṁ karuṇānilaye varivasyati yo'nudinaṁ suśive
ayi kamale kamalānilaye kamalānilayaḥ sa kathaṁ na bhavet
tava padameva parampadamityanuśīlayato mama kiṁ na śive
jaya jaya he mahishasura mardini ramyakapardini shailasute

Meaning
O compassionate one, the one who worships your lotus feet every day,
O Lotus-like Mother, how can such a person not attain the Lord of Lakshmi (Vishnu)?
If I meditate on your feet as the Supreme goal, what blessing would I not receive?
Victory to you, O slayer of Mahishasura,
O beautifully-haired daughter of the mountains.

Commentary
This verse moves into deep devotional reflection. It reminds us that those who take refuge in the Divine Mother's feet are blessed beyond measure—not just with worldly joys, but with spiritual realization and divine union.

Verse 19

Sanskrit
कनकलसत्कलसिन्धुजलैरनुषिञ्चति ते गुणरङ्गभुवम्
भजति स किं न शचीकुचकुम्भतटीपरिरम्भसुखानुभवम्
तव चरणं शरणं करवाणि नतामरवाणि निवासि शिवम्
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते

Transliteration
kanakalasatkalasindhujalairanuṣiñcati te guṇaraṅgabhuvam
bhajati sa kiṁ na śacīkucakumbhatatīparirambhasukhānubhavam
tava caraṇaṁ śaraṇaṁ karavāṇi natāmaravāṇi nivāsi śivam
jaya jaya he mahishasura mardini ramyakapardini shailasute

Meaning
The one who bathes your qualities with streams of golden devotion,
Why would he not enjoy the bliss known only to the divine consorts of gods?
I surrender at your feet, O Mother, who dwells where all the gods bow in reverence,
Victory to you, O slayer of Mahishasura,
O beautifully-haired daughter of the mountains.

Commentary
This verse glorifies devotion itself as the highest offering. By surrendering with faith and love, one attains spiritual joy even higher than divine pleasures. Maa’s grace is not bound by rules—it flows where true love flows.

Verse 20

Sanskrit
तव विमलेन्दुकुलं वदनेन्दुमलं सकलं ननु कूलयते
किमु पुरुहूतपुरीन्दु मुखी सुमुखीभिरसौ विमुखीक्रियते
मम तु मतं शिवनामधने भवती कृपया किमुत क्रियते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते

Transliteration
tava vimalendu-kulaṁ vadanendu-malaṁ sakalaṁ nanu kūlayate
kimu puruhūtapurīndu-mukhī sumukhībhirasau vimukhīkriyate
mama tu mataṁ śivanāma-dhane bhavatī kṛpayā kimuta kriyate
jaya jaya he mahishasura mardini ramyakapardini shailasute

Meaning
The radiant moon-like beauty of your face brightens the entire universe.
What goddess, even in the heavens, can compare to your charm?
My only wealth is devotion to your name—may your grace make it fruitful.
Victory to you, O slayer of Mahishasura,
O beautifully-haired daughter of the mountains.

Commentary
Here the devotee humbly compares the Goddess's divine radiance to the moon, stating that even heavenly goddesses pale in comparison. But the deepest truth in the verse is this: All we truly need is her name, her grace, and her remembrance.

Verse 21

Sanskrit
अयि मयि दीन दयालुतया कृपयैव त्वया भवितव्यमुमे
अयि जगतो जननी कृपयासि यथासि तथानुमितासिरते
यदुचितमत्र भवत्युररीकुरुतादुरुतापमपाकुरुते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते

Transliteration
ayi mayi dīna-dayālutatā kṛpayaiva tvayā bhavitavyamume
ayi jagato janani kṛpayāsi yathāsi tathānumitāsi rate
yaduchitamatra bhavatyu rarīkuru tāduru tāpamapākuru te
jaya jaya he mahishasura mardini ramyakapardini shailasute

Meaning
O compassionate one, please shower your mercy upon me, your humble child.
O Mother of the universe, show me your grace, as you always do.
Give me what is right for me and remove all suffering from my life.
Victory to you, O slayer of Mahishasura,
O beautifully-haired daughter of the mountains.

Commentary
The final verse is a beautiful surrender. The devotee asks for nothing more than what is right, and pleads for the removal of suffering—not from demand, but from trust. It’s a prayer of pure humility, the true essence of bhakti.

Significance of the Mahishasura Mardini Stotram

The Mahishasura Mardini Stotram is not just a hymn of praise—it is a spiritual invocation, a vibrational shield, and a poetic celebration of divine power. Composed by Adi Shankaracharya, the hymn glorifies Maa Durga as the slayer of Mahishasura and other demonic forces, both cosmic and internal.

It carries deep symbolic meanings:

• Mahishasura represents ego, pride, greed, and darkness.
• Durga represents inner strength, divine guidance, and fearless devotion.
• Each verse is a mantra, filled with sacred rhythm and rich imagery that uplifts the mind and purifies the heart.

This Stotram reminds us that the Divine Mother is not a distant deity—she is the power within us that gives us the ability to rise above our challenges.

Spiritual and Psychological Benefits

1. Builds Inner Strength

Chanting the Stotram helps cultivate courage, clarity, and determination, especially during times of stress and fear.

2. Removes Negative Energies

The powerful verses are believed to clear energetic blockages and protect the devotee from inner and outer negativity.

3. Deepens Bhakti (Devotion)

The poetic structure and sound patterns help create a mood of surrender, reverence, and spiritual joy.

4. Connects to Divine Feminine Energy

This hymn honors the Shakti within—helping devotees feel empowered, centered, and spiritually aligned.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

The Mahishasura Mardini Stotram is more than a chant—it's a spiritual journey. Through it, we connect to:

• The power of Shakti
• The grace of the Divine Mother
• The timeless wisdom of the Vedas
• And the truth that evil—both within and without—can be overcome by sincere devotion.

Key Takeaways:

• Chant it with attention and devotion, especially during Navaratri.
• Let the verses become a part of your daily sadhana or practice.
• Trust that the Mother hears every prayer spoken from the heart.

📚 Learn about all 9 forms of Goddess Durga and explore Navratri rituals in our Complete Navratri 2025 Guide »

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: When should I chant the Mahishasura Mardini Stotram?
A: Early morning, during twilight, or during Navaratri are ideal times. However, it can be chanted anytime with devotion.

Q2: Do I need to know Sanskrit to benefit?
A: No. Even chanting with a transliteration or listening with devotion brings great benefit.

Q3: Can I chant this Stotram for someone else’s wellbeing?
A: Absolutely. Chanting with the intention to help others brings blessings for them and you.

Q4: Is this only for women or can men chant it too?
A: This is for everyone. The Divine Feminine is not a gender—it’s a force within all beings.

Q5: Can children learn this?
A: Yes! In fact, the rhythmic nature of the Stotram makes it easy for children to memorize and enjoy.

Call to Action

Join Us for Navaratri 2025

At Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas

Celebrate the nine nights of the Divine Mother with us in a grand Navaratri Mahotsav filled with devotion, music, dance, and wisdom.

Event Highlights:

• Daily Durga Puja and Aarti
• Mahishasura Mardini Stotram and Durga Chalisa Chanting
• Garba and Dandiya Raas Nights
• Cultural Programs and Bhajans
• Special Yagnas and Homams
• Devi Lectures and Kids’ Activities

📍 Location:
Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas
1450 N Watters Rd, Allen, TX 75013

📅 Navaratri Dates: September 30 – October 8, 2025
🎟️ Free Entry | Open to All | Family-Friendly

Come with devotion. Leave with divine blessings.

If you enjoyed exploring the divine rhythm of the Mahishasura Mardini Stotram, you may also appreciate other sacred hymns that deepen your spiritual connection and devotion. Discover the divine power and meaning behind these timeless chants:

• Shree Ram Raksha Stotra – Click Here
• Vishnu Sahasranamam – Click Here
• Mahamrityunjay Mantra – Click Here
• Sundarkand Path – Click Here
• Shiv Tandav Stotram – Click Here