Durga Saptashati Chapter 11: Narayani Stuti

Durga Saptashati Chapter 11, known as Ekadasha Adhyaya, Devi Stuti or, most commonly, the Narayani Stuti, is the gods' hymn of praise after the death of Shumbha and the Goddess's promises for the future. It belongs to the Uttama Charitra of the Devi Mahatmya, presided over by Mahasaraswati, and it contains the single most recited verse of the whole text: "Sarva-Mangala-Mangalye Shive Sarvartha-Sadhike, Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namo'stu Te."

With Shumbha dead, Indra and the gods, led by Agni, praise Katyayani. They call her the support of the world as earth and water, the Vaishnavi Shakti, the seed of the universe, the knowledge in every science and the woman in every woman; then, sixteen times over, they bow to her as Narayani – as intelligence in the heart, as time, as the auspicious of all auspicious things, as Brahmani, Maheshvari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Narasimhi, Aindri, Shivaduti and Chamunda. They ask her face, her trident, her bell and her sword to protect them, and beg her to calm the sins and calamities of the world. The Goddess offers a boon; the gods ask only that she come whenever they are in trouble; and she answers with a list of the forms she will take – Vindhyavasini, Raktadantika, Shatakshi, Shakambhari, Durga, Bhima Devi and Bhramari – ending with the promise that whenever the danavas rise, she will descend and destroy them.

The chapter contains 55 textual units, traditionally counted as 4 uvacha lines, 1 half-verse and 50 full verses. Every one of them is given below in Sanskrit, with transliteration and a simple English meaning.

Durga Saptashati Chapter 11 at a Glance

Particular	Details
Chapter	Ekadasha Adhyaya (Eleventh Chapter)
Traditional Name	Devyah Stuti – The Praise of the Goddess, in the colophon; popularly the Narayani Stuti
Charitra	Uttama Charitra – Chapters 5 to 13
Presiding Deity	Mahasaraswati
Rishi · Metre · Shakti · Bija · Tattva · Veda	Rudra · Anushtup · Bhima · Bhramari · Surya · Samaveda – from the Viniyoga of the Uttama Charitra, recited at Chapter 5; Chapter 11 has no separate Viniyoga
Dhyana	Bhuvaneshvari – radiant as the rising sun, crowned with the moon, three-eyed, smiling, with boon, goad, noose and the gesture of fearlessness
Main Theme	The gods' hymn to Narayani, their prayer for protection, the Goddess's boon, and her promise of future incarnations
Narrator	Sage Medha ("Rishir Uvacha"), within Sage Markandeya's narration
Principal Figures	Indra, Agni and the gods; the Goddess as Katyayani, Narayani, Durga, Bhadrakali and Chandika; her future forms Vindhyavasini, Raktadantika, Shatakshi, Shakambhari, Durga, Bhima Devi and Bhramari
Traditional Count	55 textual units (630 from the beginning of the text)
Source	Markandeya Purana – Devi Mahatmya
Navratri	Read on its own on Day 7 in the nine-day schedule, and on Day 6 in the seven-day schedule

Story of Durga Saptashati Chapter 11

When the Goddess has slain the great lord of the asuras, Indra and the gods, with Agni at their head, their wishes fulfilled and their faces open like lotuses, praise Katyayani. Be gracious, they say, Mother of the whole world, ruler of all that moves and does not move. You alone support the world as the earth; as water you nourish it; you are the Vaishnavi Shakti of endless valour, the supreme Maya who is the seed of the universe and who deludes it, and who, when pleased, is the cause of liberation. All knowledge is your forms; all women in all the worlds are you; the world is filled by you alone – what praise could be enough?

Then the hymn turns into a litany. Sixteen times the gods bow to her as Narayani: the intelligence in every heart, the giver of heaven and liberation; time itself, in its divisions, and the power at the dissolution of the universe; the auspicious of all auspicious things, the three-eyed Gauri, the refuge; the power of creation, preservation and destruction; the rescuer of the distressed; and then, one by one, the Mothers of Chapter 8 – Brahmani on her swan-chariot, Maheshvari on her bull, Kaumari with her peacock and cock, Vaishnavi with her conch and discus, Varahi who lifted the earth on her tusks, Narasimhi, Aindri the slayer of Vritra – and Shivaduti and Chamunda, and the Goddess as Lakshmi, modesty, faith, Medha, Saraswati and the dark Tamasi.

The gods ask for protection: from her face, lovely with three eyes; from her blazing trident, Bhadrakali; from her bell, whose sound unmans the demons, "as a mother guards her children"; from her sword, bright and smeared with the demons' blood. They praise her as the one who, pleased, removes all disease, whose devotees never meet misfortune and become a refuge for others; who alone could have destroyed the demons by taking so many forms; who is in every science and every scripture, and who also makes the world wander in the dark pit of "mine"; who stands wherever there are rakshasas, serpents, enemies, robbers, forest fire or the sea, and protects. Be gracious, they end; protect us from the fear of enemies always, as you have today; calm the sins and calamities of the world.

The Goddess offers a boon. The gods ask for only one thing: that all the troubles of the three worlds be calmed, and that she destroy their enemies "in this same way" whenever they arise.

She answers with her promises. In the twenty-eighth age of the Vaivasvata manvantara, when another Shumbha and Nishumbha are born, she will be born in the house of Nanda from Yashoda's womb and, dwelling in the Vindhya, destroy them. She will descend in a terrible form to devour the Vaiprachitta danavas, and her teeth, red as pomegranate flowers, will earn her the name Raktadantika. When no rain falls for a hundred years, she will appear unborn, praised by the sages, look on them with a hundred eyes as Shatakshi, and feed the world with the vegetables of her own body as Shakambhari – and there slay the asura Durgama, taking the name Durga. In the Himalaya she will devour the rakshasas to protect the sages, as Bhima Devi. When the asura Aruna troubles the three worlds, she will become a swarm of countless bees, Bhramari, and kill him. "And whenever trouble from the danavas arises," she ends, "each time I shall descend and destroy the enemies."

Who Appears in Chapter 11?

Figure	Role in the Chapter
Sage Medha	Narrates the chapter to King Suratha and the merchant Samadhi
Indra, Agni and the gods	Praise the Goddess, pray for protection and receive her boon
The Goddess (Katyayani, Narayani, Durga, Bhadrakali, Chandika)	Hears the hymn, grants the boon and foretells her future forms
The Mothers, Shivaduti and Chamunda	Praised in the hymn as forms of Narayani
Vindhyavasini	Her future birth in the house of Nanda, from Yashoda, to slay a later Shumbha and Nishumbha
Raktadantika	Her future form with teeth red from devouring the Vaiprachittas
Shatakshi and Shakambhari	Her future form in a hundred-year drought: hundred-eyed, feeding the world from her own body
Durga	The name she will earn by slaying the asura Durgama
Bhima Devi	Her future form in the Himalaya, devouring rakshasas to protect the sages
Bhramari	Her future form as a swarm of bees, slaying the asura Aruna

Structure of Chapter 11

The chapter can be understood in six parts:

The gods begin their praise – Verses 1–7
The Narayani litany: sixteen salutations – Verses 8–23
The prayer for protection: her face, trident, bell and sword – Verses 24–28
Her nature, and the plea for the world – Verses 29–35
The boon – Verses 36–40
The Goddess's promises: her future incarnations – Verses 41–55

Durga Saptashati Chapter 11 Sanskrit with Meaning

॥ श्रीदुर्गासप्तशती – एकादशोऽध्यायः ॥

Dhyana

ॐ बालरविद्युतिमिन्दुकिरीटां तुङ्गकुचां नयनत्रययुक्ताम्।

स्मेरमुखीं वरदाङ्कुशपाशाभीतिकरां प्रभजे भुवनेशीम्॥

Om Balaravi-Dyutim Indukiritam Tungakucham Nayanatraya-Yuktam |

Smeramukhim Varadankusha-Pashabhiti-Karam Prabhaje Bhuvaneshim ||

Meaning: I worship Bhuvaneshi, the Goddess of the worlds – radiant as the rising sun, crowned with the moon, high-breasted, three-eyed, smiling, her hands showing the boon-giving gesture, the goad, the noose and the gesture that dispels fear.

Verse 1 – Rishir Uvacha

"ॐ" ऋषिरुवाच॥१॥

"Om" Rishir Uvacha || 1 ||

Meaning: With "Om", the sage Medha said:

Verse 2

देव्या हते तत्र महासुरेन्द्रे सेन्द्राः सुरा वह्निपुरोगमास्ताम्।

कात्यायनीं तुष्टुवुरिष्टलाभाद् विकाशिवक्त्राब्जविकाशिताशाः॥२॥

Devya Hate Tatra Mahasurendre Sendrah Sura Vahni-Purogamas Tam |

Katyayanim Tushtuvur Ishtalabhad Vikashi-Vaktrabja-Vikashitashah || 2 ||

Meaning: "When the Goddess had slain the great lord of the asuras there, Indra and the gods, with Agni at their head, praised Katyayani – their wishes fulfilled, their lotus-faces open and lighting up the directions."

Verse 3

देवि प्रपन्नार्तिहरे प्रसीद प्रसीद मातर्जगतोऽखिलस्य।

प्रसीद विश्वेश्वरि पाहि विश्वं त्वमीश्वरी देवि चराचरस्य॥३॥

Devi Prapannarti-Hare Prasida Prasida Matar Jagato'khilasya |

Prasida Vishveshvari Pahi Vishvam Tvamishvari Devi Characharasya || 3 ||

Meaning: "O Goddess, who remove the suffering of those who take refuge in you, be gracious! Be gracious, Mother of the whole world! Be gracious, ruler of the universe – protect the universe. You, O Goddess, are the ruler of all that moves and all that does not."

Verse 4

आधारभूता जगतस्त्वमेका महीस्वरूपेण यतः स्थितासि।

अपां स्वरूपस्थितया त्वयैत- दाप्यायते कृत्स्नमलङ्घ्यवीर्ये॥४॥

Adharabhuta Jagatas Tvam Eka Mahi-Svarupena Yatah Sthitasi |

Apam Svarupa-Sthitaya Tvayaita- Dapyayate Kritsnam Alanghya-Virye || 4 ||

Meaning: "You alone are the support of the world, for you abide in the form of the earth. And abiding in the form of water, you nourish this whole world, O Goddess of unconquerable power."

Verse 5

त्वं वैष्णवी शक्तिरनन्तवीर्या विश्वस्य बीजं परमासि माया।

सम्मोहितं देवि समस्तमेतत् त्वं वै प्रसन्ना भुवि मुक्तिहेतुः॥५॥

Tvam Vaishnavi Shaktir Ananta-Virya Vishvasya Bijam Paramasi Maya |

Sammohitam Devi Samastametat Tvam Vai Prasanna Bhuvi Muktihetuh || 5 ||

Meaning: "You are the Vaishnavi Shakti of endless valour; you are the seed of the universe, the supreme Maya. All this world, O Goddess, has been deluded by you – and you, when pleased, are the cause of liberation on earth."

Verse 6

विद्याः समस्तास्तव देवि भेदाः स्त्रियः समस्ताः सकला जगत्सु।

त्वयैकया पूरितमम्बयैतत् का ते स्तुतिः स्तव्यपरा परोक्तिः॥६॥

Vidyah Samastastava Devi Bhedah Striyah Samastah Sakala Jagatsu |

Tvayaikaya Puritam Ambayaitat Ka Te Stutih Stavyapara Paroktih || 6 ||

Meaning: "All the sciences, O Goddess, are forms of you; all the women in all the worlds are you. This whole world is filled by you alone, O Mother. What praise could there be for you, who are beyond all praise and all words?"

Verse 7

सर्वभूता यदा देवी स्वर्गमुक्तिप्रदायिनी। त्वं स्तुता स्तुतये का वा भवन्तु परमोक्तयः॥७॥

Sarvabhuta Yada Devi Svarga-Mukti-Pradayini | Tvam Stuta Stutaye Ka Va Bhavantu Paramoktayah || 7 ||

Meaning: "When you, O Goddess, who are all beings and the giver of heaven and liberation, are praised – what higher words could serve to praise you?"

Verse 8

सर्वस्य बुद्धिरूपेण जनस्य हृदि संस्थिते। स्वर्गापवर्गदे देवि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥८॥

Sarvasya Buddhirupena Janasya Hridi Samsthite | Svargapavargade Devi Narayani Namo'stu Te || 8 ||

Meaning: "O Goddess who dwell as intelligence in the heart of every being, giver of heaven and liberation – Narayani, salutations to you."

Verse 9

कलाकाष्ठादिरूपेण परिणामप्रदायिनि। विश्वस्योपरतौ शक्ते नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥९॥

Kala-Kashthadi-Rupena Parinama-Pradayini | Vishvasyoparatau Shakte Narayani Namo'stu Te || 9 ||

Meaning: "O you who bring about change in the form of the divisions of time, kala, kashtha and the rest; O power at the dissolution of the universe – Narayani, salutations to you."

Verse 10

सर्वमङ्गलमङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके। शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥१०॥

Sarva-Mangala-Mangalye Shive Sarvartha-Sadhike | Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namo'stu Te || 10 ||

Meaning: "O auspicious one among all that is auspicious, O Shiva who accomplish every aim, O refuge, O three-eyed Gauri – Narayani, salutations to you."

Verse 11

सृष्टिस्थितिविनाशानां शक्तिभूते सनातनि। गुणाश्रये गुणमये नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥११॥

Srishti-Sthiti-Vinashanam Shaktibhute Sanatani | Gunashraye Gunamaye Narayani Namo'stu Te || 11 ||

Meaning: "O eternal one, who are the power of creation, preservation and destruction; O support of the gunas and made of the gunas – Narayani, salutations to you."

Verse 12

शरणागतदीनार्तपरित्राणपरायणे। सर्वस्यार्तिहरे देवि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥१२॥

Sharanagata-Dinarta-Paritrana-Parayane | Sarvasyarti-Hare Devi Narayani Namo'stu Te || 12 ||

Meaning: "O you who are devoted to saving the poor and the distressed who take refuge in you; O Goddess who remove the suffering of all – Narayani, salutations to you."

Verse 13

हंसयुक्तविमानस्थे ब्रह्माणीरूपधारिणि। कौशाम्भःक्षरिके देवि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥१३॥

Hamsa-Yukta-Vimanasthe Brahmani-Rupa-Dharini | Kaushambhah-Ksharike Devi Narayani Namo'stu Te || 13 ||

Meaning: "O you who ride the chariot drawn by swans in the form of Brahmani, who sprinkle water with the kusha grass – O Goddess, Narayani, salutations to you."

Verse 14

त्रिशूलचन्द्राहिधरे महावृषभवाहिनि। माहेश्वरीस्वरूपेण नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥१४॥

Trishula-Chandrahi-Dhare Mahavrishabha-Vahini | Maheshvari-Svarupena Narayani Namo'stu Te || 14 ||

Meaning: "O you who bear the trident, the moon and the serpent, and ride the great bull, in the form of Maheshvari – Narayani, salutations to you."

Verse 15

मयूरकुक्कुटवृते महाशक्तिधरेऽनघे। कौमारीरूपसंस्थाने नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥१५॥

Mayura-Kukkuta-Vrite Mahashakti-Dhare'naghe | Kaumari-Rupa-Samsthane Narayani Namo'stu Te || 15 ||

Meaning: "O sinless one, attended by the peacock and the cock, who bear the great spear, in the form of Kaumari – Narayani, salutations to you."

Verse 16

शङ्खचक्रगदाशार्ङ्गगृहीतपरमायुधे। प्रसीद वैष्णवीरूपे नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥१६॥

Shankha-Chakra-Gada-Sharnga-Grihita-Paramayudhe | Prasida Vaishnavi-Rupe Narayani Namo'stu Te || 16 ||

Meaning: "O you who hold the great weapons – the conch, the discus, the mace and the Sharnga bow – be gracious, in the form of Vaishnavi; Narayani, salutations to you."

Verse 17

गृहीतोग्रमहाचक्रे दंष्ट्रोद्धृतवसुन्धरे। वराहरूपिणि शिवे नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥१७॥

Grihitogra-Mahachakre Damshtroddhrita-Vasundhare | Varaharupini Shive Narayani Namo'stu Te || 17 ||

Meaning: "O you who wield the fierce great discus and lifted the earth on your tusks, in the auspicious form of the Boar – Narayani, salutations to you."

Verse 18

नृसिंहरूपेणोग्रेण हन्तुं दैत्यान् कृतोद्यमे। त्रैलोक्यत्राणसहिते नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥१८॥

Nrisimha-Rupenogrena Hantum Daityan Kritodyame | Trailokya-Trana-Sahite Narayani Namo'stu Te || 18 ||

Meaning: "O you who in the fierce form of Narasimha set out to slay the demons, and who carry the protection of the three worlds – Narayani, salutations to you."

Verse 19

किरीटिनि महावज्रे सहस्रनयनोज्ज्वले। वृत्रप्राणहरे चैन्द्रि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥१९॥

Kiritini Mahavajre Sahasra-Nayanojjvale | Vritra-Prana-Hare Chaindri Narayani Namo'stu Te || 19 ||

Meaning: "O crowned one, who bear the great thunderbolt, bright with a thousand eyes, who took the life of Vritra – O Aindri, Narayani, salutations to you."

Verse 20

शिवदूतीस्वरूपेण हतदैत्यमहाबले। घोररूपे महारावे नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥२०॥

Shivaduti-Svarupena Hata-Daitya-Mahabale | Ghorarupe Maharave Narayani Namo'stu Te || 20 ||

Meaning: "O you who in the form of Shivaduti destroyed the great armies of the demons; of terrible form and mighty roar – Narayani, salutations to you."

Verse 21

दंष्ट्राकरालवदने शिरोमालाविभूषणे। चामुण्डे मुण्डमथने नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥२१॥

Damshtra-Karala-Vadane Shiromala-Vibhushane | Chamunde Mundamathane Narayani Namo'stu Te || 21 ||

Meaning: "O you whose face is terrible with fangs, who are adorned with a garland of heads; O Chamunda, destroyer of Munda – Narayani, salutations to you."

Verse 22

लक्ष्मि लज्जे महाविद्ये श्रद्धे पुष्टिस्वधे ध्रुवे। महारात्रि महाऽविद्ये नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥२२॥

Lakshmi Lajje Mahavidye Shraddhe Pushtisvadhe Dhruve | Maharatri Maha'vidye Narayani Namo'stu Te || 22 ||

Meaning: "O Lakshmi, O Modesty, O Great Knowledge, O Faith, O Nourishment, O Svadha, O Steadfast One; O Great Night, O Great Ignorance that veils the world – Narayani, salutations to you."

Verse 23

मेधे सरस्वति वरे भूति बाभ्रवि तामसि। नियते त्वं प्रसीदेशे नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥२३॥

Medhe Sarasvati Vare Bhuti Babhravi Tamasi | Niyate Tvam Prasideshe Narayani Namo'stu Te || 23 ||

Meaning: "O Medha, O Saraswati, O Best of all, O Prosperity, O tawny Babhravi, O dark Tamasi, O Niyata who govern all – be gracious, O Isha; Narayani, salutations to you."

Verse 24

सर्वस्वरूपे सर्वेशे सर्वशक्तिसमन्विते। भयेभ्यस्त्राहि नो देवि दुर्गे देवि नमोऽस्तु ते॥२४॥

Sarvasvarupe Sarveshe Sarva-Shakti-Samanvite | Bhayebhyas Trahi No Devi Durge Devi Namo'stu Te || 24 ||

Meaning: "O Goddess who are the form of all, the ruler of all, endowed with every power – save us from fears. O Goddess Durga, salutations to you."

Verse 25

एतत्ते वदनं सौम्यं लोचनत्रयभूषितम्। पातु नः सर्वभीतिभ्यः कात्यायनि नमोऽस्तु ते॥२५॥

Etatte Vadanam Saumyam Lochanatraya-Bhushitam | Patu Nah Sarva-Bhitibhyah Katyayani Namo'stu Te || 25 ||

Meaning: "May this gentle face of yours, adorned with three eyes, protect us from every fear. O Katyayani, salutations to you."

Verse 26

ज्वालाकरालमत्युग्रमशेषासुरसूदनम्। त्रिशूलं पातु नो भीतेर्भद्रकालि नमोऽस्तु ते॥२६॥

Jvala-Karalam Atyugram Asheshasura-Sudanam | Trishulam Patu No Bhiter Bhadrakali Namo'stu Te || 26 ||

Meaning: "May your trident – terrible with flames, most fierce, the destroyer of every asura – protect us from fear. O Bhadrakali, salutations to you."

Verse 27

हिनस्ति दैत्यतेजांसि स्वनेनापूर्य या जगत्। सा घण्टा पातु नो देवि पापेभ्योऽनः सुतानिव॥२७॥

Hinasti Daitya-Tejamsi Svanenapurya Ya Jagat | Sa Ghanta Patu No Devi Papebhyo'nah Sutaniva || 27 ||

Meaning: "May your bell – which fills the world with its sound and destroys the strength of the demons – protect us from sins, O Goddess, as a mother protects her children."

Verse 28

असुरासृग्वसापङ्कचर्चितस्ते करोज्ज्वलः। शुभाय खड्गो भवतु चण्डिके त्वां नता वयम्॥२८॥

Asura-Srig-Vasa-Panka-Charchitas Te Karojjvalah | Shubhaya Khadgo Bhavatu Chandike Tvam Nata Vayam || 28 ||

Meaning: "May your sword, bright in your hand and smeared with the blood and fat of the asuras, be for our good. O Chandika, we bow to you."

Verse 29

रोगानशेषानपहंसि तुष्टा रुष्टा तु कामान् सकलानभीष्टान्।

त्वामाश्रितानां न विपन्नराणां त्वामाश्रिता ह्याश्रयतां प्रयान्ति॥२९॥

Rogan Asheshan Apahamsi Tushta Rushta Tu Kaman Sakalan Abhishtan |

Tvam Ashritanam Na Vipannaranam Tvamashrita Hyashrayatam Prayanti || 29 ||

Meaning: "When you are pleased you take away every disease; when you are angry you take away every cherished desire. No misfortune befalls those who have taken refuge in you – and those who have taken refuge in you become a refuge for others."

Verse 30

एतत्कृतं यत्कदनं त्वयाद्य धर्मद्विषां देवि महासुराणाम्।

रूपैरनेकैर्बहुधाऽऽत्ममूर्तिं कृत्वाम्बिके तत्प्रकरोति कान्या॥३०॥

Etatkritam Yatkadanam Tvayadya Dharma-Dvisham Devi Mahasuranam |

Rupair Anekair Bahudha''tma-Murtim Kritvambike Tatprakaroti Kanya || 30 ||

Meaning: "This destruction you have wrought today of the great asuras who hated dharma – multiplying your own form into many forms – who but you, O Ambika, could do such a thing?"

Verse 31

विद्यासु शास्त्रेषु विवेकदीपे- ष्वाद्येषु वाक्येषु च का त्वदन्या।

ममत्वगर्तेऽतिमहान्धकारे विभ्रामयत्येतदतीव विश्वम्॥३१॥

Vidyasu Shastreshu Vivekadipe- Shvadyeshu Vakyeshu Cha Ka Tvadanya |

Mamatva-Garte'timahandhakare Vibhramayaty Etad Ativa Vishvam || 31 ||

Meaning: "In the sciences, in the scriptures, in the lamps of discernment and in the first of all utterances, the Vedas – who is there but you? And who but you makes this whole world wander so in the deep darkness of the pit of 'mine'?"

Verse 32

रक्षांसि यत्रोग्रविषाश्च नागा यत्रारयो दस्युबलानि यत्र।

दावानलो यत्र तथाब्धिमध्ये तत्र स्थिता त्वं परिपासि विश्वम्॥३२॥

Rakshamsi Yatrogravishash Cha Naga Yatrarayo Dasyubalani Yatra |

Davanalo Yatra Tathabdhi-Madhye Tatra Sthita Tvam Paripasi Vishvam || 32 ||

Meaning: "Where there are rakshasas, where there are serpents of deadly venom, where there are enemies, where there are bands of robbers, where there is forest fire, and in the midst of the sea – there you stand, and protect the world."

Verse 33

विश्वेश्वरि त्वं परिपासि विश्वं विश्वात्मिका धारयसीति विश्वम्।

विश्वेशवन्द्या भवती भवन्ति विश्वाश्रया ये त्वयि भक्तिनम्राः॥३३॥

Vishveshvari Tvam Paripasi Vishvam Vishvatmika Dharayasiti Vishvam |

Vishvesha-Vandya Bhavati Bhavanti Vishvashraya Ye Tvayi Bhaktinamrah || 33 ||

Meaning: "O ruler of the universe, you protect the universe; as the self of the universe, you uphold the universe. You are worshipped by the lord of the universe – and those who bow to you in devotion become themselves a refuge for the world."

Verse 34

देवि प्रसीद परिपालय नोऽरिभीते- र्नित्यं यथासुरवधादधुनैव सद्यः।

पापानि सर्वजगतां प्रशमं नयाशु उत्पातपाकजनितांश्च महोपसर्गान्॥३४॥

Devi Prasida Paripalaya No'ribhite- Rnityam Yathasura-Vadhad Adhunaiva Sadyah |

Papani Sarvajagatam Prashamam Nayashu Utpata-Paka-Janitamsh Cha Mahopasargan || 34 ||

Meaning: "O Goddess, be gracious. Protect us always from the fear of enemies, as you have this very moment by slaying the asuras. Quickly calm the sins of all the worlds, and the great calamities that ripen from evil portents."

Verse 35

प्रणतानां प्रसीद त्वं देवि विश्वार्तिहारिणि। त्रैलोक्यवासिनामीड्ये लोकानां वरदा भव॥३५॥

Pranatanam Prasida Tvam Devi Vishvarti-Harini | Trailokya-Vasinam Idye Lokanam Varada Bhava || 35 ||

Meaning: "Be gracious to us who bow to you, O Goddess who remove the suffering of the universe. O you whom the dwellers of the three worlds praise, be the giver of boons to the worlds."

Verse 36 – Devyuvacha

देव्युवाच॥३६॥

Devyuvacha || 36 ||

Meaning: The Goddess said:

Verse 37

वरदाहं सुरगणा वरं यन्मनसेच्छथ। तं वृणुध्वं प्रयच्छामि जगतामुपकारकम्॥३७॥

Varadaham Suragana Varam Yan Manasechchhatha | Tam Vrinudhvam Prayachchhami Jagatam Upakarakam || 37 ||

Meaning: "'I am the giver of boons, O hosts of gods. Choose whatever boon your hearts desire, and I will grant it, for the good of the worlds.'"

Verse 38 – Deva Uchuh

देवा ऊचुः॥३८॥

Deva Uchuh || 38 ||

Meaning: The gods said:

Verse 39

सर्वाबाधाप्रशमनं त्रैलोक्यस्याखिलेश्वरि। एवमेव त्वया कार्यमस्मद्वैरिविनाशनम्॥३९॥

Sarva-Badha-Prashamanam Trailokyasyakhileshvari | Evameva Tvaya Karyam Asmad-Vairi-Vinashanam || 39 ||

Meaning: "'O ruler of all, let every trouble of the three worlds be calmed – and let the destruction of our enemies be done by you in this same way, always.'"

Verse 40 – Devyuvacha

देव्युवाच॥४०॥

Devyuvacha || 40 ||

Meaning: The Goddess said:

Verse 41

वैवस्वतेऽन्तरे प्राप्ते अष्टाविंशतिमे युगे। शुम्भो निशुम्भश्चैवान्यावुत्पत्स्येते महासुरौ॥४१॥

Vaivasvate'ntare Prapte Ashtavimshatime Yuge | Shumbho Nishumbhash Chaivanyav Utpatsyete Mahasurau || 41 ||

Meaning: "'When the twenty-eighth age of the Vaivasvata manvantara has come, two other great asuras will be born, a Shumbha and a Nishumbha.'"

Verse 42

नन्दगोपगृहे जाता यशोदागर्भसम्भवा। ततस्तौ नाशयिष्यामि विन्ध्याचलनिवासिनी॥४२॥

Nandagopa-Grihe Jata Yashoda-Garbha-Sambhava | Tatastau Nashayishyami Vindhyachala-Nivasini || 42 ||

Meaning: "'Then I shall be born in the house of Nanda the cowherd, from the womb of Yashoda, and, dwelling in the Vindhya mountains, I shall destroy those two.'"

Verse 43

पुनरप्यतिरौद्रेण रूपेण पृथिवीतले। अवतीर्य हनिष्यामि वैप्रचित्तांस्तु दानवान्॥४३॥

Punar Apy Atiraudrena Rupena Prithivitale | Avatirya Hanishyami Vaiprachittams Tu Danavan || 43 ||

Meaning: "'Again I shall descend to the earth in a most terrible form and slay the danavas called the Vaiprachittas.'"

Verse 44

भक्षयन्त्याश्च तानुग्रान् वैप्रचित्तान्महासुरान्। रक्ता दन्ता भविष्यन्ति दाडिमीकुसुमोपमाः॥४४॥

Bhakshayantyash Cha Tanugran Vaiprachittan Mahasuran | Rakta Danta Bhavishyanti Dadimi-Kusumopamah || 44 ||

Meaning: "'As I devour those fierce Vaiprachitta asuras, my teeth will turn red like pomegranate flowers.'"

Verse 45

ततो मां देवताः स्वर्गे मर्त्यलोके च मानवाः। स्तुवन्तो व्याहरिष्यन्ति सततं रक्तदन्तिकाम्॥४५॥

Tato Mam Devatah Svarge Martyaloke Cha Manavah | Stuvanto Vyaharishyanti Satatam Raktadantikam || 45 ||

Meaning: "'Then the gods in heaven and men in the world of mortals, praising me, will always call me Raktadantika, the Red-toothed.'"

Verse 46

भूयश्च शतवार्षिक्यामनावृष्ट्यामनम्भसि। मुनिभिः संस्तुता भूमौ सम्भविष्याम्ययोनिजा॥४६॥

Bhuyashcha Shatavarshikyam Anavrishtyam Anambhasi | Munibhih Samstuta Bhumau Sambhavishyamy Ayonija || 46 ||

Meaning: "'Again, in a drought of a hundred years, when there is no water, I shall appear on the earth, praised by the sages – born of no womb.'"

Verse 47

ततः शतेन नेत्राणां निरीक्षिष्यामि यन्मुनीन्। कीर्तयिष्यन्ति मनुजाः शताक्षीमिति मां ततः॥४७॥

Tatah Shatena Netranam Nirikshishyami Yanmunin | Kirtayishyanti Manujah Shatakshim Iti Mam Tatah || 47 ||

Meaning: "'Then, because I shall look upon the sages with a hundred eyes, men will celebrate me as Shatakshi, the Hundred-eyed.'"

Verse 48

ततोऽहमखिलं लोकमात्मदेहसमुद्भवैः। भरिष्यामि सुराः शाकैरावृष्टेः प्राणधारकैः॥४८॥

Tato'ham Akhilam Lokam Atma-Deha-Samudbhavaih | Bharishyami Surah Shakair Avrishteh Prana-Dharakaih || 48 ||

Meaning: "'Then, O gods, I shall sustain the whole world, until the rains come, with life-giving vegetables grown from my own body.'"

Verse 49

शाकम्भरीति विख्यातिं तदा यास्याम्यहं भुवि। तत्रैव च वधिष्यामि दुर्गमाख्यं महासुरम्॥४९॥

Shakambhariti Vikhyatim Tada Yasyamyaham Bhuvi | Tatraiva Cha Vadhishyami Durgamakhyam Mahasuram || 49 ||

Meaning: "'Then I shall be famed on earth as Shakambhari, the Bearer of Vegetables; and there too I shall slay the great asura named Durgama.'"

Verse 50

दुर्गा देवीति विख्यातं तन्मे नाम भविष्यति। पुनश्चाहं यदा भीमं रूपं कृत्वा हिमाचले॥५०॥

Durga Deviti Vikhyatam Tanme Nama Bhavishyati | Punashchaham Yada Bhimam Rupam Kritva Himachale || 50 ||

Meaning: "'And so my name will be famed as Durga Devi. And again, when I take a terrible form in the Himalaya'"

Verse 51

रक्षांसि भक्षयिष्यामि मुनीनां त्राणकारणात्। तदा मां मुनयः सर्वे स्तोष्यन्त्यानम्रमूर्तयः॥५१॥

Rakshamsi Bhakshayishyami Muninam Tranakaranat | Tada Mam Munayah Sarve Stoshyanty Anamra-Murtayah || 51 ||

Meaning: "'and devour the rakshasas to protect the sages, then all the sages will praise me with bowed bodies.'"

Verse 52

भीमा देवीति विख्यातं तन्मे नाम भविष्यति। यदारुणाख्यस्त्रैलोक्ये महाबाधां करिष्यति॥५२॥

Bhima Deviti Vikhyatam Tanme Nama Bhavishyati | Yadarunakhyas Trailokye Mahabadham Karishyati || 52 ||

Meaning: "'And so my name will be famed as Bhima Devi. And when the asura named Aruna brings great trouble on the three worlds,'"

Verse 53

तदाहं भ्रामरं रूपं कृत्वाऽसङ्ख्येयषट्पदम्। त्रैलोक्यस्य हितार्थाय वधिष्यामि महासुरम्॥५३॥

Tadaham Bhramaram Rupam Kritva'sankhyeya-Shatpadam | Trailokyasya Hitarthaya Vadhishyami Mahasuram || 53 ||

Meaning: "'then I shall take the form of a swarm of countless bees and slay that great asura, for the good of the three worlds.'"

Verse 54

भ्रामरीति च मां लोकास्तदा स्तोष्यन्ति सर्वतः। इत्थं यदा यदा बाधा दानवोत्था भविष्यति॥५४॥

Bhramariti Cha Mam Lokastada Stoshyanti Sarvatah | Ittham Yada Yada Badha Danavottha Bhavishyati || 54 ||

Meaning: "'And then people everywhere will praise me as Bhramari, the Bee. Thus, whenever trouble arises from the danavas,'"

Verse 55

तदा तदावतीर्याहं करिष्याम्यरिसंक्षयम्॥ॐ॥५५॥

Tada Tadavatiryaham Karishyamy Ari-Sankshayam || Om || 55 ||

Meaning: "'each time I shall descend and destroy the enemies.'" Om.

Chapter Colophon

॥ इति श्रीमार्कण्डेयपुराणे सावर्णिके मन्वन्तरे देवीमाहात्म्ये देव्याः स्तुतिर्नामैकादशोऽध्यायः॥११॥

|| Iti Shri-Markandeya-Purane Savarnike Manvantare Devimahatmye Devyah Stutir Namaikadasho'dhyayah || 11 ||

Meaning: Thus ends the eleventh chapter, named "The Praise of the Goddess", of the Devi Mahatmya in the account of the Savarnika manvantara in the Shri Markandeya Purana.

उवाच ४, अर्धश्लोकः १, श्लोकाः ५०, एवम् ५५, एवमादितः॥६३०॥

Uvacha 4, Ardhashlokah 1, Shlokah 50, Evam 55, Evamaditah || 630 ||

Meaning: Four uvacha lines, one half-verse and 50 full verses – 55 textual units in this chapter, and 630 from the beginning of the text.

Significance of Durga Saptashati Chapter 11

Durga Saptashati Chapter 11 is the Devi Mahatmya's great hymn of thanksgiving, and the chapter from which most of its everyday prayers are drawn. "Sarva-Mangala-Mangalye" is sung at the close of pujas and aartis across India; "Sarvasvarupe Sarveshe" and "Sharanagata-Dinarta" are among the most repeated of all Devi mantras; and the Narayani refrain, "Narayani Namo'stu Te", recurs sixteen times. The chapter is the devotional heart of the text in the way Chapter 10 is its philosophical summit.

Its structure is deliberate. The hymn moves from the Goddess as the world's support – earth, water, the seed of the universe – through her as every science and every woman, into the litany of her forms, and then into the prayer for protection by face, trident, bell and sword. The forms it names are the Mothers who fought in Chapter 8 and were absorbed in Chapter 10: having seen them merge into her, the gods now salute them as her. The hymn also keeps the Devi Mahatmya's honesty about the Goddess – she is the lamp of discernment and the darkness of "mine"; she removes disease when pleased and withholds every wish when angry.

The chapter's second half is the Devi Mahatmya's prophecy of itself. Asked for a boon, the gods ask only that she return; and she lists the forms she will take – Vindhyavasini, Raktadantika, Shatakshi, Shakambhari, Durga, Bhima Devi, Bhramari – each still worshipped under that name. The last line, "whenever trouble arises, I shall descend and destroy the enemies", is the Goddess's own promise, and the reason the Saptashati is recited.

Main Teachings of Chapter 11

The Goddess is the support of the world – as earth, as water, as the seed and Maya of the universe (Verses 4–5).
Every form of power is Narayani – the Mothers, Shivaduti, Chamunda, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and the dark Tamasi alike (Verses 8–23).
Her weapons are protection – face, trident, bell and sword are asked to guard, "as a mother guards her children" (Verses 24–28).
Refuge in her makes one a refuge – those who take shelter in her meet no misfortune and become a shelter for others (Verses 29 and 33).
She is both the lamp and the darkness – the discernment in the scriptures and the delusion of "mine" (Verse 31).
She will always return – whenever the danavas rise, she will descend (Verses 54–55).

The Narayani Stuti: Sixteen Salutations

Verses 8 to 23 each end with "Narayani Namo'stu Te" – "Narayani, salutations to you." Narayani means the power of Narayana, the Goddess as the Shakti of the Supreme.

Verse	The Goddess saluted as
8	The intelligence in every heart; the giver of heaven and liberation
9	Time in its divisions; the power at the dissolution of the universe
10	The auspicious of all auspicious things; Shiva; the refuge; three-eyed Gauri
11	The eternal power of creation, preservation and destruction; the support of the gunas
12	The rescuer of the poor and distressed; the remover of all suffering
13	Brahmani on her swan-chariot, sprinkling kusha-water
14	Maheshvari on her bull, with trident, moon and serpent
15	Kaumari with her peacock and cock, bearing the great spear
16	Vaishnavi with conch, discus, mace and Sharnga bow
17	Varahi, who lifted the earth on her tusks
18	Narasimhi, the protector of the three worlds
19	Aindri, crowned and thousand-eyed, slayer of Vritra
20	Shivaduti, of terrible form and mighty roar
21	Chamunda, garlanded with heads, slayer of Munda
22	Lakshmi, Modesty, Great Knowledge, Faith, Nourishment, Svadha, the Steadfast One, Great Night, Great Ignorance
23	Medha, Saraswati, the Best, Prosperity, Babhravi, Tamasi, Niyata

"Sarva-Mangala-Mangalye": The Most Recited Verse

Verse 10 is the verse by which the Devi Mahatmya is known to millions who have never read the rest of it:

सर्वमङ्गलमङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके। शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥

"O auspicious one among all that is auspicious, O Shiva who accomplish every aim, O refuge, O three-eyed Gauri – Narayani, salutations to you."

It is recited at the end of pujas and aartis, at the close of the Durga Saptashati Path itself, and as a prayer on its own. Verses 12 ("Sharanagata-Dinarta") and 24 ("Sarvasvarupe Sarveshe") are nearly as widely used; Verse 24 is also one of the six verses placed on the hands and body in the Saptashati Nyasa before the Path.

The Goddess's Promises: Her Future Incarnations

In Verses 41–55 the Goddess tells the gods the forms in which she will return.

Form	Occasion	What she will do	Verses
Vindhyavasini	A later Shumbha and Nishumbha, in the twenty-eighth age of the Vaivasvata manvantara	Be born in the house of Nanda from Yashoda's womb, dwell in the Vindhya, and destroy them	41–42
Raktadantika	The Vaiprachitta danavas	Descend in a terrible form and devour them; her teeth red as pomegranate flowers	43–45
Shatakshi	A hundred-year drought	Appear unborn, praised by the sages, and look on them with a hundred eyes	46–47
Shakambhari	The same drought	Feed the whole world with vegetables grown from her own body	48–49
Durga	The asura Durgama	Slay him, and so earn the name Durga Devi	49–50
Bhima Devi	Rakshasas in the Himalaya	Take a terrible form and devour them to protect the sages	50–52
Bhramari	The asura Aruna	Become a swarm of countless bees and slay him	52–54
–	Whenever the danavas rise	"Each time I shall descend and destroy the enemies"	54–55

Why Is Chapter 11 Called Devi Stuti or Narayani Stuti?

The colophon names the eleventh chapter Devyah Stuti – "the praise (stuti) of the Goddess" – because it consists of the gods' hymn after Shumbha's death. It is popularly called the Narayani Stuti after the refrain of its sixteen central verses, "Narayani Namo'stu Te". It is the last of the Devi Mahatmya's four great hymns, after Brahma's hymn in Chapter 1, the Shakradi Stuti of Chapter 4 and the Aparajita Stuti of Chapter 5.

Traditional Recitation of Chapter 11

Chapter 11 belongs to the Uttama Charitra of the Devi Mahatmya, which runs from Chapter 5 to Chapter 13 under Mahasaraswati. It has no separate Viniyoga; the Viniyoga of the Uttama Charitra is recited at the start of Chapter 5, and Chapter 11 opens with its own Dhyana of Bhuvaneshvari, given above.

Schedule	When Chapter 11 is read	Context
3-day Path (by Charitra)	Day 3, with Chapters 5–10 and 12–13	Day 1: Chapter 1 · Day 2: Chapters 2–4
7-day Path	Day 6, on its own	Day 1: 1 · Day 2: 2–3 · Day 3: 4 · Day 4: 5–8 · Day 5: 9–10 · Day 7: 12–13
9-day Navratri Path	Day 7, on its own	Day 1: 1 · Day 2: 2–4 · Day 3: 5–6 · Day 4: 7 · Day 5: 8 · Day 6: 9–10 · Day 8: 12 · Day 9: 13

The chapter is read through to its colophon in one sitting; a chapter is never left unfinished. The exact procedure varies by tradition, lineage and method, and devotees should follow the method prescribed by their Guru or family tradition.

Traditional Spiritual Significance

In the chapter-wise tradition of the Path, the eleventh chapter is read for happiness and peace, and for progress and profit in business – the chapter in which the Goddess, pleased, offers the gods whatever they wish. The hymn itself states its promise: those who take refuge in her meet no misfortune and become a refuge for others (Verse 29). Devotees traditionally approach it for:

Devotion towards Goddess Mahasaraswati, the presiding deity of the Uttama Charitra, and towards Narayani in all her forms
Peace of mind and happiness in the home
Success and prosperity in work and business
Protection from fear, enemies, illness and calamity, through the prayers to her face, trident, bell and sword
Trust in the Goddess's promise to return whenever the world is in trouble

These are traditional devotional associations and should not be understood as guaranteed worldly or medical outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Durga Saptashati Chapter 11 called?

Durga Saptashati Chapter 11 is called Ekadasha Adhyaya; its colophon names it Devyah Stuti, "The Praise of the Goddess", and it is popularly known as the Narayani Stuti.

What happens in Chapter 11 of Durga Saptashati?

After Shumbha's death, Indra and the gods praise the Goddess as Katyayani and, sixteen times, as Narayani; they ask her face, trident, bell and sword to protect them and beg her to calm the sins of the world. She offers a boon; the gods ask only that she return whenever they are in trouble; and she lists the forms she will take in the future, ending with the promise that she will descend whenever the danavas rise.

Who is the main Goddess in Durga Saptashati Chapter 11?

The presiding deity of the Uttama Charitra is Mahasaraswati. In the hymn the Goddess is addressed as Katyayani, Narayani, Durga, Bhadrakali and Chandika, and the Dhyana at the head of the chapter meditates on her as Bhuvaneshvari, radiant as the rising sun.

What is the Narayani Stuti?

The sixteen verses, 8 to 23, that each end "Narayani Namo'stu Te" – "Narayani, salutations to you" – saluting the Goddess as intelligence, time, the auspicious of all auspicious things, the power of creation and destruction, the rescuer of the distressed, and as each of the Mothers, Shivaduti and Chamunda. The whole chapter is often called by this name.

What does "Sarva-Mangala-Mangalye" mean?

"O auspicious one among all that is auspicious, O Shiva who accomplish every aim, O refuge, O three-eyed Gauri – Narayani, salutations to you" (Verse 10). It is the most recited verse of the Durga Saptashati, sung at the end of pujas and aartis and at the close of the Path.

Which future incarnations does the Goddess promise in Chapter 11?

Vindhyavasini, born from Yashoda in the house of Nanda to slay a later Shumbha and Nishumbha; Raktadantika, red-toothed from devouring the Vaiprachittas; Shatakshi and Shakambhari, hundred-eyed and feeding the world from her body in a hundred-year drought; Durga, slayer of Durgama; Bhima Devi, devouring rakshasas in the Himalaya; and Bhramari, the swarm of bees that kills Aruna (Verses 41–54).

Is "Sarvasvarupe Sarveshe" from this chapter?

Yes – it is Verse 24. Together with the four protective verses of Chapter 4 and "Khadgini Shulini Ghora" from Chapter 1, it is one of the six verses placed on the hands and body in the Saptashati Nyasa before the Path.

How many verses are there in Durga Saptashati Chapter 11?

The traditional count gives 55 textual units: 4 uvacha lines, 1 half-verse (the closing Verse 55) and 50 full verses. Together with Chapters 1 to 10 this makes 630 units from the beginning of the text.

Can Chapter 11 be recited on its own?

Yes. In both the seven-day and the nine-day schedules it is read by itself – on Day 6 and Day 7 respectively – and the Narayani Stuti is widely recited as an independent prayer. Its own Dhyana of Bhuvaneshvari is recited first; its Viniyoga is that of the Uttama Charitra, recited at Chapter 5; and the preliminaries of the Path Vidhi are performed before it as for the whole Path.