Durga Saptashati Chapter 12: Phala Stuti

Durga Saptashati Chapter 12, known as Dvadasha Adhyaya or Phala Stuti – "The Praise of the Fruits" – is the chapter in which the Goddess herself speaks about her own Mahatmya: who should recite it, when, where, and what it gives. It belongs to the Uttama Charitra of the Devi Mahatmya, presided over by Mahasaraswati, and it is the scriptural basis for the Durga Saptashati Path as it is practised – including the great autumn worship of Sharad Navratri.

Having promised the gods that she will return whenever they are in trouble, the Goddess turns to the text itself. Whoever praises her with these hymns, she says, will have every trouble removed; whoever recounts the slaying of Madhu and Kaitabha, Mahishasura, and Shumbha and Nishumbha, or listens to her glory on the Ashtami, Navami and Chaturdashi, will know no evil, poverty, separation, or fear of enemy, robber, king, weapon, fire or flood. Wherever it is recited in her temple, she never leaves. Heard once with devotion, it pleases her as much as a whole year of worship. Remembered in a forest fire, among robbers, in a king's prison, in a storm at sea or in the thick of battle, it frees a man from danger. Then she vanishes before the gods, the demons retreat to Patala, and Sage Medha closes with the Goddess as Mahakali, as Lakshmi in good times and Alakshmi in bad.

The chapter contains 41 textual units, traditionally counted as 2 uvacha lines, 2 half-verses and 37 full verses. Every one of them is given below in Sanskrit, with transliteration and a simple English meaning.

Durga Saptashati Chapter 12 at a Glance

Particular	Details
Chapter	Dvadasha Adhyaya (Twelfth Chapter)
Traditional Name	Phala Stuti – The Praise of the Fruits of Recitation; also called the Phalashruti
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 12 has no separate Viniyoga
Dhyana	Three-eyed Durga on her lion, radiant as lightning, attended by maidens with swords and shields
Main Theme	The fruits of reciting and hearing the Devi Mahatmya, in the Goddess's own words; the Goddess vanishes and order is restored
Speakers	The Goddess herself ("Devyuvacha", Verses 1–30); then Sage Medha ("Rishir Uvacha", Verses 31–41)
Principal Figures	The Goddess as Chandika and Bhagavati; the gods; the surviving demons; King Suratha, addressed by Medha
Traditional Count	41 textual units (671 from the beginning of the text)
Source	Markandeya Purana – Devi Mahatmya
Navratri	Read on its own on Day 8 in the nine-day schedule

Story of Durga Saptashati Chapter 12

The Goddess, still speaking to the gods, now speaks of the text they are in. "Whoever praises me regularly with these hymns, with a concentrated mind, I shall free from every trouble – of this there is no doubt." Those who recount the slaying of Madhu and Kaitabha, of Mahishasura, and of Shumbha and Nishumbha, and those who listen with devotion to her supreme Mahatmya on the Ashtami, the Navami and the Chaturdashi, will meet no evil and no calamity born of evil, no poverty, no parting from those they love, and no fear of enemy, robber or king, of weapon, fire or flood. Therefore, she says, her Mahatmya should always be recited and heard with devotion: it is the supreme means of well-being.

It calms every affliction from pestilence and the three kinds of portents. Wherever it is recited correctly in her temple, she never leaves; her presence stays there. At offerings of bali, at puja, at fire-rites and at great festivals it should be recited and heard; and she accepts with love the bali-worship and the homa of those who know the method and of those who do not. The person who hears her Mahatmya with devotion at the great annual worship of autumn will, by her grace, be freed from every obstacle and blessed with wealth, grain and children. Hearing her glory and her auspicious births, a man becomes fearless and valiant in battle; his enemies perish, good fortune comes to him, and his family rejoices.

She names the occasions: rites for peace, bad dreams, severe planetary afflictions. Afflictions are calmed, planetary troubles and nightmares pass, and good dreams come in their place. It brings peace to children seized by balagrahas, friendship where alliances have broken; it saps the strength of all evil-doers, and its mere recitation destroys rakshasas, bhutas and pishachas. All of it brings her near. And the pleasure she takes in a whole year of worship – with animals, flowers, arghya, incense, perfumes, lamps, the feeding of brahmins, homas, sprinklings day and night, and every kind of offering – she takes in hearing this good story once. Heard, it removes sins and gives health; the recitation of her births protects from spirits; the story of her battles removes the fear of enemies; and the hymns of the gods, the brahmarshis and Brahma give a mind set on good.

Then the list of dangers: a man surrounded by forest fire in the wilderness, by robbers in a lonely place, in the hands of enemies, pursued by lions, tigers or wild elephants, sentenced to death by an angry king, held in prison, tossed by the wind in a ship on the great ocean, in a terrible battle under falling weapons, or wracked by pain in any dreadful affliction – remembering this story of hers, he is freed. By her power, lions, robbers and enemies flee far from the man who remembers her deeds.

Having said this, Chandika of terrible valour vanishes before the gods' eyes. The gods, freed from fear, take up their offices as before and enjoy their shares of the sacrifice; the demons who survive the deaths of Shumbha and Nishumbha go down to Patala. And Medha closes for King Suratha: thus the Goddess, though eternal, takes form again and again to protect the world. By her the world is deluded; she gives birth to it; asked, she gives knowledge; pleased, she gives prosperity. The whole universe is pervaded by her as Mahakali, who at the time of Mahakala becomes the great pestilence; she is pestilence in its season and she is birth, unborn; she sustains all beings in their time. In a house's good days she is Lakshmi, who increases; in its decline she is Alakshmi, who destroys. Praised and worshipped with flowers, incense and perfumes, she gives wealth, sons, a mind set on dharma, and an auspicious path.

Who Appears in Chapter 12?

Figure	Role in the Chapter
The Goddess (Chandika, Bhagavati)	Speaks the first thirty verses herself – the fruits of her Mahatmya – then vanishes before the gods
The gods	Hear her words, and take up their offices and their shares of the sacrifice again
The surviving demons	Retreat to Patala after the deaths of Shumbha and Nishumbha
Sage Medha	Closes the chapter for King Suratha with the nature of the eternal Goddess
King Suratha	Addressed as "O King" and "O lord of men" in Medha's closing verses

Structure of Chapter 12

The chapter can be understood in seven parts:

1. Who recites, and what is removed – Verses 1–7
2. Where and at which rites it is recited – Verses 8–11
3. The autumn worship and the occasions for hearing – Verses 12–19
4. The worth of hearing it once – Verses 20–24
5. The dangers from which remembering it frees – Verses 25–30
6. The Goddess vanishes; order is restored – Verses 31–35
7. Medha on the eternal Goddess: Mahakali, Lakshmi and Alakshmi – Verses 36–41

Durga Saptashati Chapter 12 Sanskrit with Meaning

॥ श्रीदुर्गासप्तशती – द्वादशोऽध्यायः ॥

Dhyana

ॐ विद्युद्दामसमप्रभां मृगपतिस्कन्धस्थितां भीषणां

कन्याभिः करवालखेटविलसद्धस्ताभिरासेविताम्।

हस्तैश्चक्रगदासिखेटविशिखांश्चापं गुणं तर्जनीं

बिभ्राणामनलात्मिकां शशिधरां दुर्गां त्रिनेत्रां भजे॥

Om Vidyud-Dama-Samaprabham Mrigapati-Skandha-Sthitam Bhishanam

Kanyabhih Karavala-Kheta-Vilasad-Hastabhir Asevitam |

Hastaish Chakra-Gada-Asi-Kheta-Vishikhamsh Chapam Gunam Tarjanim

Bibhranam Analatmikam Shashidharam Durgam Trinetram Bhaje ||

Meaning: I worship three-eyed Durga – radiant as a garland of lightning, seated on the shoulder of the lion, fearsome to behold, attended by maidens whose hands flash with swords and shields; who holds in her hands the discus, the mace, the sword, the shield, arrows, the bow, the bowstring and the raised finger of warning; who is of the nature of fire and bears the crescent moon.

Verse 1 – Devyuvacha

"ॐ" देव्युवाच॥१॥

"Om" Devyuvacha || 1 ||

Meaning: With "Om", the Goddess said:

Verse 2

एभिः स्तवैश्च मां नित्यं स्तोष्यते यः समाहितः। तस्याहं सकलां बाधां नाशयिष्याम्यसंशयम्॥२॥

Ebhih Stavaishcha Mam Nityam Stoshyate Yah Samahitah | Tasyaham Sakalam Badham Nashayishyamy Asamshayam || 2 ||

Meaning: "Whoever praises me regularly with these hymns, with a concentrated mind – I shall destroy every trouble of his, of this there is no doubt."

Verse 3

मधुकैटभनाशं च महिषासुरघातनम्। कीर्तयिष्यन्ति ये तद्वद् वधं शुम्भनिशुम्भयोः॥३॥

Madhu-Kaitabha-Nasham Cha Mahishasura-Ghatanam | Kirtayishyanti Ye Tadvad Vadham Shumbha-Nishumbhayoh || 3 ||

Meaning: "Those who recount the destruction of Madhu and Kaitabha, the slaying of Mahishasura, and likewise the slaying of Shumbha and Nishumbha,"

Verse 4

अष्टम्यां च चतुर्दश्यां नवम्यां चैकचेतसः। श्रोष्यन्ति चैव ये भक्त्या मम माहात्म्यमुत्तमम्॥४॥

Ashtamyam Cha Chaturdashyam Navamyam Chaika-Chetasah | Shroshyanti Chaiva Ye Bhaktya Mama Mahatmyam Uttamam || 4 ||

Meaning: "and those who, with a single mind and with devotion, listen to this supreme glory of mine on the Ashtami, the Chaturdashi and the Navami –"

Verse 5

न तेषां दुष्कृतं किञ्चिद् दुष्कृतोत्था न चापदः। भविष्यति न दारिद्र्यं न चैवेष्टवियोजनम्॥५॥

Na Tesham Dushkritam Kinchid Dushkritottha Na Chapadah | Bhavishyati Na Daridryam Na Chaiveshta-Viyojanam || 5 ||

Meaning: "for them there shall be no evil, nor any calamity born of evil; neither poverty, nor separation from those they love."

Verse 6

शत्रुतो न भयं तस्य दस्युतो वा न राजतः। न शस्त्रानलतोयौघात्कदाचित्सम्भविष्यति॥६॥

Shatruto Na Bhayam Tasya Dasyuto Va Na Rajatah | Na Shastranala-Toyaughat Kadachit Sambhavishyati || 6 ||

Meaning: "No fear shall ever come to such a person from an enemy, from a robber or from a king, nor from weapon, fire or flood."

Verse 7

तस्मान्ममैतन्माहात्म्यं पठितव्यं समाहितैः। श्रोतव्यं च सदा भक्त्या परं स्वस्त्ययनं हि तत्॥७॥

Tasman Mamaitan Mahatmyam Pathitavyam Samahitaih | Shrotavyam Cha Sada Bhaktya Param Svastyayanam Hi Tat || 7 ||

Meaning: "Therefore this glory of mine should be recited with a concentrated mind, and always heard with devotion – for it is the supreme means of well-being."

Verse 8

उपसर्गानशेषांस्तु महामारीसमुद्भवान्। तथा त्रिविधमुत्पातं माहात्म्यं शमयेन्मम॥८॥

Upasargan Asheshams Tu Mahamari-Samudbhavan | Tatha Trividham Utpatam Mahatmyam Shamayenmama || 8 ||

Meaning: "My Mahatmya calms every affliction born of great pestilence, and the three kinds of portents as well."

Verse 9

यत्रैतत्पठ्यते सम्यङ्नित्यमायतने मम। सदा न तद्विमोक्ष्यामि सान्निध्यं तत्र मे स्थितम्॥९॥

Yatraitat Pathyate Samyan Nityam Ayatane Mama | Sada Na Tad Vimokshyami Sannidhyam Tatra Me Sthitam || 9 ||

Meaning: "Wherever this is recited correctly and regularly in my temple, I shall never leave that place; my presence stays there."

Verse 10

बलिप्रदाने पूजायामग्निकार्ये महोत्सवे। सर्वं ममैतच्चरितमुच्चार्यं श्राव्यमेव च॥१०॥

Balipradane Pujayam Agnikarye Mahotsave | Sarvam Mamaitach Charitam Uchcharyam Shravyameva Cha || 10 ||

Meaning: "At the offering of bali, at puja, at fire-rites and at great festivals, this whole story of mine should be recited and heard."

Verse 11

जानताऽजानता वापि बलिपूजां तथा कृताम्। प्रतीच्छिष्याम्यहं प्रीत्या वह्निहोमं तथा कृतम्॥११॥

Janata'janata Vapi Balipujam Tatha Kritam | Pratichchhishyamy Aham Pritya Vahnihomam Tatha Kritam || 11 ||

Meaning: "Whether a person knows the proper method or does not, I shall accept with love the bali-worship he offers, and the fire-offering he makes."

Verse 12

शरत्काले महापूजा क्रियते या च वार्षिकी। तस्यां ममैतन्माहात्म्यं श्रुत्वा भक्तिसमन्वितः॥१२॥

Sharatkale Mahapuja Kriyate Ya Cha Varshiki | Tasyam Mamaitan Mahatmyam Shrutva Bhakti-Samanvitah || 12 ||

Meaning: "At the great annual worship that is performed in autumn, the person who listens to this glory of mine with devotion –"

Verse 13

सर्वाबाधाविनिर्मुक्तो धनधान्यसुतान्वितः। मनुष्यो मत्प्रसादेन भविष्यति न संशयः॥१३॥

Sarva-Badha-Vinirmukto Dhana-Dhanya-Sutanvitah | Manushyo Matprasadena Bhavishyati Na Samshayah || 13 ||

Meaning: "that person, by my grace, shall be freed from every obstacle and blessed with wealth, grain and children – of this there is no doubt."

Verse 14

श्रुत्वा ममैतन्माहात्म्यं तथा चोत्पत्तयः शुभाः। पराक्रमं च युद्धेषु जायते निर्भयः पुमान्॥१४॥

Shrutva Mamaitan Mahatmyam Tatha Chotpattayah Shubhah | Parakramam Cha Yuddheshu Jayate Nirbhayah Puman || 14 ||

Meaning: "Hearing this glory of mine, my auspicious births, and my valour in battle, a man becomes fearless."

Verse 15

रिपवः संक्षयं यान्ति कल्याणं चोपपद्यते। नन्दते च कुलं पुंसां माहात्म्यं मम शृण्वताम्॥१५॥

Ripavah Sankshayam Yanti Kalyanam Chopapadyate | Nandate Cha Kulam Pumsam Mahatmyam Mama Shrinvatam || 15 ||

Meaning: "For those who hear my Mahatmya, enemies perish, good fortune comes, and the family rejoices."

Verse 16

शान्तिकर्मणि सर्वत्र तथा दुःस्वप्नदर्शने। ग्रहपीडासु चोग्रासु माहात्म्यं शृणुयान्मम॥१६॥

Shanti-Karmani Sarvatra Tatha Duhsvapna-Darshane | Grahapidasu Chograsu Mahatmyam Shrinuyan Mama || 16 ||

Meaning: "At every rite for peace, after a bad dream, and in severe afflictions from the planets, one should listen to my Mahatmya."

Verse 17

उपसर्गाः शमं यान्ति ग्रहपीडाश्च दारुणाः। दुःस्वप्नं च नृभिर्दृष्टं सुस्वप्नमुपजायते॥१७॥

Upasargah Shamam Yanti Graha-Pidash Cha Darunah | Duhsvapnam Cha Nribhir Drishtam Susvapnam Upajayate || 17 ||

Meaning: "Afflictions are calmed, and so are dreadful troubles from the planets; and the bad dream a man has seen turns into a good dream."

Verse 18

बालग्रहाभिभूतानां बालानां शान्तिकारकम्। सङ्घातभेदे च नृणां मैत्रीकरणमुत्तमम्॥१८॥

Balagrahabhibhutanam Balanam Shanti-Karakam | Sanghata-Bhede Cha Nrinam Maitri-Karanam Uttamam || 18 ||

Meaning: "It brings peace to children seized by the spirits that afflict children, and when people's bonds have broken it is the best means of restoring friendship."

Verse 19

दुर्वृत्तानामशेषाणां बलहानिकरं परम्। रक्षोभूतपिशाचानां पठनादेव नाशनम्॥१९॥

Durvrittanam Asheshanam Bala-Hani-Karam Param | Rakshobhuta-Pishachanam Pathanadeva Nashanam || 19 ||

Meaning: "It is the supreme means of sapping the strength of all evil-doers, and by its mere recitation rakshasas, bhutas and pishachas are destroyed."

Verse 20

सर्वं ममैतन्माहात्म्यं मम सन्निधिकारकम्। पशुपुष्पार्घ्यधूपैश्च गन्धदीपैस्तथोत्तमैः॥२०॥

Sarvam Mamaitan Mahatmyam Mama Sannidhi-Karakam | Pashu-Pushparghya-Dhupaish Cha Gandha-Dipais Tathottamaih || 20 ||

Meaning: "All this Mahatmya of mine brings me near. The delight that is given to me by a year's worship – with animals, flowers, arghya, incense, perfumes and fine lamps,"

Verse 21

विप्राणां भोजनैर्होमैः प्रोक्षणीयैरहर्निशम्। अन्यैश्च विविधैर्भोगैः प्रदानैर्वत्सरेण या॥२१॥

Vipranam Bhojanair Homaih Prokshaniyair Aharnisham | Anyaishcha Vividhair Bhogaih Pradanair Vatsarena Ya || 21 ||

Meaning: "with the feeding of brahmins, with homas, with sprinklings of water day and night, and with every other kind of offering and gift –"

Verse 22

प्रीतिर्मे क्रियते सास्मिन् सकृत्सुचरिते श्रुते। श्रुतं हरति पापानि तथाऽऽरोग्यं प्रयच्छति॥२२॥

Pritirme Kriyate Sasmin Sakrit Sucharite Shrute | Shrutam Harati Papani Tatha''rogyam Prayachchhati || 22 ||

Meaning: "that same delight is given to me when this good story is heard once. Heard, it takes away sins and gives health."

Verse 23

रक्षां करोति भूतेभ्यो जन्मनां कीर्तनं मम। युद्धेषु चरितं यन्मे दुष्टदैत्यनिबर्हणम्॥२३॥

Raksham Karoti Bhutebhyo Janmanam Kirtanam Mama | Yuddheshu Charitam Yanme Dushta-Daitya-Nibarhanam || 23 ||

Meaning: "The recitation of my births gives protection from evil spirits; and the story of my deeds in battle, the destruction of the wicked demons –"

Verse 24

तस्मिञ्छ्रुते वैरिकृतं भयं पुंसां न जायते। युष्माभिः स्तुतयो याश्च याश्च ब्रह्मर्षिभिः कृताः॥२४॥

Tasminchhrute Vairikritam Bhayam Pumsam Na Jayate | Yushmabhih Stutayo Yashcha Yashcha Brahmarshibhih Kritah || 24 ||

Meaning: "when that is heard, no fear of enemies arises in men. And the hymns made by you, the gods, and those made by the brahmarshis,"

Verse 25

ब्रह्मणा च कृतास्तास्तु प्रयच्छन्ति शुभां मतिम्। अरण्ये प्रान्तरे वापि दावाग्निपरिवारितः॥२५॥

Brahmana Cha Kritastastu Prayachchhanti Shubham Matim | Aranye Prantare Vapi Davagni-Parivaritah || 25 ||

Meaning: "and the one made by Brahma – these give a mind set on good. A man surrounded by forest fire in the wilderness or on a lonely road,"

Verse 26

दस्युभिर्वा वृतः शून्ये गृहीतो वापि शत्रुभिः। सिंहव्याघ्रानुयातो वा वने वा वनहस्तिभिः॥२६॥

Dasyubhirva Vritah Shunye Grihito Vapi Shatrubhih | Simha-Vyaghranuyato Va Vane Va Vana-Hastibhih || 26 ||

Meaning: "or surrounded by robbers in a deserted place, or seized by enemies, or pursued in the forest by lions and tigers or by wild elephants,"

Verse 27

राज्ञा क्रुद्धेन चाज्ञप्तो वध्यो बन्धगतोऽपि वा। आघूर्णितो वा वातेन स्थितः पोते महार्णवे॥२७॥

Rajna Kruddhena Chajnapto Vadhyo Bandhagato'pi Va |

Aghurnito Va Vatena Sthitah Pote Maharnave || 27 ||

Meaning: "or sentenced to death by an angry king, or thrown into prison, or tossed by the wind in a ship on the great ocean,"

Verse 28

पतत्सु चापि शस्त्रेषु सङ्ग्रामे भृशदारुणे। सर्वाबाधासु घोरासु वेदनाभ्यर्दितोऽपि वा॥२८॥

Patatsu Chapi Shastreshu Sangrame Bhrisha-Darune | Sarvabadhasu Ghorasu Vedanabhyardito'pi Va || 28 ||

Meaning: "or in a most terrible battle with weapons falling about him, or wracked with pain in any dreadful affliction –"

Verse 29

स्मरन्ममैतच्चरितं नरो मुच्येत सङ्कटात्॥२९॥

Smaran Mamaitach Charitam Naro Muchyeta Sankatat || 29 ||

Meaning: "remembering this story of mine, such a man is freed from danger."

Verse 30

मम प्रभावात्सिंहाद्या दस्यवो वैरिणस्तथा। दूरादेव पलायन्ते स्मरतश्चरितं मम॥३०॥

Mama Prabhavat Simhadya Dasyavo Vairinas Tatha | Duradeva Palayante Smaratash Charitam Mama || 30 ||

Meaning: "By my power, lions and the other beasts, robbers and enemies flee far from the man who remembers my deeds."

Verse 31 – Rishir Uvacha

ऋषिरुवाच॥३१॥

Rishir Uvacha || 31 ||

Meaning: The sage said:

Verse 32

इत्युक्त्वा सा भगवती चण्डिका चण्डविक्रमा॥३२॥

Ityuktva Sa Bhagavati Chandika Chanda-Vikrama || 32 ||

Meaning: "Having spoken thus, Bhagavati Chandika of terrible valour"

Verse 33

पश्यतामेव देवानां तत्रैवान्तरधीयत। तेऽपि देवा निरातङ्काः स्वाधिकारान् यथा पुरा॥३३॥

Pashyatameva Devanam Tatraivantaradhiyata | Te'pi Deva Niratankah Svadhikaran Yatha Pura || 33 ||

Meaning: "vanished there and then, even as the gods looked on. And the gods, freed from fear, took up their offices as before,"

Verse 34

यज्ञभागभुजः सर्वे चक्रुर्विनिहतारयः। दैत्याश्च देव्या निहते शुम्भे देवरिपौ युधि॥३४॥

Yajnabhaga-Bhujah Sarve Chakrur Vinihatarayah | Daityashcha Devya Nihate Shumbhe Devaripau Yudhi || 34 ||

Meaning: "all of them enjoying their shares of the sacrifice, their enemies destroyed. And the demons – once the Goddess had slain in battle Shumbha, the enemy of the gods,"

Verse 35

जगद्विध्वंसिनि तस्मिन् महोग्रेऽतुलविक्रमे। निशुम्भे च महावीर्ये शेषाः पातालमाययुः॥३५॥

Jagad-Vidhvamsini Tasmin Mahogre'tula-Vikrame | Nishumbhe Cha Mahavirye Sheshah Patalam Ayayuh || 35 ||

Meaning: "that most fierce destroyer of the world, of matchless valour, and Nishumbha of great might – the demons who were left went down to Patala."

Verse 36

एवं भगवती देवी सा नित्यापि पुनः पुनः। सम्भूय कुरुते भूप जगतः परिपालनम्॥३६॥

Evam Bhagavati Devi Sa Nityapi Punah Punah | Sambhuya Kurute Bhupa Jagatah Paripalanam || 36 ||

Meaning: "Thus, O King, that Goddess Bhagavati, though eternal, takes form again and again and protects the world."

Verse 37

तयैतन्मोह्यते विश्वं सैव विश्वं प्रसूयते। सा याचिता च विज्ञानं तुष्टा ऋद्धिं प्रयच्छति॥३७॥

Tayaitan Mohyate Vishvam Saiva Vishvam Prasuyate | Sa Yachita Cha Vijnanam Tushta Riddhim Prayachchhati || 37 ||

Meaning: "By her this universe is deluded; she herself gives birth to the universe. Asked, she gives knowledge; pleased, she gives prosperity."

Verse 38

व्याप्तं तयैतत्सकलं ब्रह्माण्डं मनुजेश्वर। महाकाल्या महाकाले महामारीस्वरूपया॥३८॥

Vyaptam Tayaitat Sakalam Brahmandam Manujeshvara | Mahakalya Mahakale Mahamari-Svarupaya || 38 ||

Meaning: "This whole universe, O lord of men, is pervaded by her as Mahakali, who at the time of the great dissolution takes the form of the great pestilence."

Verse 39

सैव काले महामारी सैव सृष्टिर्भवत्यजा। स्थितिं करोति भूतानां सैव काले सनातनी॥३९॥

Saiva Kale Mahamari Saiva Srishtir Bhavaty Aja | Sthitim Karoti Bhutanam Saiva Kale Sanatani || 39 ||

Meaning: "She is the great pestilence in its time; she, the unborn, is creation itself; and she, the eternal one, sustains all beings in their time."

Verse 40

भवकाले नृणां सैव लक्ष्मीर्वृद्धिप्रदा गृहे। सैवाभावे तथाऽलक्ष्मीर्विनाशायोपजायते॥४०॥

Bhavakale Nrinam Saiva Lakshmir Vriddhi-Prada Grihe | Saivabhave Tatha'lakshmir Vinashayopajayate || 40 ||

Meaning: "In the time of a household's prosperity she is Lakshmi, who gives increase; and in the time of its decline she becomes Alakshmi, for its ruin."

Verse 41

स्तुता सम्पूजिता पुष्पैर्धूपगन्धादिभिस्तथा। ददाति वित्तं पुत्रांश्च मतिं धर्मे गतिं शुभाम्॥ॐ॥४१॥

Stuta Sampujita Pushpair Dhupa-Gandhadibhis Tatha | Dadati Vittam Putramshcha Matim Dharme Gatim Shubham || Om || 41 ||

Meaning: "Praised and worshipped with flowers, incense, perfumes and the rest, she gives wealth, sons, a mind set on dharma, and an auspicious path." Om.

Chapter Colophon

॥ इति श्रीमार्कण्डेयपुराणे सावर्णिके मन्वन्तरे देवीमाहात्म्ये फलस्तुतिर्नाम द्वादशोऽध्यायः॥१२॥

|| Iti Shri-Markandeya-Purane Savarnike Manvantare Devimahatmye Phalastutir Nama Dvadasho'dhyayah || 12 ||

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

उवाच २, अर्धश्लोकौ २, श्लोकाः ३७, एवम् ४१, एवमादितः॥६७१॥

Uvacha 2, Ardhashlokau 2, Shlokah 37, Evam 41, Evamaditah || 671 ||

Meaning: Two uvacha lines, two half-verses and 37 full verses – 41 textual units in this chapter, and 671 from the beginning of the text.

Significance of Durga Saptashati Chapter 12

Durga Saptashati Chapter 12 is the Devi Mahatmya's own account of why it is recited. Every other chapter tells what the Goddess did; this one, in her own voice, tells what her story does. The practices that surround the Durga Saptashati today – the Path on the Ashtami and Navami, the Chandi recitation at the autumn Durga Puja, the chapter read for bad dreams or planetary trouble, the belief that the Goddess stays wherever her Mahatmya is regularly read – all rest on verses in this chapter.

Two of its statements shape the whole tradition. In Verse 12 the Goddess names "the great annual worship performed in autumn" as the time to hear her glory; that is the scriptural root of the Sharad Navratri Path. In Verses 20–22 she sets the worth of the text: a whole year of worship with offerings, feasts and fire-rites pleases her no more than hearing this story once with devotion. The Devi Mahatmya is placed above the ritual that surrounds it.

The chapter also carries the Goddess's most generous promise, Verse 11: she accepts the worship of those who know the method and of those who do not. And its close, through Sage Medha, gives the Devi Mahatmya's final picture of the Goddess – creation and pestilence, Lakshmi in good times and Alakshmi in bad – before the frame story of the king and the merchant returns in Chapter 13.

Main Teachings of Chapter 12

• Hearing the Goddess's story is itself protection: from evil, poverty, separation, and fear of enemy, robber, king, weapon, fire and flood (Verses 2–6).
• She stays where she is read: her presence remains wherever the Mahatmya is regularly recited in her temple (Verse 9).
• Sincerity outweighs method: she accepts the worship of those who know the rite and of those who do not (Verse 11).
• Once with devotion equals a year of ritual: the story heard once pleases her as much as a year's offerings (Verses 20–22).
• Remembering her is rescue: in fire, among robbers, in prison, at sea, in battle, remembering her story frees a man (Verses 25–30).
• She is both the increase and the decline: Lakshmi and Alakshmi are the same Goddess in different seasons (Verse 40).

What the Goddess Promises for Reciting Her Glory

Fruit	Verse
Every trouble destroyed, for those who praise her regularly with these hymns	2
No evil, no calamity born of evil, no poverty, no separation from loved ones	5
No fear from enemy, robber or king; from weapon, fire or flood	6
Afflictions from pestilence and the three kinds of portents calmed	8
Her presence stays wherever it is regularly recited in her temple	9
At the autumn worship: freedom from every obstacle; wealth, grain and children	12–13
Fearlessness and valour; enemies perish; good fortune; the family rejoices	14–15
Afflictions, planetary troubles and nightmares pass; good dreams come	17
Peace for afflicted children; friendship where bonds have broken	18
Evil-doers weakened; rakshasas, bhutas and pishachas destroyed by recitation	19
The delight of a year's worship, from one hearing; sins removed; health given	20–22
Protection from spirits; no fear of enemies; a mind set on good	23–25
Freedom from danger in fire, among robbers and enemies, before wild beasts, under a king's sentence, in prison, at sea, in battle and in pain	25–29
Lions, robbers and enemies flee far from the one who remembers her deeds	30
Wealth, sons, a mind set on dharma and an auspicious path, for those who praise and worship her	41

When and Where to Recite, in the Goddess's Own Words

Occasion	Verse
Regularly, with a concentrated mind	2, 7
On the Ashtami, the Navami and the Chaturdashi	4
In her temple or sacred place	9
At bali offerings, puja, fire-rites and great festivals	10
At the great annual worship of autumn – the Sharad Navratri	12
At rites for peace, after a bad dream, and in severe planetary afflictions	16
In any danger – remembered, not only recited	25–30

Verse 12 is the scriptural basis for the Chandi Path at the autumn Durga Puja: "At the great annual worship that is performed in autumn, the person who listens to this glory of mine with devotion shall, by my grace, be freed from every obstacle."

Why Is Chapter 12 Called Phala Stuti?

The twelfth chapter is traditionally known as Phala Stuti – "the praise (stuti) of the fruits (phala)" – because it declares the fruits of reciting and hearing the Devi Mahatmya. It is the Devi Mahatmya's own Phalashruti, the statement of results that closes a sacred text; unusually, it is spoken by the Goddess herself rather than by the narrator. The three Rahasyas and the Shapoddhara mantras that follow the Saptashati in recitation are not part of it; this chapter and the next complete the Markandeya Purana's Devi Mahatmya.

Traditional Recitation of Chapter 12

Chapter 12 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 12 opens with its own Dhyana of Durga on her lion, given above – the same verse that is recited in the Saptashati Nyasa before the Path.

Schedule	When Chapter 12 is read	Context
3-day Path (by Charitra)	Day 3, with Chapters 5–11 and 13	Day 1: Chapter 1 · Day 2: Chapters 2–4
7-day Path	Day 7, with Chapter 13	Day 1: 1 · Day 2: 2–3 · Day 3: 4 · Day 4: 5–8 · Day 5: 9–10 · Day 6: 11
9-day Navratri Path	Day 8, 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 7: 11 · 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 twelfth chapter is read for honour, respect and fame. The chapter also carries, in the Goddess's own words, the fruits of the whole Saptashati, from the removal of every trouble (Verse 2) to wealth, sons, a mind set on dharma and an auspicious path (Verse 41). Devotees traditionally approach it for:

• Devotion towards Goddess Mahasaraswati, the presiding deity of the Uttama Charitra
• Honour, good name and standing in the world
• Protection in danger – in travel, in conflict, in illness and in fear – by remembering the Goddess's story
• Peace in the household, for afflicted children, and the mending of broken relationships
• Confidence that the Goddess accepts sincere worship whether or not the method is perfectly known

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Durga Saptashati Chapter 12 called?

Durga Saptashati Chapter 12 is called Dvadasha Adhyaya and is traditionally known as Phala Stuti, "The Praise of the Fruits" – the Devi Mahatmya's own Phalashruti.

What happens in Chapter 12 of Durga Saptashati?

The Goddess herself describes the fruits of reciting and hearing her Mahatmya: who should recite it, on which days, in which rites and places, what it protects from and what it gives. She then vanishes before the gods; the gods take up their offices and the demons retreat to Patala; and Sage Medha closes with the nature of the eternal Goddess, who is Mahakali, Lakshmi and Alakshmi.

Who speaks in Chapter 12?

The Goddess herself speaks Verses 1–30 ("Devyuvacha"), the only chapter of the Devi Mahatmya in which she speaks at such length in her own voice. Sage Medha speaks the rest, addressing King Suratha.

On which days does the Goddess say her Mahatmya should be heard?

On the Ashtami, the Navami and the Chaturdashi (Verse 4), and at "the great annual worship performed in autumn" (Verse 12) – the Sharad Navratri. She also names rites for peace, bad dreams and planetary afflictions as occasions for hearing it (Verse 16).

From which dangers does the Goddess promise rescue?

Forest fire, robbers, enemies, lions, tigers and wild elephants, a king's sentence of death, prison, a storm at sea, the thick of battle, and any dreadful affliction – from all of these a man who remembers her story is freed (Verses 25–29).

Does the Goddess require the correct ritual method?

No. Verse 11 says she accepts with love the bali-worship and the fire-offering of those who know the method and of those who do not.

Why do the verse numbers around Verses 29 and 32 look different from some editions?

Because two units of this chapter are single lines: Verse 29, "Smaran Mamaitach Charitam Naro Muchyeta Sankatat", and Verse 32, "Ityuktva Sa Bhagavati Chandika Chanda-Vikrama". Editions that print them as part of neighbouring verses shift the numbering; the count line after the colophon – two half-verses – confirms the numbering used here.

How many verses are there in Durga Saptashati Chapter 12?

The traditional count gives 41 textual units: 2 uvacha lines, 2 half-verses and 37 full verses. Together with Chapters 1 to 11 this makes 671 units from the beginning of the text; Chapter 13 brings the total to 700.

Can Chapter 12 be recited on its own?

Yes. In the nine-day Navratri schedule it is read by itself on the eighth day. Its own Dhyana 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.

Continue Reading Durga Saptashati

After Chapter 12, the story returns to the king and the merchant who have been listening since Chapter 1 – and to the boons they receive.

Next: Durga Saptashati Chapter 13 – The Boons to Suratha and Samadhi

Previous: Durga Saptashati Chapter 11 – Narayani Stuti

• Durga Saptashati Chapter 1 – Madhu-Kaitabha Vadha
• Durga Saptashati Chapter 2 – Mahishasura-Sainya-Vadha
• Durga Saptashati Chapter 3 – Mahishasura-Vadha
• Durga Saptashati Chapter 4 – Shakradi Stuti
• Durga Saptashati Chapter 5 – Devi-Duta Samvada
• Durga Saptashati Chapter 6 – Dhumralochana-Vadha
• Durga Saptashati Chapter 7 – Chanda-Munda Vadha
• Durga Saptashati Chapter 8 – Raktabija-Vadha
• Durga Saptashati Chapter 9 – Nishumbha-Vadha
• Durga Saptashati Chapter 10 – Shumbha-Vadha
• Durga Saptashati Path Vidhi
• Devi Kavacham · Argala Stotram · Keelakam Stotram
• Vedoktam Ratri Suktam · Tantroktam Ratri Suktam
• Shri Devi Atharvashirsham · Navarna Vidhi · Saptashati Nyasa

For the complete Durga Saptashati, readers can continue through all 13 chapters of the Devi Mahatmya.