Durga Saptashati Chapter 12: The Glory of Reciting the Goddess’s Deeds

The Durga Saptashati, also known as the Devi Mahatmya and the Chandi Path, is a sacred Hindu text of 700 verses in 13 chapters that celebrates the glory of Goddess Durga. The twelfth chapter describes the glory and merit of reciting the deeds (charitras) of the Goddess.

Dvadasho'dhyaya (॥ द्वादशोऽध्यायः ॥)

Dhyanam (॥ ध्यानम् ॥)

ॐ विद्युद्दामसमप्रभां मृगपतिस्कन्धस्थितां भीषणां कन्याभिः करवालखेटविलसद्धस्ताभिरासेविताम्। हस्तैश्चक्रगदासिखेटविशिखांश्चापं गुणं तर्जनीं बिभ्राणामनलात्मिकां शशिधरां दुर्गां त्रिनेत्रां भजे॥

Om Vidyuddama-Samaprabham Mrigapati-Skandha-Sthitam Bhishanam Kanyabhih Karavala-Kheta-Vilasad-Dhastabhir Asevitam | Hastaish Chakra-Gadasi-Kheta-Vishikhamsh Chapam Gunam Tarjanim Bibhranam Analatmikam Shashidharam Trinetram Bhaje ||

Meaning: I meditate on the three-eyed Goddess Durga, whose radiance flashes like lightning and who is seated on the shoulder of a lion. She is accompanied by maidens holding swords and shields in their hands. In her hands the Goddess holds a discus, a mace, a sword, a shield, arrows, a bow and a bowstring, and shows the tarjani mudra (the gesture of warning). She is radiant like fire and wears the moon on her head.

Verses

Devyuvacha

Verse 1

"ॐ" देव्युवाच॥1॥

"Om" Devyuvacha || 1 ||

Meaning: The Goddess said:

Verse 2

एभिः स्तवैश्च मां नित्यं स्तोष्यते यः समाहितः। तस्याहं सकलां बाधां नाशयिष्याम्यसंशयम्॥2॥*

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

Meaning: Whoever praises me regularly with these hymns, with a focused mind, I shall surely remove all his troubles and obstacles.

Verse 3

मधुकैटभनाशं च महिषासुरघातनम्। कीर्तयिष्यन्ति ये तद्वद् वधं शुम्भनिशुम्भयोः॥3॥

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

Meaning: Those who describe and remember the slaying of Madhu and Kaitabha, the slaying of Mahishasura and likewise the slaying of Shumbha and Nishumbha will receive the Goddess’s grace.

Verse 4

अष्टम्यां च चतुर्दश्यां नवम्यां चैकचेतसः। श्रोष्यन्ति चैव ये भक्त्या मम माहात्म्यमुत्तमम्॥4॥

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

Meaning: Those who, with a focused mind and with devotion, listen to this great glory of mine on the Ashtami (eighth), Chaturdashi (fourteenth) and Navami (ninth) days —

Verse 5

न तेषां दुष्कृतं किञ्चिद् दुष्कृतोत्था न चापदः। भविष्यति न दारिद्र्यं न चैवेष्टवियोजनम्॥5॥

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

Meaning: — the effects of their wrong deeds will lessen, and the troubles arising from them will not come. They will not suffer poverty or the sorrow of separation from loved ones.

Verse 6

शत्रुतो न भयं तस्य दस्युतो वा न राजतः। न शस्त्रानलतोयौघात्कदाचित्सम्भविष्यति॥6॥

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

Meaning: Such a person will have no fear of enemies, robbers or the king. Nor will he ever fear dangers such as weapons, fire or floods.

Verse 7

तस्मान्ममैतन्माहात्म्यं पठितव्यं समाहितैः। श्रोतव्यं च सदा भक्त्या परं स्वस्त्ययनं हि तत्॥7॥

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 focused mind and always listened to with devotion. It is supremely beneficial.

Verse 8

उपसर्गानशेषांस्तु महामारीसमुद्भवान्। तथा त्रिविधमुत्पातं माहात्म्यं शमयेन्मम॥8॥

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

Meaning: The recitation of this glory of mine calms all the troubles caused by epidemics and the three kinds of great calamity.

Verse 9

यत्रैतत्पठ्यते सम्यङ्नित्यमायतने मम। सदा न तद्विमोक्ष्यामि सान्निध्यं तत्र मे स्थितम्॥9॥

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

Meaning: Wherever this glory is recited regularly and properly in my temple or sacred place, there I keep my presence and do not leave that place.

Verse 10

बलिप्रदाने पूजायामग्निकार्ये महोत्सवे। सर्वं ममैतच्चरितमुच्चार्यं श्राव्यमेव च॥10॥

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

Meaning: At times of offering (bali), worship, rites connected with the sacred fire, and great festivals, this whole story of mine should be recited and listened to.

Verse 11

जानताऽजानता वापि बलिपूजां तथा कृताम्। प्रतीच्छिष्याम्यहं प्रीत्या वह्निहोमं तथा कृतम्॥11॥*

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

Meaning: Whether a person performs worship, offerings or fire rituals knowing the method or without knowing it, I accept them with love.

Verse 12

शरत्काले महापूजा क्रियते या च वार्षिकी। तस्यां ममैतन्माहात्म्यं श्रुत्वा भक्तिसमन्वितः॥12॥

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

Meaning: During the great annual worship performed in the autumn (Sharad), the person who listens to this glory of mine with devotion —

Verse 13

सर्वाबाधा*विनिर्मुक्तो धनधान्यसुतान्वितः। मनुष्यो मत्प्रसादेन भविष्यति न संशयः॥13॥

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

Meaning: — will, by my grace, be freed from all obstacles 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॥14॥

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

Meaning: In the person who listens to this glory of mine and my auspicious deeds, courage and strength grow, and he remains fearless in battle or in difficult situations.

Verse 15

रिपवः संक्षयं यान्ति कल्याणं चोपपद्यते। नन्दते च कुलं पुंसां माहात्म्यं मम शृण्वताम्॥15॥

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

Meaning: The enemies of one who listens to my glory grow weak, well-being comes into his life, and happiness and prosperity increase in his family.

Verse 16

शान्तिकर्मणि सर्वत्र तथा दुःस्वप्नदर्शने। ग्रहपीडासु चोग्रासु माहात्म्यं शृणुयान्मम॥16॥

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

Meaning: My glory should be listened to during religious rites performed for peace, when one has bad dreams, and during difficult troubles caused by the planets.

Verse 17

उपसर्गाः शमं यान्ति ग्रहपीडाश्च दारुणाः। दुःस्वप्नं च नृभिर्दृष्टं सुस्वप्नमुपजायते॥17॥

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

Meaning: By this, various troubles are calmed and severe planetary afflictions are lessened. The effect of bad dreams is also removed, and one may experience good dreams.

Verse 18

बालग्रहाभिभूतानां बालानां शान्तिकारकम्। सङ्घातभेदे च नृणां मैत्रीकरणमुत्तमम्॥18॥

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

Meaning: It is said to help calm the serious troubles that afflict children. When there are quarrels or ill feeling, it also increases friendship and harmony between people.

Verse 19

दुर्वृत्तानामशेषाणां बलहानिकरं परम्। रक्षोभूतपिशाचानां पठनादेव नाशनम्॥19॥

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

Meaning: It is said that reciting it weakens the influence of evil conduct and negative forces and removes obstacles such as rakshasas, bhutas and pishachas.

Verse 20

सर्वं ममैतन्माहात्म्यं मम सन्निधिकारकम्। पशुपुष्पार्घ्यधूपैश्च गन्धदीपैस्तथोत्तमैः॥20॥

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

Meaning: This entire glory of mine brings one into my presence. It is recited along with worship offered with animals, flowers, arghya (water offering), incense, fragrances, lamps and so on.

Verse 21

विप्राणां भोजनैर्होमैः प्रोक्षणीयैरहर्निशम्। अन्यैश्च विविधैर्भोगैः प्रदानैर्वत्सरेण या॥21॥

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

Meaning: The worship that is performed throughout a year by feeding Brahmins, performing havan, sprinkling water for purification, and offering other kinds of worship materials and food —

Verse 22

प्रीतिर्मे क्रियते सास्मिन् सकृत्सुचरिते श्रुते। श्रुतं हरति पापानि तथाऽऽरोग्यं प्रयच्छति॥22॥

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

Meaning: — gives me as much delight as I receive from hearing this excellent story even once with faith. Hearing it is said to remove sins and bestow good health.

Verse 23

रक्षां करोति भूतेभ्यो जन्मनां कीर्तनं मम। युद्धेषु चरितं यन्मे दुष्टदैत्यनिबर्हणम्॥23॥

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

Meaning: Remembering my birth and deeds gives protection from obstacles such as bhutas (evil spirits). Remembering my deeds connected with the destruction of the wicked demons in battle also gives protection.

Verse 24

तस्मिञ्छ्रुते वैरिकृतं भयं पुंसां न जायते। युष्माभिः स्तुतयो याश्च याश्च ब्रह्मर्षिभिः कृताः॥24॥

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

Meaning: By hearing that story of mine, a person has no fear of enemies. The hymns of praise to me sung by the gods and the brahmarishis also —

Verse 25

ब्रह्मणा च कृतास्तास्तु प्रयच्छन्ति शुभां मतिम्। अरण्ये प्रान्तरे वापि दावाग्निपरिवारितः॥25॥

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

Meaning: — grant auspicious and right understanding. If a person is surrounded by a forest fire in a forest or lonely place —

Verse 26

दस्युभिर्वा वृतः शून्ये गृहीतो वापि शत्रुभिः। सिंहव्याघ्रानुयातो वा वने वा वनहस्तिभिः॥26॥

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

Meaning: — or is surrounded by robbers in a lonely place, falls into the hands of enemies, or is surrounded in the forest by lions, tigers or wild elephants —

Verse 27

राज्ञा क्रुद्धेन चाज्ञप्तो वध्यो बन्धगतोऽपि वा। आघूर्णितो वा वातेन स्थितः पोते महार्णवे॥27॥

Rajna Kruddhena Chajnapto Vadhyo Bandhagato'pi Va | Aghurnito Va Vatena Sthitah Pote Maharnave || 27 ||

Meaning: — or is sentenced to death by an angry king, is taken captive, or is in danger at sea because his boat is tossed by a strong wind —

Verse 28

पतत्सु चापि शस्त्रेषु सङ्ग्रामे भृशदारुणे। सर्वाबाधासु घोरासु वेदनाभ्यर्दितोऽपि वा॥28॥

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

Meaning: — or is in a terrible battle with weapons falling on all sides, or is surrounded by some great danger and suffering —

स्मरन्ममैतच्चरितं नरो मुच्येत सङ्कटात्।

Smaran Mamaitach Charitam Naro Muchyeta Sankatat |

Meaning: — if that person remembers this story of mine, he can be freed from that danger.

Verse 29

मम प्रभावात्सिंहाद्या दस्यवो वैरिणस्तथा॥29॥

Mama Prabhavat Simhadya Dasyavo Vairinas Tatha || 29 ||

Meaning: By my power, even fierce creatures such as lions, robbers and enemies —

Verse 30

दूरादेव पलायन्ते स्मरतश्चरितं मम॥30॥

Duradeva Palayante Smaratash Charitam Mama || 30 ||

Meaning: — flee far away from the person who remembers my deeds.

Rishir Uvacha

Verse 31

ऋषिरुवाच॥31॥

Rishiruvacha || 31 ||

Meaning: The sage said:

Verse 32

इत्युक्त्वा सा भगवती चण्डिका चण्डविक्रमा॥32॥

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

Meaning: Having said this, the supremely valiant Bhagavati, Goddess Chandika —

Verse 33

पश्यतामेव देवानां तत्रैवान्तरधीयत।* तेऽपि देवा निरातङ्काः स्वाधिकारान् यथा पुरा॥33॥ यज्ञभागभुजः सर्वे चक्रुर्विनिहतारयः।

Pashyatameva Devanam Tatraivantaradhiyata | Te'pi Deva Niratankah Svadhikaran Yatha Pura || 33 || Yajnabhaga-Bhujah Sarve Chakrur Vinihatarayah |

Meaning: — vanished right there as the gods looked on. After the Goddess had destroyed their enemies, all the gods, freed from fear, took up their powers and duties as before and began to receive their share of the yajna.

Verses 34–35

दैत्याश्च देव्या निहते शुम्भे देवरिपौ युधि॥34॥ जगद्विध्वंसिनि तस्मिन् महोग्रेऽतुलविक्रमे। निशुम्भे च महावीर्ये शेषाः पातालमाययुः॥35॥

Daityashcha Devya Nihate Shumbhe Devaripau Yudhi || 34 || Jagad-Vidhvamsini Tasmin Mahogre'tula-Vikrame | Nishumbhe Cha Mahavirye Sheshah Patalam Ayayuh || 35 ||

Meaning: After Shumbha, the enemy of the gods, and the mighty Nishumbha were slain in battle, the surviving demons went to Patala (the netherworld). Those two asuras had been destroyers of the world and of most terrible power.

Verse 36

एवं भगवती देवी सा नित्यापि पुनः पुनः। सम्भूय कुरुते भूप जगतः परिपालनम्॥36॥

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

Meaning: O King! In this way, that Goddess Bhagavati, though eternal, appears again and again in different forms to protect and sustain the world.

Verse 37

तयैतन्मोह्यते विश्वं सैव विश्वं प्रसूयते। सा याचिता च विज्ञानं तुष्टा ऋद्धिं प्रयच्छति॥37॥

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

Meaning: It is by the power of that same Goddess that this whole world falls into delusion, and it is she who brings the world into being. When she is pleased and gladly grants boons, she bestows knowledge and prosperity.

Verse 38

व्याप्तं तयैतत्सकलं ब्रह्माण्डं मनुजेश्वर। महाकाल्या महाकाले महामारीस्वरूपया॥38॥

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

Meaning: O King! This whole universe is pervaded by the power of Mahakali, who appears as the great pestilence (mahamari) at the time of Mahakala, the great destruction.

Verse 39

सैव काले महामारी सैव सृष्टिर्भवत्यजा। स्थितिं करोति भूतानां सैव काले सनातनी॥39॥

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

Meaning: When the time comes, that same Goddess takes the form of pestilence, and that same unborn Goddess is also the form of creation. That same eternal power sustains the condition of all beings according to the time.

Verse 40

भवकाले नृणां सैव लक्ष्मीर्वृद्धिप्रदा गृहे। सैवाभावे तथाऽलक्ष्मीर्विनाशायोपजायते॥40॥

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

Meaning: When a time of happiness and prosperity comes to a home, that same Goddess gives wealth and progress in the form of Lakshmi. And when a time of want comes, she herself, as Alakshmi, becomes the cause of ruin and scarcity.

Verse 41

स्तुता सम्पूजिता पुष्पैर्धूपगन्धादिभिस्तथा। ददाति वित्तं पुत्रांश्च मतिं धर्मे गतिं शुभाम्॥ॐ॥41॥*

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

Meaning: The Goddess who is worshipped and praised with faith with flowers, incense, fragrances and the like grants wealth, children, right understanding in dharma and an auspicious path.

Conclusion

॥ इति श्रीमार्कण्डेयपुराणे सावर्णिके मन्वन्तरे देवीमाहात्म्ये फलस्तुतिर्नाम द्वादशोऽध्यायः॥12॥

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

Meaning: Thus ends the twelfth chapter, named ‘Phalastuti’ (The Praise of the Fruits of Recitation), in the Devi Mahatmya, within the account of the Savarnika manvantara in the Shri Markandeya Purana. ॥12॥