Durga Saptashati Chapter 3: The Slaying of Mahishasura

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 third chapter describes the slaying of Mahishasura together with his commanders.

Shri Durga Saptashati – Tritiyo'dhyaya (॥ श्रीदुर्गासप्तशती - तृतीयोऽध्यायः ॥)

Dhyanam (॥ ध्यानम् ॥)

ॐ उद्यद्भानुसहस्रकान्तिमरुणक्षौमां शिरोमालिकां रक्तालिप्तपयोधरां जपवटीं विद्यामभीतिं वरम्। हस्ताब्जैर्दधतीं त्रिनेत्रविलसद्वक्त्रारविन्दश्रियं देवीं बद्धहिमांशुरत्नमुकुटां वन्देऽरविन्दस्थिताम्॥

Om Udyad-Bhanu-Sahasra-Kantim Aruna-Kshaumam Shiromalikam Rakta-Lipta-Payodharam Japavatim Vidyam Abhitim Varam | Hastabjair Dadhatim Trinetra-Vilasad-Vaktraravinda-Shriyam Devim Baddha-Himamshu-Ratna-Mukutam Vande'ravinda-Sthitam ||

Meaning: I bow to the Goddess seated on a lotus, whose radiance is like that of thousands of rising suns. She wears red garments and a crown adorned with jewels on her head. She has three eyes, and her face is as beautiful as a lotus. In her hands she holds a rosary and the symbol of knowledge, and shows the gestures of fearlessness (abhaya) and boon-giving (varada).

Verses

Rishir Uvacha

"ॐ" ऋषिरुवाच॥1॥

Verse 2

निहन्यमानं तत्सैन्यमवलोक्य महासुरः। सेनानीश्चिक्षुरः कोपाद्ययौ योद्धुमथाम्बिकाम्॥2॥

Nihanyamanam Tat Sainyam Avalokya Mahasurah | Senanish Chikshurah Kopadyayau Yoddhum Athambikam || 2 ||

Meaning: Seeing the army of the asuras being destroyed without pause, Mahishasura’s commander Chikshura became very angry and advanced to fight Goddess Ambika.

Verse 3

स देवीं शरवर्षेण ववर्ष समरेऽसुरः। यथा मेरुगिरेः शृङ्गं तोयवर्षेण तोयदः॥3॥

Sa Devim Shara-Varshena Vavarsha Samare'surah | Yatha Merugireh Shringam Toyavarshena Toyadah || 3 ||

Meaning: On the battlefield, that asura rained arrows on the Goddess just as a cloud pours rain unceasingly on the peak of Mount Meru.

Verse 4

तस्यच्छित्त्वा ततो देवी लीलयैव शरोत्करान्। जघान तुरगान् बाणैर्यन्तारं चैव वाजिनाम्॥4॥

Tasyach Chhittva Tato Devi Lilayaiva Sharotkaran | Jaghana Turagan Banair Yantaram Chaiva Vajinam || 4 ||

Meaning: As if in play, the Goddess cut down all his arrows, and with her own arrows she struck down his horses and the charioteer who drove them.

Verse 5

चिच्छेद च धनुः सद्यो ध्वजं चातिसमुच्छ्रितम्। विव्याध चैव गात्रेषु छिन्नधन्वानमाशुगैः॥5॥

Chichchheda Cha Dhanuh Sadyo Dhvajam Chatisamuchchhritam | Vivyadha Chaiva Gatreshu Chhinna-Dhanvanam Ashugaih || 5 ||

Meaning: The Goddess at once cut down his bow and his tall banner. After breaking his bow, she wounded his body with sharp arrows.

Verse 6

सच्छिन्नधन्वा विरथो हताश्वो हतसारथिः। अभ्यधावत तां देवीं खड्गचर्मधरोऽसुरः॥6॥

Sach Chhinnadhanva Viratho Hatashvo Hatasarathih | Abhyadhavata Tam Devim Khadga-Charma-Dharo'surah || 6 ||

Meaning: With his bow broken, his chariot destroyed and his horses and charioteer killed, the asura ran towards the Goddess with a sword and shield in his hands.

Verse 7

सिंहमाहत्य खड्गेन तीक्ष्णधारेण मूर्धनि। आजघान भुजे सव्ये देवीमप्यतिवेगवान्॥7॥

Simhamahatya Khadgena Tikshna-Dharena Murdhani | Ajaghana Bhuje Savye Devim Apy Ativegavan || 7 ||

Meaning: With his sharp sword, the asura struck the head of the Goddess’s lion and then, very swiftly, struck the Goddess’s left arm as well.

Verse 8

तस्याः खड्गो भुजं प्राप्य पफाल नृपनन्दन। ततो जग्राह शूलं स कोपादरुणलोचनः॥8॥

Tasyah Khadgo Bhujam Prapya Paphala Nripanandana | Tato Jagraha Shulam Sa Kopad Aruna-Lochanah || 8 ||

Meaning: O King! As soon as it struck the Goddess’s arm, his sword broke. Then, enraged and with red eyes, the asura began to take up a trident.

Verse 9

चिक्षेप च ततस्तत्तु भद्रकाल्यां महासुरः। जाज्वल्यमानं तेजोभी रविबिम्बमिवाम्बरात्॥9॥

Chikshepa Cha Tatastattu Bhadrakalyam Mahasurah | Jajvalyamanam Tejobhi Ravi-Bimbam Ivambarat || 9 ||

Meaning: That great demon hurled the gleaming trident at Goddess Bhadrakali; in the sky it looked as brilliant as the sun.

Verse 10

दृष्ट्वा तदापतच्छूलं देवी शूलममुञ्चत। तच्छूलं शतधा तेन नीतं स च महासुरः॥10॥*

Drishtva Tad Apatach Chhulam Devi Shulam Amunchata | Tachchhulam Shatadha Tena Nitam Sa Cha Mahasurah || 10 ||

Meaning: Seeing the trident coming towards her, the Goddess too hurled her own trident. The Goddess’s trident cut his trident into hundreds of pieces and struck down that great demon as well.

Verse 11

हते तस्मिन्महावीर्ये महिषस्य चमूपतौ। आजगाम गजारूढश्चामरस्त्रिदशार्दनः॥11॥

Hate Tasmin Mahavirye Mahishasya Chamupatau | Ajagama Gajarudhash Chamaras Tridashardanah || 11 ||

Meaning: After Chikshura, Mahishasura’s most powerful commander, was slain, the asura named Chamara, a tormentor of the gods, came to fight, riding on an elephant.

Verse 12

सोऽपि शक्तिं मुमोचाथ देव्यास्तामम्बिका द्रुतम्। हुंकाराभिहतां भूमौ पातयामास निष्प्रभाम्॥12॥

So'pi Shaktim Mumochatha Devyas Tam Ambika Drutam | Hunkarabhihatam Bhumau Patayamasa Nishprabham || 12 ||

Meaning: Chamara hurled a shakti (spear) at the Goddess. With her roar (hunkara) alone, Goddess Ambika rendered that spear powerless and brought it down to the ground.

Verse 13

भग्नां शक्तिं निपतितां दृष्ट्वा क्रोधसमन्वितः। चिक्षेप चामरः शूलं बाणैस्तदपि साच्छिनत्॥13॥

Bhagnam Shaktim Nipatitam Drishtva Krodha-Samanvitah | Chikshepa Chamarah Shulam Banaistadapi Sachchhinat || 13 ||

Meaning: Seeing his spear broken and fallen, Chamara became very angry and hurled a trident at the Goddess. She cut that down too with her arrows.

Verse 14

ततः सिंहः समुत्पत्य गजकुम्भान्तरे स्थितः। बाहुयुद्धेन युयुधे तेनोच्चैस्त्रिदशारिणा॥14॥

Tatah Simhah Samutpatya Gaja-Kumbhantare Sthitah | Bahuyuddhena Yuyudhe Tenochchais Tridasharina || 14 ||

Meaning: Then the Goddess’s lion leapt onto the elephant’s head and began a fierce hand-to-hand struggle with Chamara, the enemy of the gods.

Verse 15

युद्ध्यमानौ ततस्तौ तु तस्मान्नागान्महीं गतौ। युयुधातेऽतिसंरब्धौ प्रहारैरतिदारुणैः॥15॥

Yuddhyamanau Tatastau Tu Tasman Nagan Mahim Gatau | Yuyudhate'tisamrabdhau Praharair Atidarunaih || 15 ||

Meaning: As they fought, both of them fell from the elephant to the ground, and in great fury began to strike each other terrible blows.

Verse 16

ततो वेगात् खमुत्पत्य निपत्य च मृगारिणा। करप्रहारेण शिरश्चामरस्य पृथक्कृतम्॥16॥

Tato Vegat Khamutpatya Nipatya Cha Mrigarina | Kara-Praharena Shirash Chamarasya Prithak-Kritam || 16 ||

Meaning: Then the Goddess’s lion sprang up swiftly, fell upon Chamara and, with a blow of its paw, severed his head from his body.

Verse 17

उदग्रश्च रणे देव्या शिलावृक्षादिभिर्हतः। दन्तमुष्टितलैश्चैव करालश्च निपातितः॥17॥

Udagrashcha Rane Devya Shila-Vrikshadibhir Hatah | Danta-Mushti-Talaish Chaiva Karalashcha Nipatitah || 17 ||

Meaning: The Goddess killed the asura named Udagra with stones, trees and the like. She struck down the asura named Karala with her teeth, fists and slaps of her palm.

Verse 18

देवी क्रुद्धा गदापातैश्चूर्णयामास चोद्धतम्। बाष्कलं भिन्दिपालेन बाणैस्ताम्रं तथान्धकम्॥18॥

Devi Kruddha Gada-Pataish Churnayamasa Choddhatam | Bashkalam Bhindipalena Banaistamram Tathandhakam || 18 ||

Meaning: The enraged Goddess crushed the asura named Uddhata with a blow of her mace. She killed Bashkala with the bhindipala and Tamra and Andhaka with arrows.

Verse 19

उग्रास्यमुग्रवीर्यं च तथैव च महाहनुम्। त्रिनेत्रा च त्रिशूलेन जघान परमेश्वरी॥19॥

Ugrasyam Ugraviryam Cha Tathaiva Cha Mahahanum | Trinetra Cha Trishulena Jaghana Parameshvari || 19 ||

Meaning: The three-eyed Supreme Goddess slew the asuras named Ugrasya, Ugravirya and Mahahanu with her trident.

Verse 20

बिडालस्यासिना कायात्पातयामास वै शिरः। दुर्धरं दुर्मुखं चोभौ शरैर्निन्ये यमक्षयम्॥20॥*

Bidalasyasina Kayat Patayamasa Vai Shirah | Durdharam Durmukham Chobhau Sharairninye Yamakshayam || 20 ||

Meaning: With her sword the Goddess severed the head of the asura named Bidala from his body. She struck down both Durdhara and Durmukha with arrows and sent them to the realm of death.

Verse 21

एवं संक्षीयमाणे तु स्वसैन्ये महिषासुरः। माहिषेण स्वरूपेण त्रासयामास तान् गणान्॥21॥

Evam Sankshiyamane Tu Svasainye Mahishasurah | Mahishena Svarupena Trasayamasa Tan Ganan || 21 ||

Meaning: Seeing his army being destroyed in this way, Mahishasura took the form of a buffalo and began to terrify the Goddess’s ganas.

Verse 22

कांश्चित्तुण्डप्रहारेण खुरक्षेपैस्तथापरान्। लाङ्गूलताडितांश्चान्याञ्छृङ्गाभ्यां च विदारितान्॥22॥

Kamshchit Tunda-Praharena Khura-Kshepais Tathaparan | Langula-Taditamsh Chanyan Chhringabhyam Cha Vidaritan || 22 ||

Meaning: Some of the ganas he wounded with his mouth and horns; some he tossed up and threw down with his hooves; and some he wounded by lashing them with his tail.

Verse 23

वेगेन कांश्चिदपरान्नादेन भ्रमणेन च। निःश्वासपवनेनान्यान् पातयामास भूतले॥23॥

Vegena Kamshchid Aparan Nadena Bhramanena Cha | Nihshvasa-Pavanenanyan Patayamasa Bhutale || 23 ||

Meaning: With his speed, his terrible bellowing and his whirling about, Mahishasura knocked down many ganas. The blast of his fierce breath also hurled many ganas to the ground.

Verse 24

निपात्य प्रमथानीकमभ्यधावत सोऽसुरः। सिंहं हन्तुं महादेव्याः कोपं चक्रे ततोऽम्बिका॥24॥

Nipatya Pramathanikam Abhyadhavata So'surah | Simham Hantum Mahadevyah Kopam Chakre Tato'mbika || 24 ||

Meaning: Having knocked down the Goddess’s ganas, the demon rushed to kill her lion. Seeing this, Goddess Ambika became very angry with him.

Verse 25

सोऽपि कोपान्महावीर्यः खुरक्षुण्णमहीतलः। शृङ्गाभ्यां पर्वतानुच्चांश्चिक्षेप च ननाद च॥25॥

So'pi Kopan Mahaviryah Khura-Kshunna-Mahitalah | Shringabhyam Parvatan Uchchamsh Chikshepa Cha Nanada Cha || 25 ||

Meaning: In his fury, the mighty Mahishasura began to trample the earth with his hooves. With his horns he tossed high mountains into the air and bellowed loudly.

Verse 26

वेगभ्रमणविक्षुण्णा मही तस्य व्यशीर्यत। लाङ्गूलेनाहतश्चाब्धिः प्लावयामास सर्वतः॥26॥

Vega-Bhramana-Vikshunna Mahi Tasya Vyashiryata | Langulenahatash Chabdhih Plavayamasa Sarvatah || 26 ||

Meaning: With his speed and his whirling, the earth began to shake and crack in many places. From the blows of his tail, the waters of the ocean began to spill out on all sides.

Verse 27

धुतशृङ्गविभिन्नाश्च खण्डं खण्डं ययुर्घनाः।* श्वासानिलास्ताः शतशो निपेतुर्नभसोऽचलाः॥27॥

Dhuta-Shringa-Vibhinnash Cha Khandam Khandam Yayurghanah | Shvasanilastah Shatasho Nipetur Nabhaso'chalah || 27 ||

Meaning: Struck by his horns, the clouds were torn to pieces and scattered. Because of the wind raised by his fierce breath, even the many mountains standing in the sky seemed to shake and fall.

Verse 28

इति क्रोधसमाध्मातमापतन्तं महासुरम्। दृष्ट्वा सा चण्डिका कोपं तद्वधाय तदाकरोत्॥28॥

Iti Krodha-Samadhmatam Apatantam Mahasuram | Drishtva Sa Chandika Kopam Tadvadhaya Tadakarot || 28 ||

Meaning: Seeing that great demon, full of rage, coming towards her in this way, Goddess Chandika resolved to slay him and herself became very angry.

Verse 29

सा क्षिप्त्वा तस्य वै पाशं तं बबन्ध महासुरम्। तत्याज माहिषं रूपं सोऽपि बद्धो महामृधे॥29॥

Sa Kshiptva Tasya Vai Pasham Tam Babandha Mahasuram | Tatyaja Mahisham Rupam So'pi Baddho Mahamridhe || 29 ||

Meaning: The Goddess threw her noose over Mahishasura and bound him. Once bound, Mahishasura abandoned the form of a buffalo.

Verse 30

ततः सिंहोऽभवत्सद्यो यावत्तस्याम्बिका शिरः। छिनत्ति तावत्पुरुषः खड्गपाणिरदृश्यत॥30॥

Tatah Simho'bhavat Sadyo Yavat Tasyambika Shirah | Chhinatti Tavat Purushah Khadgapanir Adrishyata || 30 ||

Meaning: Then he immediately began to take the form of a lion. Just as the Goddess was about to cut off his head, a man with a sword in his hand emerged from his body.

Verse 31

तत एवाशु पुरुषं देवी चिच्छेद सायकैः। तं खड्गचर्मणा सार्धं ततः सोऽभून्महागजः॥31॥

Tata Evashu Purusham Devi Chichchheda Sayakaih | Tam Khadga-Charmana Sardham Tatah So'bhun Mahagajah || 31 ||

Meaning: The Goddess at once cut that man down with her arrows, along with his sword and shield. Then Mahishasura took the form of a huge elephant.

Verse 32

करेण च महासिंहं तं चकर्ष जगर्ज च। कर्षतस्तु करं देवी खड्गेन निरकृन्तत॥32॥

Karena Cha Mahasimham Tam Chakarsha Jagarja Cha | Karshatastu Karam Devi Khadgena Nirakrintata || 32 ||

Meaning: That huge elephant seized the Goddess’s great lion with its trunk, dragged it and trumpeted loudly. Then the Goddess cut off its trunk with her sword.

Verse 33

ततो महासुरो भूयो माहिषं वपुरास्थितः। तथैव क्षोभयामास त्रैलोक्यं सचराचरम्॥33॥

Tato Mahasuro Bhuyo Mahisham Vapur Asthitah | Tathaiva Kshobhayamasa Trailokyam Sacharacharam || 33 ||

Meaning: After this, the great demon took the form of a buffalo once again and, with his terrible strength, threw the three worlds, with all things moving and unmoving, into turmoil.

Verse 34

ततः क्रुद्धा जगन्माता चण्डिका पानमुत्तमम्। पपौ पुनः पुनश्चैव जहासारुणलोचना॥34॥

Tatah Kruddha Jaganmata Chandika Panamuttamam | Papau Punah Punashchaiva Jahasaruna-Lochana || 34 ||

Meaning: Then Chandika, the Mother of the world, became very angry. She drank the divine drink again and again, and her eyes grew red with fury. At the same time she began to laugh.

Verse 35

ननर्द चासुरः सोऽपि बलवीर्यमदोद्धतः। विषाणाभ्यां च चिक्षेप चण्डिकां प्रति भूधरान्॥35॥

Nanarda Chasurah So'pi Bala-Virya-Madoddhatah | Vishanabhyam Cha Chikshepa Chandikam Prati Bhudharan || 35 ||

Meaning: Mahishasura, full of pride in his might and power, also began to roar loudly and to hurl huge mountains at Goddess Chandika with his horns.

Verse 36

सा च तान् प्रहितांस्तेन चूर्णयन्ती शरोत्करैः। उवाच तं मदोद्धूतमुखरागाकुलाक्षरम्॥36॥

Sa Cha Tan Prahitams Tena Churnayanti Sharotkaraih | Uvacha Tam Madoddhuta-Mukharagakulaksharam || 36 ||

Meaning: With a shower of arrows, the Goddess smashed to pieces the mountains Mahishasura had hurled. Then she spoke to Mahishasura, who was full of pride, his face red with rage.

Devyuvacha

देव्युवाच॥37॥

Verse 38

गर्ज गर्ज क्षणं मूढ मधु यावत्पिबाम्यहम्। मया त्वयि हतेऽत्रैव गर्जिष्यन्त्याशु देवताः॥38॥

Garja Garja Kshanam Mudha Madhu Yavat Pibamy Aham | Maya Tvayi Hate'traiva Garjishyanty Ashu Devatah || 38 ||

Meaning: The Goddess said: “You fool! Roar as much as you like while I drink this drink. As soon as I strike you down here, it is the gods who will roar in victory.”

Rishir Uvacha

ऋषिरुवाच॥39॥

Verse 40

एवमुक्त्वा समुत्पत्य साऽऽरूढा तं महासुरम्। पादेनाक्रम्य कण्ठे च शूलेनैनमताडयत्॥40॥

Evamuktva Samutpatya Sa''rudha Tam Mahasuram | Padenakramya Kanthe Cha Shulenainam Atadayat || 40 ||

Meaning: Saying this, the Goddess leapt up and sat upon Mahishasura. She pressed down on his neck with her foot and struck him with her trident.

Verse 41

ततः सोऽपि पदाऽऽक्रान्तस्तया निजमुखात्ततः। अर्धनिष्क्रान्त एवासीद् देव्या वीर्येण संवृतः॥41॥*

Tatah So'pi Pada''krantas Taya Nija-Mukhat Tatah | Ardha-Nishkranta Evasid Devya Viryena Samvritah || 41 ||

Meaning: Pressed down by the Goddess’s foot, Mahishasura began to come out of his buffalo body, but because of the Goddess’s power he could emerge only halfway.

Verse 42

अर्धनिष्क्रान्त एवासौ युध्यमानो महासुरः। तया महासिना देव्या शिरश्छित्त्वा निपातितः॥42॥*

Ardha-Nishkranta Evasau Yudhyamano Mahasurah | Taya Mahasina Devya Shirash Chhittva Nipatitah || 42 ||

Meaning: Even half emerged, the demon went on fighting the Goddess. Then, with her great sword, the Goddess cut off his head and brought him down to the ground.

Verse 43

ततो हाहाकृतं सर्वं दैत्यसैन्यं ननाश तत्। प्रहर्षं च परं जग्मुः सकला देवतागणाः॥43॥

Tato Hahakritam Sarvam Daitya-Sainyam Nanasha Tat | Praharsham Cha Param Jagmuh Sakala Devataganah || 43 ||

Meaning: As soon as Mahishasura was slain, his whole demon army cried out in terror and was destroyed. On the other side, all the gods were overjoyed.

Verse 44

तुष्टुवुस्तां सुरा देवीं सह दिव्यैर्महर्षिभिः। जगुर्गन्धर्वपतयो ननृतुश्चाप्सरोगणाः॥ॐ॥44॥

Tushtuvustam Sura Devim Saha Divyair Maharshibhih | Jagur Gandharva-Patayo Nanritush Chapsaroganah || Om || 44 ||

Meaning: The gods and the divine great sages praised the Goddess. The gandharvas sang songs of joy, and the apsaras danced in delight.

Conclusion

॥ इति श्रीमार्कण्डेयपुराणे सावर्णिके मन्वन्तरे देवीमाहात्म्ये महिषासुरवधो नाम तृतीयोऽध्यायः॥३॥

|| Iti Shri-Markandeya-Purane Savarnike Manvantare Devimahatmye Mahishasura-Vadho Nama Tritiyo'dhyayah || 3 ||

Meaning: Thus ends the third chapter, named ‘The Slaying of Mahishasura’, in the Devi Mahatmya, within the account of the Savarnika manvantara in the Shri Markandeya Purana. ॥3॥