Durga Saptashati Chapter 4: The Praise of the Goddess by Indra and the Gods

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 fourth chapter contains the hymn of praise (Devi Stuti) offered to the Goddess by Indra and the other gods after the defeat of Mahishasura.

Chaturtho'dhyaya (॥ चतुर्थोऽध्यायः ॥)

Dhyanam (॥ ध्यानम् ॥)

ॐ कालाभ्राभां कटाक्षैररिकुलभयदां मौलिबद्धेन्दुरेखां शड्खं चक्रं कृपाणं त्रिशिखमपि करैरुद्वहन्तीं त्रिनेत्राम्। सिंहस्कन्धाधिरूढां त्रिभुवनमखिलं तेजसा पूरयन्तीं ध्यायेद् दुर्गां जयाख्यां त्रिदशपरिवृतां सेवितां सिद्धिकामैः॥

Om Kalabhrabham Katakshair Arikula-Bhayadam Mauli-Baddhendu-Rekham Shadkham Chakram Kripanam Trishikham Api Karair Udvahantim Trinetram | Simha-Skandhadhirudham Tribhuvanam Akhilam Tejasa Purayantim Dhyayed Durgam Jayakhyam Tridasha-Parivritam Sevitam Siddhikamaih ||

Meaning: One should meditate on Goddess Durga, whose complexion is like dark clouds and whose mere glance fills hosts of enemies with fear. The moon adorns her forehead. She holds a conch, discus, sword and trident in her hands. She has three eyes, is seated on a lion and lights up the three worlds with her radiance. The gods and the devotees who seek siddhi serve her.

Verses

Verses 1–2

"ॐ" ऋषिरुवाच॥1॥* शक्रादयः सुरगणा निहतेऽतिवीर्ये तस्मिन्दुरात्मनि सुरारिबले च देव्या। तां तुष्टुवुः प्रणतिनम्रशिरोधरांसा वाग्भिः प्रहर्षपुलकोद्गमचारुदेहाः॥2॥

"Om" Rishiruvacha || 1 || Shakradayah Suragana Nihate'tivirye Tasmin Duratmani Suraribale Cha Devya | Tam Tushtuvuh Pranati-Namra-Shirodharamsa Vagbhih Praharsha-Pulakodgama-Charu-Dehah || 2 ||

Meaning: The sage says: When the Goddess had slain the mighty and wicked Mahishasura and his army, Indra and all the gods were overjoyed. Bowing their heads, they praised the Goddess with devotion and delight.

Verse 3

देव्या यया ततमिदं जगदात्मशक्त्या निश्शेषदेवगणशक्तिसमूहमूर्त्या। तामम्बिकामखिलदेवमहर्षिपूज्यां भक्त्या नताः स्म विदधातु शुभानि सा नः॥3॥

Devya Yaya Tatamidam Jagad Atmashaktya Nishshesha-Devagana-Shakti-Samuha-Murtya | Tam Ambikam Akhila-Deva-Maharshi-Pujyam Bhaktya Natah Sma Vidadhatu Shubhani Sa Nah || 3 ||

Meaning: We bow with devotion to Goddess Ambika, by whose own power, united with the powers of all the gods, this whole world is pervaded. May that Goddess, whom all the gods and great sages worship, bring us well-being.

Verse 4

यस्याः प्रभावमतुलं भगवाननन्तो ब्रह्मा हरश्च न हि वक्तुमलं बलं च। सा चण्डिकाखिलजगत्परिपालनाय नाशाय चाशुभभयस्य मतिं करोतु॥4॥

Yasyah Prabhavam Atulam Bhagavan Ananto Brahma Harashcha Na Hi Vaktumalam Balam Cha | Sa Chandikakhila-Jagat-Paripalanaya Nashaya Chashubha-Bhayasya Matim Karotu || 4 ||

Meaning: Not even Lord Vishnu, Brahma and Lord Shiva can fully describe the Goddess’s great power and influence. May that Goddess Chandika protect the whole world and destroy all that is inauspicious and all fear.

Verse 5

या श्रीः स्वयं सुकृतिनां भवनेष्वलक्ष्मीः पापात्मनां कृतधियां हृदयेषु बुद्धिः। श्रद्धा सतां कुलजनप्रभवस्य लज्जा तां त्वां नताः स्म परिपालय देवि विश्वम्॥5॥

Ya Shrih Svayam Sukritinam Bhavaneshv Alakshmih Papatmanam Kritadhiyam Hridayeshu Buddhih | Shraddha Satam Kulajana-Prabhavasya Lajja Tam Tvam Natah Sma Paripalaya Devi Vishvam || 5 ||

Meaning: O Devi! In the homes of those who do good deeds, you dwell as Lakshmi. In those who do wrong you dwell as poverty, in the hearts of the wise as intelligence, and in good people as faith. We bow to you. O Goddess, protect the whole world.

Verse 6

किं वर्णयाम तव रूपमचिन्त्यमेतत् किं चातिवीर्यमसुरक्षयकारि भूरि। किं चाहवेषु चरितानि तवाद्भुतानि सर्वेषु देव्यसुरदेवगणादिकेषु॥6॥

Kim Varnayama Tava Rupam Achintyam Etat Kim Chativiryam Asura-Kshaya-Kari Bhuri | Kim Chahaveshu Charitani Tavadbhutani Sarveshu Devyasura-Devaganadikeshu || 6 ||

Meaning: O Devi! How much can we describe your wondrous form? It is not possible for us even to describe your boundless power and your great valour in destroying the demons. It is also hard to tell fully of the wondrous deeds you performed in the war between the gods and the demons.

Verse 7

हेतुः समस्तजगतां त्रिगुणापि दोषैर्न ज्ञायसे हरिहरादिभिरप्यपारा। सर्वाश्रयाखिलमिदं जगदंशभूत- मव्याकृता हि परमा प्रकृतिस्त्वमाद्या॥7॥

Hetuh Samasta-Jagatam Trigunapi Doshairna Jnayase Hariharadibhir Apy Apara | Sarvashrayakhilam Idam Jagad-Amsha-Bhuta- Mavyakrita Hi Parama Prakritis Tvam Adya || 7 ||

Meaning: O Devi! You are the root cause of the whole universe, and although you are endowed with the three gunas, you are beyond them. Even gods like Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva cannot fully know your infinite form. This whole world is only a part of you. You alone are the primordial and supreme Prakriti, and you are the support of all.

Verse 8

यस्याः समस्तसुरता समुदीरणेन तृप्तिं प्रयाति सकलेषु मखेषु देवि। स्वाहासि वै पितृगणस्य च तृप्तिहेतु- रुच्चार्यसे त्वमत एव जनैः स्वधा च॥8॥

Yasyah Samasta-Surata Samudiranena Triptim Prayati Sakaleshu Makheshu Devi | Svahasi Vai Pitriganasya Cha Triptihetu- Ruchcharyase Tvamata Eva Janaih Svadha Cha || 8 ||

Meaning: O Devi! The offerings given to the gods in every yajna reach them because of your form as Svaha. In the offerings made to satisfy the ancestors, you are called Svadha. In this way, you are the cause of the satisfaction of both the gods and the ancestors.

Verse 9

या मुक्तिहेतुरविचिन्त्यमहाव्रता त्व- मभ्यस्यसे सुनियतेन्द्रियतत्त्वसारैः। मोक्षार्थिभिर्मुनिभिरस्तसमस्तदोषै- र्विद्यासि सा भगवती परमा हि देवि॥9॥

Ya Mukti-Hetur Avichintya-Mahavrata Tva- Mabhyasyase Suniyatendriya-Tattvasaraih | Moksharthibhir Munibhir Asta-Samasta-Doshai- Rvidyasi Sa Bhagavati Parama Hi Devi || 9 ||

Meaning: O Devi! The sages who control their senses, remove all their faults and long for liberation meditate on you and worship you. You are that supreme knowledge which shows human beings the path to liberation.

Verse 10

शब्दात्मिका सुविमलर्ग्यजुषां निधान- मुद्गीथरम्यपदपाठवतां च साम्नाम्। देवी त्रयी भगवती भवभावनाय वार्ता च सर्वजगतां परमार्तिहन्त्री॥10॥

Shabdatmika Suvimalarg-Yajusham Nidhana- Mudgitha-Ramya-Padapathavatam Cha Samnam | Devi Trayi Bhagavati Bhava-Bhavanaya Varta Cha Sarvajagatam Paramarti-Hantri || 10 ||

Meaning: O Devi! You are the very form of the sacred words of the Vedas. It is your form that is seen in the Rigveda, the Yajurveda and the Samaveda. You are the support of the creation and sustenance of the world, and you remove even the greatest sorrows of the whole world.

Verse 11

मेधासि देवि विदिताखिलशास्त्रसारा दुर्गासि दुर्गभवसागरनौरसङ्गा। श्रीः कैटभारिहृदयैककृताधिवासा गौरी त्वमेव शशिमौलिकृतप्रतिष्ठा॥11॥

Medhasi Devi Viditakhila-Shastrasara Durgasi Durga-Bhavasagara-Naur Asanga | Shrih Kaitabhari-Hridayaika-Kritadhivasa Gauri Tvameva Shashimauli-Krita-Pratishtha || 11 ||

Meaning: O Devi! You are Medha, the power of knowledge and understanding. You are Durga, like a boat that carries us across the difficult ocean of worldly life. You are Lakshmi, who dwells in the heart of Lord Vishnu, and you are also Gauri, who is established on the head of Lord Shiva.

Verse 12

ईषत्सहासममलं परिपूर्णचन्द्र- बिम्बानुकारि कनकोत्तमकान्तिकान्तम्। अत्यद्भुतं प्रहृतमात्तरुषा तथापि वक्त्रं विलोक्य सहसा महिषासुरेण॥12॥

Ishat-Sahasam Amalam Paripurna-Chandra- Bimbanukari Kanakottama-Kanti-Kantam | Atyadbhutam Prahritam Attarusha Tathapi Vaktram Vilokya Sahasa Mahishasurena || 12 ||

Meaning: Mahishasura saw the Goddess’s most beautiful face, which bore a gentle smile and shone like the full moon. The beauty of her face was radiant like gold, yet because of the anger of battle her form appeared supremely powerful and wondrous.

Verse 13

दृष्ट्वा तु देवि कुपितं भ्रुकुटीकराल- मुद्यच्छशाङ्कसदृशच्छवि यन्न सद्यः। प्राणान्मुमोच महिषस्तदतीव चित्रं कैर्जीव्यते हि कुपितान्तकदर्शनेन॥13॥

Drishtva Tu Devi Kupitam Bhrukuti-Karala- Mudyach Chhashanka-Sadrishach Chhavi Yanna Sadyah | Pranan Mumocha Mahishas Tad Ativa Chitram Kairjivyate Hi Kupitantaka-Darshanena || 13 ||

Meaning: O Devi! When Mahishasura saw your face, full of anger and terrifying with its furrowed brows, he at once lost his life. This is no wonder, for who can remain alive before Death when it is enraged?

Verse 14

देवि प्रसीद परमा भवती भवाय सद्यो विनाशयसि कोपवती कुलानि। विज्ञातमेतदधुनैव यदस्तमेत- न्नीतं बलं सुविपुलं महिषासुरस्य॥14॥

Devi Prasida Parama Bhavati Bhavaya Sadyo Vinashayasi Kopavati Kulani | Vijnatam Etad Adhunaiva Yadastameta- Nnitam Balam Suvipulam Mahishasurasya || 14 ||

Meaning: O Supreme Goddess! Be pleased and bring us well-being. When you are angry, you instantly destroy the whole lineage of the wicked. Just now we saw with our own eyes how you put an end to the vast power and army of Mahishasura.

Verse 15

ते सम्मता जनपदेषु धनानि तेषां तेषां यशांसि न च सीदति धर्मवर्गः। धन्यास्त एव निभृतात्मजभृत्यदारा येषां सदाभ्युदयदा भवती प्रसन्ना॥15॥

Te Sammata Janapadeshu Dhanani Tesham Tesham Yashamsi Na Cha Sidati Dharmavargah | Dhanyasta Eva Nibhritatmaja-Bhritya-Dara Yesham Sadabhyudayada Bhavati Prasanna || 15 ||

Meaning: Those with whom the Goddess is pleased grow in wealth and property, gain honour and fame, and dharma remains in their lives. Those whose minds are at peace and whose families live in happiness and peace are truly blessed, for the Goddess always helps them to prosper.

Verse 16

धर्म्याणि देवि सकलानि सदैव कर्मा- ण्यत्यादृतः प्रतिदिनं सुकृती करोति। स्वर्गं प्रयाति च ततो भवतीप्रसादा- ल्लोकत्रयेऽपि फलदा ननु देवि तेन॥16॥

Dharmyani Devi Sakalani Sadaiva Karma- Nyatyadritah Pratidinam Sukriti Karoti | Svargam Prayati Cha Tato Bhavati-Prasada- Llokatraye'pi Phalada Nanu Devi Tena || 16 ||

Meaning: O Devi! The person who, with faith, performs all good and righteous deeds every day attains heaven through your blessing. He receives the fruit of his good deeds in all three worlds.

Verse 17

दुर्गे स्मृता हरसि भीतिमशेषजन्तोः स्वस्थैः स्मृता मतिमतीव शुभां ददासि। दारिद्र्यदुःखभयहारिणि का त्वदन्या सर्वोपकारकरणाय सदाऽऽर्द्रचित्ता॥17॥

Durge Smrita Harasi Bhitim Ashesha-Jantoh Svasthaih Smrita Matimativa Shubham Dadasi | Daridrya-Duhkha-Bhaya-Harini Ka Tvadanya Sarvopakara-Karanaya Sada''rdra-Chitta || 17 ||

Meaning: O Durga! When you are remembered in times of danger, you take away the fear of all beings. When you are remembered in times of happiness, you grant auspicious understanding. There is no other goddess like you, who removes poverty, sorrow and fear and is always ready to do good to others.

Verse 18

एभिर्हतैर्जगदुपैति सुखं तथैते कुर्वन्तु नाम नरकाय चिराय पापम्। सङ्ग्राममृत्युमधिगम्य दिवं प्रयान्तु मत्वेति नूनमहितान् विनिहंसि देवि॥18॥

Ebhir Hatair Jagad Upaiti Sukham Tathaite Kurvantu Nama Narakaya Chiraya Papam | Sangrama-Mrityum Adhigamya Divam Prayantu Matveti Nunamahitan Vinihamsi Devi || 18 ||

Meaning: O Devi! The world gained happiness and peace from the death of the wicked demons you slew. They might have suffered in hell for a long time because of their sins, but because they were slain by your hand in battle, they attained heaven. It is with this thought that you slay even your enemies.

Verse 19

दृष्ट्वैव किं न भवती प्रकरोति भस्म सर्वासुरानरिषु यत्प्रहिणोषि शस्त्रम्। लोकान् प्रयान्तु रिपवोऽपि हि शस्त्रपूता इत्थं मतिर्भवति तेष्वपि तेऽतिसाध्वी॥19॥

Drishtvaiva Kim Na Bhavati Prakaroti Bhasma Sarvasuran Arishu Yat Prahinoshi Shastram | Lokan Prayantu Ripavo'pi Hi Shastraputa Ittham Matirbhavati Teshvapi Te'tisadhvi || 19 ||

Meaning: O Devi! If you can burn all the demons to ashes with a mere glance, what need is there to use weapons against your enemies? Yet you use weapons even against them, so that, purified by your weapons, they too may reach the higher worlds. This makes your compassion all the clearer.

Verse 20

खड्गप्रभानिकरविस्फुरणैस्तथोग्रैः शूलाग्रकान्तिनिवहेन दृशोऽसुराणाम्। यन्नागता विलयमंशुमदिन्दुखण्ड- योग्याननं तव विलोकयतां तदेतत्॥20॥

Khadga-Prabha-Nikara-Visphuranais Tathograih Shulagra-Kanti-Nivahena Drisho'suranam | Yannagata Vilayam Amshumad-Indu-Khanda- Yogyananam Tava Vilokayatam Tadetat || 20 ||

Meaning: O Devi! Even on seeing the fierce flash of your sword and the terrible gleam of your trident, the demons’ eyes were not destroyed, for they were gazing at your beautiful face, which shone like the sun and the moon. This is the power of your wondrous form.

Verse 21

दुर्वृत्तवृत्तशमनं तव देवि शीलं रूपं तथैतदविचिन्त्यमतुल्यमन्यैः। वीर्यं च हन्तृहृतदेवपराक्रमाणां वैरिष्वपि प्रकटितैव दया त्वयेत्थम्॥21॥

Durvritta-Vritta-Shamanam Tava Devi Shilam Rupam Tathaitad Avichintyam Atulyam Anyaih | Viryam Cha Hantri-Hrita-Deva-Parakramanam Vairishvapi Prakatitaiva Daya Tvayettham || 21 ||

Meaning: O Devi! It is your nature to put an end to the evil conduct of the wicked. Your form is wondrous and beyond compare. By slaying the demons, you restored to the gods their lost strength and honour. And yet you showed mercy even to your enemies.

Verse 22

केनोपमा भवतु तेऽस्य पराक्रमस्य रूपं च शत्रुभयकार्यतिहारि कुत्र। चित्ते कृपा समरनिष्ठुरता च दृष्टा त्वय्येव देवि वरदे भुवनत्रयेऽपि॥22॥

Kenopama Bhavatu Te'sya Parakramasya Rupam Cha Shatru-Bhaya-Karyati-Hari Kutra | Chitte Kripa Samara-Nishthurata Cha Drishta Tvayyeva Devi Varade Bhuvanatraye'pi || 22 ||

Meaning: O Devi! With what can your valour be compared? Nowhere else is there a form that so terrifies enemies. There is compassion in your heart, yet in battle you become utterly relentless. In all three worlds, such a wondrous form is seen in you alone.

Verse 23

त्रैलोक्यमेतदखिलं रिपुनाशनेन त्रातं त्वया समरमूर्धनि तेऽपि हत्वा। नीता दिवं रिपुगणा भयमप्यपास्त- मस्माकमुन्मदसुरारिभवं नमस्ते॥23॥

Trailokyam Etad Akhilam Ripu-Nashanena Tratam Tvaya Samara-Murdhani Te'pi Hatva | Nita Divam Ripugana Bhayam Apy Apasta- Masmakam Unmada-Surari-Bhavam Namaste || 23 ||

Meaning: O Devi! By slaying the demons on the battlefield, you have protected the three worlds. Even the enemies you slew attained heaven, and our fear has been removed. O Goddess who protects us from the arrogant demons, we bow to you.

Verse 24

शूलेन पाहि नो देवि पाहि खड्गेन चाम्बिके। घण्टास्वनेन नः पाहि चापज्यानिःस्वनेन च॥24॥

Shulena Pahi No Devi Pahi Khadgena Chambike | Ghanta-Svanena Nah Pahi Chapa-Jya-Nihsvanena Cha || 24 ||

Meaning: O Goddess! Protect us with your trident, and protect us with your sword. With the sound of your bell and the twang of your bow, save us from all dangers.

Verse 25

प्राच्यां रक्ष प्रतीच्यां च चण्डिके रक्ष दक्षिणे। भ्रामणेनात्मशूलस्य उत्तरस्यां तथेश्वरि॥25॥

Prachyam Raksha Pratichyam Cha Chandike Raksha Dakshine | Bhramanenatma-Shulasya Uttarasyam Tatheshvari || 25 ||

Meaning: O Chandika! Protect us in the east, protect us in the west, and protect us in the south as well. O Ishvari, by whirling your trident, protect the north too.

Verse 26

सौम्यानि यानि रूपाणि त्रैलोक्ये विचरन्ति ते। यानि चात्यर्थघोराणि तै रक्षास्मांस्तथा भुवम्॥26॥

Saumyani Yani Rupani Trailokye Vicharanti Te | Yani Chatyartha-Ghorani Tai Rakshasmams Tatha Bhuvam || 26 ||

Meaning: O Devi! With all your forms — the calm and beautiful forms that are in the three worlds and your most terrifying forms — protect us and this whole earth.

Verse 27

खड्गशूलगदादीनि यानि चास्त्राणि तेऽम्बिके। करपल्लवसङ्गीनि तैरस्मान् रक्ष सर्वतः॥27॥

Khadga-Shula-Gadadini Yani Chastrani Te'mbike | Karapallava-Sangini Tairasman Raksha Sarvatah || 27 ||

Meaning: O Ambika! With the sword, the trident, the mace and all the other weapons in your tender hands, protect us on every side.

Rishir Uvacha

ऋषिरुवाच॥28॥

Verse 29

एवं स्तुता सुरैर्दिव्यैः कुसुमैर्नन्दनोद्भवैः। अर्चिता जगतां धात्री तथा गन्धानुलेपनैः॥29॥

Evam Stuta Surair Divyaih Kusumair Nandanodbhavaih | Archita Jagatam Dhatri Tatha Gandhanulepanaih || 29 ||

Meaning: The sage says: In this way the gods praised the Goddess and worshipped her with divine flowers grown in the Nandana garden of heaven. They also worshipped her with fragrant substances.

Verse 30

भक्त्या समस्तैस्त्रिदशैर्दिव्यैर्धूपैस्तु धूपिता।* प्राह प्रसादसुमुखी समस्तान् प्रणतान् सुरान्॥30॥

Bhaktya Samastais Tridashair Divyair Dhupais Tu Dhupita | Praha Prasada-Sumukhi Samastan Pranatan Suran || 30 ||

Meaning: All the gods devoutly offered divine incense to the Goddess. Pleased by their worship, the Goddess, with a joyful face, spoke to all the gods who were bowing before her.

Devyuvacha

देव्युवाच॥31॥

Verse 32

व्रियतां त्रिदशाः सर्वे यदस्मत्तोऽभिवाञ्छितम्॥32॥*

Vriyatam Tridashah Sarve Yad Asmatto'bhivanchhitam || 32 ||

Meaning: The Goddess said: “O gods, you may ask of me whatever boon you wish.”

Deva Uchuh

देवा ऊचुः॥33॥

Verse 34

भगवत्या कृतं सर्वं न किञ्चिदवशिष्यते॥34॥

Bhagavatya Kritam Sarvam Na Kinchid Avashishyate || 34 ||

Meaning: The gods said: “O Bhagavati! You have done everything for us. Now nothing remains for us to ask.

Verse 35

यदयं निहतः शत्रुरस्माकं महिषासुरः। यदि चापि वरो देयस्त्वयास्माकं महेश्वरि॥35॥

Yadayam Nihatah Shatrur Asmakam Mahishasurah | Yadi Chapi Varo Deyas Tvayasmakam Maheshvari || 35 ||

Meaning: “You have slain our enemy Mahishasura. Even so, if you wish to grant us a boon, O Maheshvari, we would ask one boon of you.

Verse 36

संस्मृता संस्मृता त्वं नो हिंसेथाः परमापदः। यश्च मर्त्यः स्तवैरेभिस्त्वां स्तोष्यत्यमलानने॥36॥

Samsmrita Samsmrita Tvam No Himsethah Paramapadah | Yashcha Martyah Stavair Ebhis Tvam Stoshyaty Amalanane || 36 ||

Meaning: “O Goddess! Whenever we remember you, take away even our greatest troubles and calamities. And protect also any person who praises you with these hymns.

Verse 37

तस्य वित्तर्द्धिविभवैर्धनदारादिसम्पदाम्। वृद्धयेऽस्मत्प्रसन्ना त्वं भवेथाः सर्वदाम्बिके॥37॥

Tasya Vittarddhi-Vibhavair Dhana-Daradi-Sampadam | Vriddhaye'smat-Prasanna Tvam Bhavethah Sarvadambike || 37 ||

Meaning: “O Ambika! Be always pleased with the person who worships you with these hymns of praise, and increase his wealth, property, family, happiness and prosperity.”

Rishir Uvacha

ऋषिरुवाच॥38॥

Verse 39

इति प्रसादिता देवैर्जगतोऽर्थे तथाऽऽत्मनः। तथेत्युक्त्वा भद्रकाली बभूवान्तर्हिता नृप॥39॥

Iti Prasadita Devair Jagato'rthe Tatha''tmanah | Tathetyuktva Bhadrakali Babhuvantarhita Nripa || 39 ||

Meaning: The sage says: O King! Pleased in this way for the welfare of the gods and of the world, Goddess Bhadrakali said, “So be it,” and then vanished from that place.

Verse 40

इत्येतत्कथितं भूप सम्भूता सा यथा पुरा। देवी देवशरीरेभ्यो जगत्त्रयहितैषिणी॥40॥

Ity Etat Kathitam Bhupa Sambhuta Sa Yatha Pura | Devi Deva-Sharirebhyo Jagattraya-Hitaishini || 40 ||

Meaning: O King! I have told you how the Goddess first appeared from the bodies of the gods. She is the Goddess who desires the welfare of the three worlds.

Verse 41

पुनश्च गौरीदेहात्सा समुद्भूता यथाभवत्।* वधाय दुष्टदैत्यानां तथा शुम्भनिशुम्भयोः॥41॥

Punashcha Gauridehatsa Samudbhuta Yathabhavat | Vadhaya Dushta-Daityanam Tatha Shumbha-Nishumbhayoh || 41 ||

Meaning: Later, that same Goddess also appeared from the body of Gauri. She took this incarnation to slay the wicked demons, and especially Shumbha and Nishumbha.

Verse 42

रक्षणाय च लोकानां देवानामुपकारिणी। तच्छृणुष्व मयाऽऽख्यातं यथावत्कथयामि ते ॥ह्रीं ॐ॥42॥

Rakshanaya Cha Lokanam Devanam Upakarini | Tach Chhrinushva Maya''khyatam Yathavat Kathayami Te || Hreem Om || 42 ||

Meaning: That Goddess protects the three worlds and brings well-being to the gods. Now I shall tell you the rest of her story in detail. Listen carefully.

Conclusion

॥ इति श्रीमार्कण्डेयपुराणे सावर्णिके मन्वन्तरे देवीमाहात्म्ये शक्रादिस्तुतिर्नाम चतुर्थोऽध्यायः॥४॥

|| Iti Shri-Markandeya-Purane Savarnike Manvantare Devimahatmye Shakradi-Stutir Nama Chaturtho'dhyayah || 4 ||

Meaning: Thus ends the fourth chapter, named ‘The Praise by Shakra (Indra) and the Other Gods’, in the Devi Mahatmya, within the account of the Savarnika manvantara in the Shri Markandeya Purana. ॥4॥