Durga Saptashati Chapter 5: Devi-Duta Samvada

Durga Saptashati Chapter 5, known as Panchama Adhyaya or Devi-Duta Samvada – "The Dialogue between the Goddess and the Messenger" – opens the Uttama Charitra of the Devi Mahatmya, the longest of the three, presided over by Mahasaraswati. It contains the most recited passage of the whole Saptashati: the hymn "Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu", in which the gods bow to the Goddess as the consciousness, intelligence, sleep, hunger, power, peace, faith, compassion and motherhood present in every living being.

The chapter also tells how the Goddess took her new form. While Parvati bathes in the Ganga, the Goddess comes forth from the sheath of her body as Kaushiki, and Parvati, left dark, becomes Kalika. Chanda and Munda report Kaushiki's beauty to the demon-king Shumbha, who sends the messenger Sugriva to claim her. The Goddess answers with her vow: only he who defeats her in battle shall be her husband.

The chapter contains 129 textual units, traditionally counted as 9 uvacha lines, 44 half-verses and 76 full verses. Every one of them is given below in Sanskrit, with transliteration and a simple English meaning.

Durga Saptashati Chapter 5 at a Glance

Particular	Details
Chapter	Panchama Adhyaya (Fifth Chapter)
Traditional Name	Devi-Duta Samvada – The Dialogue between the Goddess and the Messenger
Charitra	Uttama Charitra – Chapters 5 to 13; this chapter opens it
Presiding Deity	Mahasaraswati
Rishi	Rudra
Metre	Anushtup
Shakti	Bhima
Bija	Bhramari
Tattva	Surya
Vedic Form	Samaveda
Hymn Within It	The Aparajita Stuti, "Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu" (Verses 9–82), recited again at the end of the Path as the Tantrokta Devi Sukta
Main Theme	The gods' hymn to the Goddess in all beings, the birth of Kaushiki, and Shumbha's proposal through his messenger
Narrator	Sage Medha ("Rishir Uvacha"), within Sage Markandeya's narration
Principal Figures	The gods; the Goddess as Aparajita, Kaushiki, Ambika and Durga; Parvati and Kalika; Chanda and Munda; Shumbha and Nishumbha; the messenger Sugriva
Traditional Count	129 textual units (388 from the beginning of the text)
Source	Markandeya Purana – Devi Mahatmya
Navratri	Read on Day 3 with Chapter 6 in the nine-day schedule

Story of Durga Saptashati Chapter 5

Long ago the demon brothers Shumbha and Nishumbha, relying on their strength, seized Indra's rule over the three worlds and the gods' shares of the sacrifice. They took the offices of the Sun, the Moon, Kubera, Yama, Varuna, Vayu and Agni, and the gods, driven from their kingdoms, remembered the Goddess who had once promised: "Whenever you remember me in calamity, I will destroy it that very moment."

They go to the Himalaya and praise her – the hymn of Verses 9–82. They bow to her as Mahadevi, Shiva, Prakriti, Raudri, Gauri, Durga, Kalyani and Lakshmi; then, twenty-two times over, as the Goddess who dwells in all beings – as Vishnumaya, consciousness, intelligence, sleep, hunger, shadow, power, thirst, forgiveness, kind, modesty, peace, faith, radiance, Lakshmi, livelihood, memory, compassion, contentment, mother, delusion, and the consciousness that pervades the universe. "May she who removes all our troubles the moment she is remembered," they end, "save us now."

As they praise her, Parvati comes to the Ganga to bathe and asks whom they are praising. From the sheath of her own body a Goddess steps out and answers: it is I they praise, defeated as they are by Shumbha and Nishumbha. Because she came from the sheath (kosha) of Parvati's body she is called Kaushiki; and Parvati, left dark when she departed, becomes known as Kalika of the Himalaya.

Chanda and Munda, servants of Shumbha, see Ambika in her supremely beautiful form and hurry to their king. There is a woman on the Himalaya, they say, lovelier than anything seen before. Every jewel of the three worlds is already in Shumbha's house – Indra's elephant Airavata, the Parijata tree, the horse Uchchaihshravas, Brahma's swan-drawn chariot, Kubera's treasure Mahapadma, Varuna's gold-raining umbrella, Yama's spear, the Ocean's garland, Agni's garments – why not this jewel among women too?

Shumbha sends the great asura Sugriva as messenger. Sugriva speaks sweetly: Shumbha is lord of the three worlds, all treasures are his, you are the jewel among women – choose him or his brother Nishumbha as your husband, and boundless splendour will be yours.

The Goddess smiles and replies that it is all true – but she has made a vow, rashly, long ago: "He who defeats me in battle, who breaks my pride, who equals me in strength – he alone shall be my husband." Let Shumbha or Nishumbha come, defeat her, and take her hand. The messenger warns her not to be proud; not even Indra and the gods could stand before Shumbha – how can a woman alone? Go to them, he says, or you will be dragged there by the hair. The Goddess answers only: it is true that they are strong, but what can I do about my vow? Go and tell your king all this, and let him do what he thinks right.

Who Appears in Chapter 5?

Figure	Role in the Chapter
Sage Medha	Narrates the chapter to King Suratha and the merchant Samadhi
The gods	Robbed of their powers by Shumbha and Nishumbha; they praise the Goddess on the Himalaya
The Goddess (Aparajita, Vishnumaya)	The invincible one whom the gods remember and praise
Parvati	Comes to bathe in the Ganga; from the sheath of her body the Goddess emerges
Kaushiki (Ambika)	The Goddess born from Parvati's sheath, who will slay Shumbha and Nishumbha
Kalika	Parvati herself, dark after Kaushiki's departure, dwelling in the Himalaya
Shumbha and Nishumbha	The demon brothers who rule the three worlds
Chanda and Munda	Shumbha's servants, who report the Goddess's beauty to him
Sugriva	The asura sent by Shumbha as messenger to the Goddess

Structure of Chapter 5

The chapter can be understood in seven parts:

The gods robbed by Shumbha and Nishumbha – Verses 1–7
The hymn of the gods: "Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu" – Verses 8–82
Kaushiki emerges from Parvati; Parvati becomes Kalika – Verses 83–88
Chanda and Munda describe the Goddess to Shumbha – Verses 89–100
Shumbha sends the messenger Sugriva – Verses 101–104
The messenger's proposal and the Goddess's vow – Verses 105–121
The messenger's warning and the Goddess's reply – Verses 122–129

Durga Saptashati Chapter 5 Sanskrit with Meaning

॥ श्रीदुर्गासप्तशती – पञ्चमोऽध्यायः ॥

Viniyoga

ॐ अस्य श्रीउत्तरचरित्रस्य रुद्र ऋषिः, महासरस्वती देवता, अनुष्टुप् छन्दः, भीमा शक्तिः, भ्रामरी बीजम्, सूर्यतत्त्वम्, सामवेदः स्वरूपम्, महासरस्वतीप्रीत्यर्थे उत्तरचरित्रपाठे विनियोगः।

Om Asya Shri-Uttara-Charitrasya Rudra Rishih, Mahasarasvati Devata, Anushtup Chhandah, Bhima Shaktih, Bhramari Bijam, Suryas Tattvam, Samavedah Svarupam, Mahasarasvati-Prityarthe Uttara-Charitra-Pathe Viniyogah |

Meaning: The Rishi of the last (Uttara) Charitra is Rudra, its deity is Mahasaraswati, its metre is Anushtup, its Shakti is Bhima, its Bija is Bhramari, its Tattva is Surya (the sun), and its form is the Samaveda. This recitation of the last Charitra is undertaken to please Mahasaraswati.

Dhyana

ॐ घण्टाशूलहलानि शङ्खमुसले चक्रं धनुः सायकं हस्ताब्जैर्दधतीं घनान्तविलसच्छीतांशुतुल्यप्रभाम्।

गौरीदेहसमुद्भवां त्रिजगतामाधारभूतां महा- पूर्वामत्र सरस्वतीमनुभजे शुम्भादिदैत्यार्दिनीम्॥

Om Ghanta-Shula-Halani Shankha-Musale Chakram Dhanuh Sayakam Hastabjair Dadhatim Ghananta-Vilasach-Chhitamshu-Tulya-Prabham |

Gauri-Deha-Samudbhavam Trijagatam Adharabhutam Maha- Purvam Atra Sarasvatim Anubhaje Shumbhadi-Daityardinim ||

Meaning: I worship Mahasaraswati, who holds in her eight lotus-hands a bell, a trident, a plough, a conch, a pestle, a discus, a bow and an arrow; whose radiance is that of the cool-rayed moon shining when the clouds have cleared; who arose from the body of Gauri; the support of the three worlds; the slayer of Shumbha and the other demons.

Verse 1 – Rishir Uvacha

"ॐ क्लीं" ऋषिरुवाच॥१॥

"Om Kleem" Rishir Uvacha || 1 ||

Meaning: Remembering the Goddess's seed mantra "Kleem", the sage Medha said:

Verse 2

पुरा शुम्भनिशुम्भाभ्यामसुराभ्यां शचीपतेः। त्रैलोक्यं यज्ञभागाश्च हृता मदबलाश्रयात्॥२॥

Pura Shumbha-Nishumbhabhyam Asurabhyam Shachipateh | Trailokyam Yajnabhagash Cha Hrita Mada-Balashrayat || 2 ||

Meaning: "Long ago the asuras Shumbha and Nishumbha, relying on their pride and strength, took from Indra the three worlds and the shares of the sacrifice."

Verse 3

तावेव सूर्यतां तद्वदधिकारं तथैन्दवम्। कौबेरमथ याम्यं च चक्राते वरुणस्य च॥३॥

Taveva Suryatam Tadvad Adhikaram Tathaindavam | Kauberamatha Yamyam Cha Chakrate Varunasya Cha || 3 ||

Meaning: "The two of them took over the office of the Sun, and likewise the offices of the Moon, of Kubera, of Yama and of Varuna."

Verse 4

तावेव पवनर्द्धिं च चक्रतुर्वह्निकर्म च। ततो देवा विनिर्धूता भ्रष्टराज्याः पराजिताः॥४॥

Taveva Pavanarddhim Cha Chakratur Vahnikarma Cha | Tato Deva Vinirdhuta Bhrashta-Rajyah Parajitah || 4 ||

Meaning: "They also took the power of Vayu and the work of Agni. So the gods were driven out, defeated and stripped of their kingdoms."

Verse 5

हृताधिकारास्त्रिदशास्ताभ्यां सर्वे निराकृताः। महासुराभ्यां तां देवीं संस्मरन्त्यपराजिताम्॥५॥

Hritadhikaras Tridashas Tabhyam Sarve Nirakritah | Mahasurabhyam Tam Devim Samsmaranty Aparajitam || 5 ||

Meaning: "Robbed of their offices and cast out by the two great asuras, all the gods remembered the invincible Goddess."

Verse 6

तयास्माकं वरो दत्तो यथाऽऽपत्सु स्मृताखिलाः। भवतां नाशयिष्यामि तत्क्षणात्परमापदः॥६॥

Tayasmakam Varo Datto Yatha''patsu Smritakhilah | Bhavatam Nashayishyami Tat-Kshanat Paramapadah || 6 ||

Meaning: "'She gave us a boon: "Whenever you remember me in calamity, that very moment I will destroy all your greatest troubles."'"

Verse 7

इति कृत्वा मतिं देवा हिमवन्तं नगेश्वरम्। जग्मुस्तत्र ततो देवीं विष्णुमायां प्रतुष्टुवुः॥७॥

Iti Kritva Matim Deva Himavantam Nageshvaram | Jagmustatra Tato Devim Vishnumayam Pratushtuvuh || 7 ||

Meaning: "With this in mind the gods went to the Himalaya, the lord of mountains, and there they praised the Goddess, the Maya of Vishnu."

Verse 8 – Deva Uchuh

देवा ऊचुः॥८॥

Deva Uchuh || 8 ||

Meaning: The gods said:

Verse 9

नमो देव्यै महादेव्यै शिवायै सततं नमः। नमः प्रकृत्यै भद्रायै नियताः प्रणताः स्म ताम्॥९॥

Namo Devyai Mahadevyai Shivayai Satatam Namah | Namah Prakrityai Bhadrayai Niyatah Pranatah Sma Tam || 9 ||

Meaning: "Salutations to the Goddess, to Mahadevi; salutations always to Shiva, the auspicious one. Salutations to Prakriti, to Bhadra, the gracious one. Disciplined, we bow to her."

Verse 10

रौद्रायै नमो नित्यायै गौर्यै धात्र्यै नमो नमः। ज्योत्स्नायै चेन्दुरूपिण्यै सुखायै सततं नमः॥१०॥

Raudrayai Namo Nityayai Gauryai Dhatryai Namo Namah | Jyotsnayai Chendu-Rupinyai Sukhayai Satatam Namah || 10 ||

Meaning: "Salutations to the terrible one, to the eternal one, to Gauri, to the supporter of the world – salutations again and again. Salutations always to her who is moonlight, who is of the form of the moon, who is happiness."

Verse 11

कल्याण्यै प्रणतां वृद्ध्यै सिद्ध्यै कुर्मो नमो नमः। नैर्ऋत्यै भूभृतां लक्ष्म्यै शर्वाण्यै ते नमो नमः॥११॥

Kalyanyai Pranatam Vriddhyai Siddhyai Kurmo Namo Namah | Nairrityai Bhubhritam Lakshmyai Sharvanyai Te Namo Namah || 11 ||

Meaning: "To Kalyani, the auspicious; to her who is the growth and success of those who bow – we bow again and again. To Nairriti, the power of destruction; to the Lakshmi of kings; to Sharvani, the consort of Shiva – salutations to you again and again."

Verse 12

दुर्गायै दुर्गपारायै सारायै सर्वकारिण्यै। ख्यात्यै तथैव कृष्णायै धूम्रायै सततं नमः॥१२॥

Durgayai Durgaparayai Sarayai Sarva-Karinyai | Khyatyai Tathaiva Krishnayai Dhumrayai Satatam Namah || 12 ||

Meaning: "Salutations always to Durga; to her who carries us across difficulties; to the essence of all; to the doer of all; to Khyati, renown; and likewise to Krishna, the dark one, and Dhumra, the smoke-coloured one."

Verse 13

अतिसौम्यातिरौद्रायै नतास्तस्यै नमो नमः। नमो जगत्प्रतिष्ठायै देव्यै कृत्यै नमो नमः॥१३॥

Atisaumyatiraudrayai Natastasyai Namo Namah | Namo Jagat-Pratishthayai Devyai Krityai Namo Namah || 13 ||

Meaning: "To her who is most gentle and most terrible we bow – salutations again and again. Salutations to the Goddess who is the foundation of the world; to her who is action itself – salutations again and again."

Verses 14–16

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु विष्णुमायेति शब्दिता।

नमस्तस्यै॥१४॥

नमस्तस्यै॥१५॥

नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥१६॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Vishnumayeti Shabdita |

Namastasyai || 14 ||

Namastasyai || 15 ||

Namastasyai Namo Namah || 16 ||

Meaning: "To the Goddess who is called Vishnumaya in all beings – salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her again and again."

Verses 17–19

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु चेतनेत्यभिधीयते।

नमस्तस्यै॥१७॥

नमस्तस्यै॥१८॥

नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥१९॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Chetanety Abhidhiyate |

Namastasyai || 17 ||

Namastasyai || 18 ||

Namastasyai Namo Namah || 19 ||

Meaning: "To the Goddess who is known as consciousness in all beings – salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her again and again."

Verses 20–22

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु बुद्धिरूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै॥२०॥

नमस्तस्यै॥२१॥

नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥२२॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Buddhirupena Samsthita |

Namastasyai || 20 ||

Namastasyai || 21 ||

Namastasyai Namo Namah || 22 ||

Meaning: "To the Goddess who dwells in all beings in the form of intelligence – salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her again and again."

Verses 23–25

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु निद्रारूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै॥२३॥

नमस्तस्यै॥२४॥

नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥२५॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Nidrarupena Samsthita |

Namastasyai || 23 ||

Namastasyai || 24 ||

Namastasyai Namo Namah || 25 ||

Meaning: "To the Goddess who dwells in all beings in the form of sleep – salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her again and again."

Verses 26–28

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु क्षुधारूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै॥२६॥

नमस्तस्यै॥२७॥

नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥२८॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Kshudha-Rupena Samsthita |

Namastasyai || 26 ||

Namastasyai || 27 ||

Namastasyai Namo Namah || 28 ||

Meaning: "To the Goddess who dwells in all beings in the form of hunger – salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her again and again."

Verses 29–31

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु छायारूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै॥२९॥

नमस्तस्यै॥३०॥

नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥३१॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Chhaya-Rupena Samsthita |

Namastasyai || 29 ||

Namastasyai || 30 ||

Namastasyai Namo Namah || 31 ||

Meaning: "To the Goddess who dwells in all beings in the form of shadow – salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her again and again."

Verses 32–34

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्तिरूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै॥३२॥

नमस्तस्यै॥३३॥

नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥३४॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shaktirupena Samsthita |

Namastasyai || 32 ||

Namastasyai || 33 ||

Namastasyai Namo Namah || 34 ||

Meaning: "To the Goddess who dwells in all beings in the form of power – salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her again and again."

Verses 35–37

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु तृष्णारूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै॥३५॥

नमस्तस्यै॥३६॥

नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥३७॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Trishna-Rupena Samsthita |

Namastasyai || 35 ||

Namastasyai || 36 ||

Namastasyai Namo Namah || 37 ||

Meaning: "To the Goddess who dwells in all beings in the form of thirst – salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her again and again."

Verses 38–40

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु क्षान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै॥३८॥

नमस्तस्यै॥३९॥

नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥४०॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Kshanti-Rupena Samsthita |

Namastasyai || 38 ||

Namastasyai || 39 ||

Namastasyai Namo Namah || 40 ||

Meaning: "To the Goddess who dwells in all beings in the form of forgiveness – salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her again and again."

Verses 41–43

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु जातिरूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै॥४१॥

नमस्तस्यै॥४२॥

नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥४३॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Jatirupena Samsthita |

Namastasyai || 41 ||

Namastasyai || 42 ||

Namastasyai Namo Namah || 43 ||

Meaning: "To the Goddess who dwells in all beings in the form of kind and birth – salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her again and again."

Verses 44–46

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु लज्जारूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै॥४४॥

नमस्तस्यै॥४५॥

नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥४६॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Lajjarupena Samsthita |

Namastasyai || 44 ||

Namastasyai || 45 ||

Namastasyai Namo Namah || 46 ||

Meaning: "To the Goddess who dwells in all beings in the form of modesty – salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her again and again."

Verses 47–49

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै॥४७॥

नमस्तस्यै॥४८॥

नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥४९॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shantirupena Samsthita |

Namastasyai || 47 ||

Namastasyai || 48 ||

Namastasyai Namo Namah || 49 ||

Meaning: "To the Goddess who dwells in all beings in the form of peace – salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her again and again."

Verses 50–52

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु श्रद्धारूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै॥५०॥

नमस्तस्यै॥५१॥

नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥५२॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shraddha-Rupena Samsthita |

Namastasyai || 50 ||

Namastasyai || 51 ||

Namastasyai Namo Namah || 52 ||

Meaning: "To the Goddess who dwells in all beings in the form of faith – salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her again and again."

Verses 53–55

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु कान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै॥५३॥

नमस्तस्यै॥५४॥

नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥५५॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Kantirupena Samsthita |

Namastasyai || 53 ||

Namastasyai || 54 ||

Namastasyai Namo Namah || 55 ||

Meaning: "To the Goddess who dwells in all beings in the form of radiance and beauty – salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her again and again."

Verses 56–58

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु लक्ष्मीरूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै॥५६॥

नमस्तस्यै॥५७॥

नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥५८॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Lakshmi-Rupena Samsthita |

Namastasyai || 56 ||

Namastasyai || 57 ||

Namastasyai Namo Namah || 58 ||

Meaning: "To the Goddess who dwells in all beings in the form of Lakshmi, good fortune – salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her again and again."

Verses 59–61

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु वृत्तिरूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै॥५९॥

नमस्तस्यै॥६०॥

नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥६१॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Vrittirupena Samsthita |

Namastasyai || 59 ||

Namastasyai || 60 ||

Namastasyai Namo Namah || 61 ||

Meaning: "To the Goddess who dwells in all beings in the form of livelihood and activity – salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her again and again."

Verses 62–64

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु स्मृतिरूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै॥६२॥

नमस्तस्यै॥६३॥

नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥६४॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Smritirupena Samsthita |

Namastasyai || 62 ||

Namastasyai || 63 ||

Namastasyai Namo Namah || 64 ||

Meaning: "To the Goddess who dwells in all beings in the form of memory – salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her again and again."

Verses 65–67

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु दयारूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै॥६५॥

नमस्तस्यै॥६६॥

नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥६७॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Dayarupena Samsthita | Namastasyai || 65 ||

Namastasyai || 66 ||

Namastasyai Namo Namah || 67 ||

Meaning: "To the Goddess who dwells in all beings in the form of compassion – salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her again and again."

Verses 68–70

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु तुष्टिरूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै॥६८॥

नमस्तस्यै॥६९॥

नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥७०॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Tushtirupena Samsthita | Namastasyai || 68 ||

Namastasyai || 69 ||

Namastasyai Namo Namah || 70 ||

Meaning: "To the Goddess who dwells in all beings in the form of contentment – salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her again and again."

Verses 71–73

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मातृरूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै॥७१॥

नमस्तस्यै॥७२॥

नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥७३॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Matrirupena Samsthita | Namastasyai || 71 ||

Namastasyai || 72 ||

Namastasyai Namo Namah || 73 ||

Meaning: "To the Goddess who dwells in all beings in the form of the mother – salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her again and again."

Verses 74–76

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु भ्रान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै॥७४॥

नमस्तस्यै॥७५॥

नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥७६॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Bhranti-Rupena Samsthita | Namastasyai || 74 ||

Namastasyai || 75 ||

Namastasyai Namo Namah || 76 ||

Meaning: "To the Goddess who dwells in all beings in the form of delusion – salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her again and again."

Verse 77

इन्द्रियाणामधिष्ठात्री भूतानां चाखिलेषु या। भूतेषु सततं तस्यै व्याप्तिदेव्यै नमो नमः॥७७॥

Indriyanam Adhishthatri Bhutanam Chakhileshu Ya | Bhuteshu Satatam Tasyai Vyaptidevyai Namo Namah || 77 ||

Meaning: "To the Goddess who presides over the senses of all beings and who pervades all the elements always – to that all-pervading Goddess, salutations again and again."

Verses 78–80

चितिरूपेण या कृत्स्नमेतद् व्याप्य स्थिता जगत्। नमस्तस्यै॥७८॥

नमस्तस्यै॥७९॥

नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥८०॥

Chitirupena Ya Kritsnametad Vyapya Sthita Jagat | Namastasyai || 78 ||

Namastasyai || 79 ||

Namastasyai Namo Namah || 80 ||

Meaning: "To the Goddess who, in the form of consciousness, pervades this whole universe and abides in it – salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her again and again."

Verse 81

स्तुता सुरैः पूर्वमभीष्टसंश्रयात् तथा सुरेन्द्रेण दिनेषु सेविता।

करोतु सा नः शुभहेतुरीश्वरी शुभानि भद्राण्यभिहन्तु चापदः॥८१॥

Stuta Suraih Purvam Abhishta-Samshrayat Tatha Surendrena Dineshu Sevita |

Karotu Sa Nah Shubhahetur Ishvari Shubhani Bhadrany Abhihantu Chapadah || 81 ||

Meaning: "May she – praised by the gods of old for the fulfilment of their wishes, and served by Indra day after day – the Ishvari who is the cause of all good, bring us good and auspicious things and destroy our calamities."

Verse 82

या साम्प्रतं चोद्धतदैत्यतापितै- रस्माभिरीशा च सुरैर्नमस्यते।

या च स्मृता तत्क्षणमेव हन्ति नः सर्वापदो भक्तिविनम्रमूर्तिभिः॥८२॥

Ya Sampratam Choddhata-Daitya-Tapitai- Rasmabhir Isha Cha Surair Namasyate |

Ya Cha Smrita Tat-Kshanam Eva Hanti Nah Sarvapado Bhakti-Vinamra-Murtibhih || 82 ||

Meaning: "She who is now bowed to by us, the gods, tormented by the arrogant demons – she, the sovereign, who, remembered by us with bodies bent in devotion, destroys all our calamities that very moment."

Verse 83 – Rishir Uvacha

ऋषिरुवाच॥८३॥

Rishir Uvacha || 83 ||

Meaning: The sage said:

Verse 84

एवं स्तवादियुक्तानां देवानां तत्र पार्वती। स्नातुमभ्याययौ तोये जाह्नव्या नृपनन्दन॥८४॥

Evam Stavadi-Yuktanam Devanam Tatra Parvati | Snatum Abhyayayau Toye Jahnavya Nripanandana || 84 ||

Meaning: "While the gods were engaged in this praise, O prince, Parvati came there to bathe in the waters of the Ganga."

Verse 85

साब्रवीत्तान् सुरान् सुभ्रूर्भवद्भिः स्तूयतेऽत्र का। शरीरकोशतश्चास्याः समुद्भूताब्रवीच्छिवा॥८५॥

Sabravittan Suran Subhrur Bhavadbhih Stuyate'tra Ka | Sharira-Koshatash Chasyah Samudbhutabravich Chhiva || 85 ||

Meaning: "She of the lovely brows asked the gods, 'Whom are you praising here?' And from the sheath of her body an auspicious Goddess came forth and answered:"

Verse 86

स्तोत्रं ममैतत् क्रियते शुम्भदैत्यनिराकृतैः। देवैः समेतैः समरे निशुम्भेन पराजितैः॥८६॥

Stotram Mamaitat Kriyate Shumbha-Daitya-Nirakritaih | Devaih Sametaih Samare Nishumbhena Parajitaih || 86 ||

Meaning: "'This hymn is addressed to me by the assembled gods, who have been cast out by the demon Shumbha and defeated in battle by Nishumbha.'"

Verse 87

शरीरकोशाद्यत्तस्याः पार्वत्या निःसृताम्बिका। कौशिकीति समस्तेषु ततो लोकेषु गीयते॥८७॥

Sharira-Koshad Yat Tasyah Parvatya Nihsritambika | Kaushikiti Samasteshu Tato Lokeshu Giyate || 87 ||

Meaning: "Because Ambika came forth from the sheath (kosha) of Parvati's body, she is sung of in all the worlds as Kaushiki."

Verse 88

तस्यां विनिर्गतायां तु कृष्णाभूत्सापि पार्वती। कालिकेति समाख्याता हिमाचलकृताश्रया॥८८॥

Tasyam Vinirgatayam Tu Krishnabhut Sapi Parvati | Kaliketi Samakhyata Himachala-Kritashraya || 88 ||

Meaning: "When she had come forth, Parvati herself turned dark, and became known as Kalika, dwelling in the Himalaya."

Verse 89

ततोऽम्बिकां परं रूपं बिभ्राणां सुमनोहरम्। ददर्श चण्डो मुण्डश्च भृत्यौ शुम्भनिशुम्भयोः॥८९॥

Tato'mbikam Param Rupam Bibhranam Sumanoharam | Dadarsha Chando Mundashcha Bhrityau Shumbha-Nishumbhayoh || 89 ||

Meaning: "Then Chanda and Munda, the servants of Shumbha and Nishumbha, saw Ambika wearing her supreme, most enchanting form."

Verse 90

ताभ्यां शुम्भाय चाख्याता अतीव सुमनोहरा। काप्यास्ते स्त्री महाराज भासयन्ती हिमाचलम्॥९०॥

Tabhyam Shumbhaya Chakhyata Ativa Sumanohara | Kapyaste Stri Maharaja Bhasayanti Himachalam || 90 ||

Meaning: "They told Shumbha: 'Great king, there is a woman of surpassing beauty up there, lighting up the Himalaya with her radiance.'"

Verse 91

नैव तादृक् क्वचिद्रूपं दृष्टं केनचिदुत्तमम्। ज्ञायतां काप्यसौ देवी गृह्यतां चासुरेश्वर॥९१॥

Naiva Tadrik Kvachidrupam Drishtam Kenachid Uttamam | Jnayatam Kapyasau Devi Grihyatam Chasureshvara || 91 ||

Meaning: "'No one has ever seen such a perfect form anywhere. Find out who this Goddess is, O lord of the asuras, and take her.'"

Verse 92

स्त्रीरत्नमतिचार्वङ्गी द्योतयन्ती दिशस्त्विषा। सा तु तिष्ठति दैत्येन्द्र तां भवान् द्रष्टुमर्हति॥९२॥

Striratnam Ati-Charvangi Dyotayanti Dishastvisha | Sa Tu Tishthati Daityendra Tam Bhavan Drashtum Arhati || 92 ||

Meaning: "'A jewel among women, exquisite in every limb, she stands there lighting up the directions with her radiance. O lord of the demons, you should see her.'"

Verse 93

यानि रत्नानि मणयो गजाश्वादीनि वै प्रभो। त्रैलोक्ये तु समस्तानि साम्प्रतं भान्ति ते गृहे॥९३॥

Yani Ratnani Manayo Gajashvadini Vai Prabho | Trailokye Tu Samastani Sampratam Bhanti Te Grihe || 93 ||

Meaning: "'Master, whatever jewels, gems, elephants, horses and the rest there are in the three worlds – all of them now shine in your house.'"

Verse 94

ऐरावतः समानीतो गजरत्नं पुरन्दरात्। पारिजाततरुश्चायं तथैवोच्चैःश्रवा हयः॥९४॥

Airavatah Samanito Gajaratnam Purandarat | Parijata-Tarush Chayam Tathaivochchaihshrava Hayah || 94 ||

Meaning: "'Airavata, the jewel of elephants, has been brought from Indra; so have the Parijata tree and the horse Uchchaihshravas.'"

Verse 95

विमानं हंससंयुक्तमेतत्तिष्ठति तेऽङ्गणे। रत्नभूतमिहानीतं यदासीद्वेधसोऽद्भुतम्॥९५॥

Vimanam Hamsa-Samyuktam Etat Tishthati Te'ngane | Ratnabhutam Ihanitam Yad Asid Vedhaso'dbhutam || 95 ||

Meaning: "'This swan-drawn chariot that stands in your courtyard – a wonder that once belonged to Brahma – has been brought here as a jewel.'"

Verse 96

निधिरेष महापद्मः समानीतो धनेश्वरात्। किञ्जल्किनीं ददौ चाब्धिर्मालामम्लानपङ्कजाम्॥९६॥

Nidhiresha Mahapadmah Samanito Dhaneshvarat | Kinjalkinim Dadau Chabdhir Malam Amlana-Pankajam || 96 ||

Meaning: "'This treasure, Mahapadma, has been brought from Kubera, the lord of wealth; and the Ocean gave you a garland of unfading lotuses with their filaments.'"

Verse 97

छत्रं ते वारुणं गेहे काञ्चनस्रावि तिष्ठति। तथायं स्यन्दनवरो यः पुराऽऽसीत्प्रजापतेः॥९७॥

Chhatram Te Varunam Gehe Kanchana-Sravi Tishthati | Tathayam Syandanavaro Yah Pura''sit Prajapateh || 97 ||

Meaning: "'Varuna's umbrella, which rains gold, stands in your house; and so does this finest of chariots, which once belonged to Prajapati.'"

Verse 98

मृत्योरुत्क्रान्तिदा नाम शक्तिरीश त्वया हृता। पाशः सलिलराजस्य भ्रातुस्तव परिग्रहे॥९८॥

Mrityor Utkrantida Nama Shaktirisha Tvaya Hrita | Pashah Salila-Rajasya Bhratustava Parigrahe || 98 ||

Meaning: "'O lord, you have carried off Death's own spear, named Utkrantida; and the noose of Varuna, the king of the waters, is in your brother's possession.'"

Verse 99

निशुम्भस्याब्धिजाताश्च समस्ता रत्नजातयः। वह्निरपि ददौ तुभ्यमग्निशौचे च वाससी॥९९॥

Nishumbhasyabdhi-Jatash Cha Samasta Ratnajatayah | Vahnirapi Dadau Tubhyam Agnishauche Cha Vasasi || 99 ||

Meaning: "'Nishumbha has every kind of jewel born of the ocean; and Agni has given you two garments purified by fire.'"

Verse 100

एवं दैत्येन्द्र रत्नानि समस्तान्याहृतानि ते। स्त्रीरत्नमेषा कल्याणी त्वया कस्मान्न गृह्यते॥१००॥

Evam Daityendra Ratnani Samastany Ahritani Te | Striratnam Esha Kalyani Tvaya Kasmanna Grihyate || 100 ||

Meaning: "'Thus, O lord of the demons, you have taken every jewel there is. Why then do you not take this auspicious jewel among women?'"

Verse 101 – Rishir Uvacha

ऋषिरुवाच॥१०१॥

Rishir Uvacha || 101 ||

Meaning: The sage said:

Verse 102

निशम्येति वचः शुम्भः स तदा चण्डमुण्डयोः। प्रेषयामास सुग्रीवं दूतं देव्या महासुरम्॥१०२॥

Nishamyeti Vachah Shumbhah Sa Tada Chanda-Mundayoh | Preshayamasa Sugrivam Dutam Devya Mahasuram || 102 ||

Meaning: "Hearing these words of Chanda and Munda, Shumbha sent the great asura Sugriva to the Goddess as his messenger."

Verse 103

इति चेति च वक्तव्या सा गत्वा वचनान्मम। यथा चाभ्येति सम्प्रीत्या तथा कार्यं त्वया लघु॥१०३॥

Iti Cheti Cha Vaktavya Sa Gatva Vachananmama | Yatha Chabhyeti Sampritya Tatha Karyam Tvaya Laghu || 103 ||

Meaning: "'Go and tell her this and this, in my words; and quickly do whatever will make her come to me gladly.'"

Verse 104

स तत्र गत्वा यत्रास्ते शैलोद्देशेऽतिशोभने। सा देवी तां ततः प्राह श्लक्ष्णं मधुरया गिरा॥१०४॥

Sa Tatra Gatva Yatraste Shailoddeshe'tishobhane | Sa Devi Tam Tatah Praha Shlakshnam Madhuraya Gira || 104 ||

Meaning: "He went to the lovely mountain spot where the Goddess was, and spoke to her in smooth and sweet words."

Verse 105 – Duta Uvacha

दूत उवाच॥१०५॥

Duta Uvacha || 105 ||

Meaning: The messenger said:

Verse 106

देवि दैत्येश्वरः शुम्भस्त्रैलोक्ये परमेश्वरः। दूतोऽहं प्रेषितस्तेन त्वत्सकाशमिहागतः॥१०६॥

Devi Daityeshvarah Shumbhas Trailokye Parameshvarah | Duto'ham Preshitas Tena Tvat-Sakasham Ihagatah || 106 ||

Meaning: "'O Goddess, Shumbha, the lord of the demons, is the supreme lord of the three worlds. I am a messenger sent by him, and I have come here to you.'"

Verse 107

अव्याहताज्ञः सर्वासु यः सदा देवयोनिषु। निर्जिताखिलदैत्यारिः स यदाह शृणुष्व तत्॥१०७॥

Avyahatajnah Sarvasu Yah Sada Devayonishu | Nirjitakhila-Daityarih Sa Yadaha Shrinushva Tat || 107 ||

Meaning: "'His command is never defied among any of the divine races, and he has conquered every enemy of the demons. Hear what he says.'"

Verse 108

मम त्रैलोक्यमखिलं मम देवा वशानुगाः। यज्ञभागानहं सर्वानुपाश्नामि पृथक् पृथक्॥१०८॥

Mama Trailokyam Akhilam Mama Deva Vashanugah | Yajnabhagan Aham Sarvan Upashnami Prithak Prithak || 108 ||

Meaning: "'"The whole of the three worlds is mine; the gods obey my will; I alone enjoy every share of every sacrifice, one by one."'"

Verse 109

त्रैलोक्ये वररत्नानि मम वश्यान्यशेषतः। तथैव गजरत्नं च हृत्वा देवेन्द्रवाहनम्॥१०९॥

Trailokye Vararatnani Mama Vashyany Asheshatah | Tathaiva Gajaratnam Cha Hritva Devendra-Vahanam || 109 ||

Meaning: "'"All the finest jewels of the three worlds are in my power, every one. So too is the jewel of elephants, the mount of Indra, which I carried off."'"

Verse 110

क्षीरोदमथनोद्भूतमश्वरत्नं ममामरैः। उच्चैःश्रवससंज्ञं तत्प्रणिपत्य समर्पितम्॥११०॥

Kshiroda-Mathanodbhutam Ashvaratnam Mamamaraih | Uchchaihshravasa-Sanjnam Tat Pranipatya Samarpitam || 110 ||

Meaning: "'"The gods bowed to me and handed over Uchchaihshravas, the jewel of horses, born from the churning of the Ocean of Milk."'"

Verse 111

यानि चान्यानि देवेषु गन्धर्वेषूरगेषु च। रत्नभूतानि भूतानि तानि मय्येव शोभने॥१११॥

Yani Chanyani Deveshu Gandharveshurageshu Cha | Ratnabhutani Bhutani Tani Mayyeva Shobhane || 111 ||

Meaning: "'"And whatever other jewel-like things there were among the gods, the gandharvas and the nagas – all of them, O beautiful one, are with me alone."'"

Verse 112

स्त्रीरत्नभूतां त्वां देवि लोके मन्यामहे वयम्।

सा त्वमस्मानुपागच्छ यतो रत्नभुजो वयम्॥११२॥

Striratna-Bhutam Tvam Devi Loke Manyamahe Vayam | Sa Tvam Asman Upagachchha Yato Ratnabhujo Vayam || 112 ||

Meaning: "'"We regard you, O Goddess, as the jewel among the women of the world. So come to us, for we are the enjoyers of all jewels."'"

Verse 113

मां वा ममानुजं वापि निशुम्भमुरुविक्रमम्। भज त्वं चञ्चलापाङ्गि रत्नभूतासि वै यतः॥११३॥

Mam Va Mamanujam Vapi Nishumbham Uruvikramam | Bhaja Tvam Chanchalapangi Ratnabhutasi Vai Yatah || 113 ||

Meaning: "'"Take me, or my younger brother Nishumbha of mighty valour, O you of the darting glances – for you are truly a jewel."'"

Verse 114

परमैश्वर्यमतुलं प्राप्स्यसे मत्परिग्रहात्। एतद् बुद्ध्या समालोच्य मत्परिग्रहतां व्रज॥११४॥

Paramaishvaryam Atulam Prapsyase Mat-Parigrahat | Etad Buddhya Samalochya Mat-Parigrahatam Vraja || 114 ||

Meaning: "'"By marrying me you will gain supreme and unequalled splendour. Think this over with your good sense, and become my wife."'"

Verse 115 – Rishir Uvacha

ऋषिरुवाच॥११५॥

Rishir Uvacha || 115 ||

Meaning: The sage said:

Verse 116

इत्युक्ता सा तदा देवी गम्भीरान्तःस्मिता जगौ। दुर्गा भगवती भद्रा ययेदं धार्यते जगत्॥११६॥

Ityukta Sa Tada Devi Gambhirantah-Smita Jagau | Durga Bhagavati Bhadra Yayedam Dharyate Jagat || 116 ||

Meaning: "Addressed in this way, the Goddess – Durga, Bhagavati, the gracious one, by whom this world is upheld – smiled deep within and spoke."

Verse 117 – Devyuvacha

देव्युवाच॥११७॥

Devyuvacha || 117 ||

Meaning: The Goddess said:

Verse 118

सत्यमुक्तं त्वया नात्र मिथ्या किञ्चित्त्वयोदितम्। त्रैलोक्याधिपतिः शुम्भो निशुम्भश्चापि तादृशः॥११८॥

Satyamuktam Tvaya Natra Mithya Kinchit Tvayoditam | Trailokyadhipatih Shumbho Nishumbhash Chapi Tadrishah || 118 ||

Meaning: "'What you have said is true; there is nothing false in your words. Shumbha is the lord of the three worlds, and Nishumbha is his equal.'"

Verse 119

किं त्वत्र यत्प्रतिज्ञातं मिथ्या तत्क्रियते कथम्। श्रूयतामल्पबुद्धित्वात्प्रतिज्ञा या कृता पुरा॥११९॥

Kim Tvatra Yat Pratijnatam Mithya Tatkriyate Katham | Shruyatam Alpabuddhitvat Pratijna Ya Krita Pura || 119 ||

Meaning: "'But how can a vow once made be made false? Hear the vow I made long ago, out of my own small understanding:'"

Verse 120

यो मां जयति सङ्ग्रामे यो मे दर्पं व्यपोहति।

यो मे प्रतिबलो लोके स मे भर्ता भविष्यति॥१२०॥

Yo Mam Jayati Sangrame Yo Me Darpam Vyapohati | Yo Me Pratibalo Loke Sa Me Bharta Bhavishyati || 120 ||

Meaning: "'"He who defeats me in battle, who breaks my pride, who is my equal in strength in this world – he shall be my husband."'"

Verse 121

तदागच्छतु शुम्भोऽत्र निशुम्भो वा महासुरः। मां जित्वा किं चिरेणात्र पाणिं गृह्णातु मे लघु॥१२१॥

Tad Agachchhatu Shumbho'tra Nishumbho Va Mahasurah | Mam Jitva Kim Chirenatra Panim Grihnatu Me Laghu || 121 ||

Meaning: "'So let Shumbha come here, or the great asura Nishumbha. Let him defeat me – why delay? – and quickly take my hand.'"

Verse 122 – Duta Uvacha

दूत उवाच॥१२२॥

Duta Uvacha || 122 ||

Meaning: The messenger said:

Verse 123

अवलिप्तासि मैवं त्वं देवि ब्रूहि ममाग्रतः। त्रैलोक्ये कः पुमांस्तिष्ठेदग्रे शुम्भनिशुम्भयोः॥१२३॥

Avaliptasi Maivam Tvam Devi Bruhi Mamagratah | Trailokye Kah Pumams Tishthed Agre Shumbha-Nishumbhayoh || 123 ||

Meaning: "'You are proud, O Goddess. Do not speak like this before me. What man in the three worlds can stand before Shumbha and Nishumbha?'"

Verse 124

अन्येषामपि दैत्यानां सर्वे देवा न वै युधि। तिष्ठन्ति सम्मुखे देवि किं पुनः स्त्री त्वमेकिका॥१२४॥

Anyeshamapi Daityanam Sarve Deva Na Vai Yudhi | Tishthanti Sammukhe Devi Kim Punah Stri Tvamekika || 124 ||

Meaning: "'All the gods together cannot stand in battle even before the other demons, O Goddess. How then can you – a woman, and alone?'"

Verse 125

इन्द्राद्याः सकला देवास्तस्थुर्येषां न संयुगे। शुम्भादीनां कथं तेषां स्त्री प्रयास्यसि सम्मुखम्॥१२५॥

Indradyah Sakala Devas Tasthur Yesham Na Samyuge | Shumbhadinam Katham Tesham Stri Prayasyasi Sammukham || 125 ||

Meaning: "'Indra and all the gods could not stand before Shumbha and the others in battle. How will you, a woman, go to face them?'"

Verse 126

सा त्वं गच्छ मयैवोक्ता पार्श्वं शुम्भनिशुम्भयोः। केशाकर्षणनिर्धूतगौरवा मा गमिष्यसि॥१२६॥

Sa Tvam Gachchha Mayaivokta Parshvam Shumbha-Nishumbhayoh | Keshakarshana-Nirdhuta-Gaurava Ma Gamishyasi || 126 ||

Meaning: "'Go to Shumbha and Nishumbha as I tell you – or you will go with your dignity gone, dragged by the hair.'"

Verse 127 – Devyuvacha

देव्युवाच॥१२७॥

Devyuvacha || 127 ||

Meaning: The Goddess said:

Verse 128

एवमेतद् बली शुम्भो निशुम्भश्चातिवीर्यवान्। किं करोमि प्रतिज्ञा मे यदनालोचिता पुरा॥१२८॥

Evametad Bali Shumbho Nishumbhash Chativiryavan | Kim Karomi Pratijna Me Yad Analochita Pura || 128 ||

Meaning: "'It is as you say: Shumbha is strong and Nishumbha is exceedingly valiant. But what can I do? My vow was made long ago, without reflection.'"

Verse 129

स त्वं गच्छ मयोक्तं ते यदेतत्सर्वमादृतः। तदाचक्ष्वासुरेन्द्राय स च युक्तं करोतु तत्॥ॐ॥१२९॥

Sa Tvam Gachchha Mayoktam Te Yad Etat Sarvam Adritah | Tad Achakshvasurendraya Sa Cha Yuktam Karotu Tat || Om || 129 ||

Meaning: "'So go, and respectfully report all that I have told you to the lord of the asuras; and let him do what he thinks fit.'" Om.

Chapter Colophon

॥ इति श्रीमार्कण्डेयपुराणे सावर्णिके मन्वन्तरे देवीमाहात्म्ये देव्या दूतसंवादो नाम पञ्चमोऽध्यायः॥५॥

|| Iti Shri-Markandeya-Purane Savarnike Manvantare Devimahatmye Devya Dutasamvado Nama Panchamo'dhyayah || 5 ||

Meaning: Thus ends the fifth chapter, named "The Dialogue between the Goddess and the Messenger", of the Devi Mahatmya in the account of the Savarnika manvantara in the Shri Markandeya Purana.

उवाच ९, अर्धश्लोकाः ४४, श्लोकाः ७६, एवम् १२९, एवमादितः॥३८८॥

Uvacha 9, Ardhashlokah 44, Shlokah 76, Evam 129, Evamaditah || 388 ||

Meaning: Nine uvacha lines, 44 half-verses and 76 full verses – 129 textual units in this chapter, and 388 from the beginning of the text.

Significance of Durga Saptashati Chapter 5

Durga Saptashati Chapter 5 contains the verses by which most people know the Devi Mahatmya at all. "Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu" is sung at Durga Puja pandals, taught to children and recited on its own all over India, and here is where it belongs: the gods, stripped of everything by Shumbha and Nishumbha, bowing to the Goddess as the consciousness, intelligence, hunger, sleep, peace, faith, compassion and motherhood in every living being.

That is the chapter's central idea. The Goddess is not somewhere else, to be fetched by force as Shumbha imagines; she is already present in all beings as everything that makes them live. The hymn names even hunger, thirst, shadow and delusion as her forms – nothing in a creature's life is outside her.

The chapter then sets the terms of the whole Uttama Charitra. Kaushiki is born from Parvati's sheath; Shumbha treats her as one more jewel to be collected; and the Goddess answers with the vow that decides the next eight chapters – only he who defeats her shall have her. Her smile "deep within" and her remark that the vow was made "out of my small understanding" are the Goddess playing with the demons, who cannot see what she is.

Main Teachings of Chapter 5

The Goddess is in all beings: as consciousness, intelligence, sleep, hunger, power, peace, faith, compassion, mother – twenty-two forms in all (Verses 14–80).
Remembering her is itself the rescue: she destroys calamity the very moment she is remembered (Verses 6 and 82).
She takes form from the Goddess who is already there: Kaushiki comes from Parvati's own body; the Goddess is not created but revealed (Verses 85–88).
Power that collects cannot possess her: Shumbha owns every jewel in the three worlds and imagines her as one more (Verses 93–100, 108–114).
Her vow is her lila: she will be won only in battle, and she says so with a hidden smile (Verses 116–121).

"Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu": The Forms of the Goddess in All Beings

Verses 14 to 80 bow to the Goddess as she lives in every being. Each form is saluted three times – "salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her again and again."

Verses	The Goddess in All Beings As	Sanskrit
14–16	Vishnumaya, the power of Vishnu	विष्णुमाया
17–19	Consciousness	चेतना
20–22	Intelligence	बुद्धि
23–25	Sleep	निद्रा
26–28	Hunger	क्षुधा
29–31	Shadow	छाया
32–34	Power	शक्ति
35–37	Thirst	तृष्णा
38–40	Forgiveness	क्षान्ति
41–43	Kind and birth	जाति
44–46	Modesty	लज्जा
47–49	Peace	शान्ति
50–52	Faith	श्रद्धा
53–55	Radiance and beauty	कान्ति
56–58	Good fortune	लक्ष्मी
59–61	Livelihood and activity	वृत्ति
62–64	Memory	स्मृति
65–67	Compassion	दया
68–70	Contentment	तुष्टि
71–73	The mother	मातृ
74–76	Delusion	भ्रान्ति
77	The presiding power of the senses, pervading all	व्याप्तिदेवी
78–80	Consciousness pervading the universe	चिति

The hymn as a whole, Verses 9–82, is called the Aparajita Stuti – the hymn to the Invincible One – and is recited again at the end of the Path as the Tantrokta Devi Sukta.

The Goddess's Vow

Verse 120 states the condition on which the rest of the Devi Mahatmya turns:

यो मां जयति सङ्ग्रामे यो मे दर्पं व्यपोहति। यो मे प्रतिबलो लोके स मे भर्ता भविष्यति॥

"He who defeats me in battle, who breaks my pride, who is my equal in strength in this world – he shall be my husband."

Shumbha's messenger hears a proud woman; the reader hears the Goddess setting the stage. Dhumralochana, Chanda and Munda, Raktabija, Nishumbha and Shumbha will each come to claim her by force in the chapters that follow, and each will meet the vow.

Why Is Chapter 5 Called Devi-Duta Samvada?

The fifth chapter is traditionally known as Devi-Duta Samvada – "the dialogue (samvada) between the Goddess and the messenger (duta)" – because it ends with the exchange between the Goddess and Sugriva, the asura sent by Shumbha to claim her. In some editions the chapter is named for its hymn instead and called the Devi Stuti.

Traditional Recitation of Chapter 5

Chapter 5 opens the Uttama Charitra of the Devi Mahatmya, which runs from Chapter 5 to Chapter 13 under Mahasaraswati. Because it begins a new Charitra, its own Viniyoga and the Dhyana of Mahasaraswati, given above, are recited before it.

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

Chapter 5 is the chapter of the Goddess in all beings, and the hymn at its heart carries its own promise: remembered with devotion, she destroys calamity that very moment (Verses 6 and 82). Devotees traditionally approach it for:

Devotion towards Goddess Mahasaraswati, the presiding deity of the Uttama Charitra
Seeing the Goddess in every living being, as the hymn teaches
Protection in calamity, through remembering her
Peace, faith, contentment and compassion – the forms in which she lives in the heart
Steadiness in keeping one's own vows, after the pattern of the Goddess

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Durga Saptashati Chapter 5 called?

Durga Saptashati Chapter 5 is called Panchama Adhyaya and is traditionally known as Devi-Duta Samvada, "The Dialogue between the Goddess and the Messenger". It opens the Uttama Charitra.

What happens in Chapter 5 of Durga Saptashati?

The gods, robbed of their powers by Shumbha and Nishumbha, praise the Goddess on the Himalaya with the hymn "Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu". She comes forth from Parvati's body as Kaushiki, and Parvati becomes Kalika. Chanda and Munda report her beauty to Shumbha, who sends the messenger Sugriva to claim her; the Goddess replies with her vow that only he who defeats her in battle shall be her husband.

Who is the main Goddess in Durga Saptashati Chapter 5?

The presiding deity of the Uttama Charitra is Mahasaraswati, and the Dhyana at the head of the chapter describes her eight-armed form born from Gauri's body. In the chapter the Goddess is called Aparajita, Vishnumaya, Kaushiki, Ambika and Durga.

What is "Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu"?

The hymn of Verses 14–80, in which the gods salute the Goddess twenty-two times as she dwells in all beings – as consciousness, intelligence, sleep, hunger, shadow, power, thirst, forgiveness, modesty, peace, faith, compassion, contentment, mother and more. Together with Verses 9–13 and 81–82 it is called the Aparajita Stuti, and it is recited again at the end of the Path as the Tantrokta Devi Sukta.

Who is Kaushiki, and why is Parvati called Kalika?

Kaushiki is the Goddess who came forth from the sheath (kosha) of Parvati's body while Parvati was bathing in the Ganga – hence her name (Verse 87). When she had left, Parvati's own body turned dark, and so Parvati became known as Kalika of the Himalaya (Verse 88).

Who is Sugriva in Chapter 5?

Sugriva here is a great asura, not the monkey-king of the Ramayana. Shumbha sends him as his messenger to the Goddess with the proposal that she marry Shumbha or Nishumbha (Verses 102–114).

What vow does the Goddess make?

That he who defeats her in battle, breaks her pride and equals her in strength shall be her husband (Verse 120). She calls it a vow made long ago "out of my small understanding", and says it with a hidden smile; it is the condition that brings every demon of the Uttama Charitra to her.

How many verses are there in Durga Saptashati Chapter 5?

The traditional count gives 129 textual units: 9 uvacha lines, 44 half-verses and 76 full verses. The forty-four half-verses are the repeated "Namastasyai" lines of the hymn. Together with Chapters 1 to 4 this makes 388 units from the beginning of the text.

Can Chapter 5 be recited on its own?

Yes. It begins the Uttama Charitra, so it carries its own Viniyoga and Dhyana. Its hymn, "Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu", is also widely recited by itself as the Aparajita Stuti. The preliminaries of the Path Vidhi are performed before it as for the whole Path.