Durga Saptashati Chapter 8: Raktabija-Vadha

Durga Saptashati Chapter 8, known as Ashtama Adhyaya or Raktabija-Vadha – "The Slaying of Raktabija" – is the chapter of the Matrikas, the Mother-powers of the gods, and of the demon who could not die. It belongs to the Uttama Charitra of the Devi Mahatmya, presided over by Mahasaraswati.

Shumbha musters every clan of the asuras and marches out himself. As his host surrounds the Goddess, the Shaktis of Brahma, Shiva, Kartikeya, Vishnu, Varaha, Narasimha and Indra come forth from the gods' bodies – Brahmani, Maheshvari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Narasimhi and Aindri – each with her god's form, mount and weapon. From the Goddess's own body springs Shivaduti, who sends Shiva himself as her messenger. The Mothers rout the army; then Raktabija enters the field, the demon from whose every drop of spilt blood a new Raktabija springs, until his offspring fill the world. Chandika's answer is Chamunda: "Open your mouth wide and drink his blood as it falls." Drained to the last drop, Raktabija dies, and the Mothers dance, drunk with blood.

The chapter contains 63 textual units, traditionally counted as 1 uvacha line, 1 half-verse and 61 full verses. Every one of them is given below in Sanskrit, with transliteration and a simple English meaning.

Durga Saptashati Chapter 8 at a Glance

Particular	Details
Chapter	Ashtama Adhyaya (Eighth Chapter)
Traditional Name	Raktabija-Vadha – The Slaying of Raktabija
Charitra	Uttama Charitra – Chapters 5 to 13
Presiding Deity	Mahasaraswati
Rishi · Metre · Shakti · Bija · Tattva · Veda	Rudra · Anushtup · Bhima · Bhramari · Surya · Samaveda – from the Viniyoga of the Uttama Charitra, recited at Chapter 5; Chapter 8 has no separate Viniyoga
Dhyana	Bhavani – red in colour, her eyes rippling with compassion, holding noose, goad, arrow and bow
Main Theme	The coming of the seven Matrikas and Shivaduti, the rout of Shumbha's host, and the slaying of Raktabija by Chamunda's drinking of his blood
Narrator	Sage Medha ("Rishir Uvacha"), within Sage Markandeya's narration
Principal Figures	Shumbha and his clans; the Goddess as Chandika, Ambika and Katyayani; Kali as Chamunda; the lion; the seven Matrikas; Shivaduti; Shiva as messenger; Raktabija
Traditional Count	63 textual units (502 from the beginning of the text)
Source	Markandeya Purana – Devi Mahatmya
Navratri	Read on its own on Day 5 in the nine-day schedule

Story of Durga Saptashati Chapter 8

With Chanda and Munda dead and their army destroyed, Shumbha gives way to rage and calls out every clan of the asuras – the eighty-six Udayudhas, the eighty-four Kambus, the fifty clans of the Kotiviryas, the hundred clans of the Dhaumras, the Kalakas, Daurhridas, Mauryas and Kalakeyas – and marches out himself at the head of thousands of armies.

Chandika sees the host coming and fills the space between earth and sky with the twang of her bow; her lion roars, she swells the roar with her bell, and Kali drowns them all with her own cries. The asuras close in on the Goddess, the lion and Kali from every side.

At that moment the Shaktis of the gods come forth from the gods' own bodies, each in her god's form, with his ornaments and his mount: Brahmani on a swan-drawn chariot with rosary and water pot; Maheshvari on a bull with a trident, serpents and the crescent moon; Kaumari on a peacock with a spear; Vaishnavi on Garuda with conch, discus, mace, bow and sword; Varahi in the boar-form; Narasimhi in the man-lion form, scattering the stars with her mane; and Aindri, thousand-eyed, on the king of elephants with the thunderbolt. Shiva, standing among them, asks Chandika to slay the asuras quickly for his pleasure – and from Chandika's body springs a terrible Shakti howling like a hundred jackals, who sends Shiva himself to the demons with her ultimatum: give Indra back the three worlds, give the gods their shares of the sacrifice, and go down to Patala if you want to live; or come and fight, and let my jackals feast on your flesh. Because Shiva carried her message she is called Shivaduti.

The demons come in fury. The Goddess cuts their weapons to pieces; Kali rips them with trident and skull-staff; Brahmani saps their strength with water from her pot; Maheshvari, Vaishnavi, Kaumari and Aindri kill with trident, discus, spear and thunderbolt; Varahi batters them with her snout, tusks and discus; Narasimhi tears them with her claws and devours them; Shivaduti's laughter alone fells them. The army breaks and runs.

Then Raktabija comes to fight. Whenever a drop of his blood touches the ground, another Raktabija springs up, of the same size and strength. Aindri strikes him with the thunderbolt, and warriors rise from the blood; Vaishnavi's discus and Aindri's mace spill more, and thousands rise; every wound of spear, trident and sword fills the world with his offspring. The gods despair.

Chandika turns to Kali: "Chamunda, open your mouth wide. Catch the drops of blood as my weapons strike him, and eat the demons born from them; drained of blood, he will die." She strikes Raktabija with her trident, and Chamunda drinks. Wherever the blood falls, Chamunda's mouth is there; the demons born in her mouth she devours. The Goddess strikes with trident, thunderbolt, arrows, sword and lance; Raktabija's mace cannot hurt her; and at last, with Chamunda having drunk his blood, Raktabija falls bloodless to the ground. The gods rejoice beyond measure, and the Mothers, drunk with blood, dance.

Who Appears in Chapter 8?

Figure	Role in the Chapter
Sage Medha	Narrates the chapter to King Suratha and the merchant Samadhi
Shumbha	Musters all the asura clans and marches out himself
The Goddess (Chandika, Ambika, Katyayani)	Commands the battle and strikes Raktabija
Kali (Chamunda)	Drinks Raktabija's blood and devours the demons born from it
The lion	The Goddess's mount, whose roar opens the battle
Brahmani	The Shakti of Brahma; saps the demons' strength with water from her pot
Maheshvari	The Shakti of Shiva; slays with the trident
Kaumari	The Shakti of Kartikeya (Guha); slays with the spear
Vaishnavi	The Shakti of Vishnu; slays with the discus
Varahi	The Shakti of Vishnu's boar-form; fights with snout, tusks and discus
Narasimhi	The Shakti of Narasimha; tears demons with her claws
Aindri	The Shakti of Indra; strikes with the thunderbolt
Shivaduti	The Shakti who springs from Chandika's body and sends Shiva as her messenger
Shiva (Ishana)	Asks Chandika to slay the asuras; carries Shivaduti's ultimatum
Raktabija	The demon from whose every drop of blood a new demon springs

Structure of Chapter 8

The chapter can be understood in seven parts:

Shumbha musters the asura clans – Verses 1–7
The sounds of battle; the Goddess surrounded – Verses 8–11
The Matrikas come forth – Verses 12–22
Shivaduti and her ultimatum – Verses 23–29
The Matrikas rout the army – Verses 30–39
Raktabija and his blood-born host – Verses 40–52
Chamunda drinks the blood; Raktabija slain – Verses 53–63

Durga Saptashati Chapter 8 Sanskrit with Meaning

॥ श्रीदुर्गासप्तशती – अष्टमोऽध्यायः ॥

Dhyana

ॐ अरुणां करुणातरङ्गिताक्षीं धृतपाशाङ्कुशबाणचापहस्ताम्। अणिमादिभिरावृतां मयूखैरहमित्येव विभावये भवानीम्॥

Om Arunam Karuna-Tarangitakshim Dhrita-Pashankusha-Bana-Chapa-Hastam | Animadibhir Avritam Mayukhair Ahamityeva Vibhavaye Bhavanim ||

Meaning: I contemplate Bhavani as my own self – red in colour, her eyes rippling with compassion, holding the noose, the goad, the arrow and the bow in her hands, surrounded by the rays of Anima and the other divine powers.

Verse 1 – Rishir Uvacha

"ॐ" ऋषिरुवाच॥१॥

"Om" Rishir Uvacha || 1 ||

Meaning: With "Om", the sage Medha said:

Verse 2

चण्डे च निहते दैत्ये मुण्डे च विनिपातिते। बहुलेषु च सैन्येषु क्षयितेष्वसुरेश्वरः॥२॥

Chande Cha Nihate Daitye Munde Cha Vinipatite | Bahuleshu Cha Sainyeshu Kshayiteshv Asureshvarah || 2 ||

Meaning: "When the demon Chanda had been slain and Munda struck down, and so many of his armies destroyed, the lord of the asuras,"

Verse 3

ततः कोपपराधीनचेताः शुम्भः प्रतापवान्। उद्योगं सर्वसैन्यानां दैत्यानामादिदेश ह॥३॥

Tatah Kopa-Paradhina-Chetah Shumbhah Pratapavan | Udyogam Sarva-Sainyanam Daityanam Adidesha Ha || 3 ||

Meaning: "the mighty Shumbha, his mind in the grip of rage, ordered all the armies of the demons to make ready:"

Verse 4

अद्य सर्वबलैर्दैत्याः षडशीतिरुदायुधाः। कम्बूनां चतुरशीतिर्निर्यान्तु स्वबलैर्वृताः॥४॥

Adya Sarva-Balair Daityah Shadashitir Udayudhah | Kambunam Chaturashitir Niryantu Svabalair Vritah || 4 ||

Meaning: "'Today let the eighty-six Udayudha demons march out with all their forces, weapons raised, and the eighty-four Kambus surrounded by their troops.'"

Verse 5

कोटिवीर्याणि पञ्चाशदसुराणां कुलानि वै। शतं कुलानि धौम्राणां निर्गच्छन्तु ममाज्ञया॥५॥

Kotiviryani Panchashad Asuranam Kulani Vai | Shatam Kulani Dhaumranam Nirgachchhantu Mamajnaya || 5 ||

Meaning: "'Let the fifty clans of the Kotivirya asuras and the hundred clans of the Dhaumras march out at my command.'"

Verse 6

कालका दौर्हृदा मौर्याः कालकेयास्तथासुराः। युद्धाय सज्जा निर्यान्तु आज्ञया त्वरिता मम॥६॥

Kalaka Daurhrida Mauryah Kalakeyas Tathasurah | Yuddhaya Sajja Niryantu Ajnaya Tvarita Mama || 6 ||

Meaning: "'Let the Kalakas, the Daurhridas, the Mauryas and the Kalakeya asuras make ready for battle and march out quickly at my command.'"

Verse 7

इत्याज्ञाप्यासुरपतिः शुम्भो भैरवशासनः। निर्जगाम महासैन्यसहस्रैर्बहुभिर्वृतः॥७॥

Ity Ajnapyasurapatih Shumbho Bhairava-Shasanah | Nirjagama Mahasainya-Sahasrair Bahubhir Vritah || 7 ||

Meaning: "Having given these orders, Shumbha, the lord of the asuras, whose rule was terrible, marched out himself, surrounded by many thousands of great armies."

Verse 8

आयान्तं चण्डिका दृष्ट्वा तत्सैन्यमतिभीषणम्। ज्यास्वनैः पूरयामास धरणीगगनान्तरम्॥८॥

Ayantam Chandika Drishtva Tat Sainyam Atibhishanam | Jyasvanaih Purayamasa Dharani-Gaganantaram || 8 ||

Meaning: "Seeing that most terrible army coming, Chandika filled the space between earth and sky with the twang of her bowstring."

Verse 9

ततः सिंहो महानादमतीव कृतवान् नृप। घण्टास्वनेन तन्नादमम्बिका चोपबृंहयत्॥९॥

Tatah Simho Mahanadam Ativa Kritavan Nripa | Ghanta-Svanena Tan Nadam Ambika Chopabrimhayat || 9 ||

Meaning: "Then, O King, her lion gave a tremendous roar, and Ambika swelled that roar with the sound of her bell."

Verse 10

धनुर्ज्यासिंहघण्टानां नादापूरितदिङ्मुखा। निनादैर्भीषणैः काली जिग्ये विस्तारितानना॥१०॥

Dhanur-Jya-Simha-Ghantanam Nada-Purita-Dinmukha | Ninadair Bhishanaih Kali Jigye Vistaritanana || 10 ||

Meaning: "The directions were filled with the sounds of the bowstring, the lion and the bell – and Kali, her mouth stretched wide, drowned them all with her own terrible roars."

Verse 11

तं निनादमुपश्रुत्य दैत्यसैन्यैश्चतुर्दिशम्। देवी सिंहस्तथा काली सरोषैः परिवारिताः॥११॥

Tam Ninadam Upashrutya Daitya-Sainyaish Chaturdisham | Devi Simhastatha Kali Saroshaih Parivaritah || 11 ||

Meaning: "Hearing that roar, the enraged armies of the demons surrounded the Goddess, the lion and Kali on all four sides."

Verse 12

एतस्मिन्नन्तरे भूप विनाशाय सुरद्विषाम्। भवायामरसिंहानामतिवीर्यबलान्विताः॥१२॥

Etasminn Antare Bhupa Vinashaya Suradvisham | Bhavayamara-Simhanam Ativirya-Balanvitah || 12 ||

Meaning: "At that moment, O King, for the destruction of the enemies of the gods and the good of the lions among the gods, there came forth Shaktis of surpassing valour and strength –"

Verse 13

ब्रह्मेशगुहविष्णूनां तथेन्द्रस्य च शक्तयः। शरीरेभ्यो विनिष्क्रम्य तद्रूपैश्चण्डिकां ययुः॥१३॥

Brahmesha-Guha-Vishnunam Tathendrasya Cha Shaktayah | Sharirebhyo Vinishkramya Tadrupaish Chandikam Yayuh || 13 ||

Meaning: "the Shaktis of Brahma, Shiva, Guha (Kartikeya), Vishnu and Indra. They came out of the gods' bodies and went to Chandika, each in the form of her god."

Verse 14

यस्य देवस्य यद्रूपं यथाभूषणवाहनम्। तद्वदेव हि तच्छक्तिरसुरान् योद्धुमाययौ॥१४॥

Yasya Devasya Yadrupam Yatha-Bhushana-Vahanam | Tadvadeva Hi Tach Chhaktir Asuran Yoddhum Ayayau || 14 ||

Meaning: "Whatever form, ornaments and mount each god had, with that same form, those ornaments and that mount his Shakti came to fight the asuras."

Verse 15

हंसयुक्तविमानाग्रे साक्षसूत्रकमण्डलुः। आयाता ब्रह्मणः शक्तिर्ब्रह्माणी साभिधीयते॥१५॥

Hamsa-Yukta-Vimanagre Sakshasutra-Kamandaluh | Ayata Brahmanah Shaktir Brahmani Sabhidhiyate || 15 ||

Meaning: "The Shakti of Brahma came at the front of a chariot drawn by swans, with a rosary and a water pot; she is called Brahmani."

Verse 16

माहेश्वरी वृषारूढा त्रिशूलवरधारिणी। महाहिवलया प्राप्ता चन्द्ररेखाविभूषणा॥१६॥

Maheshvari Vrisharudha Trishula-Vara-Dharini | Mahahivalaya Prapta Chandrarekha-Vibhushana || 16 ||

Meaning: "Maheshvari came riding a bull, holding a fine trident, with great serpents for bracelets and the crescent moon for an ornament."

Verse 17

कौमारी शक्तिहस्ता च मयूरवरवाहना। योद्धुमभ्याययौ दैत्यानम्बिका गुहरूपिणी॥१७॥

Kaumari Shaktihasta Cha Mayura-Vara-Vahana | Yoddhum Abhyayayau Daityan Ambika Guharupini || 17 ||

Meaning: "Kaumari – Ambika in the form of Guha – came to fight the demons with a spear in her hand, riding a fine peacock."

Verse 18

तथैव वैष्णवी शक्तिर्गरुडोपरि संस्थिता। शङ्खचक्रगदाशार्ङ्गखड्गहस्ताभ्युपाययौ॥१८॥

Tathaiva Vaishnavi Shaktir Garudopari Samsthita | Shankha-Chakra-Gada-Sharnga-Khadga-Hastabhyupayayau || 18 ||

Meaning: "Likewise the Shakti Vaishnavi came seated on Garuda, with conch, discus, mace, the Sharnga bow and a sword in her hands."

Verse 19

यज्ञवाराहमतुलं रूपं या बिभ्रतो हरेः। शक्तिः साप्याययौ तत्र वाराहीं बिभ्रती तनुम्॥१९॥

Yajnavaraham Atulam Rupam Ya Bibhrato Hareh | Shaktih Sapyayayau Tatra Varahim Bibhrati Tanum || 19 ||

Meaning: "The Shakti of Hari in his incomparable form of the sacrificial Boar came there too, bearing the body of a boar – Varahi."

Verse 20

नारसिंही नृसिंहस्य बिभ्रती सदृशं वपुः। प्राप्ता तत्र सटाक्षेपक्षिप्तनक्षत्रसंहतिः॥२०॥

Narasimhi Nrisimhasya Bibhrati Sadrisham Vapuh | Prapta Tatra Satakshepa-Kshipta-Nakshatra-Samhatih || 20 ||

Meaning: "Narasimhi came there bearing a body like Narasimha's, scattering the clusters of stars with the tossing of her mane."

Verse 21

वज्रहस्ता तथैवैन्द्री गजराजोपरि स्थिता। प्राप्ता सहस्रनयना यथा शक्रस्तथैव सा॥२१॥

Vajrahasta Tathaivaindri Gajarajopari Sthita | Prapta Sahasra-Nayana Yatha Shakras Tathaiva Sa || 21 ||

Meaning: "Likewise Aindri came, thunderbolt in hand, seated on the king of elephants; she was thousand-eyed, just as Indra is."

Verse 22

ततः परिवृतस्ताभिरीशानो देवशक्तिभिः। हन्यन्तामसुराः शीघ्रं मम प्रीत्याऽऽह चण्डिकाम्॥२२॥

Tatah Parivritas Tabhir Ishano Deva-Shaktibhih | Hanyantam Asurah Shighram Mama Pritya''ha Chandikam || 22 ||

Meaning: "Then Shiva, surrounded by those Shaktis of the gods, said to Chandika: 'Let the asuras be slain quickly, for my pleasure.'"

Verse 23

ततो देवीशरीरात्तु विनिष्क्रान्तातिभीषणा। चण्डिकाशक्तिरत्युग्रा शिवाशतनिनादिनी॥२३॥

Tato Devi-Sharirat Tu Vinishkrantati-Bhishana | Chandika-Shaktir Atyugra Shiva-Shata-Ninadini || 23 ||

Meaning: "Then from the body of the Goddess there came forth the Shakti of Chandika – most terrible and fierce, howling like a hundred jackals."

Verse 24

सा चाह धूम्रजटिलमीशानमपराजिता। दूत त्वं गच्छ भगवन् पार्श्वं शुम्भनिशुम्भयोः॥२४॥

Sa Chaha Dhumrajatilam Ishanam Aparajita | Duta Tvam Gachchha Bhagavan Parshvam Shumbha-Nishumbhayoh || 24 ||

Meaning: "That invincible one said to Shiva of the smoke-coloured matted locks: 'O Lord, go as my messenger to Shumbha and Nishumbha.'"

Verse 25

ब्रूहि शुम्भं निशुम्भं च दानवावतिगर्वितौ। ये चान्ये दानवास्तत्र युद्धाय समुपस्थिताः॥२५॥

Bruhi Shumbham Nishumbham Cha Danavav Atigarvitau | Ye Chanye Danavastatra Yuddhaya Samupasthitah || 25 ||

Meaning: "'Tell those two arrogant danavas, Shumbha and Nishumbha, and the other danavas who have gathered there for battle:'"

Verse 26

त्रैलोक्यमिन्द्रो लभतां देवाः सन्तु हविर्भुजः। यूयं प्रयात पातालं यदि जीवितुमिच्छथ॥२६॥

Trailokyam Indro Labhatam Devah Santu Havirbhujah | Yuyam Prayata Patalam Yadi Jivitum Ichchhatha || 26 ||

Meaning: "'"Let Indra have the three worlds; let the gods receive their offerings. And if you wish to live, go down to Patala."'"

Verse 27

बलावलेपादथ चेद्भवन्तो युद्धकाङ्क्षिणः। तदागच्छत तृप्यन्तु मच्छिवाः पिशितेन वः॥२७॥

Balavalepad Atha Chedbhavanto Yuddha-Kankshinah | Tad Agachchhata Tripyantu Machchhivah Pishitena Vah || 27 ||

Meaning: "'"But if, out of pride in your strength, you long for battle, then come – and let my jackals be sated with your flesh."'"

Verse 28

यतो नियुक्तो दौत्येन तया देव्या शिवः स्वयम्। शिवदूतीति लोकेऽस्मिंस्ततः सा ख्यातिमागता॥२८॥

Yato Niyukto Dautyena Taya Devya Shivah Svayam | Shivadutiti Loke'smims Tatah Sa Khyatimagata || 28 ||

Meaning: "Because that Goddess appointed Shiva himself as her messenger, she became famous in this world as Shivaduti."

Verse 29

तेऽपि श्रुत्वा वचो देव्याः शर्वाख्यातं महासुराः। अमर्षापूरिता जग्मुर्यत्र कात्यायनी स्थिता॥२९॥

Te'pi Shrutva Vacho Devyah Sharvakhyatam Mahasurah | Amarsha-Purita Jagmuryatra Katyayani Sthita || 29 ||

Meaning: "Hearing the Goddess's words delivered by Shiva, the great asuras were filled with fury and marched to where Katyayani stood."

Verse 30

ततः प्रथममेवाग्रे शरशक्त्यृष्टिवृष्टिभिः। ववर्षुरुद्धतामर्षास्तां देवीममरारयः॥३०॥

Tatah Prathamam Evagre Shara-Shakty-Rishti-Vrishtibhih | Vavarsur Uddhatamarshas Tam Devim Amararayah || 30 ||

Meaning: "Then, at the very outset, the enemies of the gods, swollen with anger, rained arrows, spears and lances upon the Goddess."

Verse 31

सा च तान् प्रहितान् बाणाञ्छूलशक्तिपरश्वधान्। चिच्छेद लीलयाऽऽध्मातधनुर्मुक्तैर्महेषुभिः॥३१॥

Sa Cha Tan Prahitan Banan Chhula-Shakti-Parashvadhan | Chichchheda Lilaya''dhmata-Dhanur-Muktair Maheshubhih || 31 ||

Meaning: "And she, with great arrows shot from her full-drawn bow, cut their arrows, tridents, spears and axes to pieces as if in play."

Verse 32

तस्याग्रतस्तथा काली शूलपातविदारितान्। खट्वाङ्गपोथितांश्चारीन् कुर्वती व्यचरत्तदा॥३२॥

Tasyagratas Tatha Kali Shulapata-Vidaritan | Khatvanga-Pothitamsh Charin Kurvati Vyacharat Tada || 32 ||

Meaning: "In front of her Kali ranged about, ripping the enemies open with blows of her trident and crushing them with her skull-topped staff."

Verse 33

कमण्डलुजलाक्षेपहतवीर्यान् हतौजसः। ब्रह्माणी चाकरोच्छत्रून् येन येन स्म धावति॥३३॥

Kamandalu-Jalakshepa-Hataviryan Hataujasah | Brahmani Chakaroch Chhatrun Yena Yena Sma Dhavati || 33 ||

Meaning: "And Brahmani, wherever she ran, sprinkled water from her pot and left the enemies drained of valour and strength."

Verse 34

माहेश्वरी त्रिशूलेन तथा चक्रेण वैष्णवी। दैत्याञ्जघान कौमारी तथा शक्त्यातिकोपना॥३४॥

Maheshvari Trishulena Tatha Chakrena Vaishnavi | Daityan Jaghana Kaumari Tatha Shaktyatikopana || 34 ||

Meaning: "Maheshvari slew the demons with her trident, Vaishnavi with her discus, and Kaumari, in great fury, with her spear."

Verse 35

ऐन्द्रीकुलिशपातेन शतशो दैत्यदानवाः। पेतुर्विदारिताः पृथ्व्यां रुधिरौघप्रवर्षिणः॥३५॥

Aindri-Kulisha-Patena Shatasho Daitya-Danavah | Petur Vidaritah Prithvyam Rudhiraugha-Pravarshinah || 35 ||

Meaning: "Torn open by the fall of Aindri's thunderbolt, daityas and danavas fell to the earth by the hundreds, pouring out streams of blood."

Verse 36

तुण्डप्रहारविध्वस्ता दंष्ट्राग्रक्षतवक्षसः। वाराहमूर्त्या न्यपतंश्चक्रेण च विदारिताः॥३६॥

Tunda-Prahara-Vidhvasta Damshtragra-Kshata-Vakshasah | Varahamurtya Nyapatamsh Chakrena Cha Vidaritah || 36 ||

Meaning: "Shattered by blows of her snout, their chests gashed by the points of her tusks, and torn by her discus, they fell before the boar-formed Varahi."

Verse 37

नखैर्विदारितांश्चान्यान् भक्षयन्ती महासुरान्। नारसिंही चचाराजौ नादापूर्णदिगम्बरा॥३७॥

Nakhair Vidaritamsh Chanyan Bhakshayanti Mahasuran | Narasimhi Chacharajau Nada-Purna-Digambara || 37 ||

Meaning: "Narasimhi ranged over the battlefield devouring other great asuras whom she had torn with her claws, filling the sky and the directions with her roar."

Verse 38

चण्डाट्टहासैरसुराः शिवदूत्यभिदूषिताः। पेतुः पृथिव्यां पतितांस्तांश्चखादाथ सा तदा॥३८॥

Chandattahasair Asurah Shivadutyabhidushitah | Petuh Prithivyam Patitams Tamsh Chakhadatha Sa Tada || 38 ||

Meaning: "Overpowered by Shivaduti's fierce peals of laughter, asuras fell to the ground – and then she devoured them where they lay."

Verse 39

इति मातृगणं क्रुद्धं मर्दयन्तं महासुरान्। दृष्ट्वाभ्युपायैर्विविधैर्नेशुर्देवारिसैनिकाः॥३९॥

Iti Matriganam Kruddham Mardayantam Mahasuran | Drishtvabhyupayair Vividhair Neshur Devari-Sainikah || 39 ||

Meaning: "Seeing the enraged band of Mothers crushing the great asuras in this way, the soldiers of the enemies of the gods fled by every way they could."

Verse 40

पलायनपरान् दृष्ट्वा दैत्यान् मातृगणार्दितान्। योद्धुमभ्याययौ क्रुद्धो रक्तबीजो महासुरः॥४०॥

Palayana-Paran Drishtva Daityan Matriganarditan | Yoddhum Abhyayayau Kruddho Raktabijo Mahasurah || 40 ||

Meaning: "Seeing the demons, tormented by the band of Mothers, in full flight, the great asura Raktabija came forward in anger to fight."

Verse 41

रक्तबिन्दुर्यदा भूमौ पतत्यस्य शरीरतः। समुत्पतति मेदिन्यां तत्प्रमाणस्तदासुरः॥४१॥

Raktabindur Yada Bhumau Patatyasya Shariratah | Samutpatati Medinyam Tat-Pramanas Tadasurah || 41 ||

Meaning: "Whenever a drop of blood from his body fell to the ground, an asura of his own size sprang up from the earth."

Verse 42

युयुधे स गदापाणिरिन्द्रशक्त्या महासुरः। ततश्चैन्द्री स्ववज्रेण रक्तबीजमताडयत्॥४२॥

Yuyudhe Sa Gadapanir Indrashaktya Mahasurah | Tatash Chaindri Svavajrena Raktabijam Atadayat || 42 ||

Meaning: "Mace in hand, the great asura fought with the Shakti of Indra; and Aindri struck Raktabija with her thunderbolt."

Verse 43

कुलिशेनाहतस्याशु बहु सुस्राव शोणितम्। समुत्तस्थुस्ततो योधास्तद्रूपास्तत्पराक्रमाः॥४३॥

Kulishenahatasyashu Bahu Susrava Shonitam | Samuttasthus Tato Yodhas Tadrupas Tat-Parakramah || 43 ||

Meaning: "Struck by the thunderbolt, he at once bled profusely – and from the blood rose warriors of his own form and his own valour."

Verse 44

यावन्तः पतितास्तस्य शरीराद्रक्तबिन्दवः। तावन्तः पुरुषा जातास्तद्वीर्यबलविक्रमाः॥४४॥

Yavantah Patitastasya Sharirad Raktabindavah | Tavantah Purusha Jatas Tad-Virya-Bala-Vikramah || 44 ||

Meaning: "As many drops of blood fell from his body, so many men were born, each with his valour, strength and courage."

Verse 45

ते चापि युयुधुस्तत्र पुरुषा रक्तसम्भवाः। समं मातृभिरत्युग्रशस्त्रपातातिभीषणम्॥४५॥

Te Chapi Yuyudhus Tatra Purusha Rakta-Sambhavah | Samam Matribhir Atyugra-Shastrapatati-Bhishanam || 45 ||

Meaning: "And those men born of his blood fought there with the Mothers – a most dreadful battle, with terrible weapons falling."

Verse 46

पुनश्च वज्रपातेन क्षतमस्य शिरो यदा। ववाह रक्तं पुरुषास्ततो जाताः सहस्रशः॥४६॥

Punashcha Vajrapatena Kshatamasya Shiro Yada | Vavaha Raktam Purushastato Jatah Sahasrashah || 46 ||

Meaning: "When his head was wounded again by the fall of the thunderbolt, the blood streamed out, and from it men were born by the thousands."

Verse 47

वैष्णवी समरे चैनं चक्रेणाभिजघान ह। गदया ताडयामास ऐन्द्री तमसुरेश्वरम्॥४७॥

Vaishnavi Samare Chainam Chakrenabhijaghana Ha | Gadaya Tadayamasa Aindri Tam Asureshvaram || 47 ||

Meaning: "In the battle Vaishnavi struck him with her discus, and Aindri beat that lord of the asuras with her mace."

Verse 48

वैष्णवीचक्रभिन्नस्य रुधिरस्रावसम्भवैः। सहस्रशो जगद्व्याप्तं तत्प्रमाणैर्महासुरैः॥४८॥

Vaishnavi-Chakra-Bhinnasya Rudhira-Srava-Sambhavaih | Sahasrasho Jagadvyaptam Tat-Pramanair Mahasuraih || 48 ||

Meaning: "From the blood that streamed from the wound of Vaishnavi's discus, the world was filled with thousands of great asuras of his size."

Verse 49

शक्त्या जघान कौमारी वाराही च तथासिना। माहेश्वरी त्रिशूलेन रक्तबीजं महासुरम्॥४९॥

Shaktya Jaghana Kaumari Varahi Cha Tathasina | Maheshvari Trishulena Raktabijam Mahasuram || 49 ||

Meaning: "Kaumari struck the great asura Raktabija with her spear, Varahi with her sword, and Maheshvari with her trident."

Verse 50

स चापि गदया दैत्यः सर्वा एवाहनत् पृथक्। मातॄः कोपसमाविष्टो रक्तबीजो महासुरः॥५०॥

Sa Chapi Gadaya Daityah Sarva Evahanat Prithak | Matrih Kopa-Samavishto Raktabijo Mahasurah || 50 ||

Meaning: "And the great asura Raktabija, possessed by rage, struck every one of the Mothers in turn with his mace."

Verse 51

तस्याहतस्य बहुधा शक्तिशूलादिभिर्भुवि। पपात यो वै रक्तौघस्तेनासञ्छतशोऽसुराः॥५१॥

Tasyahatasya Bahudha Shakti-Shuladibhir Bhuvi | Papata Yo Vai Raktaughas Tenasan Chhatasho'surah || 51 ||

Meaning: "From the streams of blood that fell to the ground as he was struck again and again with spears, tridents and the rest, asuras arose by the hundreds."

Verse 52

तैश्चासुरासृक्सम्भूतैरसुरैः सकलं जगत्। व्याप्तमासीत्ततो देवा भयमाजग्मुरुत्तमम्॥५२॥

Taish Chasura-Srik-Sambhutair Asuraih Sakalam Jagat | Vyaptam Asit Tato Deva Bhayam Ajagmur Uttamam || 52 ||

Meaning: "The whole world was filled with those asuras born of the asura's blood, and the gods fell into the greatest fear."

Verse 53

तान् विषण्णान् सुरान् दृष्ट्वा चण्डिका प्राह सत्वरा। उवाच कालीं चामुण्डे विस्तीर्णं वदनं कुरु॥५३॥

Tan Vishannan Suran Drishtva Chandika Praha Satvara | Uvacha Kalim Chamunde Vistirnam Vadanam Kuru || 53 ||

Meaning: "Seeing the gods despondent, Chandika spoke quickly. She said to Kali: 'Chamunda, open your mouth wide.'"

Verse 54

मच्छस्त्रपातसम्भूतान् रक्तबिन्दून्महासुरान्। रक्तबिन्दोः प्रतीच्छ त्वं वक्त्रेणानेन वेगिना॥५४॥

Machchhastrapata-Sambhutan Raktabindun Mahasuran | Raktabindoh Pratichchha Tvam Vaktrenanena Vegina || 54 ||

Meaning: "'With this swift mouth of yours, catch the drops of blood that fall when my weapons strike him, and the great asuras born from those drops.'"

Verse 55

भक्षयन्ती चर रणे तदुत्पन्नान्महासुरान्। एवमेष क्षयं दैत्यः क्षीणरक्तो गमिष्यति॥५५॥

Bhakshayanti Chara Rane Tad Utpannan Mahasuran | Evamesha Kshayam Daityah Kshinarakto Gamishyati || 55 ||

Meaning: "'Range over the battlefield devouring the great asuras born from him. In this way the demon, drained of his blood, will come to his end.'"

Verse 56

भक्ष्यमाणास्त्वया चोग्रा न चोत्पत्स्यन्ति चापरे। इत्युक्त्वा तां ततो देवी शूलेनाभिजघान तम्॥५६॥

Bhakshyamanas Tvaya Chogra Na Chotpatsyanti Chapare | Ityuktva Tam Tato Devi Shulenabhijaghana Tam || 56 ||

Meaning: "'As you devour those fierce ones, no more will be born.' Having said this to her, the Goddess struck Raktabija with her trident."

Verse 57

मुखेन काली जगृहे रक्तबीजस्य शोणितम्। ततोऽसावाजघानाथ गदया तत्र चण्डिकाम्॥५७॥

Mukhena Kali Jagrihe Raktabijasya Shonitam | Tato'sav Ajaghanatha Gadaya Tatra Chandikam || 57 ||

Meaning: "Kali caught Raktabija's blood in her mouth. Then he struck Chandika there with his mace –"

Verse 58

न चास्या वेदनां चक्रे गदापातोऽल्पिकामपि। तस्याहतस्य देहात्तु बहु सुस्राव शोणितम्॥५८॥

Na Chasya Vedanam Chakre Gadapato'lpikam Api | Tasyahatasya Dehattu Bahu Susrava Shonitam || 58 ||

Meaning: "but the blow of the mace caused her not the slightest pain. From his wounded body, though, the blood streamed out,"

Verse 59

यतस्ततस्तद्वक्त्रेण चामुण्डा सम्प्रतीच्छति। मुखे समुद्गता येऽस्या रक्तपातान्महासुराः॥५९॥

Yatas Tatas Tad Vaktrena Chamunda Sampratichchhati | Mukhe Samudgata Ye'sya Raktapatan Mahasurah || 59 ||

Meaning: "and wherever it fell, Chamunda caught it in her mouth. The great asuras that sprang up in her mouth from the falling blood –"

Verse 60

तांश्चखादाथ चामुण्डा पपौ तस्य च शोणितम्। देवी शूलेन वज्रेण बाणैरसिभिर्ऋष्टिभिः॥६०॥

Tamsh Chakhadatha Chamunda Papau Tasya Cha Shonitam | Devi Shulena Vajrena Banair Asibhir Rishtibhih || 60 ||

Meaning: "Chamunda devoured them, and drank his blood. And the Goddess, with trident, thunderbolt, arrows, swords and lances,"

Verse 61

जघान रक्तबीजं तं चामुण्डापीतशोणितम्। स पपात महीपृष्ठे शस्त्रसङ्घसमाहतः॥६१॥

Jaghana Raktabijam Tam Chamunda-Pita-Shonitam | Sa Papata Mahiprishthe Shastra-Sangha-Samahatah || 61 ||

Meaning: "struck Raktabija down, his blood drunk up by Chamunda. Battered by that mass of weapons, he fell to the ground –"

Verse 62

नीरक्तश्च महीपाल रक्तबीजो महासुरः। ततस्ते हर्षमतुलमवापुस्त्रिदशा नृप॥६२॥

Niraktashcha Mahipala Raktabijo Mahasurah | Tataste Harsham Atulam Avapus Tridasha Nripa || 62 ||

Meaning: "the great asura Raktabija, without a drop of blood left in him, O King. Then the gods knew a joy beyond compare,"

Verse 63

तेषां मातृगणो जातो ननर्तासृङ्मदोद्धतः॥ॐ॥६३॥

Tesham Matrigano Jato Nanartasrin-Madoddhatah || Om || 63 ||

Meaning: "and their band of Mothers, drunk with blood, danced." Om.

Chapter Colophon

॥ इति श्रीमार्कण्डेयपुराणे सावर्णिके मन्वन्तरे देवीमाहात्म्ये रक्तबीजवधो नामाष्टमोऽध्यायः॥८॥

|| Iti Shri-Markandeya-Purane Savarnike Manvantare Devimahatmye Raktabija-Vadho Namashtamo'dhyayah || 8 ||

Meaning: Thus ends the eighth chapter, named "The Slaying of Raktabija", of the Devi Mahatmya in the account of the Savarnika manvantara in the Shri Markandeya Purana.

उवाच १, अर्धश्लोकः १, श्लोकाः ६१, एवम् ६३, एवमादितः॥५०२॥

Uvacha 1, Ardhashlokah 1, Shlokah 61, Evam 63, Evamaditah || 502 ||

Meaning: One uvacha line, one half-verse and 61 full verses – 63 textual units in this chapter, and 502 from the beginning of the text.

Significance of Durga Saptashati Chapter 8

Durga Saptashati Chapter 8 is the chapter in which the Goddess is shown to be the power of every god. In Chapter 2 the gods' radiance gathered to become her; here the same truth is shown from the other side – their Shaktis step out of their bodies, each in her god's form, with his mount and weapon, and fight for her. Brahmani, Maheshvari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Narasimhi and Aindri are the Sapta Matrikas, the Seven Mothers worshipped across India, and this chapter is their origin.

The chapter also contains the Devi Mahatmya's most famous riddle. Raktabija cannot be killed by wounding him, because every drop of his blood that reaches the ground becomes another Raktabija: the more he is struck, the more he multiplies, until his offspring fill the world and the gods despair. The answer is not more force but a different kind of act – Chamunda catches the blood before it falls. Commentators have read Raktabija as desire, or as thought, which multiplies the more it is fought; the text itself simply shows the Goddess winning by understanding where the demon's strength lies.

Shivaduti completes the chapter's picture of the Goddess's sovereignty: when she needs a messenger, it is Shiva himself who carries her words.

Main Teachings of Chapter 8

The power of every god is the Goddess: the Shaktis come forth from the gods' own bodies and fight in their forms (Verses 12–21).
Shiva serves her: Shiva asks Chandika to slay the asuras, and Shivaduti sends him as her messenger (Verses 22–28).
Some enemies grow when struck: Raktabija multiplies with every wound, and the strongest weapons only make him more (Verses 41–52).
Such enemies are defeated at the root: Chamunda stops the blood before it reaches the ground (Verses 53–61).
The Goddess's companions share her victory: the Mothers, not the Goddess alone, dance at the end (Verse 63).

The Seven Matrikas (Sapta Matrikas)

Verses 13 to 21 describe the Mother-powers of the gods as they come to Chandika.

Matrika	Shakti of	Mount	Weapons and marks	Verse
Brahmani	Brahma	Chariot drawn by swans	Rosary and water pot	15
Maheshvari	Shiva	Bull	Trident; serpents for bracelets; the crescent moon	16
Kaumari	Kartikeya (Guha)	Peacock	Spear	17
Vaishnavi	Vishnu	Garuda	Conch, discus, mace, Sharnga bow and sword	18
Varahi	Vishnu as the Boar	–	The body of a boar; snout, tusks and discus	19, 36
Narasimhi	Narasimha	–	The man-lion body; claws and mane	20, 37
Aindri	Indra	The king of elephants	Thunderbolt; a thousand eyes	21

In the battle each fights with her own weapon (Verses 33–37): Brahmani saps the demons' strength with water from her pot, Maheshvari kills with the trident, Vaishnavi with the discus, Kaumari with the spear, Aindri with the thunderbolt, Varahi with snout, tusks and discus, and Narasimhi with her claws.

Shivaduti: The Goddess Who Sent Shiva as Her Messenger

Verses 23 to 28 tell how a Shakti came forth from Chandika's own body – fierce, howling like a hundred jackals – and sent Shiva to Shumbha and Nishumbha with her ultimatum: return the three worlds to Indra and the sacrifice to the gods, and go to Patala; or come and fight and feed my jackals. Because Shiva himself carried her message, she is named Shivaduti, "she whose messenger is Shiva" (Verse 28). The name states the Devi Mahatmya's view of the Goddess in one word: even Shiva is her messenger.

Why Raktabija Could Not Be Killed – and How He Was

Verses	Event
41, 44	Raktabija's power: every drop of his blood that touches the ground becomes a new Raktabija of the same size and strength
42–51	Aindri's thunderbolt, Vaishnavi's discus, Aindri's mace, Kaumari's spear, Varahi's sword and Maheshvari's trident all wound him – and every wound breeds thousands more
52	His offspring fill the world; the gods despair
53–56	Chandika's plan: Chamunda opens her mouth wide and catches the blood before it falls, eating the demons born from it
57–60	The Goddess strikes; Chamunda drinks; no more can be born
61–62	Drained to the last drop, Raktabija falls

The name Raktabija means "blood-seed" – he whose blood is the seed of more of himself.

Why Is Chapter 8 Called Raktabija-Vadha?

The eighth chapter is traditionally known as Raktabija-Vadha – "the slaying (vadha) of Raktabija" – after the demon whose death closes it, though the Matrikas, Shivaduti and the rout of Shumbha's host all belong to the same chapter.

Traditional Recitation of Chapter 8

Chapter 8 belongs to the Uttama Charitra of the Devi Mahatmya, which runs from Chapter 5 to Chapter 13 under Mahasaraswati. It has no separate Viniyoga; the Viniyoga of the Uttama Charitra is recited at the start of Chapter 5, and Chapter 8 opens with its own Dhyana of Bhavani, given above.

Schedule	When Chapter 8 is read	Context
3-day Path (by Charitra)	Day 3, with Chapters 5–7 and 9–13	Day 1: Chapter 1 · Day 2: Chapters 2–4
7-day Path	Day 4, with Chapters 5, 6 and 7	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 5, on its own	Day 1: 1 · Day 2: 2–4 · Day 3: 5–6 · Day 4: 7 · 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

In the chapter-wise tradition of the Path, the eighth chapter is read for the removal of obstacles to marriage and for a desired life partner. Devotees traditionally approach it for:

Devotion towards Goddess Mahasaraswati, the presiding deity of the Uttama Charitra, and towards the Seven Mothers
The removal of difficulties in marriage and the blessing of a suitable partner
Strength against troubles that multiply the more they are fought, after the pattern of Raktabija
The protection of the Matrikas, the Mother-powers of the gods
Remembrance of the Goddess as Bhavani, in the form of the chapter's Dhyana

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Durga Saptashati Chapter 8 called?

Durga Saptashati Chapter 8 is called Ashtama Adhyaya and is traditionally known as Raktabija-Vadha, "The Slaying of Raktabija".

What happens in Chapter 8 of Durga Saptashati?

Shumbha musters all the asura clans and marches out. The Shaktis of the gods – the seven Matrikas – come forth to fight beside Chandika, and Shivaduti sends Shiva as her messenger. The Mothers rout the army; then Raktabija, from whose every drop of blood a new demon springs, fills the world with his offspring, until Chamunda drinks his blood as it falls and he dies bloodless.

Who are the Sapta Matrikas?

The seven Mother-powers who come forth from the bodies of the gods in this chapter: Brahmani, Maheshvari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Narasimhi and Aindri – the Shaktis of Brahma, Shiva, Kartikeya, Vishnu, Varaha, Narasimha and Indra (Verses 13–21).

Who was Raktabija, and why could he not be killed?

A great asura of Shumbha's army whose name means "blood-seed": whenever a drop of his blood touched the ground, another Raktabija of the same strength sprang up. Every wound the Matrikas gave him only multiplied him, until his offspring filled the world (Verses 41–52).

How did the Goddess kill Raktabija?

By stopping his blood from reaching the ground. Chandika told Chamunda to open her mouth wide and drink the blood as her weapons struck him, and to eat the demons born from it; then she struck him with trident, thunderbolt, arrows, sword and lance until, drained to the last drop, he fell (Verses 53–62).

Who is Shivaduti?

A Shakti who came forth from Chandika's own body, howling like a hundred jackals, and sent Shiva himself as her messenger to Shumbha and Nishumbha. Because Shiva was her messenger (duta), she is called Shivaduti (Verses 23–28).

How many verses are there in Durga Saptashati Chapter 8?

The traditional count gives 63 textual units: 1 uvacha line, 1 half-verse (the closing Verse 63) and 61 full verses. Together with Chapters 1 to 7 this makes 502 units from the beginning of the text.

Can Chapter 8 be recited on its own?

Yes. In the nine-day Navratri schedule it is read by itself on the fifth day. Its own Dhyana of Bhavani is recited first; its Viniyoga is that of the Uttama Charitra, recited at Chapter 5; and the preliminaries of the Path Vidhi are performed before it as for the whole Path.