Durga Saptashati Chapter 9: Nishumbha-Vadha

Durga Saptashati Chapter 9, known as Navama Adhyaya or Nishumbha-Vadha – "The Slaying of Nishumbha" – is the chapter in which the younger of the two demon-kings falls. It belongs to the Uttama Charitra of the Devi Mahatmya, presided over by Mahasaraswati.

The chapter opens with King Suratha asking Sage Medha to go on, and the story resumes with both brothers on the field. Nishumbha attacks with the main army and loses every weapon he takes up – sword and shield, spear, trident, mace, axe – and falls; Shumbha, eight-armed in his chariot, is knocked senseless by Chandika's trident. Nishumbha rises again, grows ten thousand arms, and is pierced through the heart by the Goddess's trident – and from his wounded heart a second man steps out, crying "Stop!", whom the Goddess beheads with a laugh. The lion, Kali, Shivaduti and the Matrikas finish the rest.

The chapter contains 41 textual units, traditionally counted as 2 uvacha lines and 39 full verses. Every one of them is given below in Sanskrit, with transliteration and a simple English meaning.

Durga Saptashati Chapter 9 at a Glance

Particular	Details
Chapter	Navama Adhyaya (Ninth Chapter)
Traditional Name	Nishumbha-Vadha – The Slaying of Nishumbha
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 9 has no separate Viniyoga
Dhyana	Ardhambikesha – the Lord whose half is Ambika, red and gold, with rosary, noose, goad and the boon-giving hand
Main Theme	The slaying of Nishumbha; Shumbha struck senseless
Narrator	Sage Medha, answering King Suratha ("Raja Uvacha"), within Sage Markandeya's narration
Principal Figures	King Suratha and Sage Medha; Nishumbha and Shumbha; the Goddess as Chandika, Ambika and Durga; the lion; Kali; Shivaduti; the Matrikas
Traditional Count	41 textual units (543 from the beginning of the text)
Source	Markandeya Purana – Devi Mahatmya
Navratri	Read on Day 6 with Chapter 10 in the nine-day schedule

Story of Durga Saptashati Chapter 9

The chapter returns for a moment to the hermitage: King Suratha tells Sage Medha that the story of Raktabija was wonderful and asks what the furious Shumbha and Nishumbha did next.

Enraged by Raktabija's death, Nishumbha charges with the main asura army, great demons biting their lips in fury on every side of him, and Shumbha follows with his own forces after fighting the Mothers. Arrows pour from both sides like rain from two clouds. Chandika cuts the brothers' arrows to pieces and batters their bodies with her weapons. Nishumbha strikes her lion on the head with his sword; she cuts his sword and his eight-mooned shield with a single razor-arrow. He hurls a spear – her discus splits it; he seizes a trident – her fist smashes it; he whirls a mace – her trident breaks it to dust; he comes on with an axe – her arrows bring him to the ground.

Seeing his brother fallen, Shumbha drives at Ambika in his chariot, eight huge arms filling the sky. The Goddess blows her conch, twangs her bow unbearably, and fills the directions with her bell, which drains the demons of their strength; her lion roars so that elephants lose their pride; Kali leaps up and strikes the earth with both hands; Shivaduti laughs her dreadful laugh. The asuras tremble and Shumbha's fury grows. "Stop, wicked one!" cries Ambika, and the gods in the sky shout "Victory!" Shumbha's blazing spear is destroyed by her great firebrand; his roar is drowned by a crash like thunder; arrows are cut by arrows by the thousand; and at last her trident strikes him down senseless.

Nishumbha comes to, takes up his bow and shoots at the Goddess, Kali and the lion; then he grows ten thousand arms and buries Chandika under discuses. Durga, the destroyer of distress, cuts them all away. He rushes at her with a mace – she cuts it with her sword; he takes a trident – and she drives her own trident, hurled with all her speed, into his heart. From his pierced heart another man comes out, mighty and valiant, shouting "Stop!" – and the Goddess, laughing aloud, strikes off his head with her sword.

The lion devours the asuras whose necks it has crushed; Kali and Shivaduti devour the rest; Kaumari's spear, Brahmani's consecrated water, Maheshvari's trident, Varahi's snout, Vaishnavi's discus and Aindri's thunderbolt account for the others. Some die, some flee the great battle, and the rest are eaten by Kali, Shivaduti and the lion.

Who Appears in Chapter 9?

Figure	Role in the Chapter
King Suratha	Asks Sage Medha to continue the story after Raktabija's death
Sage Medha	Narrates the chapter; the frame of the whole Devi Mahatmya
Nishumbha	Shumbha's younger brother; loses weapon after weapon and is pierced through the heart
Shumbha	The elder demon-king; eight-armed in his chariot; struck senseless by Chandika's trident
The Goddess (Chandika, Ambika, Durga)	Destroys the brothers' weapons and slays Nishumbha
The man from Nishumbha's heart	A second being who steps out of the pierced demon, crying "Stop!", and is beheaded
The lion	Struck on the head by Nishumbha; roars and devours the asuras
Kali and Shivaduti	Strike the earth and laugh; devour the remaining asuras
The Matrikas	Kaumari, Brahmani, Maheshvari, Varahi, Vaishnavi and Aindri finish the army
The gods	Watching from the sky, they cry "Victory!"

Structure of Chapter 9

The chapter can be understood in five parts:

1. King Suratha asks to hear more – Verses 1–3
2. Nishumbha and Shumbha attack – Verses 4–9
3. Nishumbha's weapons destroyed; he falls – Verses 10–16
4. Shumbha's attack and the sounds of battle; Shumbha struck senseless – Verses 17–28
5. Nishumbha rises, is pierced through the heart and slain; the army finished – Verses 29–41

Durga Saptashati Chapter 9 Sanskrit with Meaning

॥ श्रीदुर्गासप्तशती – नवमोऽध्यायः ॥

Dhyana

ॐ बन्धूककाञ्चननिभं रुचिराक्षमालां पाशाङ्कुशौ च वरदां निजबाहुदण्डैः।

बिभ्राणमिन्दुशकलाभरणं त्रिनेत्र- मर्धाम्बिकेशमनिशं वपुराश्रयामि॥

Om Bandhuka-Kanchana-Nibham Ruchirakshamalam Pashankushau Cha Varadam Nija-Bahu-Dandaih |

Bibhranam Indushakalabharanam Trinetra- Mardhambikesham Anisham Vapur Ashrayami ||

Meaning: I take refuge always in the form of Ardhambikesha – the Lord whose half is Ambika – coloured like the bandhuka flower and like gold, bearing in his arms a lovely rosary, the noose, the goad and the boon-giving hand, adorned with a piece of the moon, three-eyed.

Verse 1 – Raja Uvacha

"ॐ" राजोवाच॥१॥

"Om" Rajovacha || 1 ||

Meaning: With "Om", the king said:

Verse 2

विचित्रमिदमाख्यातं भगवन् भवता मम। देव्याश्चरितमाहात्म्यं रक्तबीजवधाश्रितम्॥२॥

Vichitram Idam Akhyatam Bhagavan Bhavata Mama | Devyash Charita-Mahatmyam Raktabija-Vadhashritam || 2 ||

Meaning: "Revered one, wonderful is this that you have told me – the glory of the Goddess's deeds in the slaying of Raktabija."

Verse 3

भूयश्चेच्छाम्यहं श्रोतुं रक्तबीजे निपातिते। चकार शुम्भो यत्कर्म निशुम्भश्चातिकोपनः॥३॥

Bhuyash Chech Chhamy Aham Shrotum Raktabije Nipatite | Chakara Shumbho Yatkarma Nishumbhash Chatikopanah || 3 ||

Meaning: "I wish to hear more: what did Shumbha and the furious Nishumbha do after Raktabija had fallen?"

Verse 4 – Rishir Uvacha

ऋषिरुवाच॥४॥

Rishir Uvacha || 4 ||

Meaning: The sage said:

Verse 5

चकार कोपमतुलं रक्तबीजे निपातिते। शुम्भासुरो निशुम्भश्च हतेष्वन्येषु चाहवे॥५॥

Chakara Kopamatulam Raktabije Nipatite | Shumbhasuro Nishumbhash Cha Hateshv Anyeshu Chahave || 5 ||

Meaning: "When Raktabija had fallen and the others had been slain in battle, the asura Shumbha and Nishumbha gave way to boundless rage."

Verse 6

हन्यमानं महासैन्यं विलोक्यामर्षमुद्वहन्। अभ्यधावन्निशुम्भोऽथ मुख्ययासुरसेनया॥६॥

Hanyamanam Mahasainyam Vilokyamarsham Udvahan | Abhyadhavan Nishumbho'tha Mukhyayasura-Senaya || 6 ||

Meaning: "Seeing his great army being destroyed, Nishumbha, carried away by fury, charged with the main army of the asuras."

Verse 7

तस्याग्रतस्तथा पृष्ठे पार्श्वयोश्च महासुराः। सन्दष्टौष्ठपुटाः क्रुद्धा हन्तुं देवीमुपाययुः॥७॥

Tasyagratas Tatha Prishthe Parshvayosh Cha Mahasurah | Sandashtaushtha-Putah Kruddha Hantum Devim Upayayuh || 7 ||

Meaning: "In front of him, behind him and on both sides, great asuras, biting their lips in anger, advanced to kill the Goddess."

Verse 8

आजगाम महावीर्यः शुम्भोऽपि स्वबलैर्वृतः। निहन्तुं चण्डिकां कोपात्कृत्वा युद्धं तु मातृभिः॥८॥

Ajagama Mahaviryah Shumbho'pi Svabalair Vritah | Nihantum Chandikam Kopatkritva Yuddham Tu Matribhih || 8 ||

Meaning: "The mighty Shumbha too came, surrounded by his forces – after fighting with the Mothers, he came in anger to slay Chandika."

Verse 9

ततो युद्धमतीवासीद्देव्या शुम्भनिशुम्भयोः। शरवर्षमतीवोग्रं मेघयोरिव वर्षतोः॥९॥

Tato Yuddham Ativasid Devya Shumbha-Nishumbhayoh | Shara-Varsham Ativogram Meghayoriva Varshatoh || 9 ||

Meaning: "Then a fierce battle raged between the Goddess and Shumbha and Nishumbha, with arrows pouring down as terribly as rain from two clouds."

Verse 10

चिच्छेदास्ताञ्छरांस्ताभ्यां चण्डिका स्वशरोत्करैः। ताडयामास चाङ्गेषु शस्त्रौघैरसुरेश्वरौ॥१०॥

Chichchhedastan Chharams Tabhyam Chandika Svasharotkaraih | Tadayamasa Changeshu Shastraughair Asureshvarau || 10 ||

Meaning: "Chandika cut the arrows the two of them shot with showers of her own, and battered the limbs of the two lords of the asuras with a mass of weapons."

Verse 11

निशुम्भो निशितं खड्गं चर्म चादाय सुप्रभम्। अताडयन्मूर्ध्नि सिंहं देव्या वाहनमुत्तमम्॥११॥

Nishumbho Nishitam Khadgam Charma Chadaya Suprabham | Atadayan Murdhni Simham Devya Vahanam Uttamam || 11 ||

Meaning: "Nishumbha took up a sharp sword and a gleaming shield and struck the lion, the Goddess's excellent mount, on the head."

Verse 12

ताडिते वाहने देवी क्षुरप्रेणासिमुत्तमम्। निशुम्भस्याशु चिच्छेद चर्म चाप्यष्टचन्द्रकम्॥१२॥

Tadite Vahane Devi Kshuraprenasim Uttamam | Nishumbhasyashu Chichchheda Charma Chapy Ashtachandrakam || 12 ||

Meaning: "When her mount was struck, the Goddess at once cut Nishumbha's fine sword with a razor-edged arrow, and his shield too, marked with eight moons."

Verse 13

छिन्ने चर्मणि खड्गे च शक्तिं चिक्षेप सोऽसुरः। तामप्यस्य द्विधा चक्रे चक्रेणाभिमुखागताम्॥१३॥

Chhinne Charmani Khadge Cha Shaktim Chikshepa So'surah |

Tamapyasya Dvidha Chakre Chakrenabhimukhagatam || 13 ||

Meaning: "His shield and sword cut, the asura hurled a spear; as it flew towards her, she split that too in two with her discus."

Verse 14

कोपाध्मातो निशुम्भोऽथ शूलं जग्राह दानवः। आयातं मुष्टिपातेन देवी तच्चाप्यचूर्णयत्॥१४॥

Kopadhmato Nishumbho'tha Shulam Jagraha Danavah | Ayatam Mushtipatena Devi Tach Chapy Achurnayat || 14 ||

Meaning: "Swollen with rage, the danava Nishumbha then seized a trident; as it came, the Goddess smashed that too to powder with a blow of her fist."

Verse 15

आविध्याथ गदां सोऽपि चिक्षेप चण्डिकां प्रति। सापि देव्या त्रिशूलेन भिन्ना भस्मत्वमागता॥१५॥

Avidhyatha Gadam So'pi Chikshepa Chandikam Prati | Sapi Devya Trishulena Bhinna Bhasmatvam Agata || 15 ||

Meaning: "Then he whirled a mace and hurled it at Chandika; split by the Goddess's trident, that too was reduced to ashes."

Verse 16

ततः परशुहस्तं तमायान्तं दैत्यपुङ्गवम्। आहत्य देवी बाणौघैरपातयत भूतले॥१६॥

Tatah Parashu-Hastam Tamayantam Daitya-Pungavam | Ahatya Devi Banaughair Apatayata Bhutale || 16 ||

Meaning: "Then, as that bull among demons came at her with an axe in his hand, the Goddess struck him with a flood of arrows and brought him down to the ground."

Verse 17

तस्मिन्निपतिते भूमौ निशुम्भे भीमविक्रमे। भ्रातर्यतीव संक्रुद्धः प्रययौ हन्तुमम्बिकाम्॥१७॥

Tasmin Nipatite Bhumau Nishumbhe Bhimavikrame | Bhrataryativa Sankruddhah Prayayau Hantum Ambikam || 17 ||

Meaning: "When his brother Nishumbha, of terrible valour, had fallen to the ground, Shumbha in great fury advanced to kill Ambika."

Verse 18

स रथस्थस्तथात्युच्चैर्गृहीतपरमायुधैः। भुजैरष्टाभिरतुलैर्व्याप्याशेषं बभौ नभः॥१८॥

Sa Rathasthas Tathatyuchchair Grihita-Paramayudhaih | Bhujair Ashtabhir Atulair Vyapyashesham Babhau Nabhah || 18 ||

Meaning: "Standing in his chariot, with great weapons gripped in his eight matchless arms raised high, he seemed to fill the whole sky."

Verse 19

तमायान्तं समालोक्य देवी शङ्खमवादयत्। ज्याशब्दं चापि धनुषश्चकारातीव दुःसहम्॥१९॥

Tamayantam Samalokya Devi Shankham Avadayat | Jyashabdam Chapi Dhanushash Chakarativa Duhsaham || 19 ||

Meaning: "Seeing him coming, the Goddess blew her conch, and made the twang of her bowstring too, unbearably loud."

Verse 20

पूरयामास ककुभो निजघण्टास्वनेन च। समस्तदैत्यसैन्यानां तेजोवधविधायिना॥२०॥

Purayamasa Kakubho Nija-Ghanta-Svanena Cha | Samasta-Daitya-Sainyanam Tejovadha-Vidhayina || 20 ||

Meaning: "And she filled the directions with the sound of her own bell, which drained all the demon armies of their strength."

Verse 21

ततः सिंहो महानादैस्त्याजितेभमहामदैः। पूरयामास गगनं गां तथैव दिशो दश॥२१॥

Tatah Simho Mahanadais Tyajitebha-Mahamadaih | Purayamasa Gaganam Gam Tathaiva Disho Dasha || 21 ||

Meaning: "Then the lion filled the sky, the earth and the ten directions with mighty roars that made the elephants lose their pride."

Verse 22

ततः काली समुत्पत्य गगनं क्ष्मामताडयत्। कराभ्यां तन्निनादेन प्राक्स्वनास्ते तिरोहिताः॥२२॥

Tatah Kali Samutpatya Gaganam Kshmam Atadayat | Karabhyam Tanninadena Praksvanaste Tirohitah || 22 ||

Meaning: "Then Kali leapt into the sky and struck the earth with both her hands; the sound of it drowned out all the sounds before."

Verse 23

अट्टाट्टहासमशिवं शिवदूती चकार ह। तैः शब्दैरसुरास्त्रेसुः शुम्भः कोपं परं ययौ॥२३॥

Attattahasam Ashivam Shivaduti Chakara Ha | Taih Shabdair Asuras Tresuh Shumbhah Kopam Param Yayau || 23 ||

Meaning: "Shivaduti laughed a loud and dreadful laugh. At those sounds the asuras trembled, and Shumbha flew into the greatest rage."

Verse 24

दुरात्मंस्तिष्ठ तिष्ठेति व्याजहाराम्बिका यदा। तदा जयेत्यभिहितं देवैराकाशसंस्थितैः॥२४॥

Duratmams Tishtha Tishtheti Vyajaharambika Yada | Tada Jayety Abhihitam Devair Akasha-Samsthitaih || 24 ||

Meaning: "When Ambika cried, 'Stop, wicked one, stop!', the gods standing in the sky shouted, 'Victory!'"

Verse 25

शुम्भेनागत्य या शक्तिर्मुक्ता ज्वालातिभीषणा। आयान्ती वह्निकूटाभा सा निरस्ता महोल्कया॥२५॥

Shumbhenagatya Ya Shaktirmukta Jvalatibhishana | Ayanti Vahnikutabha Sa Nirasta Maholkaya || 25 ||

Meaning: "The spear that Shumbha came and hurled, terrible with flames, like a mass of fire as it flew, was struck down by her great firebrand."

Verse 26

सिंहनादेन शुम्भस्य व्याप्तं लोकत्रयान्तरम्। निर्घातनिःस्वनो घोरो जितवानवनीपते॥२६॥

Simhanadena Shumbhasya Vyaptam Lokatrayantaram | Nirghata-Nihsvano Ghoro Jitavan Avanipate || 26 ||

Meaning: "Shumbha's lion-like roar filled the space of the three worlds, O King – but a terrible crash like a thunderbolt overpowered it."

Verse 27

शुम्भमुक्ताञ्छरान्देवी शुम्भस्तत्प्रहिताञ्छरान्। चिच्छेद स्वशरैरुग्रैः शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः॥२७॥

Shumbha-Muktan Chharan Devi Shumbhas Tat-Prahitan Chharan | Chichchheda Svasharair Ugraih Shatasho'tha Sahasrashah || 27 ||

Meaning: "The Goddess cut the arrows Shumbha shot, and Shumbha the arrows she shot at him, each with their own fierce arrows, by the hundreds and the thousands."

Verse 28

ततः सा चण्डिका क्रुद्धा शूलेनाभिजघान तम्। स तदाभिहतो भूमौ मूर्च्छितो निपपात ह॥२८॥

Tatah Sa Chandika Kruddha Shulenabhijaghana Tam | Sa Tadabhihato Bhumau Murchchhito Nipapata Ha || 28 ||

Meaning: "Then Chandika, enraged, struck him with her trident, and at that blow he fell to the ground senseless."

Verse 29

ततो निशुम्भः सम्प्राप्य चेतनामात्तकार्मुकः। आजघान शरैर्देवीं कालीं केसरिणं तथा॥२९॥

Tato Nishumbhah Samprapya Chetanam Atta-Karmukah | Ajaghana Sharairdevim Kalim Kesarinam Tatha || 29 ||

Meaning: "Then Nishumbha, coming back to his senses, took up his bow and shot arrows at the Goddess, at Kali and at the lion."

Verse 30

पुनश्च कृत्वा बाहूनामयुतं दनुजेश्वरः। चक्रायुधेन दितिजश्छादयामास चण्डिकाम्॥३०॥

Punashcha Kritva Bahunam Ayutam Danujeshvarah | Chakrayudhena Ditijash Chhadayamasa Chandikam || 30 ||

Meaning: "And then the lord of the danavas, that son of Diti, made himself ten thousand arms and covered Chandika with discuses."

Verse 31

ततो भगवती क्रुद्धा दुर्गा दुर्गार्तिनाशिनी। चिच्छेद तानि चक्राणि स्वशरैः सायकांश्च तान्॥३१॥

Tato Bhagavati Kruddha Durga Durgarti-Nashini | Chichchheda Tani Chakrani Svasharaih Sayakamshcha Tan || 31 ||

Meaning: "Then Bhagavati Durga, the destroyer of distress, in her anger cut those discuses and those arrows to pieces with her own arrows."

Verse 32

ततो निशुम्भो वेगेन गदामादाय चण्डिकाम्। अभ्यधावत वै हन्तुं दैत्यसेनासमावृतः॥३२॥

Tato Nishumbho Vegena Gadamadaya Chandikam | Abhyadhavata Vai Hantum Daitya-Sena-Samavritah || 32 ||

Meaning: "Then Nishumbha seized a mace and, surrounded by the demon army, rushed at Chandika to kill her."

Verse 33

तस्यापतत एवाशु गदां चिच्छेद चण्डिका। खड्गेन शितधारेण स च शूलं समाददे॥३३॥

Tasyapatata Evashu Gadam Chichchheda Chandika | Khadgena Shitadharena Sa Cha Shulam Samadade || 33 ||

Meaning: "Even as he rushed in, Chandika cut his mace with her sharp-edged sword; and he took up a trident."

Verse 34

शूलहस्तं समायान्तं निशुम्भममरार्दनम्। हृदि विव्याध शूलेन वेगाविद्धेन चण्डिका॥३४॥

Shulahastam Samayantam Nishumbham Amarardanam | Hridi Vivyadha Shulena Vegaviddhena Chandika || 34 ||

Meaning: "As Nishumbha, tormentor of the gods, came at her with the trident in his hand, Chandika pierced him through the heart with her own trident, hurled with all her speed."

Verse 35

भिन्नस्य तस्य शूलेन हृदयान्निःसृतोऽपरः। महाबलो महावीर्यस्तिष्ठेति पुरुषो वदन्॥३५॥

Bhinnasya Tasya Shulena Hridayan Nihsrito'parah | Mahabalo Mahaviryas Tishtheti Purusho Vadan || 35 ||

Meaning: "From the heart of the demon pierced by the trident there came out another man – mighty and valiant – crying, 'Stop!'"

Verse 36

तस्य निष्क्रामतो देवी प्रहस्य स्वनवत्ततः। शिरश्चिच्छेद खड्गेन ततोऽसावपतद्भुवि॥३६॥

Tasya Nishkramato Devi Prahasya Svanavat Tatah | Shirash Chichchheda Khadgena Tato'sav Apatad Bhuvi || 36 ||

Meaning: "As he came out, the Goddess laughed aloud and cut off his head with her sword, and he fell to the ground."

Verse 37

ततः सिंहश्चखादोग्रं दंष्ट्राक्षुण्णशिरोधरान्। असुरांस्तांस्तथा काली शिवदूती तथापरान्॥३७॥

Tatah Simhash Chakhadogram Damshtra-Kshunna-Shirodharan | Asuams Tams Tatha Kali Shivaduti Tathaparan || 37 ||

Meaning: "Then the lion devoured those fierce asuras whose necks it had crushed with its fangs, and Kali and Shivaduti devoured the others."

Verse 38

कौमारीशक्तिनिर्भिन्नाः केचिन्नेशुर्महासुराः। ब्रह्माणीमन्त्रपूतेन तोयेनान्ये निराकृताः॥३८॥

Kaumari-Shakti-Nirbhinnah Kechin Neshur Mahasurah | Brahmani-Mantra-Putena Toyenanye Nirakritah || 38 ||

Meaning: "Some great asuras perished, pierced by Kaumari's spear; others were driven off by water that Brahmani had purified with her mantras."

Verse 39

माहेश्वरीत्रिशूलेन भिन्नाः पेतुस्तथापरे। वाराहीतुण्डघातेन केचिच्चूर्णीकृता भुवि॥३९॥

Maheshvari-Trishulena Bhinnah Petus Tathapare | Varahi-Tunda-Ghatena Kechich Churnikrita Bhuvi || 39 ||

Meaning: "Others fell, pierced by Maheshvari's trident, and some were ground into the earth by blows of Varahi's snout."

Verse 40

खण्डं खण्डं च चक्रेण वैष्णव्या दानवाः कृताः। वज्रेण चैन्द्रीहस्ताग्रविमुक्तेन तथापरे॥४०॥

Khandam Khandam Cha Chakrena Vaishnavya Danavah Kritah | Vajrena Chaindri-Hastagra-Vimuktena Tathapare || 40 ||

Meaning: "Danavas were cut to pieces by Vaishnavi's discus, and others by the thunderbolt loosed from Aindri's hand."

Verse 41

केचिद्विनेशुरसुराः केचिन्नष्टा महाहवात्। भक्षिताश्चापरे कालीशिवदूतीमृगाधिपैः॥ॐ॥४१॥

Kechid Vineshur Asurah Kechinnashta Mahahavat | Bhakshitash Chapare Kali-Shivaduti-Mrigadhipaih || Om || 41 ||

Meaning: "Some asuras perished, some fled from the great battle, and others were devoured by Kali, Shivaduti and the lord of beasts." Om.

Chapter Colophon

॥ इति श्रीमार्कण्डेयपुराणे सावर्णिके मन्वन्तरे देवीमाहात्म्ये निशुम्भवधो नाम नवमोऽध्यायः॥९॥

|| Iti Shri-Markandeya-Purane Savarnike Manvantare Devimahatmye Nishumbha-Vadho Nama Navamo'dhyayah || 9 ||

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

उवाच २, श्लोकाः ३९, एवम् ४१, एवमादितः॥५४३॥

Uvacha 2, Shlokah 39, Evam 41, Evamaditah || 543 ||

Meaning: Two uvacha lines and 39 full verses – 41 textual units in this chapter, and 543 from the beginning of the text.

Significance of Durga Saptashati Chapter 9

Durga Saptashati Chapter 9 brings the frame of the whole Devi Mahatmya back into view before its climax. The chapter does not begin on the battlefield but in Medha's hermitage, with King Suratha – who has been listening since Chapter 1 – asking to hear what happened next. The reader is reminded that these battles are being told to a man who has lost his kingdom and a merchant who has lost his family, and that the telling is itself the teaching.

The battle it then tells is a battle of weapons answered one by one. Nishumbha takes up sword and shield, spear, trident, mace, axe, bow, discuses and trident again, and the Goddess answers each with a different means – arrow, discus, fist, trident, arrows, sword, trident – without ever being touched. When the elder brother joins, the chapter answers his roar with the whole chorus of the Goddess's side: conch, bowstring, bell, the lion, Kali's blow on the earth and Shivaduti's laughter.

Its strangest moment is the man who steps out of Nishumbha's pierced heart, crying "Stop!" The text does not explain him; commentators have read him as the demon's inner self or his pride, and the Goddess's laughing stroke as the end of what remained of him. Shumbha, meanwhile, is only knocked senseless; his death is kept for Chapter 10.

Main Teachings of Chapter 9

• The story is told to someone who needs it: the king's question opens the chapter, and his listening is part of the Devi Mahatmya (Verses 1–3).
• Every weapon of the enemy has its answer: Nishumbha's arms are cut, split, smashed, burnt and felled in turn (Verses 11–16, 30–34).
• The Goddess's army answers with sound: conch, bow, bell, roar, blow and laughter drain the demons of strength before a blow is struck (Verses 19–26).
• What hides inside the enemy must also be slain: the man from Nishumbha's heart is beheaded as he emerges (Verses 35–36).
• Victory is shared: lion, Kali, Shivaduti and the Mothers finish the battle together (Verses 37–41).

Nishumbha's Weapons, One by One

Nishumbha takes up	The Goddess answers	Verses
Sword and eight-mooned shield (striking her lion)	Cuts both with a single razor-edged arrow	11–12
Spear	Splits it in two with her discus	13
Trident	Smashes it to powder with a blow of her fist	14
Mace	Shatters it to ashes with her trident	15
Axe	Fells him with a flood of arrows	16
Bow and arrows, after he revives	Cuts them with her arrows	29–31
Discuses from ten thousand arms	Cuts them all with her arrows	30–31
Mace, in a final rush	Cuts it with her sharp-edged sword	32–33
Trident	Drives her own trident through his heart	34

The Man Who Came Out of Nishumbha's Heart

Verses 35–36 describe something found nowhere else in the Devi Mahatmya. When Chandika's trident pierces Nishumbha's heart, "another man – mighty and valiant – came out of it, crying 'Stop!'", and the Goddess, laughing aloud, beheads him as he emerges. The text gives no explanation. Traditional commentators have seen in him the demon's inner self or his last reserve of pride – the part of an enemy that survives its body and must itself be cut down – and in the Goddess's laugh the ease with which she does it.

Why Is Chapter 9 Called Nishumbha-Vadha?

The ninth chapter is traditionally known as Nishumbha-Vadha – "the slaying (vadha) of Nishumbha" – after the younger demon-king who dies in it. Shumbha fights in the same chapter but is only struck senseless; his slaying gives Chapter 10 its name.

Traditional Recitation of Chapter 9

Chapter 9 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 9 opens with its own Dhyana of Ardhambikesha, given above.

Schedule	When Chapter 9 is read	Context
3-day Path (by Charitra)	Day 3, with Chapters 5–8 and 10–13	Day 1: Chapter 1 · Day 2: Chapters 2–4
7-day Path	Day 5, with Chapter 10	Day 1: 1 · Day 2: 2–3 · Day 3: 4 · Day 4: 5–8 · Day 6: 11 · Day 7: 12–13
9-day Navratri Path	Day 6, with Chapter 10	Day 1: 1 · Day 2: 2–4 · Day 3: 5–6 · Day 4: 7 · Day 5: 8 · 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 9 is the chapter in which the enemy's every weapon fails, and in which what hides inside the enemy is also destroyed. Devotees traditionally approach it for:

• Devotion towards Goddess Mahasaraswati, the presiding deity of the Uttama Charitra
• Protection against an adversary who returns again and again with new means
• The removal of hidden faults, after the pattern of the man slain as he emerged from Nishumbha's heart
• The strength of the Goddess's companions – the lion, Kali, Shivaduti and the Mothers
• Remembrance of Shiva and Ambika as one, 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 9 called?

Durga Saptashati Chapter 9 is called Navama Adhyaya and is traditionally known as Nishumbha-Vadha, "The Slaying of Nishumbha".

What happens in Chapter 9 of Durga Saptashati?

After King Suratha asks to hear more, Nishumbha and Shumbha attack the Goddess. Nishumbha loses every weapon he takes up and falls; Shumbha, eight-armed, is struck senseless by Chandika's trident; Nishumbha rises with ten thousand arms, is pierced through the heart, and the man who steps out of his heart is beheaded. The lion, Kali, Shivaduti and the Matrikas destroy the rest of the army.

Who is the main Goddess in Durga Saptashati Chapter 9?

The presiding deity of the Uttama Charitra is Mahasaraswati. In the verses the Goddess is Chandika, Ambika and Durga "the destroyer of distress". The Dhyana at the head of the chapter is unusual: it meditates on Ardhambikesha, Shiva whose half is Ambika – the Lord and the Goddess as one body.

Why does Chapter 9 begin with "Raja Uvacha"?

Because the whole Devi Mahatmya is Sage Medha's teaching to King Suratha and the merchant Samadhi. Here the king interrupts to say how wonderful the story of Raktabija was and to ask what Shumbha and Nishumbha did next (Verses 1–3), and Medha resumes.

Who was the man who came out of Nishumbha's heart?

When the Goddess's trident pierced Nishumbha's heart, "another man, mighty and valiant" stepped out of it shouting "Stop!", and the Goddess laughed and beheaded him (Verses 35–36). The text does not name him; commentators read him as the demon's inner self or last pride.

Does Shumbha die in Chapter 9?

No. Shumbha is struck senseless by Chandika's trident (Verse 28) but recovers; his death is the subject of Chapter 10.

How many verses are there in Durga Saptashati Chapter 9?

The traditional count gives 41 textual units: 2 uvacha lines and 39 full verses. Together with Chapters 1 to 8 this makes 543 units from the beginning of the text.

Can Chapter 9 be recited on its own?

Chapter 9 is part of the Uttama Charitra and shares the Viniyoga recited at Chapter 5; its own Dhyana is recited first. In both the seven-day and the nine-day schedules it is read together with Chapter 10, which completes the slaying of the two brothers. The preliminaries of the Path Vidhi are performed before it as for the whole Path.

Continue Reading Durga Saptashati

After Chapter 9, Shumbha challenges the Goddess to fight him alone – and she draws all her Shaktis back into herself.

Next: Durga Saptashati Chapter 10 – The Slaying of Shumbha

Previous: Durga Saptashati Chapter 8 – Raktabija-Vadha

• Durga Saptashati Chapter 1 – Madhu-Kaitabha Vadha
• Durga Saptashati Chapter 2 – Mahishasura-Sainya-Vadha
• Durga Saptashati Chapter 3 – Mahishasura-Vadha
• Durga Saptashati Chapter 4 – Shakradi Stuti
• Durga Saptashati Chapter 5 – Devi-Duta Samvada
• Durga Saptashati Chapter 6 – Dhumralochana-Vadha
• Durga Saptashati Chapter 7 – Chanda-Munda Vadha
• Durga Saptashati Path Vidhi
• Devi Kavacham · Argala Stotram · Keelakam Stotram
• Vedoktam Ratri Suktam · Tantroktam Ratri Suktam
• Shri Devi Atharvashirsham · Navarna Vidhi · Saptashati Nyasa

For the complete Durga Saptashati, readers can continue through all 13 chapters of the Devi Mahatmya.