Eight Powerful Mantras of Maa Durga

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As per Hindu scriptures, Goddess Durga or Shakti is the the most powerful deity. She is Mother of Universe. Durga is the manifestation of mother Parvati when evil forces threatened the very existence of Gods. In Sanskrit, Durga means a place which is difficult to win. She got the name because of her protective and combative nature. She is the protector of what is good and harmony. It is  believed that she originated to kill the demon Mahishasura hence also known as Mahishasurmardini. Maa Durga also slayed the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha.

The Killing of Mahishasura

Maa Durga appearance

Maa Durga is depicted as  8 or 10 hands which represents 8 quadrant or 10 directions . Thus, it is believed that she protects her devotee from all the directions. She also holds different weapons in different hand like Sudarshan chakra, Sword, Trident, Bow and Arrows, Thunderbolt and Mace. She also holds Conch and Lotus in other two hands and one hand is in Abhaya Mudra.

Her Vehicle

She rides on a lion. Lion represents power, will and determination. Durga riding on a lion symbolises she possesses unlimited powers and uses it to protect virtue and destroy evil. The lion is also believed to represent the primal instincts of the Goddess, which she uses to protect her devotees and defeat evil forces. Goddess Durga rode a lion during her battle with the demon Mahishasura, who had the form of a buffalo. The lion helped her in her battle against the demon, and she was able to defeat him and restore peace and order to the world

Trayambake

She is also known as Triyambake as she has 3 eyes. Her left eye represents Desire-Moon, right eye represents Action- Sun and her central eye represents Knowledge or Fire.

Protector

Maa Durga protects from all evils and negativity. Navratri is the most auspicious time to please Goddesses. During Navratri nine forms of Durga is worshipped for nine days to get her unlimited blessings. To please Goddess Durga several mantras are chanted throughout the year specially during Navratri. It is believed that chanting Durga mantra has power to transform our lives and give us more shakti.

Devi Mantra Book

Mantras

There are several mantras to please Goddess Durga but the most simple and easy is “OM SRI DURGAYA NAMAH’’ It is believed that chanting this mantra regularly will remove physical, mental and worldly problems in life and will shower us with her unlimited blessing.
Devi mantras are also known as Siddhi mantra. Each and every mantra is full of energy and power. It is believed that when mantras are chanted with devotion it gives positive results . It helps to remove all the trouble and bless with success.

Most powerful Mantra

सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके
शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते

Sarva Mangala Mangalye Sive Sarvartha Sadhike
Saranye Trayambike Gauri Narayani Namostute

Meaning

We bow to you O Devi Narayani. You are the the auspicious for everyone, you bring happiness . You are the one who completes every work for everyone. You are protector of everyone. You are the one with 3 eyes and a beautiful face. We salute you, O Narayani. She is the most auspicious one and the one who bestows auspiciousness upon all the worlds. She is pure and holy. Maa protects those who surrender to her and is also called the three eyed one and Gauri (daughter of mountain king). I bow down to Mother Durga who is the sister of Maha Vishnu.

Benefits of this Mantra

This mantra is believed to bring good fortune, prosperity, and happiness to those who chant it. It is dedicated to the Goddess Durga and praises her as the source of all that is auspicious and holy. The mantra is also believed to provide protection from negative energies and bring peace and harmony to one’s life. Chanting the Sarv Mangal Mangalye mantra regularly is said to enhance one’s spiritual growth and connect them with the divine energy of the universe. This mantra is recited almost during all celebrations, rituals and events. Regular chanting can give wisdom and strength combined with a prosperous life.

2. Devi Stuti

या देवी सर्वभुतेषु क्षान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः

या देवी सर्वभुतेषु मातृरूपेण संस्थिता

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः

या देवी सर्वभुतेषु बुद्धिरूपेण संस्थिता

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः

Ya devi sarva bhuteshu, shanti rupena sangsthita

Ya devi sarva bhuteshu, shakti rupena sangsthita

Ya devi sarva bhuteshu, matri rupena sangsthita

Yaa devi sarva bhuteshu, buddhi rupena sangsthita

Namastasyai, namastasyai, namastasyai, namo namaha

Meaning of above Mantra

The goddess who is omnipresent as the personification of universal mother

The goddess who is omnipresent as the embodiment of the power

The goddess who is omnipresent as the symbol of peace

Oh, Goddess (Devi) who resides everywhere in all living beings as intelligence and beauty

I bow to her, I bow to her, I bow to her again & again

Benefits

It helps to build inner power and allows the devotee to develop healthy, loving relationships. Chanting of this Mantra blocks negative thoughts and banish ignorance.

3.Maa Durga Dhyaan Mantra

ॐ जटा जूट समायुक्तमर्धेंन्दु कृत लक्षणाम |

लोचनत्रय संयुक्तां पद्मेन्दुसद्यशाननाम ||

Om jataa jut samaayuktamardhendu krit lakshnam|

Lochanyatra sanyuktam padmendu sadya shan naam ||

Benefits of Dhyaan mantra

This mantra is chanted before chanting any other Durga Mantras. It is important for all specially for children . As it helps in focus and maintaining one’s concentration in all field.  

4. Maa durga Shatru Shanti Mantra

रिपव: संक्षयम् यान्ति कल्याणम चोपपद्यते |

नन्दते च कुलम पुंसाम माहात्म्यम मम श्रृणुयान्मम ||

Ripavah sankshayam yaanti kalyaanam chop padyate |

Nandate cha kulam punsaam maahaatmyam mam srinu yaanmam ||

Benefit of Shatru Shanti Mantra

This powerful mantra provide protection against all negativeness, enemies and adversaries. Regular chanting of mantra has power to destroy enemies. It also brings prosperity, bliss and peace in one’s life.

5. Maa Durga Sarva Badha Mukti Mantra

सर्वाबाधाविनिर्मुक्तो धन धान्य सुतान्वित: |

मनुष्यो मत्प्रसादेन भविष्यती न संशय: ||

Sarvaa baadhaa vinirmukto dhan dhaanya sutaanvitah|

Manushyo matprasaaden bhavishyati na sanshayah||

Benefit of Sarva badha mukti mantra

This powerful mantras has power to remove all kind of obstacles problems and misery in one’s life. It is also believed chanting this powerful mantra  rings wealth and prosperity.

6. Maa Durga Duh Swapna Nivaran Mantra

शान्तिकर्मणि सर्वत्र तथा दु:स्वप्नदर्शने |

ग्रहपीडासु चोग्रासु माहात्म्यं श्रृणुयान्मम ||

Shanti karmani sarvatra tatha duh swapna darshane|

Grah pidaasu chograsu maahaatmyam srinu yaanmam||

Benefit Of Duh Swapna Nivaran Mantra

It one suffers from nightmare, Chanting this powerful mantra helps  in getting relief from all kind of negative thought and fearful dreams. This mantra also has power to nullify the malefic effect of bad planetary movements.

7. Maa Durga Mantra for calming restless and fearful baby.

बालग्रहभिभूतानां बालानां शांतिकारकं

सङ्घातभेदे च नृणाम मैत्रीकरणमुतमम

In English:

Baal grah bhibhutaanaam baalaanam shantikaarkam

Sanghatbhede ch nrinaam maetri karan mutmam

Benefit of the Mantra

This powerful mantra helps to calm a restless and fearful child. Sometime child feels that unnatural and spectral being are troubling him thus he feels haunted. In such case parent can chant this mantra to eliminate all such negative energy that is disturbing the child.

8. Shakti Mantra

SHARNAAGAT DEENAART PARITRAAN PARAAYANEY, SERVASYARTI HAREY DEVI NAARAAYANI NAMOSTUTEY |

SARVASVAROOPEY SARVESHEY SARVSHAKTI SAMANVIETEY, BHAYEBHYAH TRAAHI NO DEVI DURGE DEVI NAMOSTUTEY |

ROGAAN SHOSHAAN PAHANSITUSHTARUSHTATU KAAMAAN SAKLAAN BHISHTAAN, TVAAM AASHRITAANAAM NA VIPANNARAANAM, TVAAMAASHRITAAHYA SHRAYTAAM PRAYAANTI |

SARVA BADHA PRASHMANAN TRAILOKYA SYAKHILESHWARI, EVAMEVMEV TVAYAA KAARYAM SMA DVERI VINAASHNAM |

SARVAA BAADHA VINIRUMK TO DHAN DHAANYA SUTAAN VITAH. MANUSHYO MAT PRASAADEN BHAVISHYATI NA SANSHA YAH |

DEHI SAUBHAAGYAM AAROGYAM DEHI DEVI PARAM SUKHAM.

RUPAM DEHI JAYAM DEHI YASHO DEHI DVISHO JAHI |

JYANTI MANGALAA KAALI BHADRA KAALI KAPAALINEE DURGAA KSHAMAA SHIVAA DHAATREE SWAAHAA SVADHAA NAMO STUTEY ||

In Sanskrit:

शरणागत दीनार्तपरित्राण परायणे। सर्वस्यातिहरे देवि नारायण नमोस्तुते।।

सर्वस्वरूपे सर्वेशे सर्वेशक्तिसमन्विते । भयेभ्यस्त्राहि नो देवि दुर्गे देवि नमोऽस्तु ते ।।

रोगनशेषानपहंसि तुष्टा। रुष्टा तु कामान् सकलानभीष्टान्।।

त्वामाश्रितानां न विपन्नराणां। त्वमाश्रिता हृयश्रयतां प्रयान्ति।।

सर्वाबाधा प्रशमनं त्रैलोक्यस्याखिलेश्वरि। एवमेव त्वया कार्यमस्मद्दैरिविनाशनम्।।

सर्वाबाधा विर्निर्मुक्तो धनधान्यसुतान्वित:। मनुष्यो मत्प्रसादेन भविष्यति न संशय:।।

जयन्ती मङ्गला काली भद्रकाली कपालिनी । दुर्गा शिवा क्षमा धात्री स्वाहा स्वधा नमोऽस्तु ते ।।

Meaning :

You who are perpetually endeavouring to protect the weak and the poor and remove their misery. Oh Narayani, I pray to you. Oh Goddess Durga, please protect us from all kinds of fear. Oh omnipotent Durga, I pray to you. Oh Goddess, when you are pleased, remove all ailments and when you are angry, destroy everything that a person desires for. However, those who come to you for sanctuary never have to confront any casastrophy. Instead, such people secure enough merit to provide shelter to others.

Whoever listens to the story of the Goddess during the great Puja that is organised in the winters succeeds in overcoming all obstacles and is blessed wealth and progeny.

Oh Goddess, bless me with good fortune, good health, good looks, success and fame. Oh Vaishnavi, you are the very basis for the world. You have mesmerized the World. When you are pleased with some one you ensure his salvation from the cycle of life and death.

Oh Goddess, you who are known by the names of Mangala, Kali, Bhadra Kali, Kapalinee, Durge, Kshama, Shivaa, Dhatri, Swahaa, Swadha, I pray to you.’

Shloka and Mantra for Kids

Benefits of the mantra

Maa Durga mantras are very powerful and have potential to help solve one’s issue and relax one’s  mind. Durga Maa protect her devotee from all evils and mishappening. The effectiveness of mantras depend on the mental discipline involvement and its correct recitation.

Durga Saptashati Mantras

Durga Saptashati, also known as Devi Mahatmya or Chandi Path, is a Hindu scripture that praises and glorifies the Goddess Durga. It comprises 700 verses divided into 13 chapters and is considered one of the most important texts in Hinduism. The scripture tells the story of how the Goddess Durga defeats the demon Mahishasura and his army, thereby restoring peace and order to the universe. It also highlights the different aspects of the Goddess, such as her power, strength, and compassion. The chanting of Durga Saptashati is believed to bring blessings, protection, and spiritual growth to the devotees of the Goddess.

Nine forms of Maa Durga – Navdurga

The most famous Mantra of Maa Durga

Devi Suktam – Ya devi Sarva Bhuteshu

Devi Suktam which is commonly identified with Ya devi Sarva bhuteshu is a powerful mantra which is chanted for attaining success in life. This can also be called as mantra of success. This consists of 32 shlokas and it is believed that chanting them removes various obstacles in life.

Devi Mantras are known as Siddhi Mantra (the one with perfection). Each and every mantra is full of energy and power of Devi. Mantras of Devi, when chanted with genuine devotion, give positive results. These mantras ward off all troubles & blesses with success. All mantras are disclosed by the Almighty, through the Intelligence, experience of the divinely illuminated sages.

To the Divine Goddess who resides in all existence in the form of energy.

Devi suktam in English

Kalyannyai Pranatam Vridhyayai Sidhyayai Kurmo Namo Namah |
Nairutyayai Bhybritaam Lakshmyai Sharvanyayai Tey Namo Namah ||

Durgayai Durgapaaraayai, Saaraayai Sarvakaarine |
Khyatyai Tadhiva Krishnayai Dhumrayai Satatam Namaha ||

Ati Soumyati Roudrayai, Nataastastastyai Namo Namaha |
Namo Jagatpratishtayai, Devyayai Krityayai Namo Namah ||

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Vishnu Mayeti Shabdita |
Namastastyai Namastastyai Namastastyai Namo Namaha ||

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Chetanetyabhidhiyate |
Namastastyai Namastastyai Namastastyai Namo Namaha ||

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Buddhirupenasamsthita |
Namastastyai Namastastyai Namastastyai Namo Namaha ||

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Nidrarupenasamsthita |
Namastastyai Namastastyai Namastastyai Namo Namaha ||

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Kshudhaarupenasamsthita |
Namastastyai Namastastyai Namastastyai Namo Namaha ||

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Chhayarupenasamsthita |
Namastastyai Namastastyai Namastastyai Namo Namaha ||

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shaktirupenasamsthita |
Namastastyai Namastastyai Namastastyai Namo Namaha ||

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Trushnarupenasamsthita |
Namastastyai Namastastyai Namastastyai Namo Namaha ||

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Kshaantirupenasamsthita |
Namastastyai Namastastyai Namastastyai Namo Namaha ||

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Jaatirupenasamsthita |
Namastastyai Namastastyai Namastastyai Namo Namaha ||

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Lajjaarupenasamstitha |
Namastastyai Namastastyai Namastastyai Namo Namaha ||

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shantirupenasamstitha |
Namastastyai Namastastyai Namastastyai Namo Namaha ||

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shraddharupenasamsthita |
Namastastyai Namastastyai Namastastyai Namo Namaha ||

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Kantirupenasamsthita |
Namastastyai Namastastyai Namastastyai Namo Namaha ||

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Lakshmirupenasamsthita |
Namastastyai Namastastyai Namastastyai Namo Namaha ||

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Vrittirupenasamsthita |
Namastastyai Namastastyai Namastastyai Namo Namaha ||

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Smrutirupenasamsthita |
Namastastyai Namastastyai Namastastyai Namo Namaha ||

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Dayarupenasamsthita |
Namastastyai Namastastyai Namastastyai Namo Namaha ||

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Tushtirupenasamsthita |
Namastastyai Namastastyai Namastastyai Namo Namaha ||

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Matrurupenasamsthita |
Namastastyai Namastastyai Namastastyai Namo Namaha ||

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Bhrantirupenasamsthita |
Namastastyai Namastastyai Namastastyai Namo Namaha ||

Indiyanaa Madhishtatree Bhootaanaamchaakhileshuyaa |
Bhuteshu Satatam Satyai Vypyai Devyai Namo Namah ||

Chitirupena Yakrithsna Meta Dwapyasthitajagat |
Namastastyai Namastastyai Namastastyai Namo Namaha ||

Om Stutaa Suraih Poorva Mabhishta Samshrayat, Tadhasurendrena Dineshu Sevita |
Karotu Saanaha Shubhahetu Iswari, Shubhani Bhdranyabhihantu Chaapadaha ||
Om Yaa Saapratam Choddatadaityataapitai, Asmbhi Reeshacha Suraih Namasyate |
Yaa Cha Smruta Tatkshan Meva Hantinaha, Sarvapado Bhaktivinamra Murtibhih ||

Meaning of Devi Suktam

Let us bow to the Goddess, to the great Goddess, to the energy of Infinite Goodness. Let us prostrate, with hands together, to Nature, to the excellent one.
Let us bow to the Reliever of Sufferings, to the eternal, to the embodiment of rays of light. Let us continually bow to the Goddess who manifests light, to the form of devotion, to Happiness.
Let us bow to the Let uslfare of those who bow. To change, to perfection, to dissolution, to the Let usalth which sustains earth, to the wife of Consciousness, Let us bow.
Let us bow to the one who removes difficulties, who removes beyond all difficulties, to the essence. Let us continually bow to the doer of all, to perception and to the unknowable one.
Let us bow to the extremely beautiful and to the extremely fierce, Let us bow, Let us bow. Let us bow to the establisher of the perceivable world and Who is the mundane existence, Let us bow, Let us bow.


Let us bow to the divine Goddess in all existence who is addressed as the perceivable form of the consciousness which pervades all. Let us bow to her, Let us bow to her, Let us continually bow to her.
Let us bow to the divine Goddess in all existence who resides all throughout the Consciousness and is known by the reflections of mind. Let us bow to her, Let us bow to her, Let us continually bow to her.
Let us bow to the divine Goddess in all existence who resides in the form of intelligence. Let us bow to her, Let us bow to her, Let us continually bow to her.
Let us bow to the divine Goddess in all existence who resides in the form of Sleep. Let us bow to her, Let us bow to her, Let us continually bow to her.
Let us bow to the divine Goddess in all existence who resides in the form of Hunger. Let us bow to her, Let us bow to her, Let us continually bow to her.


Let us bow to the divine Goddess in all existence who resides in the form of appearance. Let us bow to her, Let us bow to her, Let us continually bow to her.
Let us bow to the divine Goddess in all existence who resides in the form of energy. Let us bow to her, Let us bow to her, Let us continually bow to her.
Let us bow to the divine Goddess in all existence who resides in the form of desire. Let us bow to her, Let us bow to her, Let us continually bow to her.
Let us bow to the divine Goddess in all existence who resides in the form of patient forgiveness. Let us bow to her, Let us bow to her, Let us continually bow to her.
Let us bow to the divine Goddess in all existence who resides in the form of all living beings. Let us bow to her, Let us bow to her, Let us continually bow to her.
Let us bow to the divine Goddess in all existence who resides in the form of humility. Let us bow to her, Let us bow to her, Let us continually bow to her.
Let us bow to the divine Goddess in all existence who resides in the form of peace. Let us bow to her, Let us bow to her, Let us continually bow to her.


Let us bow to the divine Goddess in all existence who resides in the form of faith. Let us bow to her, Let us bow to her, Let us continually bow to her.
Let us bow to the divine Goddess in all existence who resides in the form of beauty enhanced by love. Let us bow to her, Let us bow to her, Let us continually bow to her.
Let us bow to the divine Goddess in all existence who resides in the form of true Let usalth. Let us bow to her, Let us bow to her, Let us continually bow to her.
Let us bow to the divine Goddess in all existence who resides in the form of change. Let us bow to her, Let us bow to her, Let us continually bow to her.
Let us bow to the divine Goddess in all existence who resides in the form of recollection or memory. Let us bow to her, Let us bow to her, Let us continually bow to her.
Let us bow to the divine Goddess in all existence who resides in the form of compassion. Let us bow to her, Let us bow to her, Let us continually bow to her.
Let us bow to the divine Goddess in all existence who resides in the form of Satisfaction. Let us bow to her, Let us bow to her, Let us continually bow to her.


Let us bow to the divine Goddess in all existence who resides in the form of Mother. Let us bow to her, Let us bow to her, Let us continually bow to her.
Let us bow to the divine Goddess in all existence who resides in the form of confusion. Let us bow to her, Let us bow to her, Let us continually bow to her.
Presiding over the senses of all beings and pervading all existence, to the Omnipresent Goddess who individualizes creation Let us bow, Let us bow.
In the form of consciousness she distinguishes the individual phenomena of the perceivable universe. Let us bow, Let us bow, Let us bow, Let us bow to her.
In the old days, that Who was eulogized, by the means of earlier attained Let usalth, by the demi-gods and by Indra (the king of demi-gods) may that Goddess, Who is for auspicion, brings beautiful fortune to us and may She destroy the various calamities.
Let us Gods have been harassed by arrogant thoughts in the manner of men, and at this time all of us Gods bow to seer of all, who, when boLet usd to with devotion, and remembered in a physical image immediately terminates our every adversity.

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu
Ya Devi Sarva bhuteshu

महालया

महालया त्यौहार के शुभ अवसर पर सभी लोग माँ दुर्गा की पूजा करते हैं। सभी लोग इस दिन अपने पूर्वजों की पूजा करते हैं और उन्हें खाना, नए कपडे और मिठाईयां अर्पण करते हैं। यह त्यौहार दुर्गा पूजा का एक अभिन्न अंग है। माता दुर्गा को अपार शक्ति की देवी माना जाता है। यह त्यौहार और पूजा माता दुर्गा को पृथ्वी पर आमंत्रित करने के लिए मनाया जाता है ।

Mahalaya marks the beginning of the ‘Devi-Paksha’ and the end of the ‘Pitri-Paksha’ (the Shradh or the mourning period). It is said that Goddess Durga starts her journey towards earth (to her paternal home) on the day of Mahalaya, that is, on the first day of the ‘Devi-Paksha’. Since Goddess Durga is traditionally worshipped at spring-time, this Sharadiya (autumnal) festival is also known as Akaalbodhan (untimely invoking of the Goddess).

महालया त्यौहार का इतिहास तब से जुड़ा है जब श्री राम ने लंका युद्ध के लिए जाने से पहले देवी माँ दुर्गा की पूजा की थी। उन्होंने देवी से आशीर्वाद लिए ताकि वे माता सीता को रावण के चंगुल से सफलतापूर्वक छुड़ा कर ला सकें। माना जाता है जब श्री राम माता दुर्गा की पूजा कर रहे थे तो सभी देवताओं ने भी उनके साथ मिल कर दुर्गा माँ की पूजा की थी। इसी दिन देवी दुर्गा ने स्वर्ग से पृथ्वी का सफ़र शुरू किया था।

कर्ण की कहानी

एक और कहानी जो महालया से जुडी है वो है कर्ण की कहानी। कर्ण को दान वीर कहा जाता है क्योंकि वह भोजन को छोड़ कर सब कुछ दान देते थे। उनकी मृत्यु के बाद भी उन्हें पृथ्वी पर 14 दिन का समय दिया ताकि वे जितना ज्यादा हो सके दान कर सकें।

Karna and Daan

Not quite related to Mahalaya, but the Mahabharat has a tale of Karna seldom told. Like you would already know, Karna, despite being the son of Lord Surya (Sun God) and Kunti, lived his life as a charioteer’s son. Karna grew up to be one of the most handsome men around, flaunting the gold armour and earrings he was born with, and was unquestionably the best in warfare. Yes, even better than Arjun.

Karna, however, never got the respect he deserved and was always put down by people reminding him of his caste. Being the generous, righteous man he is, Karna never said no to anyone. He wanted to ensure his soul enters the heaven but for that ‘anna daanam’ (food donation) was important. This is the one thing Karna could not do in his life because nobody wanted to eat at his house, because caste.

The Epic has it that Karna was not fed in heaven because he never offered food to his ancestors (Pind-daan) and people never ate at his house. There is another story that says Lord Krishna did give Karna a chance to exhibit his generosity and ensured that in his next birth, Karna will be able to perform anna-daanam after which he will attain moksha.

How Raktabija was destroyed by Maa Kali

The story of Raktabija

This interesting story is available in Markendeya purana. According to the eighth chapter of Devi Mahatmya from Markandeya Puran, there was a demon by the name of Raktabija (blood-seed, literally).

Boon from Lord Brahma

He had been given a boon by Lord Brahma that every time a drop of his blood fell on the ground, his strength would increase many times, by his blood creating more of his own. Having received the boon, he had made the life of people on earth miserable.

He was,causing a great deal of trouble with people and gods alike but even worse was his ability to produce more demons every time a drop of his blood spilt to the ground.

Emergence of Kali and slaying of demon

So whenever he was attacked and harmed, more Raktabijas were born and fought the attacker.The gods decided to work together and combine all of their shakti or divine energy and produce one super being that could destroy Raktabija; the result was Kali.

Maa Kali’s most common pose in paintings is in her most fearsome guise as the slayer of demons, where she stands or dances with one foot on a collapsed Shiva and holds a severed head. She wears a skirt of severed human arms, a necklace of decapitated heads, and earrings of dead children, and she often has a terrifying expression with a lolling tongue which drips blood.

Maa Kali and Raktabija

Maa Kali and Raktabija

Kali in her fierce form eliminated the huge army and swallowed all of them, which left Raktabija all alone. She then struck the demon and before his blood spilled on the ground, she stretched her huge tongue and devoured all the blood ensuring that not a drop fell on the ground. This way, Raktabija was drained of all the blood and life and soon he was nothing but a corpse.

There is another story of Kali and Shiva when Lord Shiva made an angry Goddess Kali calm

 

 

Namo Namo Durge Sukh karni – Goddess Durga shloka

Namo Namo Durge Sukh karni

Namo Namo Durge Sukh karni

The killing of Dhumralochana

 

Third day of Navratri is associated with killing of Dhumralochana who was the commander of Shumbh.

Shumbh sent Devi a message that he wanted to marry her. The Goddess duly rejected this offer. The messenger then went back to Shumbh and narrated the incident to Devi Durgaa.

Shumbh became very furious and instructed Dhumralochan to bring her by force. Dhumralochan went to Goddess Bhagvati accompanied by 60,000 demons. Initially, he requested her to come along with him. He also threatened to take her forcibly if she did not accept her proposal. Goddess Bhagvati refused to go along with him. Dhumralochan angrily ran towards her. The Goddess made a loud roar as a result of which, Dhumralochan’s body was reduced to ashes. After his death, Dhumralochan’s army attacked Goddess Bhagvati. The mount of the Goddess- Simha killed all the demons. When Shumbh got the news of Dhumralochan’s death, his anger knew no bounds. He instructed Chand and Mund to go and bring Goddess Bhagvati after capturing her.

Dhumralochana Vadha
Dhumralochana Vadha

The story in hindi is as follows:

शुम्भ और निशुम्भ दैत्यों के राजा का सेनापति धूम्रलोचन था . हिमालय पर हुंकार भर रही महा सुंदरी देवी ने जब शुम्भ से विवाह का प्रस्ताव ठुकरा दिया तब धूम्रलोचन को कहा गया की उस देवी के केश पकड़कर घसीटते हुए लाया जाये और यदि इस बीच कोई भी देवता, यक्ष या गंधर्व बाधा बने तो उन्हें मार दिया जाये |

आज्ञा पाकर धूम्रलोचन साठ हजार राक्षसों की सेना लेकर वहां पहुंचा और देवी को ललकारने लगा की तुम सीधे सीधे मेरे साथ चलो अन्यथा मैं तुम्हे केश पकड़ कर घसीटता हुआ ले चलूंगा | देवी ने कहा आगे बढ़ो और अपना बल दिखाओ | जैसे ही अहंकार में भरा धूम्रलोचन देवी की तरफ बढ़ा , देवी ने हुंकार भरी और पल में ही उसे भस्म कर दिया |

अपने सेनापति की इस तरह दुर्दशा देखर असुर सेना ने एक साथ देवी पर आक्रमण किया | तब देवी की सवारी सिंह असुर सेना पर टूट पड़ा और साथ ही साथ देवी के बाणों और फरसों से देखते ही देखते सम्पूर्ण सेना का संहार कर दिया |

इस तरह माँ ने पर धूम्रलोचन और उसके ६०००० असुर सैनिको का वध किया

Maa Baglamukhi story

Maa Baglamukhi is the creator, controller and destroyer of whole universe. She is Aadi Shakti. She is the energy which is the reason for the existence of this whole universe. Without energy no one can survive. She is the supreme power. She is the eighth mahavidya.

Story behind Maa Baglamukhi

Long long ago, a huge storm erupted over the universe. It threatened to destroy whole of the creation. Lord Vishnu called on the supreme power. Goddess Bagalamukhi emerged from the ‘Haridra Sarovara’ in the Saurashtra region (Kathiyawada), and the same time all direction brightened up with unique light of Shree Vidhya. That night was called Veer Ratri and sky was full of stars. That day was Tuesday and Chaturdashi. She had been served by Pannch Makkar’s. She made her home in deep yellow turmeric, from that mid-night and appeased by the prayer of the God, calmed down the storm.

Story of Demon Madan

A demon named Madan undertook austerities and won the boon of vak siddhi, according to which anything he said became true. He abused this boon by harassing innocent people. Enraged by his mischief, the gods worshipped Bagalamukhi. She stopped the demon’s rampage by taking hold of his tongue and stilling his speech. Before she could kill him, however, he asked to be worshipped with her, and she relented, That is why he is depicted with Goddess Bagalamukhi.

Baglamukhi Temple

The main temple dedicated to Goddess Bagalamukhi is in the Kamakhya Temple Complex in Guwahati, Assam. Dedication to her especially at the times of illness and disease, litigation, accidents, quarrels, enmity and other unforeseen times of trials and turbulences is known to have worked wonders.

Shakti peeth - Kamakhya
Shakti peeth – Kamakhya

मां दुर्गा

कैलाश पर्वत के ध्यानी की अर्धांगिनी मां सती पार्वती को ही शैलपुत्री‍, ब्रह्मचारिणी, चंद्रघंटा, कूष्मांडा, स्कंदमाता, कात्यायिनी, कालरात्रि, महागौरी, सिद्धिदात्री आदि नामों से जाना जाता है। इसके अलावा भी मां के अनेक नाम हैं जैसे दुर्गा, जगदम्बा, अम्बे, शेरांवाली आदि, लेकिन सबमें सुंदर नाम तो ‘मां’ ही है।

पुरातन काल में दुर्गम नामक दैत्य हुआ। उसने भगवान ब्रह्मा को प्रसन्न कर सभी वेदों को अपने वश में कर लिया जिससे देवताओं का बल क्षीण हो गया। तब दुर्गम ने देवताओं को हराकर स्वर्ग पर कब्जा कर लिया। तब देवताओं को देवी भगवती का स्मरण हुआ। देवताओं ने शुंभ-निशुंभ, मधु-कैटभ तथा चण्ड-मुण्ड का वध करने वाली शक्ति का आह्वान किया।

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ स्कंदमाता रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।।

प्रत्येक सर्वसाधारण के लिए आराधना योग्य यह श्लोक सरल और स्पष्ट है। माँ जगदम्बे की भक्ति पाने के लिए इसे कंठस्थ कर नवरात्रि में पाँचवें दिन इसका जाप करना चाहिए।

आदि सतयुग के राजा दक्ष की पुत्री पार्वती माता को शक्ति कहा जाता है। पार्वती नाम इसलिए पड़ा की वह पर्वतराज अर्थात् पर्वतों के राजा की पुत्र थी। राजकुमारी थी। लेकिन वह भस्म रमाने वाले योगी शिव के प्रेम में पड़ गई। शिव के कारण ही उनका नाम शक्ति हो गया। पिता की ‍अनिच्छा से उन्होंने हिमालय के इलाके में ही रहने वाले योगी शिव से विवाह कर लिया।

एक यज्ञ में जब दक्ष ने पार्वती (शक्ति) और शिव को न्यौता नहीं दिया, फिर भी पार्वती शिव के मना करने के बावजूद अपने पिता के यज्ञ में पहुंच गई, लेकिन दक्ष ने शिव के विषय में सती के सामने ही अपमानजनक बातें कही। पार्वती को यह सब सहन नहीं हुआ और वहीं यज्ञ कुंड में कूद कर अपने प्राण त्याग दिए।

यह खबर सुनते ही शिव ने अपने सेनापति वीरभद्र को भेजा, जिसने दक्ष का सिर काट दिया। इसके बाद दुखी होकर सती के शरीर को अपने कंधों पर धारण कर शिव ‍क्रोधित हो धरती पर घूमते रहे। इस दौरान जहां-जहां सती के शरीर के अंग या आभूषण गिरे वहां बाद में शक्तिपीठ निर्मित हो गए। जहां पर जो अंग या आभूषण गिरा उस शक्तिपीठ का नाम वह हो गया।

नवरात्र के पांचवे दिन मां स्कंदमाता की पूजा होती है। मां के इस स्वरूप की पूजा करने से मोक्ष की प्राप्ति होती है। मां भक्त के सारे दोष और पाप दूर कर देती है। माँ अपने भक्तों की समस्त इच्छाओं की पूर्ति करती हैं। प्रत्येक सर्वसाधारण के लिए आराधना योग्य यह श्लोक सरल और स्पष्ट है। भगवान स्कंद ‘कुमार कार्तिकेय’ नाम से भी जाने जाते हैं।

ये प्रसिद्ध देवासुर संग्राम में देवताओं के सेनापति बने थे। पुराणों में इन्हें कुमार और शक्ति कहकर इनकी महिमा का वर्णन किया गया है। इन्हीं भगवान स्कंद की माता होने के कारण माँ दुर्गाजी के इस स्वरूप को स्कंदमाता के नाम से जाना जाता है। स्कंदमाता की चार भुजाएँ हैं। इनके दाहिनी तरफ की नीचे वाली भुजा, जो ऊपर की ओर उठी हुई है, उसमें कमल पुष्प है। बाईं तरफ की ऊपर वाली भुजा में वरमुद्रा में तथा नीचे वाली भुजा जो ऊपर की ओर उठी है उसमें भी कमल पुष्प ली हुई हैं। इनका वर्ण पूर्णतः शुभ्र है। ये कमल के आसन पर विराजमान रहती हैं। इसी कारण इन्हें पद्मासना देवी भी कहा जाता है। सिंह भी इनका वाहन है। नवरात्रि-पूजन के पाँचवें दिन का शास्त्रों में पुष्कल महत्व बताया गया है। इस चक्र में अवस्थित मन वाले साधक की समस्त बाह्य क्रियाओं एवं चित्तवृत्तियों का लोप हो जाता है। नवदुर्गा के पांचवे स्वरूप स्कंदमाता की अलसी औषधी के रूप में भी पूजा होती है। स्कंद माता को पार्वती एवं उमा के नाम से भी जाना जाता है। अलसी एक औषधि से जिससे वात, पित्त, कफ जैसी मौसमी रोग का इलाज होता है। इस औषधि को नवरात्रि में माता स्कंदमाता को चढ़ाने से मौसमी बीमारियां नहीं होती। साथ ही स्कंदमाता की आराधना के फल स्वरूप मन को शांति मिलती है।

माँ सिद्धिदात्री

माँ दुर्गाजी की नौवीं शक्ति का नाम सिद्धिदात्री हैं। ये सभी प्रकार की सिद्धियों को देने वाली हैं। नवरात्रपूजन के नौवें दिन इनकी उपासना की जाती है। इस दिन शास्त्रीय विधिविधान और पूर्ण निष्ठा के साथ साधना करने वाले साधक को सभी सिद्धियों की प्राप्ति हो जाती है। सृष्टि में कुछ भी उसके लिए अगम्य नहीं रह जाता है। ब्रह्मांड पर पूर्ण विजय प्राप्त करने की सामर्थ्य उसमें आ जाती है।

देवी सिद्धिदात्री का वाहन सिंह है। वह कमल पुष्प पर भी आसीन होती हैं विधिविधान से नौंवे दिन इस देवी की उपासना करने से सिद्धियां प्राप्त होती हैं। यह अंतिम देवी हैं। इनकी साधना करने से लौकिक और परलौकिक सभी प्रकार की कामनाओं की पूर्ति हो जाती है।

Maa Siddhidatri

Maa Siddhidatri

भगवान शिव ने भी सिद्धिदात्री देवी की कृपा से तमाम सिद्धियां प्राप्त की थीं। इस देवी की कृपा से ही शिवजी का आधा शरीर देवी का हुआ था। इसी कारण शिव अर्द्धनारीश्वर नाम से प्रसिद्ध हुए।

मां के चरणों में शरणागत होकर हमें निरंतर नियमनिष्ठ रहकर उपासना करनी चाहिए। इस देवी का स्मरण, ध्यान, पूजन हमें इस संसार की असारता का बोध कराते हैं और अमृत पद की ओर ले जाते हैं।

देवी पुराण में ऐसा उल्लेख मिलता है कि भगवान शंकर ने भी इन्हीं की कृपा से सिद्धियों को प्राप्त किया था। ये कमल पर आसीन हैं और केवल मानव ही नहीं बल्कि सिद्ध, गंधर्व, यक्ष, देवता और असुर सभी इनकी आराधना करते हैं। संसार में सभी वस्तुओं को सहज और सुलभता से प्राप्त करने के लिए नवरात्र के नवें दिन इनकी पूजा की जाती है। इनका स्वरुप मां सरस्वती का भी स्वरुप माना जाता है।

Durga, Artemis and Apollo – A comparison of Indian and Greek mythology

Durga and Artemis

There are many similarities between Indian and Greek mythologies. The stories related to gods in both mythologies are very interesting. Here we are looking at Artemis, the greek goddess, who is very similar to Durga in Indian mythology.

As per Greek mythology, Artemis was often described as the daughter of Zeus and Leto, and the twin sister of Apollo. She was the goddess of the hunt, wild animals, childbirth, virginity, wilderness and protector of young girls, bringing and relieving disease in women; she often was depicted as a huntress carrying a bow and arrows.

The birth of Goddess Durga (Indian mythology)

In Indian mythology, Durga was created as a warrior goddess to fight demon named Mahishasura. Brahma, the Supreme Creator had given Mahishasura (an ambitious demon who had observed penance) the power not to be defeated by a male or any God. Mahishasura, thus using his powers, unleashed a reign of terror on earth, heaven and the nether worlds. He created cosmic disruption and defeated The Gods of Sun, Fire, Earth, Thunder and all other Nature Gods. All the gods pleaded Brahma to do something about this.

Goddess Durga emergence

Goddess Durga emergence

Shiva, made a request to all Gods to combine their divine energies together.Thus, to save the 3 worlds, Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma and all of the Gods (Indra, Varuna, Surya, Agni, Yama, Vishwakarma etc.) emitted beams of fierce Divine Energy from their Bodies. The blinding sea of light spread in all directions of the universe like a supernova and reached the Ashram of the priest Katyayan, where all the Energies combined together to create the omnipotent Goddess Durga. The Goddess Durga took the name Katyayani from the priest, in whose ashram she appeared thus.

Birth of Artemis (Greek mythology)

Coming back to Artemis and her twin brother Apollo.

She was the daughter of Zeus and Leto and that she was the twin sister of Apollo. Artemis, the goddess of forests and hills, was worshipped throughout ancient Greece.Her best known cults were on the island of Delos (her birthplace); in Attica at Brauron and Mounikhia (near Piraeus); in Sparta. She was often depicted in paintings and statues in a forest setting, carrying a bow and arrows, like Durga, and accompanied by a deer.

Artemis never had any love affairs, but one. That was with the mortal Orion. Artemis was in love with Orion. However, upset that his sister’s time and attentions had been diverted away from him, the God Apollo, her twin, became very jealous. So when Orion was swimming far into the ocean Apollo made a wager with Artemis that she couldn’t hit the floating object on the horizon.

Artemis being the prideful archer she was took the wager gladly and proudly drew her bow and shot the object on the horizon winning the wager. However once she won she realized that the “floating object” was actually her only lover Orion. In her great grief the Goddess Artemis turned Orion into various stars and shot him into the night sky, making him a constellation in the night sky forevermore.