Exploring the Power of Durga Chalisa
1. Understanding the Durga Chalisa
The Durga Chalisa is a devotional hymn dedicated to Goddess Durga, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. “Chalisa” comes from the Hindi word “chalis,” which means forty. Thus, the Durga Chalisa consists of forty verses (excluding the couplets at the beginning and end) that praise and honor Goddess Durga, who symbolizes power, strength, and protection.
॥दोहा॥
नमो नमो दुर्गे सुख करनी।
नमो नमो दुर्गे दुःख हरनी॥
*Translation:* Salutations to Durga, who brings happiness.
Salutations to Durga, who removes sorrow.
॥चौपाई॥
निरंकार है ज्योति तुम्हारी।
तिहूं लोक फैली उजियारी॥
*Translation:* Your light is formless and eternal. It spreads brightness across the three worlds.
शशि ललाट मुख महाविशाला।
नेत्र लाल भृकुटि विकराला॥
*Translation:* With a moon on your forehead and a great visage, Your eyes are red, and your brows are fierce.
रूप मातु को अधिक सुहावे।
दरश करत जन अति सुख पावे॥
*Translation:* Mother, your form is exceedingly charming. Your sight gives immense joy to the devotees.
तुम संसार शक्ति लै कीना।
पालन हेतु अन्न धन दीना॥
*Translation:* You have taken the form of the world’s energy. To sustain it, you provide food and wealth.
अन्नपूर्णा हुई जग पाला।
तुम ही आदि सुन्दरी बाला॥
*Translation:* As Annapurna, you nourish the world. You are the primordial beautiful girl.
प्रलयकाल सब नाशन हारी।
तुम गौरी शिवशंकर प्यारी॥
*Translation:* At the time of destruction, you annihilate everything. You are Gauri, the beloved of Shiva.
शिव योगी तुम्हरे गुण गावे।
ब्रह्मा विष्णु तुम्हें नित ध्यावे॥
*Translation:* Shiva, the yogi, sings your praises. Brahma and Vishnu constantly meditate on you.
रूप सरस्वती को तुम धारा।
दे सुबुद्धि ऋषि मुनिन उबारा॥
*Translation:* You take the form of Saraswati. Granting wisdom, you uplift sages and seers.
धर्यो रूप नरसिंह को अम्बा।
परगट भई फाड़कर खम्बा॥
*Translation:* You assumed the form of Narasimha, O Mother. And emerged by tearing apart a pillar.
रक्षा करि प्रह्लाद बचायो।
हिरण्याक्ष को स्वर्ग पठायो॥
*Translation:* Protecting Prahlad, you saved him. You sent Hiranyaksha to the heavens.
लक्ष्मी रूप धरो जग माहीं।
श्री नारायण अंग समाहीं॥
*Translation:* You take the form of Lakshmi in the world. You are absorbed in the body of Narayana.
क्षीरसिंधु में करत विलासा।
दयासिंधु दीजै मन आसा॥
*Translation:* You play in the ocean of milk. Ocean of compassion, fulfill my desires.
हिंगलाज में तुम्हीं भवानी।
महिमा अमित न जात बखानी॥
*Translation:* In Hinglaj, you are Bhavani. Your glory is boundless, indescribable.
मातंगी अरु धूमावती माता।
भुवनेश्वरी बगला सुखदाता॥
*Translation:* You are Matangi and Dhumavati, O Mother. Bhuvaneshwari and Bagala, who bestow happiness.
श्री भैरव तारा जग तारिणी।
छिन्न भाल भव दुःख निवारिणी॥
*Translation:* You are Bhairavi and Tara, who save the world. Chhinnamasta, who removes worldly sorrows.
केहरि वाहन सोह भवानी।
लांगुर वीर चलत अगवानी॥
*Translation:* You ride a lion, O Bhavani. The brave Langur accompanies you.
कर में खप्पर खड्ग विराजै।
जाको देख काल डर भाजै॥
*Translation:* A skull and a sword adorn your hands.
Seeing whom, even death flees in fear.
सोहै अस्त्र और त्रिशूला।
जाते उठत शत्रु हीला॥
*Translation:* Weapons and a trident add to your glory. Enemies tremble upon seeing them.
नगरकोट में तुम्ही विराजत।
तिहुं लोक में डंका बाजत॥
*Translation:* You reside in Nagarkot. Your fame resounds in all three worlds.
शुम्भ निशुम्भ दानव तुम मारे।
रक्तबीज शंखन संहारे॥
*Translation:* You killed the demons Shumbh and Nishumbh. And destroyed Rakta-bija and Shankhasur.
महिषासुर नृप अति अभिमानी।
जेहि अघ भार मही अकुलानी॥
*Translation:* The proud king Mahishasur, Whose evil burdened the earth greatly.
रूप कराल कालिका धारा।
सेन सहित तुम तिहि संहारा॥
*Translation:* You assumed the form of fierce Kali. And annihilated him along with his army.
परी गाढ़ सन्तन पर जब जब।
भई सहाय मातु तुम तब तब॥
*Translation:* Whenever your devotees faced dire straits, Mother, you came to their aid each time.
अमरपुरी अरु बासव लोका।
तब महिमा सब रहें अशोका॥
*Translation:* In the immortal realm and the abode of gods, Everyone remains blissful by your glory.
ज्वाला में है ज्योति तुम्हारी।
तुम्हें सदा पूजें नर-नारी॥
*Translation:*Your light resides in the flames. Men and women worship you always.
प्रेम भक्ति से जो यश गावे।
दुःख दारिद्र निकट नहिं आवे॥
*Translation:* Those who sing your praises with love and devotion, Never face sorrow or poverty.
ध्यावे तुम्हें जो नर मन लाई।
जन्म-मरण ताकौ छुटि जाई॥
*Translation:* Those who meditate on you wholeheartedly, Are freed from the cycle of birth and death.
जोगी सुर मुनि कहत पुकारी।
योग न हो बिन शक्ति तुम्हारी॥
*Translation:* Yogis, gods, and sages proclaim, That no yoga is possible without your power.
शंकर आचारज तप कीनो।
काम, क्रोध जीति सब लीनो॥
*Translation:* Even Shankaracharya practiced austerity, Conquering lust and anger, he merged into you.
शुम्भादी कइ भुजा उठाई।
जगदम्बा तुम सब हरशाई॥
*Translation:* You raised your arms against Shumbh and others, O Jagadamba, and made everyone joyful.
शरणागत हुई कीर्ति जानी।
समर भूमि अजराभिमानी॥
*Translation:* Your fame is known to those who seek refuge. In the battlefield, even the immortal pride succumbs.
शत्रु नाश कीजे महारानी।
सुमिरौं इकचित तुम्हें भवानी॥
*Translation:* O great queen, destroy my enemies. I concentrate and remember you, Bhavani.
त्राहि त्राहि मैं मात पुकारो।
यहि अवसर मोहि आन उबारो॥
*Translation:* I cry out, “Save me, save me, Mother!” At this moment, please rescue me.
मातु अनाथों के नाथ भवानी।
सर्वब्याधि हरौ जगदम्बा।
जर कष्ट निवारिणी माँ।
सुख सम्पत्ति में बढ़े विद्या।
कष्ट हरण करि अनुखाग्या॥
*Translation:* Mother Bhavani, you are the savior of the helpless. Jagadamba, remove all my ailments. Mother, who alleviates the pain of fever. Increase my happiness and wealth. Remove my troubles and grant your favor.
भक्त तातें सदा सुखदायी।
कीजै दास परम सुखदायी॥
*Translation:* You always bring happiness to your devotees. Make your servant supremely happy.
धूप दीप नैवेद्य चढ़ाऊं।
तन मन धन सब कुछ लुटाऊं॥
*Translation:* I offer you incense, lamps, and food. I surrender my body, mind, and wealth to you.
उम्मीद है आपको मेरी मदद होगी।
विनती मेरी माता सुनोगी॥
*Translation:* I hope my plea will reach you. Mother, please listen to my request.
जय जय जय माँ जय भवानी।
हम सब पर करुणा दिखलानी॥
*Translation:* Victory, victory, victory to you, Mother Bhavani. Show your mercy on all of us.
यह चालीसा जो नित गावे।
सकल दुःख भार वो पावे॥
*Translation:* Whoever sings this Chalisa daily, Will be relieved from all burdens of sorrow.
2. Who is Goddess Durga?
Goddess Durga is often depicted as a warrior goddess riding a lion or tiger, with multiple arms each carrying a weapon, and she is revered as the Mother of the Universe. She embodies the fierce and protective aspects of the divine feminine. She is known for slaying the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
3. The Power of Durga Chalisa
1. Spiritual Connection*: Reciting the Durga Chalisa is believed to help devotees connect with the divine energy of Goddess Durga. It is a form of prayer that expresses devotion and seeks her blessings.
2. *Inner Strength*: The verses of the Chalisa highlight the various forms and deeds of the goddess, instilling a sense of courage and strength in the devotees. It reminds them that they can face challenges with the goddess’s blessings.
3. *Protection*: Devotees believe that reciting the Durga Chalisa can protect them from negative forces and bring peace and harmony into their lives.
4. How to Recite the Durga Chalisa
While there are no strict rules for reciting the Durga Chalisa, here are a few tips to enhance the experience:
1. *Create a Peaceful Environment*: Choose a quiet place where you can focus without distractions. Many devotees create a small altar with a picture or idol of Goddess Durga.
2. *Set a Regular Time*: Reciting the Chalisa at the same time each day, such as early morning or evening, can make it a part of your daily routine.
3. *Focus on Meaning*: While reciting, try to understand the meaning of the verses. This will enhance your connection with the hymn and the goddess.
4. *Use a Mala (Rosary)*: Some devotees use a mala (rosary) with 108 beads to keep count of the recitations. This helps in maintaining focus and can enhance the meditative aspect of the practice.
5. Conclusion
The Durga Chalisa is more than just a hymn; it is a powerful devotional practice that has been cherished by millions of devotees for centuries. Whether seeking strength, protection, or spiritual growth, reciting the Durga Chalisa can be a deeply fulfilling experience, bringing the divine blessings of Goddess Durga into one’s life.
