Ayi Shatakhanda Vikhandita — Word-by-Word Meaning
अयि शतखण्डविखण्डित
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
अयि
Ayi
O! (an affectionate vocative addressing the Goddess)
शतखण्ड
Shatakhanda
Into a hundred pieces
विखण्डित
Vikhandita
Shattered, broken apart
रुण्ड
Runda
Headless trunks (of the demon-elephants)
वितुण्डित
Vitundita
With trunks torn off
शुण्ड
Shunda
Trunk (of an elephant)
गजाधिपते
Gajadhipate
O conqueror of the lordly elephant-demons
रिपुगजगण्डविदारण
Ripu-gaja-ganda-vidarana
Tearing open the temples of the enemy elephants
चण्डपराक्रम
Chanda-parakrama
Of fierce valour and prowess
मृगाधिपते
Mrigadhipate
O rider of the king of beasts (the lion)
निजभुजदण्ड
Nija-bhuja-danda
By your own staff-like arms
निपातित
Nipatita
Struck down, felled
मुण्डभटाधिपते
Munda-bhatadhipate
O slayer of the lords of the (demon) warriors, beheading them
जय जय हे
Jaya jaya he
Victory, victory to you!
महिषासुरमर्दिनि
Mahishasuramardini
O slayer of the buffalo-demon Mahishasura
रम्यकपर्दिनि
Ramyakapardini
O Goddess with beautiful braided locks
शैलसुते
Shailasute
O daughter of the mountain (Parvati)
Complete Translation
O Goddess who shattered into a hundred pieces the lordly elephant-demons, hewing off their trunks and severing their heads; the lioness of fierce valour who tore open the temples of the enemy elephants; who with your own staff-like arms felled and beheaded the chiefs of the demon warriors — victory, victory to you, O slayer of the demon Mahisha, of lovely matted locks, O daughter of the mountain!
Origin & History
Source: Mahishasura Mardini Stotram, verse 4 (attributed to Adi Shankaracharya)
Author: Adi Shankaracharya (traditionally)
Period: 8th century CE
This is the fourth stanza of the Mahishasura Mardini Stotram, an ecstatic Durga hymn whose complex meter mirrors the rhythm of the cosmic battle. While the opening verses adore the Goddess as the mountain-daughter, this verse plunges into the warfare itself, portraying Durga astride her lion, shattering elephant-demons and beheading the demon hosts — a vivid picture of the war recounted in the Devi Mahatmyam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this verse of Mahishasura Mardini describe?▼
It describes Goddess Durga in fierce battle — shattering the demon-elephants into a hundred pieces, tearing open their temples as a lioness of mighty valour, and felling and beheading the chiefs of the demon warriors with her own arms — ending with the victory refrain 'Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini'.
Which stotra is 'Ayi Shatakhanda Vikhandita' from?▼
It is the fourth verse of the Mahishasura Mardini Stotram (also known by its opening 'Ayi Giri Nandini'), traditionally attributed to Adi Shankaracharya and immensely popular during Navratri.
Why is this verse so hard to pronounce?▼
It is built from long Sanskrit compound words packed with alliteration ('shatakhanda-vikhandita-runda-vitundita-shunda'). This dense, rhythmic sound is intentional — it mirrors the rush and clamour of the cosmic battle and gives the verse its thrilling momentum when sung.
When should I chant it?▼
It is chanted during Durga worship, especially on Ashtami and Navami of Navratri, and at any time one seeks courage, protection and the strength to overcome difficulties.
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