Mantra.Tips

Durga Chalisa Meaning — Line by Line

दुर्गा चालीसा

Every verse and every word explained in English & Hindi

Meaning — Line by Line

Every verse of Durga Chalisa with its English meaning. Tap any word to hear it, or ▶ to recite the verse.

Jump to a verse ▾
  1. Doha 1. Namo namo durge sukha karani namo namo durge duhkha harani
  2. Doha 2. Niramkara hai jyoti tumhari tihun loka phaili ujiyari
  3. Chaupai 1. Shashi lalata mukha mahavishala netra lala bhrikuti vikarala
  4. Chaupai 2. Rupa matu ko adhika suhave darasha karata jana ati sukha pave
  5. Chaupai 3. Tuma samsara shakti lai kina palana hetu anna dhana dina
  6. Chaupai 4. Annapurna hui jaga pala tuma hi adi sundari bala
  7. Chaupai 5. Pralayakala saba nashana hari tuma gauri shivashamkara pyari
  8. Chaupai 6. Shiva yogi tumhare guna gavem brahma vishnu tumhem nita dhyavem
  9. Chaupai 7. Rupa sarasvati ko tuma dhara de subuddhi rishi munina ubara
  10. Chaupai 8. Dharayo rupa narasimha ko amba paragata bhai phaड़kara khamba
  11. Chaupai 9. Raksha kari prahlada bachayo hiranyaksha ko svarga pathayo
  12. Chaupai 10. Lakshmi rupa dharo jaga mahim shri narayana amga samahim
  13. Chaupai 11. Kshirasindhu mem karata vilasa dayasindhu dijai mana asa
  14. Chaupai 12. Himgalaja mem tumhim bhavani mahima amita na jata bakhani
  15. Chaupai 13. Matamgi aru dhumavati mata bhuvaneshvari bagala sukha data
  16. Chaupai 14. Shri bhairava tara jaga tarini chhinna bhala bhava duhkha nivarini
  17. Chaupai 15. Kehari vahana soha bhavani lamgura vira chalata agavani
  18. Chaupai 16. Kara mem khappara khadga virajai jako dekha kala dara bhajai
  19. Chaupai 17. Sohai astra aura trishula jate uthata shatru hiya shula
  20. Chaupai 18. Nagarakota mem tumhim virajata tihunloka mem damka bajata
  21. Chaupai 19. Shumbha nishumbha danava tuma mare raktabija shamkhana samhare
  22. Chaupai 20. Mahishasura nripa ati abhimani jehi agha bhara mahi akulani
  23. Chaupai 21. Rupa karala kalika dhara sena sahita tuma tihi samhara
  24. Chaupai 22. Pari gaढ़ santana para jaba jaba bhai sahaya matu tuma taba taba
  25. Chaupai 23. Amarapuri aru basava loka taba mahima saba rahem ashoka
  26. Chaupai 24. Jvala mem hai jyoti tumhari tumhem sada pujem naranari
  27. Chaupai 25. Prema bhakti se jo yasha gavem duhkha daridra nikata nahim avem
  28. Chaupai 26. Dhyave tumhem jo nara mana lai janmamarana takau chhuti jai
  29. Chaupai 27. Jogi sura muni kahata pukari yoga na ho bina shakti tumhari
  30. Chaupai 28. Shamkara acharaja tapa kino kama aru krodha jiti saba lino
  31. Chaupai 29. Nishidina dhyana dharo shamkara ko kahu kala nahim sumiro tumako
  32. Chaupai 30. Shakti rupa ka marama na payo shakti gai taba mana pachhitayo
  33. Chaupai 31. Sharanagata hui kirti bakhani jaya jaya jaya jagadamba bhavani
  34. Chaupai 32. Bhai prasanna adi jagadamba dai shakti nahim kina vilamba
  35. Chaupai 33. Moko matu kashta ati ghero tuma bina kauna harai duhkha mero
  36. Chaupai 34. Asha trishna nipata satavem moha madadika saba binashavem
  37. Chaupai 35. Shatru nasha kijai maharani sumiraum ikachita tumhem bhavani
  38. Chaupai 36. Karo kripa he matu dayala riddhisiddhi dai karahu nihala
  39. Chaupai 37. Jaba lagi jiun daya phala paun tumharo yasha maim sada sunaun
  40. Chaupai 38. Shri durga chalisa jo koi gavai saba sukha bhoga paramapada pavai
  41. Chaupai 39. Devidasa sharana nija jani kahu kripa jagadamba bhavani
  42. Closing Doha. Sharanagata raksha kare, bhakta rahe ni shamka maim aya teri sharana mem, matu lijiye amka
Doha 1#

Namo namo durge sukha karani namo namo durge duhkha harani

नमो नमो दुर्गे सुख करनी नमो नमो दुर्गे दुःख हरनी

Namo namo durge sukha karani namo namo durge duhkha harani

MeaningSalutations, salutations to Durga, giver of joy; salutations, salutations to Durga, remover of sorrow.

Doha 2#

Niramkara hai jyoti tumhari tihun loka phaili ujiyari

निरंकार है ज्योति तुम्हारी तिहूँ लोक फैली उजियारी

Niramkara hai jyoti tumhari tihun loka phaili ujiyari

MeaningFormless, you are pure light; your radiance spreads through all three worlds.

Chaupai 1#

Shashi lalata mukha mahavishala netra lala bhrikuti vikarala

शशि ललाट मुख महाविशाला नेत्र लाल भृकुटि विकराला

Shashi lalata mukha mahavishala netra lala bhrikuti vikarala

MeaningThe moon adorns your forehead, your face vast and majestic; your eyes are red and your brow terrible.

Chaupai 2#

Rupa matu ko adhika suhave darasha karata jana ati sukha pave

रूप मातु को अधिक सुहावे दरश करत जन अति सुख पावे

Rupa matu ko adhika suhave darasha karata jana ati sukha pave

MeaningYour form, O Mother, is exceedingly lovely; beholding it, devotees attain great joy.

Chaupai 3#

Tuma samsara shakti lai kina palana hetu anna dhana dina

तुम संसार शक्ति लै कीना पालन हेतु अन्न धन दीना

Tuma samsara shakti lai kina palana hetu anna dhana dina

MeaningYou took up all the power of the world; for its sustenance you gave food and wealth.

Chaupai 4#

Annapurna hui jaga pala tuma hi adi sundari bala

अन्नपूर्णा हुई जग पाला तुम ही आदि सुन्दरी बाला

Annapurna hui jaga pala tuma hi adi sundari bala

MeaningAs Annapurna you nourished the world; you are the primal, beautiful maiden (Adi Sundari).

Chaupai 5#

Pralayakala saba nashana hari tuma gauri shivashamkara pyari

प्रलयकाल सब नाशन हारी तुम गौरी शिवशंकर प्यारी

Pralayakala saba nashana hari tuma gauri shivashamkara pyari

MeaningAt the time of dissolution you destroy all; you are Gauri, the beloved of Shiva-Shankara.

Chaupai 6#

Shiva yogi tumhare guna gavem brahma vishnu tumhem nita dhyavem

शिव योगी तुम्हरे गुण गावें ब्रह्मा विष्णु तुम्हें नित ध्यावें

Shiva yogi tumhare guna gavem brahma vishnu tumhem nita dhyavem

MeaningShiva the yogi sings your virtues; Brahma and Vishnu ever meditate upon you.

Chaupai 7#

Rupa sarasvati ko tuma dhara de subuddhi rishi munina ubara

रूप सरस्वती को तुम धारा दे सुबुद्धि ऋषि मुनिन उबारा

Rupa sarasvati ko tuma dhara de subuddhi rishi munina ubara

MeaningYou took the form of Saraswati; granting good wisdom, you delivered the sages.

Chaupai 8#

Dharayo rupa narasimha ko amba paragata bhai phaड़kara khamba

धरयो रूप नरसिंह को अम्बा परगट भई फाड़कर खम्बा

Dharayo rupa narasimha ko amba paragata bhai phaड़kara khamba

MeaningYou assumed the form of Narasimha, O Amba, appearing as you burst forth from the pillar.

Chaupai 9#

Raksha kari prahlada bachayo hiranyaksha ko svarga pathayo

रक्षा करि प्रह्लाद बचायो हिरण्याक्ष को स्वर्ग पठायो

Raksha kari prahlada bachayo hiranyaksha ko svarga pathayo

MeaningYou protected and saved Prahlada, and dispatched Hiranyakashipu (to his end).

Chaupai 10#

Lakshmi rupa dharo jaga mahim shri narayana amga samahim

लक्ष्मी रूप धरो जग माहीं श्री नारायण अंग समाहीं

Lakshmi rupa dharo jaga mahim shri narayana amga samahim

MeaningYou took the form of Lakshmi in the world; you are merged in the body of Sri Narayana.

Chaupai 11#

Kshirasindhu mem karata vilasa dayasindhu dijai mana asa

क्षीरसिन्धु में करत विलासा दयासिन्धु दीजै मन आसा

Kshirasindhu mem karata vilasa dayasindhu dijai mana asa

MeaningIn the ocean of milk you delight; O ocean of compassion, fulfil the heart's hope.

Chaupai 12#

Himgalaja mem tumhim bhavani mahima amita na jata bakhani

हिंगलाज में तुम्हीं भवानी महिमा अमित जात बखानी

Himgalaja mem tumhim bhavani mahima amita na jata bakhani

MeaningIn Hinglaj it is you, O Bhavani; your boundless glory cannot be told in full.

Chaupai 13#

Matamgi aru dhumavati mata bhuvaneshvari bagala sukha data

मातंगी अरु धूमावति माता भुवनेश्वरी बगला सुख दाता

Matamgi aru dhumavati mata bhuvaneshvari bagala sukha data

MeaningAs Matangi and Mother Dhumavati; as Bhuvaneshwari and Bagala, the givers of joy.

Chaupai 14#

Shri bhairava tara jaga tarini chhinna bhala bhava duhkha nivarini

श्री भैरव तारा जग तारिणी छिन्न भाल भव दुःख निवारिणी

Shri bhairava tara jaga tarini chhinna bhala bhava duhkha nivarini

MeaningAs Sri Bhairavi and Tara, saviour of the world; as Chhinnamasta, remover of the sorrows of existence.

Chaupai 15#

Kehari vahana soha bhavani lamgura vira chalata agavani

केहरि वाहन सोह भवानी लांगुर वीर चलत अगवानी

Kehari vahana soha bhavani lamgura vira chalata agavani

MeaningRiding upon the lion, O Bhavani; the hero Langur (Hanuman) goes before you as your escort.

Chaupai 16#

Kara mem khappara khadga virajai jako dekha kala dara bhajai

कर में खप्पर खड्ग विराजै जाको देख काल डर भाजै

Kara mem khappara khadga virajai jako dekha kala dara bhajai

MeaningIn your hand shine the skull-bowl and the sword; beholding which, even Death itself flees in fear.

Chaupai 17#

Sohai astra aura trishula jate uthata shatru hiya shula

सोहै अस्त्र और त्रिशूला जाते उठत शत्रु हिय शूला

Sohai astra aura trishula jate uthata shatru hiya shula

MeaningThe mighty weapons and the trident also gleam; by which agony rises in the enemy's heart.

Chaupai 18#

Nagarakota mem tumhim virajata tihunloka mem damka bajata

नगरकोट में तुम्हीं विराजत तिहुँलोक में डंका बाजत

Nagarakota mem tumhim virajata tihunloka mem damka bajata

MeaningIn Nagarkot too you are enthroned; in the three worlds your victory-drum resounds.

Chaupai 19#

Shumbha nishumbha danava tuma mare raktabija shamkhana samhare

शुम्भ निशुम्भ दानव तुम मारे रक्तबीज शंखन संहारे

Shumbha nishumbha danava tuma mare raktabija shamkhana samhare

MeaningYou slew the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha; you destroyed Raktabija and his swarming clones.

Chaupai 20#

Mahishasura nripa ati abhimani jehi agha bhara mahi akulani

महिषासुर नृप अति अभिमानी जेहि अघ भार मही अकुलानी

Mahishasura nripa ati abhimani jehi agha bhara mahi akulani

MeaningThe arrogant king Mahishasura — under whose burden of sin the earth groaned —

Chaupai 21#

Rupa karala kalika dhara sena sahita tuma tihi samhara

रूप कराल कालिका धारा सेन सहित तुम तिहि संहारा

Rupa karala kalika dhara sena sahita tuma tihi samhara

MeaningTaking the dread form of Kalika, you destroyed him together with his entire army.

Chaupai 22#

Pari gaढ़ santana para jaba jaba bhai sahaya matu tuma taba taba

परी गाढ़ सन्तन पर जब जब भई सहाय मातु तुम तब तब

Pari gaढ़ santana para jaba jaba bhai sahaya matu tuma taba taba

MeaningWhenever hardship befell the saints, you, O Mother, came to their aid time and again.

Chaupai 23#

Amarapuri aru basava loka taba mahima saba rahem ashoka

अमरपुरी अरु बासव लोका तब महिमा सब रहें अशोका

Amarapuri aru basava loka taba mahima saba rahem ashoka

MeaningThe immortal city and the realm of Indra — by your glory all remained free of sorrow.

Chaupai 24#

Jvala mem hai jyoti tumhari tumhem sada pujem naranari

ज्वाला में है ज्योति तुम्हारी तुम्हें सदा पूजें नरनारी

Jvala mem hai jyoti tumhari tumhem sada pujem naranari

MeaningIn Jwalaji your flame of light burns; men and women worship you forever.

Chaupai 25#

Prema bhakti se jo yasha gavem duhkha daridra nikata nahim avem

प्रेम भक्ति से जो यश गावें दुःख दारिद्र निकट नहिं आवें

Prema bhakti se jo yasha gavem duhkha daridra nikata nahim avem

MeaningThose who sing your glory with loving devotion — sorrow and poverty never come near them.

Chaupai 26#

Dhyave tumhem jo nara mana lai janmamarana takau chhuti jai

ध्यावे तुम्हें जो नर मन लाई जन्ममरण ताकौ छुटि जाई

Dhyave tumhem jo nara mana lai janmamarana takau chhuti jai

MeaningWhoever meditates upon you with a focused mind — his cycle of birth and death is broken.

Chaupai 27#

Jogi sura muni kahata pukari yoga na ho bina shakti tumhari

जोगी सुर मुनि कहत पुकारी योग हो बिन शक्ति तुम्हारी

Jogi sura muni kahata pukari yoga na ho bina shakti tumhari

MeaningYogis, gods and sages proclaim aloud: there is no attainment (yoga) without your Shakti.

Chaupai 28#

Shamkara acharaja tapa kino kama aru krodha jiti saba lino

शंकर आचारज तप कीनो काम अरु क्रोध जीति सब लीनो

Shamkara acharaja tapa kino kama aru krodha jiti saba lino

MeaningShankaracharya performed austerity; he wholly conquered lust and anger.

Chaupai 29#

Nishidina dhyana dharo shamkara ko kahu kala nahim sumiro tumako

निशिदिन ध्यान धरो शंकर को काहु काल नहिं सुमिरो तुमको

Nishidina dhyana dharo shamkara ko kahu kala nahim sumiro tumako

MeaningDay and night he meditated upon Shankara, but at no time did he remember you.

Chaupai 30#

Shakti rupa ka marama na payo shakti gai taba mana pachhitayo

शक्ति रूप का मरम पायो शक्ति गई तब मन पछितायो

Shakti rupa ka marama na payo shakti gai taba mana pachhitayo

MeaningHe did not grasp the secret of the Shakti-principle; when his power left him, his mind repented.

Chaupai 31#

Sharanagata hui kirti bakhani jaya jaya jaya jagadamba bhavani

शरणागत हुई कीर्ति बखानी जय जय जय जगदम्ब भवानी

Sharanagata hui kirti bakhani jaya jaya jaya jagadamba bhavani

MeaningTaking refuge, he extolled your fame: “Victory, victory, victory to Jagadamba Bhavani!”

Chaupai 32#

Bhai prasanna adi jagadamba dai shakti nahim kina vilamba

भई प्रसन्न आदि जगदम्बा दई शक्ति नहिं कीन विलम्बा

Bhai prasanna adi jagadamba dai shakti nahim kina vilamba

MeaningThe primal Jagadamba was pleased, and gave back his power without delay.

Chaupai 33#

Moko matu kashta ati ghero tuma bina kauna harai duhkha mero

मोको मातु कष्ट अति घेरो तुम बिन कौन हरै दुःख मेरो

Moko matu kashta ati ghero tuma bina kauna harai duhkha mero

Meaning“O Mother, great affliction surrounds me; without you, who will remove my sorrow?

Chaupai 34#

Asha trishna nipata satavem moha madadika saba binashavem

आशा तृष्णा निपट सतावें मोह मदादिक सब बिनशावें

Asha trishna nipata satavem moha madadika saba binashavem

MeaningHope and craving torment me sorely; delusion, pride and the rest — destroy them all.

Chaupai 35#

Shatru nasha kijai maharani sumiraum ikachita tumhem bhavani

शत्रु नाश कीजै महारानी सुमिरौं इकचित तुम्हें भवानी

Shatru nasha kijai maharani sumiraum ikachita tumhem bhavani

MeaningDestroy my enemies, O Great Queen; with single-minded focus I remember you, O Bhavani.

Chaupai 36#

Karo kripa he matu dayala riddhisiddhi dai karahu nihala

करो कृपा हे मातु दयाला ऋद्धिसिद्धि दै करहु निहाला

Karo kripa he matu dayala riddhisiddhi dai karahu nihala

MeaningShow mercy, O compassionate Mother; granting prosperity and perfection, make me blessed.

Chaupai 37#

Jaba lagi jiun daya phala paun tumharo yasha maim sada sunaun

जब लगि जिऊँ दया फल पाऊँ तुम्हरो यश मैं सदा सुनाऊँ

Jaba lagi jiun daya phala paun tumharo yasha maim sada sunaun

MeaningAs long as I live may I reap the fruit of your grace, and ever proclaim your glory.

Chaupai 38#

Shri durga chalisa jo koi gavai saba sukha bhoga paramapada pavai

श्री दुर्गा चालीसा जो कोई गावै सब सुख भोग परमपद पावै

Shri durga chalisa jo koi gavai saba sukha bhoga paramapada pavai

MeaningWhoever sings this Durga Chalisa gains every joy and attains the supreme state.

Chaupai 39#

Devidasa sharana nija jani kahu kripa jagadamba bhavani

देवीदास शरण निज जानी कहु कृपा जगदम्ब भवानी

Devidasa sharana nija jani kahu kripa jagadamba bhavani

MeaningKnowing Devidas (this devotee) as one come to your refuge — show your mercy, O Jagadamba Bhavani.

Closing Doha#

Sharanagata raksha kare, bhakta rahe ni shamka maim aya teri sharana mem, matu lijiye amka

शरणागत रक्षा करे, भक्त रहे नि शंक मैं आया तेरी शरण में, मातु लिजिये अंक

Sharanagata raksha kare, bhakta rahe ni shamka maim aya teri sharana mem, matu lijiye amka

Meaning“Protect the one who takes refuge, that the devotee may stay fearless; I have come to your shelter, O Mother — take me into your embrace.”

Word-by-Word Breakdown

दुर्गे
Durge
O Goddess Durga
सुख करनी
Sukh Karni
Bestower of happiness
अम्बे
Ambe
O Mother (Amba)
दुःख हरनी
Dukh Harni
Remover of sorrows
निरंकार
Nirankar
Formless
ज्योति
Jyoti
Light, radiance
शशि ललाट
Shashi Lalat
Moon on the forehead
विकराला
Vikrala
Fierce, terrifying
शक्ति
Shakti
Divine feminine power
महिषासुर
Mahishasur
The buffalo demon
काली
Kali
The dark fierce form of the Goddess
संहारा
Samhara
Destroyed, annihilated
उग्र रूप
Ugra Roop
Fierce form
शुम्भ-निशुम्भ
Shumbh-Nishumbh
Twin demon brothers slain by Durga
रक्तबीज
Raktabeej
Demon whose blood drops created new demons
खप्पर
Khappar
Skull cup (held by Kali)
सती
Sati
First incarnation of Parvati, who self-immolated
दक्ष यज्ञ
Daksh Yagya
The sacrifice of Daksha where Sati died
शक्तिपीठ
Shaktipeeth
Sacred sites where Sati's body parts fell (52 in total)
नवदुर्गा
Navdurga
Nine forms of Durga worshipped during Navratri
शैलपुत्री
Shailputri
Daughter of the mountain (1st Navdurga)
ब्रह्मचारिणी
Brahmacharini
The ascetic goddess (2nd Navdurga)
चन्द्रघण्टा
Chandraghanta
She who has a moon-bell (3rd Navdurga)
कूष्माण्डा
Kushmanda
Creator of the cosmic egg (4th Navdurga)
स्कन्दमाता
Skandmata
Mother of Kartikeya (5th Navdurga)
कात्यायनी
Katyayani
Born in Katya lineage (6th Navdurga)
कालरात्रि
Kaalratri
Dark night of destruction (7th Navdurga)
महागौरी
Mahagauri
The extremely fair one (8th Navdurga)
सिद्धिदात्री
Siddhidatri
Bestower of all powers (9th Navdurga)
भवानी
Bhavani
Goddess of the world/existence

Origin & History

Source: Hindu devotional tradition

Author: Unknown (folk devotional composition)

Period: Medieval period

The Durga Chalisa draws its narrative from the Devi Mahatmyam (also called Durga Saptashati or Chandi Path) from the Markandeya Purana, one of the most important texts in Shaktism. It recounts how Goddess Durga was created from the combined energies of all the gods to destroy the buffalo demon Mahishasur, whom no god could defeat. She fought for 9 days and nights (the origin of Navratri) before slaying him on the 10th day (Vijayadashami/Dussehra).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Durga Chalisa?
A 40-verse devotional hymn praising Goddess Durga, describing her divine form, her victories over demons like Mahishasur, and her protective power. It is one of the most popular Navratri prayers.
When should I chant Durga Chalisa?
During Navratri (especially the 9 nights), on Fridays (Durga's day), during Ashtami, or any time you need the Goddess's protection and strength.
What is the difference between Durga Chalisa and Durga Kavach?
The Chalisa is a 40-verse devotional hymn praising Durga's qualities and deeds. The Kavach (armor) is a protective prayer that invokes Durga's protection over specific body parts — it is more of a ritualistic shield.

Ready to start chanting?

See Benefits & How to Chant →