Smaran Mamaitach Charitam
Smaran Mamaitach Charitam in English · English
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✦ Meaning
These verses from Chapter 12 of the Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati) are the Goddess's promise of rescue to anyone who remembers her exploits in the hour of danger. Whether trapped by a forest-fire, robbers or enemies, hunted by lions, tigers or wild elephants, condemned by a king, imprisoned, storm-tossed at sea, or caught amid falling weapons in terrible battle — the one who recalls her charita is freed from distress. By her power, lions, robbers and foes flee far from those who remember her deeds.
Origin & Story
Durga Saptashati Chapter 12 · Maharshi Markandeya (traditionally ascribed) · Puranic period (c. 5th–6th century CE for the Devi Mahatmya)
The Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati or Chandi), part of the Markandeya Purana, recounts the Divine Mother's victories over the demons. In Chapter 12, the Goddess speaks the phalashruti — the blessings of her worship. In these verses she gives one of her most beloved promises: that whoever, beset by any peril — forest-fire, robbers, enemies, lions, tigers, wild elephants, a king's wrath, prison, storm at sea, falling weapons in battle, or any dreadful affliction — remembers her exploits, is freed from that distress. By her power even lions, robbers and foes flee far from those who recall her deeds, making this passage a refuge for all in danger.
✦ As told in scripture
For centuries devotees have recited these verses before journeys and in moments of peril, trusting the Goddess's pledge that her remembrance frees one from every danger. Countless accounts tell of travellers escaping accidents, prisoners released, and ships weathering storms after recalling the Mother's charita as taught in this passage.
Complete Text with Meaning
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araṇye prāntare vāpi dāvāgniparivāritaḥ dasyubhirvā vṛtaḥ śūnye gṛhīto vāpi śatrubhiḥ
Meaning:One who is surrounded by a forest-fire in a forest or wilderness, or beset by robbers in a desolate place, or seized by enemies, or pursued by lions and tigers, or by wild elephants in a forest, or, at an angry king's command, condemned to death or cast into prison, or tossed about by the wind on a boat in the great ocean, or amid falling weapons in a most terrible battle, or amid all dreadful calamities, or afflicted by pain — the man who remembers this my exploit (charita) is freed from his distress. By my power, lions and the like, robbers and enemies too, flee far away from one who remembers my exploit.
siṃhavyāghrānuyāto vā vane vā vanahastibhiḥ rājñā kruddhena cājñapto vadhyo bandhagato'pi vā
āghūrṇito vā vātena sthitaḥ pote mahārṇave patatsu cāpi śastreṣu saṅgrāme bhṛśadāruṇe
sarvābādhāsu ghorāsu vedanābhyardito'pi vā smaran mamaitaccaritaṃ naro mucyeta saṅkaṭāt
mama prabhāvātsiṃhādyā dasyavo vairiṇastathā dūrādeva palāyante smarataścaritaṃ mama
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Smaran Mamaitach Charitam
A powerful prayer for rescue from grave danger and distress
Recited for safety from fire, robbers, wild animals, imprisonment and shipwreck
Invokes the Goddess's promise to free those who remember her exploits in peril
Gives courage and fearlessness amid battle and dire calamity
Said to make enemies and predators flee from her devotees
A treasured passage of the Durga Saptashati phalashruti for protection
How to Chant Smaran Mamaitach Charitam
Recite or remember these verses in any hour of danger, calling to mind the Goddess's great exploits (charita) as the text instructs. They form part of the phalashruti of the Durga Saptashati and are also chanted on their own for protection. Travellers and those facing crisis hold this passage especially dear; recite it with faith, trusting the Mother's promise that one who remembers her deeds is freed from all distress.
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