Smaran Mamaitach Charitam — Word-by-Word Meaning

स्मरन् ममैतच्चरितम्

Every Sanskrit word explained in English

← Full Page Complete Lyrics Benefits & How to Chant

Word-by-Word Breakdown

अरण्ये प्रान्तरे वापि

araṇye prāntare vāpi

in a forest or in a wilderness

दावाग्निपरिवारितः

dāvāgniparivāritaḥ

surrounded by a forest-fire

दस्युभिः वा वृतः शून्ये

dasyubhiḥ vā vṛtaḥ śūnye

or beset by robbers in a desolate place

गृहीतो वापि शत्रुभिः

gṛhīto vāpi śatrubhiḥ

or seized by enemies

सिंहव्याघ्रानुयातो वा

siṃhavyāghrānuyāto vā

or pursued by lions and tigers

वने वा वनहस्तिभिः

vane vā vanahastibhiḥ

or by wild elephants in a forest

राज्ञा क्रुद्धेन च आज्ञप्तः

rājñā kruddhena ca ājñaptaḥ

or, at an angry king's command

वध्यो बन्धगतोऽपि वा

vadhyo bandhagato'pi vā

condemned to death or cast into prison

आघूर्णितो वा वातेन

āghūrṇito vā vātena

or tossed about by the wind

स्थितः पोते महार्णवे

sthitaḥ pote mahārṇave

on a boat in the great ocean

पतत्सु चापि शस्त्रेषु

patatsu cāpi śastreṣu

or amid falling weapons

सङ्ग्रामे भृशदारुणे

saṅgrāme bhṛśadāruṇe

in a most terrible battle

सर्वाबाधासु घोरासु

sarvābādhāsu ghorāsu

amid all dreadful calamities

वेदनाभ्यर्दितोऽपि वा

vedanābhyardito'pi vā

or afflicted by pain

स्मरन् मम एतत् चरितं

smaran mama etat caritaṃ

the man who remembers this my exploit (charita)

नरो मुच्येत सङ्कटात्

naro mucyeta saṅkaṭāt

is freed from his distress

मम प्रभावात् सिंहाद्याः दस्यवः वैरिणः

mama prabhāvāt siṃhādyāḥ dasyavaḥ vairiṇaḥ

by my power, lions and the like, robbers and enemies

दूरादेव पलायन्ते स्मरतः चरितं मम

dūrādeva palāyante smarataḥ caritaṃ mama

flee far away from one who remembers my exploit

Complete Translation

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.

Origin & History

Source: Durga Saptashati Chapter 12

Author: Maharshi Markandeya (traditionally ascribed)

Period: 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'Smaran Mamaitach Charitam'?▼

It is a passage from Chapter 12 of the Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati), verses 24–29, in which the Goddess promises that anyone who remembers her exploits (charita) in the midst of danger will be freed from distress.

When is this passage especially recited?▼

It is recited in times of grave danger — fire, robbers, wild animals, imprisonment, storm at sea or battle — and before travel, as a prayer for the Mother's rescue. It is also part of the daily Chandi Path and Navaratri recitation.

What does the Goddess promise here?▼

She promises that the one who remembers her charita is freed from every distress, and that by her power lions and other beasts, robbers and enemies flee far away from those who recall her deeds. It is among the most reassuring promises of protection in the Durga Saptashati.

Ready to start chanting?

See Benefits & How to Chant →