Trailokyam Etad Akhilam — Word-by-Word Meaning
त्रैलोक्यमेतदखिलम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
त्रैलोक्यम् एतत् अखिलम्
trailokyam etat akhilam
this entire three worlds (heaven, earth and the netherworld)
रिपुनाशनेन
ripunāśanena
by the destruction of the foes
त्रातम् त्वया
trātam tvayā
has been protected/saved by you
समरमूर्धनि
samaramūrdhani
at the front / forefront of battle
ते अपि हत्वा
te api hatvā
having slain them too
नीता दिवम्
nītā divam
led to heaven
रिपुगणाः
ripugaṇāḥ
the hosts of enemies
भयम् अपि अपास्तम्
bhayam api apāstam
even our fear has been removed
अस्माकम्
asmākam
of us (the gods)
उन्मदसुरारिभवम्
unmadasurāribhavam
born of the frenzied, arrogant foes of the gods
नमस्ते
namaste
salutation to you
Complete Translation
This entire three worlds has been saved by you through the destruction of the foes; having slain them on the front of battle you have led the enemy hosts to heaven, and dispelled too our fear born of the frenzied foes of the gods — salutation to you!
Origin & History
Source: Durga Saptashati Chapter 4
Author: Sage Markandeya (Rishi Markandeya)
Period: Ancient (c. 400–600 CE, Markandeya Purana)
In Chapter 4 of the Devi Mahatmya, after the Goddess destroys the buffalo-demon Mahishasura and his army, Indra and the gods sing the Shakradi Stuti in gratitude. In this verse they extol her as the rescuer of the three worlds whose battlefield slaying of the demons was itself a liberation, and who has dispelled the fear that the frenzied foes had cast over the gods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of 'Trailokyam Etad Akhilam'?▼
It means 'this entire three worlds.' The verse from Durga Saptashati Chapter 4 praises the Goddess for saving all three worlds by destroying the demons, while compassionately granting the slain foes heaven and removing the gods' fear.
Why do the gods say the Goddess led even the demons to heaven?▼
Because death at the hands of the Divine is itself a grace. By slaying the demons in battle, the Goddess purified them and sent their souls to heaven — showing she is both the destroyer of evil and the liberator of beings.
When is this verse chanted?▼
It is recited during Navaratri and within the Shakradi Stuti of Durga Saptashati Chapter 4. Devotees also chant it for fearlessness before a challenge and as a prayer of gratitude after overcoming difficulty.
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