Vishveshvari Tvam Paripasi Vishvam
विश्वेश्वरि त्वं परिपासि विश्वम्
Also known as: vishveshvari tvam paripasi vishvam · rakshamsi yatrogravishash cha naga · etat kritam yat kadanam · narayani stuti protection verses · durga saptashati chapter 11 vishveshvari
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✦ Meaning
These four verses of the Narayani Stuti (Chapter 11 of the Devi Mahatmya / Durga Saptashati) praise the Goddess as the unmatched slayer of the asuras and the very essence of all knowledge and scripture. Above all they hail her as the universal protector — present wherever there is danger from demons, serpents, foes, robbers, forest-fire or the deep sea — who guards the world and upholds it as its very Self. The closing verse promises that those who bow to her in devotion themselves become a refuge for all.
Origin & Story
Durga Saptashati Chapter 11 · 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, narrates the Divine Mother's victories over the demons. In Chapter 11, after Shumbha is slain, Indra and the gods sing the Narayani Stuti. In these verses they marvel that she alone, taking countless forms from her single Self, destroyed the great asuras; that she is the essence of all knowledge and scripture yet also the power that whirls the world in delusion; and, above all, that she is the universal protector — abiding wherever there is danger to guard the world, and upholding it as its very Self. They close by declaring that those who bow to her in devotion become a refuge for the whole universe.
✦ As told in scripture
Devotees hold that wherever calamity strikes — fire, flood, attack or venom — the Goddess is already present to shield those who call upon her, as this very passage proclaims. Many recount being saved from accidents, illness and danger while reciting these verses, finding in them a living assurance of the Mother's ever-present protection.
Complete Text with Meaning
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एतत्कृतं यत्कदनं त्वयाद्य धर्मद्विषां देवि महासुराणाम् । रूपैरनेकैर्बहुधात्ममूर्तिं कृत्वाम्बिके तत्प्रकरोति कान्या ॥
etatkṛtaṃ yatkadanaṃ tvayādya dharmadviṣāṃ devi mahāsurāṇām rūpairanekairbahudhātmamūrtiṃ kṛtvāmbike tatprakaroti kānyā
Meaning:This slaughter that You have today wrought of the great asuras, the haters of dharma, O Devi — making Your single Self into many forms in manifold ways — what other goddess can do this, O Ambika?
विद्यासु शास्त्रेषु विवेकदीपे- ष्वाद्येषु वाक्येषु च का त्वदन्या । ममत्वगर्तेऽतिमहान्धकारे विभ्रामयत्येतदतीव विश्वम् ॥
vidyāsu śāstreṣu vivekadīpe- ṣvādyeṣu vākyeṣu ca kā tvadanyā mamatvagarte'timahāndhakāre vibhrāmayatyetadatīva viśvam
Meaning:In the branches of knowledge, in the scriptures, in the lamps of discrimination, and in the primal Vedic words — who is there but You? And yet it is You who cause this universe to whirl utterly in the pit of egoism, in the densest darkness.
रक्षांसि यत्रोग्रविषाश्च नागा यत्रारयो दस्युबलानि यत्र । दावानलो यत्र तथाब्धिमध्ये तत्र स्थिता त्वं परिपासि विश्वम् ॥
rakṣāṃsi yatrograviṣāśca nāgā yatrārayo dasyubalāni yatra dāvānalo yatra tathābdhimadhye tatra sthitā tvaṃ paripāsi viśvam
Meaning:Where there are demons and serpents of fierce venom, where there are foes and bands of robbers, where there is a forest-fire, and in the midst of the ocean — there, abiding, You protect the world.
विश्वेश्वरि त्वं परिपासि विश्वं विश्वात्मिका धारयसीह विश्वम् । विश्वेशवन्द्या भवती भवन्ति विश्वाश्रया ये त्वयि भक्तिनम्राः ॥
viśveśvari tvaṃ paripāsi viśvaṃ viśvātmikā dhārayasīha viśvam viśveśavandyā bhavatī bhavanti viśvāśrayā ye tvayi bhaktinamrāḥ
Meaning:O Mistress of the universe, You protect the universe; being the Self of all, You uphold the universe; You are worthy of worship by the lords of the universe; and they who bow to You in devotion become a refuge for the universe.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Vishveshvari Tvam Paripasi Vishvam
A powerful prayer for the Mother's protection in every danger and difficulty
Declares the Goddess present amid demons, foes, fire and flood as the world's guardian
Recited for safety during travel, illness, conflict and times of crisis
Glorifies her as the inner reality of all knowledge and scripture
Affirms that devotees who surrender to her become a shelter for others
A treasured portion of the Narayani Stuti for daily and Navaratri recitation
How to Chant Vishveshvari Tvam Paripasi Vishvam
Recite these verses with faith as a prayer for protection, dwelling especially on the verse 'Rakshamsi yatra...' which invokes the Goddess as ever-present in every peril. They may be chanted alone for safety or as part of the full Narayani Stuti and Durga Saptashati. Travellers and those facing difficulty recite them for the Mother's sheltering presence; light a lamp before her image and bow inwardly at 'Vishveshvari tvam paripasi vishvam.'
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