Devi Prapannarti-Hara (Prasida)
देवि प्रपन्नार्तिहरे प्रसीद in English · English
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✦ Meaning
These are the opening verses of the celebrated Narayani Stuti in Chapter 11 of the Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmyam), sung by Indra and the gods after the slaying of Shumbha. 'Devi Prapannarti-hare Prasida' is one of the most loved Devi prayers, begging the Mother who removes the distress of those who surrender to her to be gracious and protect the universe. It hails her as the support of earth and waters, the boundless Vaishnavi Shakti, the seed of the cosmos, and the very cause of liberation.
Origin & Story
Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmyam) Chapter 11 — Narayani Stuti, verses 2-4; from the Markandeya Purana · Sage Markandeya (traditional) · Ancient (the Devi Mahatmyam is dated to c. 5th-6th century CE)
The Devi Mahatmyam recounts how the asura brothers Shumbha and Nishumbha conquered the three worlds and drove out the gods. The Goddess, manifesting from the combined energies of the deities, slew Nishumbha, Raktabija and finally Shumbha himself. With the great asura fallen, Indra and the gods — their faces blossoming like lotuses with joy — poured out the Narayani Stuti in gratitude, beginning with this plea to the 'remover of the suffering of those who take refuge in her.'
✦ As told in scripture
Tradition holds that the Goddess's own promise within the Devi Mahatmyam — that she destroys the gravest calamities the very moment she is remembered — is fulfilled for those who cry out to her as 'Prapannarti-hare.' Devotees recount that sincere recitation in times of danger or grief brings a swift, almost tangible easing of the burden, as the Mother turns her grace upon the one who surrenders.
Complete Text with Meaning
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devi prapannārtihare prasīda prasīda mātarjagato'khilasya prasīda viśveśvari pāhi viśvaṃ tvamīśvarī devi carācarasya
Meaning:O Devi, remover of the suffering of those who take refuge in you, be gracious; be gracious, O Mother of the whole world; be gracious, O Mistress of the universe, protect the universe — you are the Sovereign, O Devi, of all that moves and is unmoving.
ādhārabhūtā jagatastvamekā mahīsvarūpeṇa yataḥ sthitāsi apāṃ svarūpasthitayā tvayaita- dāpyāyate kṛtsnamalaṅghyavīrye
Meaning:You alone are the support of the world, since you abide in the form of the earth; and by you, abiding in the form of the waters, all this is nourished, O you of unsurpassable might.
tvaṃ vaiṣṇavīśaktiranantavīryā viśvasya bījaṃ paramāsi māyā sammohitaṃ devi samastametat tvaṃ vai prasannā bhuvi muktihetuḥ
Meaning:You are the Vaishnavi Shakti, of boundless valour; you are the seed of the universe, the supreme Maya. By you, O Devi, has all this been deluded; and you indeed, when gracious, become the cause of liberation on earth.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting देवि प्रपन्नार्तिहरे प्रसीद
Invokes the Mother's grace and immediate protection for those who surrender to her
Believed to remove the distress and afflictions (arti) of devotees who take refuge in her
Calms fear and brings the assurance that the Goddess upholds and pervades all creation
Cultivates the attitude of sharanagati (loving surrender) at the Mother's feet
Recited as part of the Narayani Stuti during Navaratri and Durga Saptashati paath for welfare
Said to turn the Devi's pleasure (prasada) towards the seeker, becoming a cause of liberation
How to Chant देवि प्रपन्नार्तिहरे प्रसीद
Sit facing a picture or yantra of Durga with a lit lamp. Begin with 'Om' and the word 'Prasida', then recite these verses of the Narayani Stuti with a feeling of complete surrender. They are most often chanted at the close of a full Durga Saptashati recitation, or on their own as a heartfelt plea for the Mother's protection. Recite slowly, dwelling on the meaning of 'prapannarti-hare' — she who removes the suffering of all who come to her for refuge.
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