श्री दुर्गाष्टकम् — Benefits & How to Chant
श्री दुर्गाष्टकम्
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting श्री दुर्गाष्टकम्
A complete, concise salutation to Durga in her principal forms
ideal for daily worship
The phalashruti promises fulfilment of all righteous desires (sarva-kama)
Recitation is said to lead the devotee to Durga-loka, the Goddess's abode
Especially powerful when chanted on Ashtami and Navami during Navaratri
Invokes Durga as Yogamaya
granter of success in yoga and spiritual practice
Affords protection, courage and the destruction of inner and outer enemies
Short enough to memorise, making consistent devotion easy
How to Chant श्री दुर्गाष्टकम्
Instructions
Sit before an image of Durga, light a lamp and offer red flowers and kumkum. Recite the eight verses with devotion, dwelling on the refrain 'Durga-devi namo'stu te' at the close of each, and conclude with the phalashruti. Recitation is most fruitful during Navaratri — particularly on the eighth (Ashtami) and ninth (Navami) days, which the hymn itself names as dear to the Goddess. Eight or nine recitations daily through Navaratri is a traditional practice.
Spiritual Significance
Worshippers recite the Durga Ashtakam on Maha-Ashtami night when the Goddess is believed to be most present; countless devotees attest that earnest recitation through Navaratri turned away grave difficulties and fulfilled long-cherished prayers, in keeping with the hymn's promise that the reciter 'obtains all his desires'.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Shakta hymn (Durga stotra literature)
Author: Unknown (traditional)
The Durga Ashtakam belongs to the rich body of devotional octets composed in praise of the Divine Mother. It draws its imagery from the Devi Mahatmya and the Bhagavata: Durga as Katyayani who slays Mahishasura, as Yogamaya born sister to Krishna, as the four Vedas embodied, and as the eight-armed warrior Goddess worshipped on the Ashtami and Navami of Navaratri. Its compact form has made it a favourite for daily recitation and for the great autumn Navaratri festival.