Narayani Stuti
नारायणी स्तुति in English · English
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✦ Meaning
The Narayani Stuti is the great hymn of the gods to the Divine Mother in the eleventh chapter of the Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati), part of the Markandeya Purana. After the Goddess slays Shumbha and Nishumbha and restores order to the universe, the assembled gods pour out this praise, addressing her as Narayani — the auspiciousness of all auspiciousness, the power behind creation, preservation and dissolution, and the refuge of the afflicted. With its tender, surrendering refrain 'Narayani Namostute,' it is among the most beloved and frequently recited prayers to the Goddess.
Origin & Story
Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati), Chapter 11 — Markandeya Purana · Maharshi Markandeya (traditionally ascribed) · Puranic period (c. 5th–6th century CE for the Devi Mahatmya)
The Devi Mahatmya, also called the Durga Saptashati or Chandi, forms part of the Markandeya Purana and recounts the Divine Mother's victories over the demons Madhu-Kaitabha, Mahishasura, and Shumbha-Nishumbha. After the Goddess slays Shumbha and Nishumbha and the universe is freed from terror, the gods led by Indra gather to glorify her. In this eleventh chapter they offer the Narayani Stuti, praising her as the supreme Shakti who is the auspiciousness of all auspicious things, the power behind creation, preservation and dissolution, the form and the ruler of all, and the unfailing refuge of those who are meek and afflicted. Moved by their devotion, the Goddess promises to incarnate again and again whenever danger threatens the world, assuring her devotees of her eternal protection.
✦ As told in scripture
Within the same chapter the Goddess promises that whenever the world is beset by calamity she will manifest and destroy the enemies of the righteous — a promise echoing the Gita's assurance of divine descent. Devotees hold that those who recite the Narayani Stuti with faith are shielded from disease, fear and misfortune, for the hymn itself declares that no calamity befalls those who take refuge in the Mother.
Complete Text with Meaning
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devi prapannārti-hare prasīda prasīda mātar-jagato'khilasya | prasīda viśveśvari pāhi viśvaṃ tvam-īśvarī devi carācarasya ||
Meaning:O Goddess, remover of the sufferings of those who take refuge in You, be gracious; be gracious, O Mother of the whole world. Be gracious, O Ruler of the universe, and protect the world — for You are the sovereign of all that moves and is unmoving.
sarva-maṅgala-māṅgalye śive sarvārtha-sādhike | śaraṇye tryambake gauri nārāyaṇi namo'stu te ||
Meaning:O auspiciousness of all that is auspicious, O benevolent one who accomplishes every aim, O refuge of all, three-eyed Gauri — O Narayani, salutations unto You.
sṛṣṭi-sthiti-vināśānāṃ śakti-bhūte sanātani | guṇāśraye guṇa-maye nārāyaṇi namo'stu te ||
Meaning:O eternal one who are the very power of creation, preservation and dissolution, the abode of the qualities (gunas) and their embodiment — O Narayani, salutations unto You.
śaraṇāgata-dīnārta-paritrāṇa-parāyaṇe | sarvasyārti-hare devi nārāyaṇi namo'stu te ||
Meaning:O You ever intent on rescuing the meek and the afflicted who seek Your shelter, O Goddess who removes the distress of all — O Narayani, salutations unto You.
sarva-svarūpe sarveśe sarva-śakti-samanvite | bhayebhyas-trāhi no devi durge devi namo'stu te ||
Meaning:O You who are the form of all, the Lord of all, endowed with every power — save us from all fears, O Goddess Durga; O Goddess, salutations unto You.
rogān-aśeṣān-apahaṃsi tuṣṭā ruṣṭā tu kāmān sakalān-abhīṣṭān | tvām-āśritānāṃ na vipan-narāṇāṃ tvām-āśritā hy-āśrayatāṃ prayānti ||
Meaning:When pleased, You destroy every disease; when displeased, You frustrate all longed-for desires. No misfortune befalls those who have taken refuge in You, and indeed those who shelter in You become a refuge for others.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting नारायणी स्तुति
One of the most powerful prayers for the Divine Mother's grace and protection
The refrain 'Narayani Namostute' is held to remove fear, disease and misfortune
Recited for the welfare of the world and for shelter in times of distress
Glorifies the Goddess as the power behind all creation, preservation and dissolution
Said to bring health when the Mother is pleased and to fulfil righteous desires
A central hymn of Navaratri and daily Durga Saptashati recitation
How to Chant नारायणी स्तुति
Recite the verses with devotion and surrender, lingering on the refrain 'Narayani Namostute' at the close of each verse and bowing inwardly to the Mother. It may be chanted on its own as a heartfelt prayer for protection, or as part of a full Durga Saptashati (Chandi) recitation, especially during Navaratri. Light a lamp before an image of the Goddess and offer red flowers if possible, calling upon her as the remover of all fears.
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