Vishveshwari Tvam Paripasi Vishvam (The Devi Who Protects the Universe)
विश्वेश्वरि त्वं परिपासि विश्वम् (विश्व की रक्षिका देवी) in English · English
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✦ Meaning
These are among the most cherished protective verses of the Narayani Stuti from Chapter 11 of the Durga Saptashati. They declare that wherever there is danger — demons, venomous serpents, enemies, robbers, forest-fire or the open sea — the Goddess abides there protecting the world. As Vishveshwari, the Mistress and Self of the universe, she upholds all; and those who bow to her in devotion themselves become a refuge for others. The gods pray her to shield them from every fear and to end the sins and calamities of the worlds.
Origin & Story
Durga Saptashati Chapter 11 · Sage Markandeya (Markandeya Purana) · Ancient (part of the Markandeya Purana, c. 400–600 CE)
After the Goddess slays the great asura Shumbha, Indra and the gods extol her in the Narayani Stuti. In these verses they marvel that she abides protecting the world wherever danger is fiercest — among rakshasas, venomous nagas, foes, robbers, forest-fires and in mid-ocean — and salute her as Vishveshwari, the Mistress and very Self of the universe, who upholds all and whose devotees become a refuge for others. They pray her to shield them from every fear, as she has just done by destroying the asuras, and to end the sins and calamities of all the worlds.
✦ As told in scripture
Devotees through the ages have recited 'Vishveshwari tvam paripasi vishvam' before perilous journeys and in moments of grave danger, trusting the Mother's promise that she 'abides there protecting the world' — and countless traditions tell of travellers spared from fire, flood, venom and bandits who had taken refuge in these very verses.
Complete Text with Meaning
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rakṣāṃsi yatrograviṣāśca nāgā yatrārayo dasyubalāni yatra dāvānalo yatra tathābdhimadhye tatra sthitā tvaṃ paripāsi viśvam
Meaning:Where there are rakshasas 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. 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. O Devi, be gracious; protect us ever from the fear of foes, as you have just now protected us by the slaying of the asuras. And quickly bring to an end the sins of all the worlds and the great calamities born of evil portents. Be gracious to us who bow to you, O Devi, remover of the universe's afflictions; O you worthy of praise by the dwellers of the three worlds, be the bestower of boons to the worlds!
viśveśvari tvaṃ paripāsi viśvaṃ viśvātmikā dhārayasīha viśvam viśveśavandyā bhavatī bhavanti viśvāśrayā ye tvayi bhaktinamrāḥ
devi prasīda paripālaya no'ribhīte- rnityaṃ yathāsuravadhādadhunaiva sadyaḥ pāpāni sarvajagatāṃ praśamaṃ nayāśu utpātapākajanitāṃśca mahopasargān
praṇatānāṃ prasīda tvaṃ devi viśvārtihāriṇi trailokyavāsināmīḍye lokānāṃ varadā bhava
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting विश्वेश्वरि त्वं परिपासि विश्वम् (विश्व की रक्षिका देवी)
A powerful prayer for protection from every kind of danger — enemies, accidents, fire, water, venom and unseen threats
Affirms the Goddess as Vishveshwari, present and protecting wherever peril arises
Recited by travellers, sailors and those in hazardous circumstances for the Mother's shelter
Invokes the end of sins and great calamities (mahopasargas) born of evil omens
Promises that the devotee who bows in devotion becomes a refuge for others
Part of the Narayani Stuti, treasured for protection during Navratri and times of crisis
How to Chant विश्वेश्वरि त्वं परिपासि विश्वम् (विश्व की रक्षिका देवी)
Recite before an image of the Devi after lighting a lamp, or silently when facing risk or travel. Chant with full faith that the Mother abides in the very midst of danger to protect those who call on her. These verses belong to the eleventh chapter (Narayani Stuti); they may also be recited on their own as a focused prayer for safety and the removal of calamities.
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