Durga Chalisa
दुर्गा चालीसा
40-verse chalisa to the Divine Mother — Maa Durga in her many forms. Composed by Devidas. The principal devotional text for Navaratri alongside Durga Saptashati.
Significance
Durga is the source of all shakti (power) and the protector against evil. Her chalisa is recited for strength, protection, removal of obstacles, and victory over enemies (both inner and outer). Especially powerful during the nine nights of Navaratri.
When recited: Navaratri (both Chaitra and Sharad), Fridays, Ashtami
Benefits
- Protection from negative forces and enemies
- Strength to face challenges
- Removal of financial difficulties
- Blessings for marriage and progeny
- Victory in legal and competitive matters
Opening verses
First 6 verses of the Durga Chalisa — the most-recited opening section.
नमो नमो दुर्गे सुख करनी। नमो नमो अम्बे दुख हरनी॥
निरंकार है ज्योति तुम्हारी। तिहूँ लोक फैली उजियारी॥
शशि ललाट मुख महाविशाला। नेत्र लाल भृकुटी विकराला॥
रूप मातु को अधिक सुहावे। दरश करत जन अति सुख पावे॥
तुम संसार शक्ति लय कीना। पालन हेतु अन्न धन दीना॥
अन्नपूर्णा हुई जग पाला। तुम ही आदि सुन्दरी बाला॥
Meaning
Salutations, salutations to Durga, granter of joy. Salutations, salutations to Amba, dispeller of sorrow. Your light is formless — its brilliance fills all three worlds. Moon on your forehead, vast face, red eyes, fierce eyebrows. The Mother's form is supremely beautiful — those who behold it find profound joy. You created the energy of the universe and gave food and wealth for its sustenance. As Annapurna you feed the world — you are also the primordial young maiden.
For complete authoritative text
Refer to printed editions from these sources for the full 40-verse chalisa with traditional pronunciation guides: