Durga Suktamदुर्गा सूक्तम्
Devoted to Durga (Agni-jata)
Source: Taittiriya Aranyaka 10.1.65-66, Mahanarayana Upanishad
Transliteration
jatavedase sunavama somam aratiyato nidahati vedah sa nah parshadati durgani vishva naveva sindhum duritatyagnih
Meaning (English)
For Agni Jatavedas, the knower of all that is born, we press out the soma. May he burn away the wealth of those who would harm us. May he ferry us across all difficulties, durgas — as a boat carries us across the ocean — protecting us from every danger and sin. The seven verses of the Durga Suktam invoke the Devi as the goddess born of fire, the indomitable mistress of every fort and stronghold, the unconquerable Durga who alone can carry the seeker safely past obstacles, enemies and the perils of samsara, granting refuge and final liberation.
Benefits (Phal)
Vedic Sri Suktam-class hymn for total protection from accidents, lawsuits, enemy attacks, planetary doshas and untimely death; one of the most powerful Vedic stotras for those undertaking long travel, military service, court cases or any prolonged ordeal; standard recitation in every Durga Saptashati anushthana, Chandi homa and Sahasra Chandi yajna across India; also chanted at the start of any major journey or new venture for vighna-nasha and karya-siddhi.
When to Chant
Daily after morning sandhya, every Tuesday and Friday, throughout Navaratri, on all Ashtami tithis, at the start of any journey, before court appearances and during any anushthana for relief from prolonged trouble or chronic affliction.
How to Chant
Sit facing east in a clean place after morning bath, light a lamp before Durga image. Chant all seven verses in Vedic udatta-anudatta-svarita svaras as taught by a traditional guru, or in simple unaccented sing-song style if not initiated. Pause at every shloka end and reflect on the meaning. Conclude with three salutations Jaya Devi, Jaya Devi, Mahishasura Mardini.
Book a pandit for Durga Suktam jaap
Major sankalp (1.25 lakh count or more) traditionally requires a trained pandit. Verified pandits perform on your behalf with full video proof + sankalpa with your gotra/nakshatra.