Shakta

Mahishasura Mardini Stotram (Ayi Giri Nandini)महिषासुर मर्दिनी स्तोत्रम्

Devoted to Durga Mahishasura Mardini

Source: Adi Shankaracharya — 21-verse stotra in the metrical wonder of natamsuvara chhanda with internal rhyme on every syllable

Sanskrit (Devanagari)

अयि गिरिनन्दिनि नन्दितमेदिनि विश्वविनोदिनि नन्दिनुते। गिरिवरविन्ध्यशिरोऽधिनिवासिनि विष्णुविलासिनि जिष्णुनुते॥ भगवति हे शितिकण्ठकुटुम्बिनि भूरि-कुटुम्बिनि भूरिकृते। जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते॥

Transliteration

Ayi giri-nandini nandita-medini vishva-vinodini Nandi-nute | Giri-vara-vindhya-shiro’dhi-nivaasini Vishnu-vilaasini jishnu-nute | Bhagavati he shitikantha-kutumbini bhoori-kutumbini bhoori-krite | Jaya jaya he Mahishaasura-mardini ramya-kapardini shaila-sute

Meaning (English)

O daughter of the mountain, who delights the earth, who entertains the universe, praised by Nandi; resident upon the peaks of the great Vindhya, the lila-energy of Vishnu, worshipped by the conqueror Indra. O Goddess, consort of the blue-throated one, mother of many, source of all activity — Victory, victory to you, slayer of Mahishasura, beautifully matted-haired, daughter of the mountain.

Benefits (Phal)

The single most powerful Navaratri stotra — its 21 verses parallel the 21 names of Durga. Removes obstacles caused by enemies, evil eye, drishti dosha and gives unwavering courage. Recited every dawn at Vaishno Devi, Kollur Mookambika and Chamundeshwari Mysuru. Each verse is metrically self-rhyming — listening alone purifies.

Recommended count

1x daily

Difficulty

intermediate

Category

shakta

When to Chant

Navaratri all 9 nights (one verse per ghatika); every Friday and Tuesday; ashtami of every month; Durga Ashtami.

How to Chant

Sit facing north or east; red asana; rudraksha or red-coral mala; full 21-verse parayana ~12 minutes (the rhythm makes it self-pacing); can be chanted with body-sway in the natamsuvara metre; offer red flowers, kumkum and a coconut.

Book a pandit for Mahishasura Mardini Stotram (Ayi Giri Nandini) 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.

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Related chants

Soundarya Lahari — Opening Verse →