Introduction
Among the timeless Sanskrit hymns that resound with divine power, few touch the soul as deeply as Aigiri Nandini, the Mahishāsura Mardinī Stotram. This magnificent composition is a poetic celebration of Devī Durgā, the fierce yet compassionate embodiment of cosmic energy, Śakti.
Each verse of this stotram overflows with reverence, rhythm, and radiance. The hymn paints the goddess as the eternal force who sustains creation, destroys ignorance, and restores harmony whenever darkness prevails.
In the philosophy of Nada Yoga, the universe itself is vibration, nāda. Chanting a stotram like Aigiri Nandini is not only an act of devotion but also a vibrational meditation that aligns one’s energy with the cosmic rhythm. The sound becomes a bridge between the finite and the infinite, awakening the same divine power that the verses praise.
Let us now journey through the sacred verses, each one a wave of sound and spirit, invoking the strength, grace, and boundless love of the Divine Mother.
Shloka 1
Sanskrit
अयि गिरिनन्दिनि नन्दितमेदिनि विश्वविनोदिनि नन्दिनुते
गिरिवरविन्ध्यशिरोऽधिनिवासिनि विष्णुविलासिनि जिष्णुनुते ।
भगवति हे शितिकण्ठकुटुम्बिनि भूरिकुटुम्बिनि भूरिकृते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ १ ॥
Transliteration
ayi girinandini nanditamēdini viśvavinōdini nandinutē
girivaravindhyaśirōdhinivāsini viṣṇuvilāsini jiṣṇunutē ।
bhagavati hē śitikaṇṭhakuṭumbini bhūrikuṭumbini bhūrikṛtē
jaya jaya hē mahiṣāsuramardini ramyakapardini śailasutē ॥ 1 ॥
English Translation
Ai – Divine Supreme Mother, Giri Nandini – Daughter of the king of the mountains, Nanditha Medini – 1) Worthy of prayer 2) Sita – daughter of Mother Earth, Vishwa Vinodini – Universal power that brings life to the Universe, Nanda Nuthe – Praised by Nanda, foster father of Lord Krishna, Girivara Vindhya – Vindhya Mountains , Shirodhini Vassini – Resident of the peak of the mountain range, Vishnu Vilassini – Worhsipped by Lord Vishnu, Jishnu Nuthe – Worhsipped and adored by Lord Indra, Bhagavathi – Mahalakshmi, Hey – Calling Mother with respect, Shithi Kantha – Wife of Lord Shiva, Bhuri Kutumbini – Mother of the whole universe, Bhuri Krithe – Fulfiller of all wishes, guardian of the entire universe, Jaya Jaya – More and more victorious, Hey – Hailing Mother with respect and affection, Mahishasura Mardhini – Slayer of the demon Mahishasur, Ramya Kapardhini – Elegant and beautiful hair (Tribute to the charm and beauty of the Goddess), Shaila Suthe – Daughter of Shailendra , Lord of the mountains
Shloka 2
Sanskrit
सुरवरवर्षिणि दुर्धरधर्षिणि दुर्मुखमर्षिणि हर्षरते
त्रिभुवनपोषिणि शङ्करतोषिणि किल्बिषमोषिणि घोषरते
दनुजनिरोषिणि दितिसुतरोषिणि दुर्मदशोषिणि सिन्धुसुते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ २ ॥
Transliteration
suravaravarṣiṇi durdharadharṣiṇi durmukhamarṣiṇi harṣaratē
tribhuvanapōṣiṇi śaṅkaratōṣiṇi kalmaṣamōṣiṇi ghōraratē । [kilbiṣa-, ghōṣa-]
danujanirōṣiṇi ditisutarōṣiṇi durmadaśōṣiṇi sindhusutē
jaya jaya hē mahiṣāsuramardini ramyakapardini śailasutē ॥ 2 ॥
English Translation
Suravara Varshini – Bestower of innumerable boons to the Devas, Durdhara – A demon , Durmukha – Another demon She stayed, Harsharathe – Creating joy & happiness by ending evil, Tribhuvana Poshini – Giver of food & sustenance to the 3 worlds, Shankara Toshini – One who pleases Lord Shiva immensely, Kilbisha Moshini – One who abolishes sin and its ill effects, Ghosharathe – Elimiates sin & the outcome of sin, Dhanujani – Those born to Dhanu – Dhanavas, Dhithisutha Roshini – One who bears anger against the sons of Dhithi (Asuras), Sindhu Suthe – Hail the daughter of the King of the Oceans (Mahalakshmi)
Shloka 3
Sanskrit
अयि जगदम्ब मदम्ब कदम्ब वनप्रियवासिनि हासरते
शिखरि शिरोमणि तुङ्गहिमलय शृङ्गनिजालय मध्यगते ।
मधुमधुरे मधुकैटभगञ्जिनि कैटभभञ्जिनि रासरते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration
ayi jagadamba madamba kadambavanapriyavāsini hāsaratē
śikhari śirōmaṇi tuṅgahimālaya śṛṅganijālaya madhyagatē ।
madhumadhurē madhukaiṭabhagañjini kaiṭabhabhañjini rāsaratē
jaya jaya hē mahiṣāsuramardini ramyakapardini śailasutē ॥ 3 ॥
English Translation
Ayi Jagadamba – Universal Mother, Madhamba – Mother to all creations, Kadamaba Vanapriya Vassini – Fond of the evergreen forests of the mountains, who resides there, Hassarathe – One who always maintains a gentle smile, Madhu Madhure – One who is nectar , the very power of Vishnu, Madhu Kaithabha Ghanjini – Vanquisher of two demons Madhu & Kaithabha, Kaithabha Bhanjini – Inflicts pain and harasses the demon, Raasarathe – Provides Divine enjoyment and indulges in it.
Shloka 4
Sanskrit
अयि शतखण्ड विखण्डितरुण्ड वितुण्डितशुण्द गजाधिपते
रिपुगजगण्ड विदारणचण्ड पराक्रमशुण्ड मृगाधिपते ।
निजभुजदण्ड निपातितखण्ड विपातितमुण्ड भटाधिपते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration
ayi śatakhaṇḍa vikhaṇḍitaruṇḍa vituṇḍitaśuṇḍa gajādhipatē
ripugajagaṇḍa vidāraṇachaṇḍa parākramaśuṇḍa mṛgādhipatē ।
nijabhujadaṇḍa nipātitakhaṇḍa vipātitamuṇḍa bhaṭādhipatē [-chaṇḍa]
jaya jaya hē mahiṣāsuramardini ramyakapardini śailasutē ॥ 4 ॥
English Translation
Ayi – Divine Mother, Shatha Khanda – One who cuts enemy into over a 100 pieces, Vikhandita Runda – Into tiny atoms, Vithunditha – Demolishes the enemy to the depth of doom, Shunda Gajaadipathe – Brutally destroys Shunda and his army of elephants, Ripugaja Ganda – Punishes all the elephants in the enemies camp, Vidharuna Chanda – Army of Demon Chanda scatters hither and thither, Parakrama Shunda – Devis might & valour against Asura Sunda, Mrigaadhi Pathe – Vechile of Godess the Lion strikes Munda’s forehead and despatches all his elephant army to death, Nija Bhuja – With her own hands, Dhanda – delivers punishment, Nipathitha Khanda – Endless flow of Divine weapons, Vipathitha Munda Bhataadipathe– Wields a brilliant divine sword like lightning and destroys Chanda & Munda and their entire army singlehandedly.
Shloka 5
Sanskrit
अयि रणदुर्मद शत्रुवधोदित दुर्धरनिर्जर शक्तिभृते
चतुरविचार धुरीणमहाशिव दूतकृत प्रमथाधिपते ।
दुरितदुरीह दुराशयदुर्मति दानवदुत कृतान्तमते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ ५ ॥
Transliteration
ayi raṇadurmada śatruvadhōdita durdharanirjara śaktibhṛtē
chaturavichāradhurīṇa mahāśiva dūtakṛta pramathādhipatē ।
duritadurīha durāśaya durmati dānavadūta kṛtāntamatē
jaya jaya hē mahiṣāsuramardini ramyakapardini śailasutē ॥ 5 ॥
English Translation
Ayi – Divine Mother, Rana Dhurmadha – Defeats those with evil intentions, Shathru Vadhoodhitha – Resolves to vanquish her enemies, Dhurdhara Nirjara – Mercilessly eliminates Evil forces, Shakti Bruthe – A profusion of infinite energy, Chatura Vichaara – Uses 4 intelligent strategies to overcome challenges with the enemies, Dhureena Maha Shiva – One of the Trinity, Dhoothakritha Paramadhipathe – Enlists the support of Lord Shiva, Dhuritha Dhureeha – Eliminates evil in different circumstances, Dhuraashaya Dhurmathi – Supresses evil in many forms, Danava Dhootha – Sends Shiva as an emissary to the Dhanavas, Kruthaantha Mathe – Being compassionate & motherly gives even the wicked Asuras a chance to reform
Shloka 6
Sanskrit
अयि शरणागत वैरिवधुवर वीरवराभय दायकरे
त्रिभुवनमस्तक शूलविरोधि शिरोऽधिकृतामल शूलकरे ।
दुमिदुमितामर धुन्दुभिनादमहोमुखरीकृत दिङ्मकरे
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ ६ ॥
Transliteration
ayi śaraṇāgata vairivadhūvara vīravarābhayadāyakarē
tribhuvana mastaka śūlavirōdhi śirōdhikṛtāmala śūlakarē ।
dumidumitāmara dundubhināda mahō mukharīkṛta tigmakarē
jaya jaya hē mahiṣāsuramardini ramyakapardini śailasutē ॥ 6 ॥
English Translation
Ayi – Divine Mother, Sharanagatha – Accepting those who surrender at her feet, Vairi Vadhuvara – Compassionate to the wives of her enemies who surrender to her, Veera Varabhaya – Wages war as per the rules of engagement, Dhayakare – Compassionate / Giver of boons and gifts, Tribhuvana – The Lord of the 3 worlds, Masthaka Shoola Virodhi – Impales the enemy warriors on the forehead, Shirodhi Krithamala Shoolakare – Makes a garland of the heads of the defeated and vanquished asuras on her spear, Dhumi Dhumi Thamaara – Booming sound of the lotus feet of Devi as she dances the thandava dance with her anklets in the battlefield, Dhundhubi Nada – Sound from her trumpet as she announces war, Maho Mukhari Kritha – Her face resplendent and shining beautifully, Thigmakare – The sharp shining red hot Trishul blazing in the Sun.
Shloka 7
Sanskrit
अयि निजहुङ्कृति मात्रनिराकृत धूम्रविलोचन धूम्रशते
समरविशोषित शोणितबीज समुद्भवशोणित बीजलते ।
शिवशिवशुम्भ निशुम्भमहाहव तर्पितभूत पिशाचरते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ ७ ॥
Transliteration
ayi nijahuṅkṛtimātra nirākṛta dhūmravilōchana dhūmraśatē
samaraviśōṣita śōṇitabīja samudbhavaśōṇita bījalatē ।
śiva śiva śumbha niśumbha mahāhava tarpita bhūta piśācharatē
jaya jaya hē mahiṣāsuramardini ramyakapardini śailasutē ॥ 7 ॥
English Translation
Ayi – Divine Mother, Nija Hoomkrithi – Chants the powerful Baja Mantra “Hum”, Maathra Nirakritha Dhoomra Vilochana – Killed the wicked asura Dhoomra Vilochana who was the commander of Shumbha and Nishumbha, whose red eyes always emitted poison, Dhoomra Shathe – Vanquished him in seconds, Samara Vishoshitha – Devi fights a special war , not the one fought by regular solders , Shonita Beeja Samudhbhava Shonitha Beeja Lathe – Reference to a powerful Asura whose every drop of blood creates more of his form, Godess kills him by swallowing all the blood that drips from him while fighting, Shiva Shiva Shumbha Nishumbha – Shumbha and Nishumbha are great devotees of Shiva, Mahaahava Tharpitha – She gives them liberation by chanting the name of Lord Shiva while killing them , Bhutha Pishaacharathe – Thereby ensuring that they attain moksha and do not become ghosts and ghouls
Shloka 8
Sanskrit
धनुरनुषङ्ग रणक्षणसङ्ग परिस्फुरदङ्ग नटत्कटके
कनकपिशङ्ग पृषत्कनिषङ्ग रसद्भटशृङ्ग हताबटुके ।
कृतचतुरङ्ग बलक्षितिरङ्ग घटद्बहुरङ्ग रटद्बटुके
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ ८ ॥
Transliteration
dhanuranusaṅga raṇakṣaṇasaṅga parisphuradaṅga naṭatkaṭakē
kanaka piśaṅga pṛṣatkaniṣaṅgarasadbhaṭa śṛṅga hatāvaṭukē ।
kṛtachaturaṅga balakṣitiraṅga ghaṭadbahuraṅga raṭadbaṭukē
jaya jaya hē mahiṣāsuramardini ramyakapardini śailasutē ॥ 8 ॥
English Translation
Dhanu Ranu Sanga – Devi looks beautiful holding the Bow, Ranakshana Sanga – One who uses her weapons as per the rules of the war, Parishpura Dhanga – Creates a divine aura as she holds with balance and poise her bow and arrows, Natak Katake – The sound from her bow and the entire atmosphere makes it feel more like a dance performance than a war, Kanaka Pishanga – The enemy showers on her red and golden arrows, Prishatka Nishanga – She responds to some and ignores the rest with Sringara rasa, Rasadh Bhata Shringa – Devi’s use of arrows and her response makes the whole performance look like a divine dance, Hathaa Vatuke – She is an expert in finishing off her enemies even with this grace, Kritha Chaturanga – Single handedly addresses 4 armies of the enemy, Balakshiti Ranga – One who weakens the enemy, Ghatad Bahuranga – Demolishes the wicked Asuras in different hues , Ratad Batuke – Her supremacy is complete, She is in total command, She is almighty.
Shloka 9
Sanskrit
सुरललना ततथेयि तथेयि कृताभिनयोदर नृत्यरते
कृत कुकुथः कुकुथो गडदादिकताल कुतूहल गानरते ।
धुधुकुट धुक्कुट धिंधिमित ध्वनि धीर मृदंग निनादरते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ ९ ॥
Transliteration
suralalanā tatathēyi tathēyi kṛtābhinayōdara nṛtyaratē
kṛta kukuthaḥ kukuthō gaḍadādikatāla kutūhala gānaratē ।
dhudhukuṭa dhukkuṭa dhindhimita dhvani dhīra mṛdaṅga ninādaratē
jaya jaya hē mahiṣāsuramardini ramyakapardini śailasutē ॥ 9 ॥
English Translation
Mother Durga – Whose Battle expresses as Celestial Dance
O you who take delight in the dancing of heavenly damsels made excellent by the acting out of tatatheyi-tatheyi-tatha/tathA! O you who are full of laughter, amorous gestures and hulAsa (meaning uncertain, but probably something along the lines of abandon)! O you who possess immeasurable love for afflicted persons bowing before you (i.e., seeking refuge in you)! O you who rejoice in the sustained/deep sound, dhimikaTa-dhikkaTa-dhikaTadhimi, of the mRdaGga drum! O vanquisher of the demon MahiSa! O one bearing attractive knotted hair! O daughter of the mountain! Victory to you!
Shloka 10
Sanskrit
जय जय जप्य जयेजयशब्द परस्तुति तत्परविश्वनुते
झणझणझिञ्झिमि झिङ्कृत नूपुरशिञ्जितमोहित भूतपते ।
नटित नटार्ध नटी नट नायक नाटितनाट्य सुगानरते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ १० ॥
Transliteration
jaya jaya japya jayē jaya śabdaparastuti tatpara viśvanutē
bhaṇa bhaṇa bhiñjimi bhiṅkṛtanūpura siñjitamōhita bhūtapatē । [jha-, jhiṃ-]
naṭitanaṭārdha naṭīnaṭanāyaka nāṭitanāṭya sugānaratē
jaya jaya hē mahiṣāsuramardini ramyakapardini śailasutē ॥ 10 ॥
English Translation
The world is dazzled by seeing the divine dance of the Godess. Jaya Jaya Japya Jaye – Devotees hailing Devi and chanting in chorus for her success, Jaya Shabdha Parasthuthi – She is the epitome of the word “Jaya” or Victory, Tathpara Vishwanuthe – All her devotees and supporters enamoured by her divine looks, energy and dance chant her name in chorus for her victory, Bhana Bhana Bhinjjini – Her jewellery makes a clanging noise as she dances the war dance and the whole universe looks in awe, Bhinkritha Noopura – Her anklets and other jewellery on her feet make a beautiful musical sounds, Sinjitha Mohitha Bhuta Pathe – Looking at this beautiful dance even Lord Shiva is mesmerised, Natitha Nataartha – She dances the cosmic dance like Nataraja with one feet on the ground and the other pointed towards the heaven’s, Natee Nata Nayaka – Always by the side of her devotees and her consort, Naatitha Naatya Sugaanarathe – The whole scene is captivating with the beautiful Godess dancing and creating divine music. The Deva’s and all those watching are spellbound
Shloka 11
Sanskrit
अयि सुमनःसुमनःसुमनः सुमनःसुमनोहरकान्तियुते
श्रितरजनी रजनीरजनी रजनीरजनी करवक्त्रवृते ।
सुनयनविभ्रमर भ्रमरभ्रमर भ्रमरभ्रमराधिपते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ ११ ॥
Transliteration
ayi sumanaḥ sumanaḥ sumanaḥ sumanaḥ sumanōhara kāntiyutē
śrita rajanī rajanī rajanī rajanī rajanīkara vaktravṛtē ।
sunayana vibhramara bhramara bhramara bhramara bhramarādhipatē
jaya jaya hē mahiṣāsuramardini ramyakapardini śailasutē ॥ 11 ॥
English Translation
Here Devi is described as one with beautiful round eyes constantly scanning the universe day and night protecting her devotees from evil forces. She is compared to a full moon. Ayi – Godess , Sumanah – Good Hearted, Sumanohara – Lovely physical form, Kaanthiyuthe – So beautiful that everyone is attracted to Her like a magnet, Shritha Rajanee – Shining like a full Moon on a dark night, Rajanee Rajanee Rajanee Rajanee Kara – She is the queen of the night, creates the energy and joy and peace of the night, Vakra Vrithe – Her face is perfect and beautiful like a full moon, Sunayana Vibhrama – Her beautiful eyes are always on the lookout protecting her devotees from evil, Rabhrama Rabhrama Rabhrama Rabhrama Radhipathe – She dazzles people with her illusionary power. She is the mistress of illusion.
Shloka 12
Sanskrit
सहितमहाहव मल्लमतल्लिक मल्लितरल्लक मल्लरते
विरचितवल्लिक पल्लिकमल्लिक झिल्लिकभिल्लिक वर्गवृते ।
शितकृतफुल्ल समुल्लसितारुण तल्लजपल्लव सल्ललिते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ १२ ॥
Transliteration
sahita mahāhava mallama tallika mallita rallaka mallaratē
virachita vallika pallika mallika bhillika bhillika varga vṛtē ।
sitakṛta phullasamullasitāruṇa tallaja pallava sallalitē
jaya jaya hē mahiṣāsuramardini ramyakapardini śailasutē ॥ 12 ॥
English Translation
Sahitha Maha Hava – She is very powerful and can combat all the massive wrestlers from the enemies army, Mallama Thallika – Battles with ease with the gigantic Asura wrestlers, Mallitha Rallaka Mallarathe – Wipes them out with the blink of an eyelid, Virachitha Vallika – Amids the forests of Himalayas in the midst of Pepper & Jasmine creepers grows the beautiful ” Valli” creepers, Pallika Mallika – The Lizard maintains its house here, Bhillika Bhillika Varga Vrithe – This is the abode of the Divine mother in the midst of rare flowering and medicinal plants in the Himalayas.Sithakritha Phulla – In this beautiful surrounding with Lily, Jasmine and fresh grass she lives, Samulla Sithaaruna – Her favourite haunts are around Lily & Jasmine flowers, Thallaja Pallava Sallalithe – In this beautiful surrounding , with lovely flowers in full bloom emanating a beautiful fragrance the Divine mother roams around
Shloka 13
Sanskrit
अविरलगण्ड गलन्मदमेदुर मत्तमतङ्ग जराजपते
त्रिभुवनभुषण भूतकलानिधि रूपपयोनिधि राजसुते ।
अयि सुदतीजन लालसमानस मोहन मन्मथराजसुते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ १३ ॥
Transliteration
aviralagaṇḍagalanmadamēdura mattamataṅgaja rājapatē
tribhuvanabhūṣaṇa bhūtakalānidhi rūpapayōnidhi rājasutē ।
ayi sudatījana lālasamānasa mōhanamanmatha rājasutē
jaya jaya hē mahiṣāsuramardini ramyakapardini śailasutē ॥ 13 ॥
English Translation
Avirala Ganda – Elephants that become intoxicated and uncontrollable when in a state of ” Madam”, Galanmadha Medhura – Elephants run amok when this liquid starts flowing between their eyes, Maththa Mathangaja Raaja Pathe – All the elephants in the Devi’s army including the king of the Elephants. (Ma Durga is able to make all the elephants in her army cause havoc with the enemy because she activates the secretions within their eyes that makes them uncontrollable), Tribhuvana – Godess of the 3 Worlds, Bhushana Bhootha – Covered with beautiful Jewels, Dazzling , a protective shield around her devotees, Kalanidhi – Embodiment of all arts, Rupa Payonidhi – Resides in all life forms, Raaja Suthe – Daughter of the Himalayas, Ayi – Godess , Sudha Theejana – Beautiful face, smiling , cool like the moon, Laalasa – Ever displaying her enchanting form, Maanasa Mohana Manmatha – Casting a spell on the minds of all not just with her beauty but her intellect, Raaja Suthe – daughter of the king of the Himalayas.
Shloka 14
Sanskrit
कमलदलामल कोमलकान्ति कलाकलितामल भाललते
सकलविलास कलानिलयक्रम केलिचलत्कल हंसकुले ।
अलिकुलसङ्कुल कुवलयमण्डल मौलिमिलद्बकुलालिकुले
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ १४ ॥
Transliteration
kamaladalāmala kōmalakānti kalākalitāmala bhālalatē
sakalavilāsa kaḻānilaya kramakēlichalatkalahaṃsakulē ।
alikula saṅkula kuvalaya maṇḍala maulimiladbhakulāli kulē
jaya jaya hē mahiṣāsuramardini ramyakapardini śailasutē ॥ 14 ॥
English Translation
Kamala Dhalamala – Pearls of Lotus, Komala Kaanthi – The attractive power of a beautiful Lotus, Kallakali Thamala – A Beautiful face like a Lotus that brings joy to one and all, Bhaalalathe – Face adorned by the crescent moon, Sakala – Wholesome, Vilaasa – Permanent, indestructible, Kalaanilaya – Expertise in all art forms, Krama – Follows all the rules, steps, discipline, Keli Chalathkala – Mastery of all art forms, creates and originator of forms of art, Hamsa Kule – From the family of Brahma, Ali Kula – Surrounded by Devi’s and other forms of Shakti, Divine Powers, Sam Kula – From a. good family, Kuwalaya – Lily flowers blooming in the water, Mandala – Community, Society, Mouli Milad Bhakulaali Kule – Resides in thick forests surrounded by Lily, Jasmine, Bakula flowers , with bees humming around
Shloka 15
Sanskrit
करमुरलीरव वीजितकूजित लज्जितकोकिल मञ्जुमते
मिलितपुलिन्द मनोहरगुञ्जित रञ्जितशैल निकुञ्जगते ।
निजगणभूत महाशबरीगण सद्गुणसम्भृत केलितले
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ १५ ॥
Transliteration
karamuraḻīrava vījita kūjita lajjitakōkila mañjumatē
milita pulinda manōhara guñjita rañjitaśaila nikuñjagatē ।
nijaguṇabhūta mahāśabarīgaṇa sadguṇasambhṛta kēḻitalē
jaya jaya hē mahiṣāsuramardini ramyakapardini śailasutē ॥ 15 ॥
English Translation
Khara Murali Rava – One holding and playing flute, Veejitha Koojitha – Creating divine intoxication music playing the flute, Lajjitha – Shy of getting carried away by the music like the Gopis were carried away by Lord Krishnas music, Kokila Manjumathe – Devi creates music sweeter than that of the shy Cuckoo bird, Militha – One who binds , joins , creates intimacy, Pulindha – Woman of hill tribe , Devi is also originally from the Tribe of the mountains, Manohara Gunjitha Ranjitha – Mingling with the Tribal women she creates music that merges with the buzzing of the bees, Shaila Nikunjagathe – Creating beautiful music wandering alone in the Tribal forests of the mountains, Nijaguna Bhutha – A person of superior character, Good Traits, Maha Sabari Gana – Mingling with the local Sabari clan, Sadhguna Sambhrita – Pure thoughts and actions, Kelithale – Mingles with the local Tribals , part of her own kin
Shloka 16
Sanskrit
कटितटपीत दुकूलविचित्र मयुखतिरस्कृत चन्द्ररुचे
प्रणतसुरासुर मौलिमणिस्फुर दंशुलसन्नख चन्द्ररुचे
जितकनकाचल मौलिमदोर्जित निर्भरकुञ्जर कुम्भकुचे
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ १६ ॥
Transliteration
kaṭitaṭapīta dukūlavichitra mayūkhatiraskṛta chandraruchē
praṇatasurāsura mauḻimaṇisphura daṃśulasannakha chandraruchē ।
jitakanakāchala mauḻipadōrjita nirbharakuñjara kumbhakuchē
jaya jaya hē mahiṣāsuramardini ramyakapardini śailasutē ॥ 16 ॥
English Translation
Katithata Peetha – Wearing a yellow drape on slim hips, Dhukoola Vichitra – Extraordinatily beautiful, attracts one and all, Mayukha – Bright form dazzles like fire, Thiraskritha – Overwhelms, Chandra Ruche – Equated to the brightness and the beauty of the moon, Pranatha Surasura – She is worshipped by all including the Asuras, Mauli Mani – Tinkling sound of bells, Sphura Dhanshula Sannakha – Sparkle and glitter of ornaments from toes and feet, Chandra Ruche – Equated to the brightness and the beauty of the moon, Jita Kanaakachala – Shines brighter than the golden Meru Parvat, Mauli Padhorjitha – Brightness from her body and feet infuses energy and enthusiasm in her devotees, Nirbhara Kunjara – Broad Forehead, Kumbhakuche – Divine Bosom shaped like the strong temples of the Elephant
Shloka 17
Sanskrit
विजितसहस्रकरैक सहस्रकरैक सहस्रकरैकनुते
कृतसुरतारक सङ्गरतारक सङ्गरतारक सूनुसुते ।
सुरथसमाधि समानसमाधि समाधिसमाधि सुजातरते ।
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ १७ ॥
Transliteration
vijita sahasrakaraika sahasrakaraika sahasrakaraikanutē
kṛta suratāraka saṅgaratāraka saṅgaratāraka sūnusutē ।
surathasamādhi samānasamādhi samādhi samādhi sujātaratē
jaya jaya hē mahiṣāsuramardini ramyakapardini śailasutē ॥ 17 ॥
English Translation
Vijeetha Sahasra – Eternally Victorious, Karaika Sahasra Karaika Sahasra Karaikanuthe – Very Powerful devotee who had 1000 hands and prayed to Godess and was blessed, Kritha Sura Tharaka – Blessed and gave weapons to help kill the Demon Tharaka and vanquish his army , Sangara Tharaaka Sangara Tharaaka – Tharaka and his army , Sonu Suthe – The demon was killed by Subramaniam, Lord Muruga the Son of Shiva and Devi, Samaadhi Suratha Samaadhi Samaana Samaadhi Samaadhi Sujatharathe – Suratha was a king and Samaadhi a Businessman. They fell in bad times and were given the Devi’s Beeja Mantra to chant by Rishi Medha. Chanting that with devotion they overcame their challenges and attained Moksha
Shloka 18
Sanskrit
पदकमलं करुणानिलये वरिवस्यति योऽनुदिनं सुशिवे
अयि कमले कमलानिलये कमलानिलयः स कथं न भवेत् ।
तव पदमेव परम्पदमित्यनुशीलयतो मम किं न शिवे
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ १८ ॥
Transliteration
padakamalaṃ karuṇānilayē varivasyati yō’nudinaṃ sa śivē
ayi kamalē kamalānilayē kamalānilayaḥ sa kathaṃ na bhavēt ।
tava padamēva parampadamityanuśīlayatō mama kiṃ na śivē
jaya jaya hē mahiṣāsuramardini ramyakapardini śailasutē ॥ 18 ॥
English Translation
Vijeetha Sahasra – Eternally Victorious, Karaika Sahasra Karaika Sahasra Karaikanuthe – Very Powerful devotee who had 1000 hands and prayed to Godess and was blessed, Kritha Sura Tharaka – Blessed and gave weapons to help kill the Demon Tharaka and vanquish his army , Sangara Tharaaka Sangara Tharaaka – Tharaka and his army , Sonu Suthe – The demon was killed by Subramaniam, Lord Muruga the Son of Shiva and Devi, Samaadhi Suratha Samaadhi Samaana Samaadhi Samaadhi Sujatharathe – Suratha was a king and Samaadhi a Businessman. They fell in bad times and were given the Devi’s Beeja Mantra to chant by Rishi Medha. Chanting that with devotion they overcame their challenges and attained Moksha
Shloka 19
Sanskrit
कनकलसत्कलसिन्धुजलैरनुषिञ्चति तेगुणरङ्गभुवम्
भजति स किं न शचीकुचकुम्भतटीपरिरम्भसुखानुभवम् ।
तव चरणं शरणं करवाणि नतामरवाणि निवासि शिवम्
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ १९ ॥
Transliteration
kanakalasatkala sindhujalairanusiñchinutē guṇaraṅgabhuvaṃ
bhajati sa kiṃ na śachīkuchakumbha taṭīparirambha sukhānubhavam ।
tava charaṇaṃ śaraṇaṃ karavāṇi natāmaravāṇi nivāsi śivaṃ
jaya jaya hē mahiṣāsuramardini ramyakapardini śailasutē ॥ 19 ॥
English Translation
Kanakala Sathkala – Hands adorned with jewels studded with stones she bestows all the skills and art forms (Kala & Vidya) Sindhu Jalairanu Sinjjinuthe Guna – Here she is praised as Saraswathi, all you need to do is to dip flowers in water and offer Abhishekam to her in your prayers, Ranga Bhuwam – Her form is pure and shimmering, Bhajathi – One who sings Bhajans, Sakimna Sachee Kucha Kumbha – In search of everlasting peace and happiness, Thatipari Rambha – Beautiful form, Sukha Anu bhavam – permanenent bliss, Thava Charanam – We surrender at your lotus feet, Sharanam – A place to surrender, Karavaani – Devi Saraswathi, Nataamara Vaani – One who is all Knowledge The Vedas and the source of all music, Nivasi Shivam – One who is merged with Shiva
Shloka 20
Sanskrit
तव विमलेन्दुकुलं वदनेन्दुमलं सकलं ननु कूलयते
किमु पुरुहूतपुरीन्दु मुखी सुमुखीभिरसौ विमुखीक्रियते ।
मम तु मतं शिवनामधने भवती कृपया किमुत क्रियते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ २० ॥
Transliteration
tava vimalēndukulaṃ vadanēndumalaṃ sakalaṃ nanu kūlayatē
kimu puruhūta purīndumukhī sumukhībhirasau vimukhīkriyatē ।
mama tu mataṃ śivanāmadhanē bhavatī kṛpayā kimuta kriyatē
jaya jaya hē mahiṣāsuramardini ramyakapardini śailasutē ॥ 20 ॥
English Translation
Thava Vimalendhu Kulam – Your face is pure and shining like a moon, you belong to the family of the Moon, Vadhanaendhu Malam – Shines like the moon with the glory of all knowledge and art forms, Sakalam – All , Nanu Koolayathe – You bestow special privileges on those who pray and meditate on you, Kimu – Whatever it is, wherever it is , whenever it is, whoever it is, Purohitha – One who is meditated upon, Purendhu Mukhi – One who is always seen with a smiling face like a moon, Sumukhi Birasau – Her face shines brighter than a 1000 moons, Vimukhee Kriyathe – Her smiling face encourages her devotees and keeps them going forward, Mamathu – Mine , Yours, With you, Matham – Faith, Trust, Shiva Naamadhane – Name of Shiva, Bhavathi – Devi, Kripaya – Mercy, Kimutha Kriyathe – One through Her divine mercy who held us accomplish difficult tasks with ease (Devi & Shiva are one , may be different forms but the energy is one)
Shloka 21
Sanskrit
अयि मयि दीन दयालुतया कृपयैव त्वया भवितव्यमुमे
अयि जगतो जननी कृपयासि यथासि तथानुमितासिरते ।
यदुचितमत्र भवत्युररीकुरुतादुरुतापमपाकुरुते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ २१ ॥
Transliteration
ayi mayi dīnadayālutayā kṛpayaiva tvayā bhavitavyamumē
ayi jagatō jananī kṛpayāsi yathāsi tathā’nubhitāsiratē ।
yaduchitamatra bhavatyurari kurutādurutāpamapākuru tē [mē]
jaya jaya hē mahiṣāsuramardini ramyakapardini śailasutē ॥ 21 ॥
English Translation
Ayi Mayi Deena Dayalu Daya – O Mother, Please show mercy on us poor weak souls, Kripayaiva Tvayaa – Displays mercy with just a fleeting glance, Bhavi Thavya Mume – One whose Compassion has no bounds and is always showing mercy and compassion on us, Ayi – Divine Mother, Jagatho Janani – Mother of the Universe, Kripayasi – Please show mercy on us, Yathaasi Thathanu Mithasi Rathe – Whenever we need your help please manifest and shower your compassion on us, Yaduchita Mathra – Make me eligible to be whatever I am capable of, Bhavathyurare – One who lifts us from the entanglement of Samsara, Krututhadhuru Thapa – Before we get scorched by the fire of samsara, Mapaakuruthe – During times of stress a mere look at your face is cooling and calming to the mind.
Conclusion
The Mahishāsura Mardinī Stotram is more than poetry, it is living sound. Each verse reminds us that within us too resides the Devi: the strength to overcome darkness, the grace to forgive, and the wisdom to shine.
At Nada Yoga School, Rishikesh, we explore this union of sound and consciousness where chanting, meditation, and devotion merge into one path.
Join us to experience the sacred vibration of Shakti through the art of Nada Yoga to not just sing the hymn, but become the hymn itself.
