Adi Shankaracharya
अयि गिरिनन्दिनि नन्दितमेदिनि विश्वविनोदिनि नन्दिनुते
गिरिवरविन्ध्यशिरोऽधिनिवासिनि विष्णुविलासिनि जिष्णुनुते ।
भगवति हे शितिकण्ठकुटुम्बिनि भूरिकुटुम्बिनि भूरिकृते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ १ ॥
सुरवरवर्षिणि दुर्धरधर्षिणि दुर्मुखमर्षिणि हर्षरते
त्रिभुवनपोषिणि शङ्करतोषिणि किल्बिषमोषिणि घोषरते
दनुजनिरोषिणि दितिसुतरोषिणि दुर्मदशोषिणि सिन्धुसुते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ २ ॥
अयि जगदम्ब मदम्ब कदम्ब वनप्रियवासिनि हासरते
शिखरि शिरोमणि तुङ्गहिमालय शृङ्गनिजालय मध्यगते ।
मधुमधुरे मधुकैटभगञ्जिनि कैटभभञ्जिनि रासरते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ ३ ॥
अयि शतखण्ड विखण्डितरुण्ड वितुण्डितशुण्द गजाधिपते
रिपुगजगण्ड विदारणचण्ड पराक्रमशुण्ड मृगाधिपते ।
निजभुजदण्ड निपातितखण्ड विपातितमुण्ड भटाधिपते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ ४ ॥
अयि रणदुर्मद शत्रुवधोदित दुर्धरनिर्जर शक्तिभृते
चतुरविचार धुरीणमहाशिव दूतकृत प्रमथाधिपते ।
दुरितदुरीह दुराशयदुर्मति दानवदुत कृतान्तमते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ ५ ॥
अयि शरणागत वैरिवधुवर वीरवराभय दायकरे
त्रिभुवनमस्तक शूलविरोधि शिरोऽधिकृतामल शूलकरे ।
दुमिदुमितामर धुन्दुभिनादमहोमुखरीकृत दिङ्मकरे
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ ६ ॥
अयि निजहुङ्कृति मात्रनिराकृत धूम्रविलोचन धूम्रशते
समरविशोषित शोणितबीज समुद्भवशोणित बीजलते ।
शिवशिवशुम्भ निशुम्भमहाहव तर्पितभूत पिशाचरते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ ७ ॥
धनुरनुषङ्ग रणक्षणसङ्ग परिस्फुरदङ्ग नटत्कटके
कनकपिशङ्ग पृषत्कनिषङ्ग रसद्भटशृङ्ग हताबटुके ।
कृतचतुरङ्ग बलक्षितिरङ्ग घटद्बहुरङ्ग रटद्बटुके
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ ८ ॥
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 ॥
जय जय जप्य जयेजयशब्द परस्तुति तत्परविश्वनुते
झणझणझिञ्झिमि झिङ्कृत नूपुरशिञ्जितमोहित भूतपते ।
नटित नटार्ध नटी नट नायक नाटितनाट्य सुगानरते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ १० ॥
अयि सुमनःसुमनःसुमनः सुमनःसुमनोहरकान्तियुते
श्रितरजनी रजनीरजनी रजनीरजनी करवक्त्रवृते ।
सुनयनविभ्रमर भ्रमरभ्रमर भ्रमरभ्रमराधिपते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ ११ ॥
सहितमहाहव मल्लमतल्लिक मल्लितरल्लक मल्लरते
विरचितवल्लिक पल्लिकमल्लिक झिल्लिकभिल्लिक वर्गवृते ।
शितकृतफुल्ल समुल्लसितारुण तल्लजपल्लव सल्ललिते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ १२ ॥
अविरलगण्ड गलन्मदमेदुर मत्तमतङ्ग जराजपते
त्रिभुवनभुषण भूतकलानिधि रूपपयोनिधि राजसुते ।
अयि सुदतीजन लालसमानस मोहन मन्मथराजसुते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ १३ ॥
कमलदलामल कोमलकान्ति कलाकलितामल भाललते
सकलविलास कलानिलयक्रम केलिचलत्कल हंसकुले ।
अलिकुलसङ्कुल कुवलयमण्डल मौलिमिलद्बकुलालिकुले
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ १४ ॥
करमुरलीरव वीजितकूजित लज्जितकोकिल मञ्जुमते
मिलितपुलिन्द मनोहरगुञ्जित रञ्जितशैल निकुञ्जगते ।
निजगणभूत महाशबरीगण सद्गुणसम्भृत केलितले
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ १५ ॥
कटितटपीत दुकूलविचित्र मयुखतिरस्कृत चन्द्ररुचे
प्रणतसुरासुर मौलिमणिस्फुर दंशुलसन्नख चन्द्ररुचे
जितकनकाचल मौलिमदोर्जित निर्भरकुञ्जर कुम्भकुचे
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ १६ ॥
विजितसहस्रकरैक सहस्रकरैक सहस्रकरैकनुते
कृतसुरतारक सङ्गरतारक सङ्गरतारक सूनुसुते ।
सुरथसमाधि समानसमाधि समाधिसमाधि सुजातरते ।
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ १७ ॥
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 ॥
कनकलसत्कलसिन्धुजलैरनुषिञ्चति तेगुणरङ्गभुवम्
भजति स किं न शचीकुचकुम्भतटीपरिरम्भसुखानुभवम् ।
तव चरणं शरणं करवाणि नतामरवाणि निवासि शिवम्
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ १९ ॥
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 ॥
अयि मयि दीन दयालुतया कृपयैव त्वया भवितव्यमुमे
अयि जगतो जननी कृपयासि यथासि तथानुमितासिरते ।
यदुचितमत्र भवत्युररीकुरुतादुरुतापमपाकुरुते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ २१ ॥
Introduction:
The Mahishasura Mardini Stotra is a revered hymn composed by the legendary Hindu philosopher, Adi Shankaracharya. This divine composition comprises 21 verses, each dedicated to Goddess Durga, extolling her divine glory and her valorous triumph over the demon Mahishasura. The verses are filled with profound devotion and vivid imagery that conjure the powerful and awe-inspiring presence of the goddess.
Verse 1 - Salutations to the Divine Mother: The Mahishasura Mardini Stotra begins with a heartfelt salutation to Goddess Durga. The first verse sets the tone for the entire hymn by acknowledging the goddess as the daughter of the mighty Himalayas. Her very presence brings joy to the world, and she is celebrated as the consort of Lord Shiva. This verse beautifully encapsulates her role as the universal mother, responsible for the creation, preservation, and destruction of the cosmos.
Verse 2 - The Bestower of Blessings: In the second verse, Goddess Durga is hailed as the one who showers blessings on the Devas. Her victories over the demons Durdhara, Durmukha, and others are celebrated. She is depicted as the one who derives bliss from her own divine nature, and her compassion and power are extolled.
Verse 3 - Mother of the Universe: The third verse beautifully portrays Goddess Durga as the mother of the universe, emphasizing her nurturing and loving qualities. She takes delight in the forest of kadamba trees and is praised for her sweet and honey-like nature. The goddess is revered for her role in vanquishing demons such as Madhu and Kaitabha.
Verse 4 - Slayer of Fierce Enemies: This verse highlights Goddess Durga's valor and might. She shatters the horses and elephants of her enemies, effectively dismantling their war machinery. Her lion, a symbol of supreme courage, is depicted as tearing through the enemies with ease.
Verse 5 - The Invincible Warrior: Goddess Durga's invincibility is underscored in the fifth verse. She is praised for manifesting her immeasurable power to destroy arrogant demons. Her alliance with Lord Shiva, the lord of ghosts, is noted, as is her ability to thwart the evil designs of demonic messengers.
Verse 6 - The Fearless Protector: In this verse, the goddess is hailed as the fearless protector of those who seek refuge in her. Her trident symbolizes her authority over the three worlds, and she is compared to the radiant sun. Her association with the war drum signifies her active role in battles.
Verse 7 - The Vanquisher of Demons: This verse narrates how Goddess Durga obliterated the demon Dhumralochana with a resounding war cry. She also put an end to Raktabeeja, a demon whose spilled blood produced more demons, thus satisfying the Bhutas and Pisachas.
Verse 8 - Warrior with Divine Ornaments: Goddess Durga's divine ornaments and her proficiency in warfare are celebrated in this verse. Her arrows are compared to powerful mantras that behead her enemies. The goddess is depicted as emerging victorious against the four formidable forces of the enemy.
Verse 9 - The Devotional Rhythms: This verse describes the goddess's joy in the rhythmic dance sequences and celestial music performed by divine beings. The rhythm and music are aligned with the tense atmosphere of battle, and the goddess's joy in dancing with Lord Shiva in their Ardhanarishwara form is lauded.
Verse 10 - Beauty and Charm: Goddess Durga's beauty is extolled in this verse. Her face, radiant as the moon, outshines the loveliness of celestial maidens. Her enchanting eyes are said to captivate even the bees. The verse ends with a reverent plea for victory.
Verse 11 - Slayer of Combat Wrestlers: This verse praises the goddess for vanquishing accomplished combat wrestlers and her abode around the Gnana tree. The goddess's wanderings among blooming plants and her red hue are noted with devotion.
Verse 12 - The Royal Intoxicated Elephant: The twelfth verse portrays the goddess as a royal, intoxicated elephant, exuding beauty, art, and power. She is hailed as the bestower of desires and infatuation, inspiring people's hearts.
Verse 13 - Lotus Radiance: Goddess Durga's radiance, compared to the brilliance of lotus petals, is celebrated in this verse. Her forehead is likened to a clear moon, and she is surrounded by attendants and graceful swans.
Verse 14 - The Voice of a Flute: This verse describes the melodious quality of the goddess's voice, likened to the sounds of a flute that humbles even the cuckoo birds. Her affinity for the Vindhya mountains and its bees is mentioned.
Verse 15 - Luminous Beauty: Goddess Durga's waist, adorned with colorful silk, is radiant like the moon. The gleam from the crowns of Devas and Asuras reflects on her feet, and her bosom is compared to the golden peak of Mount Meru.
Verse 16 - The Conqueror of Thousands: This verse hails Goddess Durga's thousand arms that conquer thousands of enemies. She is credited with creating Lord Kartikeya to battle the demon Tarakasura and is depicted as removing worldly attachments.
Verse 17 - Goddess of Grace: The seventeenth verse emphasizes that by worshiping the goddess daily, one experiences the joy of her boundless grace. Her arrows metaphorically scatter like blessings on her devotees, ridding them of ego.
Verse 18 - Devotion to the Supreme: In this verse, devotees seek refuge in the goddess's feet, emphasizing their unwavering devotion and trust. The verse beautifully encapsulates the sense of completeness and auspiciousness offered by her grace.
Verse 19 - Divine Rivers of Grace: This verse portrays the goddess's grace as akin to holy rivers, purifying and enriching the hearts and minds of her devotees. She is called Vani, the bestower of wisdom and wealth.
Verse 20 - The Ultimate Purity: Goddess Durga's purity is lauded in the twentieth verse. Her radiance overcomes impurities, drawing the minds of devotees towards the treasure of Shiva's name within them.
Verse 21 - A Prayer for Compassion: The final verse implores the compassionate goddess to bestow her grace, alleviate suffering, and bring relief to those in distress.
The Mahishasura Mardini Stotra, penned by Adi Shankaracharya, is a timeless tribute to the divine feminine energy, encapsulating the power, grace, and compassion of Goddess Durga. Each verse resounds with deep devotion, painting a vivid portrait of the goddess's might and beauty, making it a cherished hymn in Hindu devotional literature.