Mahishasura Mardini- In English Transcription

Mahishasura Mardini : An Ode to the Divine Feminine

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.