Mahishaasura Mardini Stotram

Devi Mahishaasura Mardini - Goddess Adi Shakti slaying the demon Mahishaasura

1. Ayi Girinandini Nandita Medini Vishva Vinodini Nandinute
Girivara Vindhya Shirodini Vaasini Vishnu Vilaasini Jishnunute
Bhagavati He Shiti Kantha Kutumbini Bhoori Kutumbini Bhoorikrute
Jaya Jaya He Mahishaasura Mardini Ramyaka Pardini Shailasute.

2. Suravara Varshini Durdhara Darshini Durmikha Marshini Harsharate
Tribhuvanaposhini Shankara Toshini Kilbisha Moshini Ghosharate
Danuja Niroshini Ditisutaroshini Durmada Soshini Sindhusute
Jaya Jaya He Mahishaasura Mardini Ramyaka Pardini Shailasute.

3. Ayi Jagadamba Madamba Kadamba Vanapriya Vaasini Haasarate
Shikhari Shiromani Tunga Himaalaya Shrunga Nijaalaya Madhyagate
Madhu Madhure Madhukaitabha Ganjini Kaitabha Bhanjini Raasarate
Jaya Jaya He Mahishaasura Mardini Ramyaka Pardini Shailasute.

4. Ayi Shathakhanda Vikhanditarunda Vitundita Shunda Gajaadhipate
Ripugajaganda Vidaaranachanda Paraakramashunda Mrugaadhipate
Nijabhujadanda Nipaatitakhanda Vipaatita Munda Bhataadhipate
Jaya Jaya He Mahishaasura Mardini Ramyaka Pardini Shailasute.

5. Ayi Ranadurmada Shatruvadhodita Durjara Nirjara Shaktibhrute
Chaturavichaara Dhureena Mahaashive Dhootakrta Pramathaadhipate
Durita Dureeha Duraashaya Durmati Daanava Doota Krutaantamate
Jaya Jaya He Mahishaasura Mardini Ramyaka Pardini Shailasute.

6. Ayi Sharanaagata Vairiva Dhoovara Veeravaraabhaya Daayakare
Tribhuvana Mastaka Shoola Virodhi Shirodhi Krutaamala Shoolakare
Dumidumi Taamara Dundubhi Naada Maho Mukhareekruta Tigmakare
Jaya Jaya He Mahishaasura Mardini Ramyaka Pardini Shailasute.

7. Ayi Nijahunkruti Maatra Niraakruta Dhoomra Vilochana Dhoomrashate
Samaravishoshita Shonita Beeja Samudbhava Shonita Beejalate
Shiva Shiva Shumbha Nishumbha Mahaahava
Tarpita Bhoota Pishaacharate
Jaya Jaya He Mahishaasura Mardini Ramyaka Pardini Shailasute.

8. Dhanuranusanga Ranakshana Sanga Parisphuradanga Natatkatake
Kanaka Pishanga Prushatkanishanga Rasadbhatashrunga Hataavatuke
Krutachaturanga Balkshitiranga Ghatadbahuranga Ratadbatuke
Jaya Jaya He Mahishaasura Mardini Ramyaka Pardini Shailasute.

9. Jaya Jaya Japyajaye Jaya Shabda Parastuti Tatpara Vishvanute
Bhana Bhana Bhinjimi Bhinkruta Noopura Shinjita Mohita Bhootapate
Natita Nataardha Natee Natanaayaka Naatita Naatya Sugaanarate
Jaya Jaya He Mahishaasura Mardini Ramyaka Pardini Shailasute.

10. Ayi Sumana Sumana Sumana Sumana Sumanohara Kaantiyute
Kshitarajanee Rajanee Rajanee Rajanee Rajaneekara Vaktravrute
Sunayana Vibhramara Bhramara Bhramara Bhramara Bhramaraadhipate
Jaya Jaya He Mahishaasura Mardini Ramyaka Pardini Shailasute.

11. Sahita Mahaahava Malaama Tallika Mallita Rallaka Mallarate
Virachita Vallika Pallika Mallika Bhillika Bhillika Vargavrute
Sitakrutapulli Samullasitaarana Tallaja Pallava Sallalite
Jaya Jaya He Mahishaasura Mardini Ramyaka Pardini Shailasute.

12. Aviralaganda Galanmada Medura Mattama Tangaja Raajapate
Tribhuvana Bhooshana Bhootakalaanidhi Roopapayonidhi Raajasute
Ayi Sudateejana Laalasamaanasas Mohana Manmata Raajasute
Jaya Jaya He Mahishaasura Mardini Ramyaka Pardini Shailasute.

13. Kamaladalaamala Komalakaanti Kalaa Kalitaamala Bhaalalate
Sakala Vilaasa Kalaanilayakrama Kelichalatkala Hamsakule
Alikula Sankula Kuvalaya Mandala Maulimilad Bhakulaalikule
Jaya Jaya He Mahishaasura Mardini Ramyaka Pardini Shailasute.

14. Karamuraleerava Veejita Koojita Lajjita Kokila Manjumate
Militapulinda Manohara Gunjita Ranjita Shaila Nikunjagate
Nijaganabhootha Mahaashabareegana Sadgunasambhrutha Kelitale
Jaya Jaya He Mahishaasura Mardini Ramyaka Pardini Shailasute.

15. Katitatapeeta Dukoola Vichitra Mayookhati Raskruta Chandraruche
Pranata Suraasura Maulimanisphura Damshula Sannakha Chandraruche
Jitakana Kaachala Maulipadorjita Nirbhara Kunjara Kumbhakuche
Jaya Jaya He Mahishaasura Mardini Ramyaka Pardini Shailasute.

16. Vijita Sahasra Karaika Sahasra Karaika Sahasra Karaikanute
Krutasura Taaraka Sangara Taaraka Sangara Taaraka Soonunute
Surathasamaadhi Samaana Samaadhi Samaadhi Samaadhi Sujaatarate
Jaya Jaya He Mahishaasura Mardini Ramyaka Pardini Shailasute.

17. Padakamalam Karunaanilaye Varivasyati Yo Nudinam Sa Shive
Ayi Kamale Kamalaanilaye Kamalaa Nilayah Sa Katham Na Bhavet
Tava Padameva Parampadamityanu Sheelayato Mama Kim Na Shive
Jaya Jaya He Mahishaasura Mardini Ramyaka Pardini Shailasute.

18. Kanakala Satkala Sindhu Jalairanu Sinchinute Guna Rangabhuvam
Bhajati Sa Kim Shacheekuchakumbha Tatee Pariramba Sukhaanubhavam
Tavacharanam Sharanam Karavaani Nataamaravaani Nivaasi Shivam
Jaya Jaya He Mahishaasura Mardini Ramyaka Pardini Shailasute.

19. Tava Vimalendukulam Vadanendumala Sakalam Nanu Koolayate
Kimu Puruhoota Pureendumukhee Sumukheebhirasau Vimukheekriyate
Mama Tu Matam Shivanaama Dhane Bhavatee Krupayaa Kimuta Kriyate
Jaya Jaya He Mahishaasura Mardini Ramyaka Pardini Shailasute.

20. Ayi Mayi Deenedayaalutayaa Krupayaiva Tvayaa Bhavitavyayume
Ayi Jagato Jananee Krupayaasi Yathaasi Tathaa Nu Bhitaasarate
Yaduchitramatra Bhavatyuraree Kurutaa Durutaa Pama Paakurute
Jaya Jaya He Mahishaasura Mardini Ramyaka Pardini Shailasute

MAHISHASURA MARDINI STOTRAM (MEANING)

1. Victory to You, O Daughter of the mountain (Himalaya) with a charming knot of hair, the slayer of the demon Mahisha, who takes joy in the universe (its creation, preservation and annihilation), resides on the highest peak of Vindhya mountains, has a very large family and bestows fulfillment on one and all. O Blessed Consort of Lord Ishwara, You are even praised by Nanda and Indra. 

2. Victory to You, O Daughter of the mountain (Himalaya) with a charming knot of hair, the slayer of the demon Mahisha, the destroyer of the demons Durdhara and Durmukha and the other sons of Diti (Daityas - Demons born of Diti). O joyful one, You nourish the three worlds, satisfy Shankara, remove the sins (of devotees), delight in the war-cries, and humiliate the arrogant. 

3. Victory to You, O Daughter of the mountain (Himalaya) with a charming knot of hair, the slayer of the demon Mahisha, Mother of the world residing in the forest of Kadamba trees which are very dear to You, who take delight in the roars of laughter in the inner apartments of Your own house on the peaks of the lofty Himalayas, whose nature is sweet like honey, who take great joy in the Raasa Krida (the Divine dance) of Vishnu, and who is the foe of demons Madhu and Kaitabha. 

4. Victory to You, O Daughter of the mountain (Himalaya) with a charming knot of hair, the slayer of the demon Mahisha, Goddess (on the battle field) who (as if possessed by the king of lions) crushed the horses into hundreds of pieces, chopped off the trunks of the best of the elephants and smashed their foreheads displaying fierce valour, and who destroyed the demons Chanda and Munda with powerful arrows. 

5. Victory to You, O Daughter of the mountain (Himalaya) with a charming knot of hair, the slayer of the demon Mahisha, the Goddess who, supported into the battle field for slaying the ferocious enemies, has Shiva the foremost among Gods as messenger, and who made up Her mind to put an end to the demon-clan because of their wicked wishes and evil behavior. 

6. Victory to You, O Daughter of the mountain (Himalaya) with a charming knot of hair, the slayer of the demon Mahisha, Goddess whose upraised palm offers blessings and assurance of fearlessness even to the valorous enemies who seek shelter with Her, who holds in Her hand the shining spear which is ready to strike at the necks of foes who afflict the three worlds. And who causes all the directions (entire sky) to be filled with the joyous sounds of the drum-beats of Gods. 

7. Victory to You, O Daughter of the mountain (Himalaya) with a charming knot of hair, the slayer of the demon Mahisha, Goddess who has destroyed the demon Dhumralochana along with his hundreds of followers, by a mere utterance of ‘Hum’ (a mystic syllable), who has drunk the blood emanating from Raktabeeja (a fierce demon) on the battle field and who while fighting with the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha satisfied the Lord of goblins (Shiva), with the war-cry Shiva-Shiva.

8. Victory to You, O Daughter of the mountain (Himalaya) with a charming knot of hair, the slayer of the demon Mahisha, the Goddess whose bangles are set in motion by the hand that throbs, having pulled the string of the bow, who has quivers full of golden arrows ready to be shot at the throats of the soldiers on the battlefield, where the four-fold army was destroyed by Her.

9. Victory to You, O Daughter of the mountain (Himalaya) with a charming knot of hair, the slayer of the demon Mahisha, Goddess who is praised by the world enraptured in singing Her glory, whose victory is celebrated by uttering ‘Jaya-Jaya’ by one and all, who charms Shankara, the Lord of the creatures with the jingling sound of Her anklets and who takes delight in the stirring music that accompanies Shiva’s dance as Ardhanareeshwara (the androgynous form of Lord Shiva).

10. Victory to You, O Daughter of the mountain (Himalaya) with a charming knot of hair, the slayer of the demon Mahisha, Goddess of delight, who shines with attractive effulgence of the deities with flower-like thoughts and feelings and with a face like the full-moon that causes the white lotus originating in the clear waters to bloom, who is adorned by yellow pollen grains resembling turmeric powder and who has chastised the demon Bhramara by the fiery vision of Her eyes which resemble swarms of violent bees. 

11. Victory to You, O Daughter of the mountain (Himalaya) with a charming knot of hair, the slayer of the demon Mahisha, Goddess with fiery eye lashes which vanquish the enemy-wrestlers on the battlefield, who is surrounded by a cluster of Lodhra trees shining with the sun-rays reflected from the white royal swans which dwell on the creeper that nests on them, and whose reddish-white feet move in a graceful dance. 

12. Victory to You, O Daughter of the mountain (Himalaya) with a charming knot of hair, the slayer of the demon Mahisha, Goddess who as Matangi rules over the best of elephants whose are rendered sticky with a profuse flow of ichor from their fore-head, who as the daughter of the ocean (Lakshmi) has the beauty of the full-moon that shines as the ornament of the three worlds and who as the daughter of cupid charms all men.  

13. Victory to You, O Daughter of the mountain (Himalaya) with a charming knot of hair, the slayer of the demon Mahisha, Goddess with the spotless and immaculate luster of lotus-petals who has a broad fore-head shining like the autumn-moon, whose feet move gracefully accompanied by joyous and dancing swans and who is adorned by rows of Bajula flowers and blue lotuses brimming with swarms of bees. 

14. Victory to You, O Daughter of the mountain (Himalaya) with a charming knot of hair, the slayer of the demon Mahisha, Goddess with a flute whose music puts to shame the sweet-sounding cuckoos dwelling in the bowers (of the mountains) filled with the humming of bees, who delights in a multitude of sports with virtuous tribal maidens serving Her. 

15. Victory to You, O Daughter of the mountain (Himalaya) with a charming knot of hair, the slayer of the demon Mahisha, Goddess whose luster excels the moon because of the splendour of Her yellow silk garment around Her waist, whose toe-nails shine like the moon reflecting the glittering rays emerging from the crest-jewels of deities and demons prostrating (at Her feet) and whose bosom stands aloft higher than the peaks of the Meru mountain and resembles the temples on the fore-head of the Divine elephant Airavata. 

16. Victory to You, O Daughter of the mountain (Himalaya) with a charming knot of hair, the slayer of the demon Mahisha, Goddess adored by the thousand hands of Sahasrarjuna who has excelled even the thousand-rayed Sun with his valour, who has Kartikeya who led the Gods in battle against the demon Taraka, as a son; and who reveals in the delight arising out of the acto f assuaging the mental agony of Suratha and Samadhi. 

17. Victory to You, O Daughter of the mountain (Himalaya) with a charming knot of hair, the slayer of the demon Mahisha, Goddess who is treasure house of compassion. O auspicious one, how can a person who worships You not become an abode of the Goddess of wealth? O auspicious one, what is that which I cannot achieve by constant devoted service to Your Feet which are supreme?

18. Victory to You, O Daughter of the mountain (Himalaya) with a charming knot of hair, the slayer of the demon Mahisha, O auspicious one, how can the one (Indra) who sprinkles the stage meant for Your dance with the river waters mixed with shining Nagakesara, not have the joyful experience of the embrace of the bosom of Shachi? And, who conceals the nature of Brahman (the Supreme Cosmic Principle), who is the embodiment of speech Divine and to whom the Gods bow, I take resort to Your feet. 

19. Victory to You, O Daughter of the mountain (Himalaya) with a charming knot of hair, the slayer of the demon Mahisha, O embodiment of purity, how can a person who looks upon your moon-like face and develops a bond (that acts like a bank beyond which the river of sorrow does not flow) with You, ever be turned away by the beautiful damsels of Indra’s city? Victory to you, O Goddess with the treasure of the name of Lord Shiva!

20. Victory to You, O Daughter of the mountain (Himalaya) with a charming knot of hair, the slayer of the demon Mahisha. O Uma, You should be compassionate to the afflicted and the down trodden. O Rama, You have become the Mother of the Universe with your kindness. That is Your true nature as we have understood. O revered Goddess, grant me what I deserve, destroy my deep agony! 

(Note: This Stotram has been composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya.)

Source: Song 16, Section 2, Stotrams: Sanskrit Hymns, Vandan: Students Prayer Book