The “Mahishasuramardini Stotram” is a brief composition containing 21 verses, dedicated to Goddess Mahishasuramardini

(Devi Durga), who vanquished the demon Mahishasura. Widely revered, these verses are traditionally recited in South Indian households during the Navaratri festival. The stotram vividly narrates how the goddess triumphed over various demons. This devotional hymn was composed by the renowned sage Adi Shankaracharya around 810 AD.

Verse 1

Ayi giri nandini nandhitha medhini
Viswa vinodhini nandanuthe
Girivara vindhya sirodhi nivasini
Vishnu Vilasini Jishnu nuthe
Bhagawathi hey sithi kanda kudumbini
Bhoori kudumbini bhoori kruthe
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini
Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe

Meaning: Salutations to the supreme goddess, who is like a mother to the universe, the one with a pleasing and joyful appearance. She resides on the mountains Vindhya and Sirodhi. She is the delight of Lord Vishnu and the one worshipped by Lord Shiva. O Bhagawathi, the mother of all families, the creator of vast families, victory, victory to you, O destroyer of the demon Mahishasura. You are adorned with beautiful hair and are the daughter of the mountain.

Verse 2

Suravara varshini durdara darshini
Durmukhamarshani harsha rathe
Tribhuvana poshini Sankara thoshini
Kilbisisha moshini ghosha rathe
Danuja niroshini Dithisutha roshini
Durmatha soshini Sindhu suthe
Jaya Jaya Hey Mahishasura Mardini
Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe

Meaning: O Devi, who is like a beautiful stream of rainwater, a fierce sight to behold, the destroyer of the arrogance of the demon Mahisha, the one who brings joy to the heart of Lord Shiva, the nurturer of the three worlds, the delight of Sankara, the one who dispels the sins of the wicked, the resonating sound of the cosmic ocean, the remover of distress caused by demons, the one whose wrath destroys negativity, the one who eradicates evil thoughts, the daughter of the ocean, victory to you, Mahishasura Mardini, the captivating one with a crown of matted hair, the daughter of the mountain.

Verse 3

Ayi Jagadambha Madambha Kadambha
Vana priya vasini Hasarathe
Shikhari siromani thunga Himalaya
Srunga nijalaya madhyagathe
Madhu Madure Mdhukaitabha banjini
Kaitabha banjini rasa rathe
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini
Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe

Meaning: Oh Mother of the universe, adorned with pride, dwelling in the Kadamba forest, the beloved of the resident of the mountain (Lord Shiva), with the peak of the Himalayas as your abode, residing amidst the range’s natural beauty. You are like a bee that tastes the sweetness of Madhu (nectar) and eradicates the demons Madhu and Kaitabha. Victory to you, Mahishasura Mardini, the charming one with a crown of matted hair, the daughter of the mountain.

Verse 4

Ayi satha kanda vikanditha runda
Vithunditha shunda Gajathipathe
Ripu Gaja ganda Vidhaarana chanda
Paraakrama shunda mrugathipathe
Nija bhuja danda nipaathitha khanda
Vipaathitha munda bhatathipathe
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini
Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe

Meaning: Oh goddess who smashed the heads of the wicked demon Satha, who shattered the arrogance of the elephant-faced demon Gaja, and who delighted in the destruction of the buffalo-demon, the lord of elephants. The foe of enemies, the slayer of Gaja, the moonlight of courage, the lord of animals. With your own arm, you struck the wicked demon Danda, you shattered the heads of the sinful Munda, the lord of the battlefield. Victory to you, Mahishasura Mardini, the captivating one with a crown of matted hair, the daughter of the mountain.

Verse 5

Ayi rana durmathaShathru vadhothitha
Durdhara nirjjara shakthi bruthe
Chathura vicharadureena maha shiva
Duthatkrutha pramadhipathe
Duritha Dureeha dhurasaya durmathi
Dhanava dhutha kruithaanthamathe
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini
Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe

Meaning: Oh Mother who is fierce in battle, the one who eliminates enemies, the embodiment of immeasurable and invincible power, the provider of unwavering strength. You are the wise and swift thinker, and even Lord Shiva contemplates on your form. You defeat the proud enemies and the leader of the host of demons. You are difficult to approach, your thoughts are unfathomable, you are beyond the reach of evil, and you destroy the intellect of the wicked. You put an end to the demons and their arrogance. Victory to you, Mahishasura Mardini, the captivating one with a crown of matted hair, the daughter of the mountain.

Verse 6

Ayi saranagatha vairi vadhuvara
Veera varaa bhaya dhayakare
Tribhuvana masthaka soola virodhi
Sirodhi krithamala shoolakare
Dimidmi thaamara dundubinadha mahaa
Mukharikruthatigmakare
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini
Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe

Meaning: O Devi, the best among those sought for refuge by the oppressed, you are the bestower of courage and remover of fears. You are the one who opposes the trident on the head of Lord Shiva, thereby putting an end to his headache. You wear a garland of skulls and possess a forehead adorned with the moon. The sound of your majestic drums resonates like the thunderous roars of clouds. Victory, victory to you, O Mahishasura Mardini, the enchanting Kapardini, the daughter of the mountain.

Verse 7

Ayi nija huum kruthimathra niraakrutha
Dhoomra vilochana Dhoomra sathe
Samara vishoshitha sonitha bheeja
Samudhbhava sonitha bheejalathe
Shiva shiva shumbha nishumbhamaha hava
Tarpitha bhootha pisacha rathe
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini
Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe

Meaning: O Devi with a dark complexion, your mere expression ‘humm’ brings about creation and dissolution. Your eyes are as red as embers, and your vehicle, the buffalo, is also of the same hue. You emerge from the essence of the red-hued seeds of creation and are also the ground for them. You have demolished the great demons Shumbha and Nishumbha in the battle, satisfying the spirits and goblins with their blood. Victory, victory to you, O Mahishasura Mardini, the enchanting Kapardini, the daughter of the mountain.

Verse 8

Dhanu ranushanga rana kshana sanga
Parisphuradanga natath katake
Kanaka pishanga brushathka nishanga
Rasadbhata shrunga hatavatuke
Kritha chaturanga bala kshithirangakadath
Bahuranga ratadhpatuke
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini
Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe

Meaning: With the sound of the bowstring and the twang of the bow, your swift and precise movements on the battlefield resemble a dance. Your golden body shines brilliantly, defeating the demon armies. The sharpness of your spear pierces through the enemies as if it were a venomous serpent. Having vanquished the four-fold army, you continue to prevail over the battlefield, showing the skillful play of all your limbs. Victory, victory to you, O Mahishasura Mardini, the enchanting Kapardini, the daughter of the mountain.

Verse 9

Sura Lalanata Tatheyi Tatheyi Tathabhi Nayottama Nritya Rate
Hasa Vilasa Hulasa Mayi Prana Tartaja Nemita Prema Bhare
Dhimi Kita Dhikkata Dhikkata Dhimi Dhvani Ghora Mrdanga Ninada Late
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini
Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe

Meaning: You perform the most extraordinary dance, captivating the gods and bestowing upon them joy with every movement. Your playfulness, laughter, and exuberance are intoxicating, as your whole being is filled with boundless love. The rhythmic beats of the drums create a resonating and intense sound, echoing loudly like the roar of a fierce drum. Victory, victory to you, O Mahishasura Mardini, the enchanting Kapardini, the daughter of the mountain.

Verse 10

Jaya Jaya hey japya jayejaya shabda
Parastuti tatpara vishvanute
Bhana Bhanabhinjimi bhingrutha noopura
Sinjitha mohitha bhootha pathe
Nadintha nataartha nadi nada nayaka
Naditha natya sugaanarathe
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini
Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe

Meaning: Chanting ‘Victory, victory to you,’ the sound of praise rises higher and higher, delighting the universe. The tinkling of your ankle bells, creating melodious sounds, enchants the spirits and ghosts who are mesmerized by your divine presence. As the leader of music and dance, you direct the rhythms of the rivers and the movements of the dance, infusing them with joy. Victory, victory to you, O Mahishasura Mardini, the enchanting Kapardini, the daughter of the mountain.

Verse 11

Ayi sumana sumana
Sumana sumanohara kanthiyuthe
Sritha rajani rajani rajani
Rajaneekaravakthra vruthe
Sunayana vibhramarabhrama
Bhramarabrahmaradhipadhe
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini
Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe

Meaning: O Devi, adorned with a pleasant smile that enhances the beauty of all beauty, you shine like a full moon among the stars. The night, the resplendent night, finds its expression in your radiant face. Your eyes are captivating and reminiscent of the intoxicated dance of bees around blossoms. You are the ruler of the universe, the source of all creation, and the queen of bees. Victory, victory to you, O Mahishasura Mardini, the enchanting Kapardini, the daughter of the mountain.

Verse 12

Sahitha maha hava mallama hallika
Mallitharallaka mallarathe
Virachithavallika pallika mallika billika
Bhillika varga Vruthe
Sithakruthapulli samulla sitharuna
Thallaja pallava sallalithe
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini
Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe

Meaning: Along with the great hordes of celestial beings, you engage in a mighty battle, O Devi, shining with splendor. You are adorned with a variety of flowers, symbolic of different seasons and expressing your all-encompassing beauty. Your creative gestures form intricate designs, much like the intricate patterns on vines and creepers. The bees are drawn to you, as are the tender leaves to the raindrops, enhancing your grace. Victory, victory to you, O Mahishasura Mardini, the enchanting Kapardini, the daughter of the mountain.

Verse 13

Avirala ganda kalatha mada medura
Matha matanga rajapathe
Tribhuvana bhooshana bhootha kalanidhi
Roopa payonidhi raja suthe
Ayi suda thijjana lalasa manasa
Mohana manmatha raja suthe
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini
Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe

Meaning: O Daughter of the King of Mountains, your radiant form outshines the splendor of a gathering of clouds, captivating the minds of great sages. You are the supreme adornment of the three worlds, the treasure trove of all beings, and the embodiment of beauty like the ocean. You possess the essence of desire, manifesting enchanting feelings in the hearts of even the great Cupid. Victory, victory to you, O Mahishasura Mardini, the enchanting Kapardini, the daughter of the mountain.

Verse 14

Kamala dalaamala komala kanthi
Kala kalithaamala bala lathe
Sakala vilasa Kala nilayakrama
Keli chalathkala hamsa kule
Alikula sankula kuvalaya mandala
Mauli miladh bhakulalikule
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini
Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe

Meaning: O Devi, your radiant complexion rivals the brilliance of a lotus petal, and your melodious voice surpasses the sweetest notes. You are adorned with a garland that surpasses the charm of artistic creations, and your graceful actions encompass the full spectrum of arts. Like a swan in a lake of artistic skill, you play amidst the myriad expressions of creativity. Your head is crowned with an assembly of bees, surrounded by joyful clusters. Victory, victory to you, O Mahishasura Mardini, the enchanting Kapardini, the daughter of the mountain.

Verse 15

Kara murali rava veejitha koojitha
Lajjitha kokila manjumathe
Militha pulinda manohara kunchitha
Ranchitha shaila nikunjakathe
Nija guna bhootha maha sabari gana
Sathguna sambrutha kelithale
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini
Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe

Meaning: Your melodious flute-like sound defeats the sweet calls of the cuckoos, while the charming notes of your voice cause the kokila birds to feel shy. You grace the lovely groves of the mountains, where the pulinda women bloom with delight upon seeing you. Among the assembly of great devotees and divine beings, your virtues shine brightly, and you engage in joyful play imbued with countless qualities. Victory, victory to you, O Mahishasura Mardini, the enchanting Kapardini, the daughter of the mountain.

Verse 16

Kati thata peetha dukoola vichithra
Mayuka thiraskrutha Chandra ruche
Pranatha suraasura mouli mani sphura
Damsula sannka Chandra ruche
Jitha kanakachala maulipadorjitha
Nirbhara kunjara kumbhakuche
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini
Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe

Meaning: Your waist is adorned with a unique and enchanting golden belt, which enhances the beauty of your waist. Your radiance rivals that of the moon, as you appear with a radiant smile that shames the moon’s glow. The sparkling gem on the crest of gods and demons glimmers brightly, and the sound of your anklets creates a celestial melody. You triumph over the golden mountains, and the elephant’s proud head is weighed down by the excellence of your bosom. Victory, victory to you, O Mahishasura Mardini, the enchanting Kapardini, the daughter of the mountain.

Verse 17

Vijitha sahasra karaika sahasrakaraika
Sarakaraika nuthe
Krutha sutha tharaka sangaratharaka
Sangaratharaka soonu suthe
Suratha Samadhi samana Samadhi
Samadhi Samadhi sujatharathe
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini
Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe

Meaning: O Devi, victorious over a thousand hands and wielding a thousand hands, you are adored by those who bow to you. You are the mother of the son of Himavan, who is the enemy destroyer, and the beloved of the one who destroyed the enemies. You grant liberation to those who seek refuge in you, and you are the embodiment of perfect meditation and realization. Victory, victory to you, O Mahishasura Mardini, the enchanting Kapardini, the daughter of the mountain.

Verse 18

Padakamalam karuna nilaye varivasyathi
yo anudhinam sa shive
Ayi kamale kamala nilaye kamala nilaya
Sa katham na bhaveth
Thava padameva param ithi
Anusheelayatho mama kim na shive
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini
Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe

Meaning: O Abode of compassion, the lotus feet of the one who constantly seeks refuge in you, O Shiva, are worshipped. O Lotus-born Devi, the abode of lotus, how could one who seeks refuge in you not become like you? Indeed, if I wholeheartedly meditate upon your divine feet, O Shiva’s consort, what is unattainable? Victory, victory to you, O Mahishasura Mardini, the enchanting Kapardini, the daughter of the mountain.

Verse 19

Kanakala sathkala sindhu jalairanu
Sinjinuthe guna ranga bhuvam
Bhajathi sa kim na Shachi kucha kumbha
Thati pari rambha sukhanubhavam
Thava charanam saranam kara vani
Nataamaravaaninivasi shivam
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini
Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe

Meaning: With a river of gold and artistic talents that continuously flows, the earth becomes adorned by your divine qualities. O Devi, does not even Kamadeva, the god of love, experience immense joy as he takes refuge in the captivating embrace of Shachi’s bosom? Your feet are the refuge for those who seek shelter, and your melodious voice grants solace. You dwell in the hearts of devotees, and you are the abode of Lord Shiva. Victory, victory to you, O Mahishasura Mardini, the enchanting Kapardini, the daughter of the mountain.

Verse 20

Thava Vimalendu kulam vadnedumalam
Sakalayananu kulayathe
Kimu puruhootha pureendu mukhi
Sumukhibhee rasou vimukhi kriyathe
Mama thu matham shivanama dhane
Bhavathi krupaya kimu na kriyathe
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini
Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe

Meaning: Your family lineage shines like the spotless full moon, illuminating all faces. How can the moon, with a benevolent face and fair countenance, cause any harm? For me, if I hold steadfast to the name of Shiva, wouldn’t your grace be bestowed upon me? Victory, victory to you, O Mahishasura Mardini, the enchanting Kapardini, the daughter of the mountain.

Verse 21

Ayi mai deena dayalu thaya krupayaiva
Thvaya bhavthavyam ume
Ayi jagatho janani kripayaa asi
thatha anumithasi rathe
Na yaduchitham atra bhavathvya rari kurutha
durutha pamapakarute
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini
Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe

Meaning: O Compassionate Mother, out of your infinite mercy, it is solely by your grace that I am nurtured. O Mother of the universe, with your compassion, you indeed grant your approval for this endeavor. If there are any mistakes in this, O Undefeated One, you alone will correct them without any doubt. Victory, victory to you, O Mahishasura Mardini, the enchanting Kapardini, the daughter of the mountain.