What is the Mahishasuramardini Stotram?
The Mahishasuramardini Stotram, also known as "Ayi Girinandini," is a highly renowned Sanskrit hymn dedicated to the glory of Goddess Durga. It offers a soulful description of Goddess Durga's exquisite beauty, immense power, and compassion, as well as her destruction of numerous demons, including Mahishasura.
This hymn is recited and sung with devotion at nearly all Shaktipeeths and Durga temples across India, as well as during the festival of Navaratri. Devotees believe that its regular recitation dispels fear, negativity, obstacles, and hindrances caused by enemies, while also invoking the special grace of Goddess Durga.
Note: The composition of this hymn is traditionally attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, although scholars hold differing opinions regarding its actual authorship.
Mahishasuramardini Stotra (Aayi Girinandini)
Verse 1
Ayi Giri Nandini, Nandhitha Medhini, Viswa Vinodhini NandanutheGirivara Vindhya Sirodhi Nivasini, Vishnu Vilasini Jishnu Nuthe ।Bhagawathi Hey Sithi Kanda Kudumbini, Bhoori Kudumbini Bhoori Kruthe,
Jaya Jaya Hey Mahishasura Mardini, Ramya Kapardini, Shaila Suthe ॥ 1 ॥Meaning:
O Daughter of the King of Mountains, Himalaya! You bring joy to the entire earth, sustain the universe, and are the beloved Shakti (Divine Energy) of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. You protected the world by slaying the tyrannical demon Mahishasura. Repeated salutations to such a Divine Mother of the Universe (Jagadamba).
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 ॥ 2 ॥
Meaning: O Goddess! You shower grace upon the gods, shatter the arrogance of the wicked, sustain the three worlds, and bring joy to Lord Shankar. By destroying sins, You fill the lives of Your devotees with happiness and bliss.
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 Hey Mahishasura Mardini , Ramya Kapardini, Shaila Suthe ॥ 3 ॥
Meaning: O Mother of the Universe! You cherish the beauty of mountains, forests, and nature. You protected the gods and the world by destroying powerful demons like Madhu and Kaitabha. Your sweet smile and divine form bring bliss to your devotees.
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 Hey Mahishasura Mardini , Ramya Kapardini, Shaila Suthe ॥ 4 ॥
Meaning: O Goddess! You destroyed massive elephants, armies of demons, and their commanders in battle. No wicked being could withstand Your wondrous power and valor.
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 Hey Mahishasura Mardini , Ramya Kapardini, Shaila Suthe ॥ 5 ॥
Meaning: O Mother! You united the powers of the gods and destroyed the demons. You are the protector of righteousness and the destroyer of unrighteousness. It was through your courage that the gods achieved victory.
Verse 6
Ayi Saranagatha Vairi Vadhuvara, Veera Varaa Bhaya Dhayakare,Tribhuvana Masthaka Soola Virodhi, Sirodhi Krithamala Shoolakare ।
Dimidmi Thaamara Dundubinadha Mahaa , Ukharikruthatigmakare,
Jaya Jaya Hey Mahishasura Mardini , Ramya Kapardini, Shaila Suthe ॥ 6 ॥
Meaning: You grant fearlessness to whoever seeks refuge in You. The power of Your trident destroys the wicked, and the sound of Your victory cry reverberates across the three worlds.
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 Hey Mahishasura Mardini , Ramya Kapardini, Shaila Suthe ॥ 7 ॥
Meaning: You destroyed Dhumralochana with just a single roar. You also annihilated fearsome demons like Raktabija, Shumbha, and Nishumbha, and liberated the world from fear.
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 Hey Mahishasura Mardini , Ramya Kapardini, Shaila Suthe ॥ 8 ॥
Meaning: On the battlefield, your divine form—along with your bow and arrows, weapons, and lion mount—appears exceedingly radiant. The entire army of demons is defeated by your valor.
Verse 9
Sura-lalanaa Tatatheyi Tatheyi Krta-abhinayo-dara Nrtya-rateKrta Kukuthah Kukutho Gaddadaadika-taala Kutuuhala Gaana-rate ।
Dhudhukutta Dhukkutta Dhimdhimita Dhvani Dhiira Mrdamga Ninaada-rate
Jaya Jaya He Mahissaasura-mardini Ramya-kapardini Shaila-sute ॥ 9 ॥
Meaning: Celestial damsels dance upon your victory. The entire atmosphere becomes filled with devotion and joy through the sounds of the mridang, dhol, and other musical instruments.
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 Hey Mahishasura Mardini , Ramya Kapardini, Shaila Suthe ॥ 10 ॥
Meaning: All the gods sing your praises. The melodious sound of your anklets and your divine dance captivate the entire world.
Verse 11
Ayi Sumana Sumana, Sumana Sumanohara Kanthiyuthe,Sritha Rajani Rajani Rajani, Rajaneekaravakthra Vruthe ।
Sunayana Vibhramarabhrama, Bhramarabrahmaradhipadhe,
Jaya Jaya Hey Mahishasura Mardini , Ramya Kapardini, Shaila Suthe ॥ 11 ॥
Meaning: Your face is as beautiful as the moon. Your sweet gaze and divine radiance captivate the minds of devotees, drawing them towards You just as bees are attracted to flowers.
Verse 12
Sahitha Maha Hava Mallama Hallika, Mallitharallaka Mallarathe,Virachithavallika Pallika Mallika Billika , Bhillika Varga Vruthe ।
Sithakruthapulli Samulla Sitharuna, Thallaja Pallava Sallalithe,
Jaya Jaya Hey Mahishasura Mardini , Ramya Kapardini, Shaila Suthe ॥ 12 ॥
Meaning: Your valor and beauty in battle are both extraordinary. Even while destroying the wicked, you remain ever compassionate towards your devotees.
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 Hey Mahishasura Mardini , Ramya Kapardini, Shaila Suthe ॥ 13 ॥
Meaning: Your form is exceedingly enchanting and divine. Even the gods sing your praises upon beholding your radiance and beauty. You are the glory of the entire creation.
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 Hey Mahishasura Mardini , Ramya Kapardini, Shaila Suthe ॥ 14 ॥
Meaning: Your face is as soft and beautiful as a lotus. Nature, swans, flowers, and bumblebees surrounding you sing praises of your divinity.
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 Hey Mahishasura Mardini , Ramya Kapardini, Shaila Suthe ॥ 15 ॥
Meaning: The entire forest and the mountains are filled with joy by your melodious voice and the enchanting sound of your flute. The Ganas who accompany you also sing praises of your virtues.
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 Hey Mahishasura Mardini , Ramya Kapardini, Shaila Suthe ॥ 16 ॥
Meaning: Your attire, ornaments, and divine radiance dim even the luster of the moon. Both gods and demons bow reverently at your feet.
Verse 17
Vijitha Sahasra Karaika Sahasrakaraika, Sarakaraika Nuthe,Krutha Sutha Tharaka Sangaratharaka, Sangaratharaka Soonu Suthe ।
Suratha Samadhi Samana Samadhi, Samadhi Samadhi Sujatharathe,
Jaya Jaya Hey Mahishasura Mardini , Ramya Kapardini, Shaila Suthe ॥ 17 ॥
Meaning: Even deities with a thousand hands cannot fully describe your glory. Devotees such as King Suratha and the merchant Samadhi attained spiritual perfection and liberation through your grace.
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 Hey Mahishasura Mardini , Ramya Kapardini, Shaila Suthe ॥ 18 ॥
Meaning: O compassionate Mother! Whoever worships Your feet daily attains supreme happiness and the ultimate state. Your feet are indeed the path to liberation.
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 Hey Mahishasura Mardini , Ramya Kapardini, Shaila Suthe ॥ 19 ॥Meaning: The devotee who performs your *Abhisheka* and worship with devotion attains spiritual bliss alongside worldly happiness. Seeking refuge at your feet is the greatest sanctuary in life.
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 Hey Mahishasura Mardini , Ramya Kapardini, Shaila Suthe ॥ 20 ॥
Meaning: O Mother! Your face is serene and cool like the full moon. Through your grace, happiness, peace, and auspiciousness dwell in the devotee's life.
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 Hey Mahishasura Mardini , Ramya Kapardini, Shaila Suthe ॥ 21 ॥Meaning: O Mother Uma! I am destitute and helpless. Bestow Your boundless grace upon me. You are the Mother of the entire universe. Destroy my sorrows, keep me under Your refuge, and fill my life with happiness, peace, and devotion.
Essence of the Stotra
The Mahishasuramardini Stotra is a divine hymn celebrating the power, compassion, beauty, and valor of Mother Durga. In this hymn, the Goddess is revered as *Adi Shakti*—the Primal Energy—who destroys unrighteousness, upholds righteousness, alleviates the suffering of devotees, and bestows liberation. Devotees who recite this hymn with faith find fear, negativity, and obstacles dispelled from their lives, while gaining courage, self-confidence, prosperity, and the grace of the Goddess.॥ Jai Mata Di ॥
Who is Mahishasuramardini?
Mahishasuramardini is the divine form of Goddess Durga who slew the tyrannical demon Mahishasura. According to the Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati), Mahishasura had performed severe penance to obtain a boon ensuring that no deity could kill him.
When his tyranny became unbearable, the primordial energy—Adi Shakti (Goddess Durga)—manifested from the combined radiance of all the gods, including Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.
The gods provided them with their divine weapons and the goddess saved the religion by killing Mahishasura after a fierce battle that lasted for nine days. In memory of this victory, the festivals of Shardiya Navratri and Vijayadashami are celebrated.What is the meaning of "Aayi Girinandini"?
The first verse of the stotra is the basis of its name. It is—
Aayi Girinandini Nanditamedini...
Aayi – Oh Mother!
Girinandini – Daughter of the mountain king Himalaya
Nanditamedini – The one who gives joy to the earth
Vishwavinodini Nandinute – Praised by Lord Shiva
Meaning – "O daughter of the Himalayas! You are the Adishakti who gives joy to the entire world, does the welfare of the world and is worshiped by the gods." Importance
In Sanatan Dharma, this stotra is not just a praise, but is considered a symbol of power, courage, confidence and victory of religion.
In this, Goddess –
Adishakti
Jagadamba
Mahishasurmardini
Shumbha-Nishumbha. Vinashini
Raktabeej Saharini
Dhumralochan Nasini
Bhaktavatsala
Mokshadayini
Roop ...obeisance is offered.
Benefits of Reciting the Mahishasuramardini Stotra
According to scriptures and traditions, reciting this Stotra with devotion yields the following auspicious results—
1. Destruction of Fear
Mental fear, insecurity, and negative thoughts are alleviated.
2. Protection from Adversaries
One receives the blessing of protection against injustice, opposition, and enemies.
3. Boost in Self-Confidence
One gains the strength to face life's challenging situations.
4. Mental Peace
Anger, stress, and anxiety are reduced, and the mind becomes calm and steady.
5. Family Happiness
Positive energy, love, and harmony increase within the home.
6. Spiritual Advancement
Devotion and reverence for the Goddess grow, leading to spiritual awakening.
7. Success in work
Inspires courage, decision-making ability and continuous efforts.
Note:The basis of these benefits is the religious beliefs and faith of the devotees.
When to read Mahishasuramardini Stotra?
Most auspicious time—
Every day. Morning
Occasion
Method of recitation
Take bath in the morning and wear clean clothes.
Light a lamp in front of the statue or picture of Maa Durga.
Offer red flowers, intact and fruits.
Chant the mantra "Om Dun Durgaayi Namah" 11 or 108 times. Do it.
Recite Mahishasurmardini Stotra with devotion.
Finally perform Durga Aarti and prayer for forgiveness.
Distribute Prasad.
Spiritual message of Mahishasurmardini Stotra
This stotra teaches us that—
The end of ego is certain. It is.
Truth and Dharma always triumph.
One should not lose patience and courage in difficult situations.
With the grace of God and self-confidence, even the impossible can become possible.
Mahishasura is not just a demon, Rather, it also symbolizes the ego, anger, greed, fear, and ignorance within us. Mother Durga is the divine power that destroys these inner vices.
FAQ
Can women recite the Mahishasuramardini Stotram?
Yes. Devotees of both genders can recite this stotram.
When should it be recited?
If possible, recite it daily; otherwise, ensure you recite it on Fridays or during Navratri.
Can it be recited at night?
Yes, though the morning and evening hours are considered more auspicious.
Can one recite it without knowing Sanskrit?
Yes. Pure devotion is what matters most. However, reciting it while understanding the meaning is considered more beneficial.
For how long should it be recited?
There is no fixed duration. Reciting it for the nine days of Navratri or making it a part of one's daily routine are both considered auspicious.
The Mahishasura Mardini Stotram is not merely a hymn of praise but a divine message of righteousness, courage, compassion, and inner strength. A devotee who recites it with faith and reverence experiences an influx of positive energy, self-confidence, and the grace of Goddess Durga. The true purpose of worshipping the Goddess is to dispel both external and internal darkness and to establish truth, strength, and virtue in one's life.
॥ Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shakti-rupena Samsthita.
Namas-tasyai Namas-tasyai Namas-tasyai Namo Namah ॥