To seek the blessings of Goddess Durga, the eternal mother of the universe, one must embark on a journey of devotion and reverence. It is through acts of goodness and piety that the compassionate Mother Goddess is most pleased. The Durga Stotra, enshrined within sacred texts, serves as a divine hymn to appease Adishakti, the primordial energy. It is believed that reciting this hymn, composed by Lord Shiva himself, bestows immense benefits upon devotees, shielding them from adversities and inviting the perpetual grace of the Divine Mother into their lives.
The Origin of the Durga Stotra
According to the Brahmavaivarta Purana, Lord Shiva, while confronting the formidable demon Tripurasura, found himself ensnared in a dire predicament. Witnessing Shiva’s plight, Lord Vishnu revealed the Durga Stotra to Brahma, who then imparted its significance to Shiva on the battlefield. Thus, amidst the turmoil of battle, Lord Shiva recited the sacred verses of the Durga Stotra. Purifying himself with Kush grass, he invoked Lord Vishnu and commenced his devotional tribute to Goddess Durga. Hence, this hymn came to be known as the Durga Stotra, attributed to Lord Shiva’s divine composition.
The Power of Goddess Durga and the Durga Stotra
Goddess Durga epitomizes the embodiment of divine energy, Shakti. Worshiping her dispels all adversities from one’s life and invokes her benevolent blessings upon the devotee. By venerating the Mother Goddess, devotees receive her divine grace, fulfilling their desires and guiding them towards spiritual fulfillment. To attain the blessings of Mother Goddess, devotees are encouraged to recite the Durga Stotra diligently, especially during the auspicious occasion of Navratri. The recitation of this hymn is believed to alleviate sorrows, ensure success in endeavors, and grant victory over adversities.
Procedure for Reciting the Durga Stotra
- Preparation:
- Take a ceremonial bath and wear clean garments.
- Sit on a cushion of Kush grass, facing east, in front of the divine idol or image of the Mother Goddess.
- Commencement:
- Pay homage to Lord Ganesha and consecrate the Kalash.
- Light incense sticks before the Divine Mother.
- Recitation:
- Hold red flowers, Akshat, and water in your hand, and affirm your commitment to reciting the Durga Stotra.
- Offer garments, cosmetics, fruits, and sweets to the Divine Mother before beginning the recitation.
- Conclusion:
- Perform the Aarti ceremony for Goddess Durga, expressing contrition for any errors committed during the puja.
Benefits of Reciting the Durga Stotra
- Solace Amidst Trials: The devout recitation of the Durga Stotra grants solace amidst life’s challenges.
- Tranquility and Patience: Reciting the Durga Stotra fosters tranquility of mind and cultivates patience.
- Victory Over Adversaries: By reciting the Durga Stotra, one attains victory over enemies.
- Marital Harmony: Those grappling with marital discord find solace and happiness through the recitation of the Durga Stotra.
- Success in Examinations: Individuals preparing for competitive examinations experience swift success through the recitation of the Durga Stotra.
- Prosperity in Business: Reciting the Durga Stotra augments prosperity in business and employment.
- Social Esteem: It engenders respect and esteem within society.
Precautions During the Recitation of the Durga Stotra
- Maintain stillness of the body and refrain from touching the feet while reciting the Durga Stotra.
- Keep the mind and thoughts pure throughout the recitation.
- Avoid offering Kaner, Dhatura, and Madar to the Divine Mother while reciting the Durga Stotra.
- Ensure that offerings to Maa Durga are whole and unbroken.
- Abstain from using fractured coconuts when installing the Kalash.
By adhering to these practices and reciting the Durga Stotra with devotion and reverence, devotees can invite the divine grace of Goddess Durga into their lives, experiencing her protective and benevolent blessings.
माँ दुर्गा स्तोत्र (Durga Stotram Lyrics in Hindi)
जय भगवति देवि नमो वरदे जय पापविनाशिनि बहुफलदे। जय शुम्भनिशुम्भकपालधरे प्रणमामि तु देवि नरार्तिहरे॥1॥
जय चन्द्रदिवाकरनेत्रधरे जय पावकभूषितवक्त्रवरे। जय भैरवदेहनिलीनपरे जय अन्धकदैत्यविशोषकरे॥2॥
जय महिषविमर्दिनि शूलकरे जय लोकसमस्तकपापहरे। जय देवि पितामहविष्णुनते जय भास्करशक्रशिरोवनते॥3॥
जय षण्मुखसायुधईशनुते जय सागरगामिनि शम्भुनुते। जय दु:खदरिद्रविनाशकरे जय पुत्रकलत्रविवृद्धिकरे॥4॥
जय देवि समस्तशरीरधरे जय नाकविदर्शिनि दु:खहरे। जय व्याधिविनाशिनि मोक्ष करे जय वाञ्छितदायिनि सिद्धिवरे॥5॥
एतद्व्यासकृतं स्तोत्रं य: पठेन्नियत: शुचि:। गृहे वा शुद्धभावेन प्रीता भगवती सदा॥6॥