Durga Mantras
What are Mantras
Mantras are special formation of words and sounds with spiritual qualities. In Hinduism, they are very foundational aspect of daily spiritual life. The word Mantra itself is made up of two words – man (meaning mind), and tra (meaning tool). Sounds and pronunciation of mantras play a very important role in achieving most benefits of chanting, during meditation or any other times during the day. Think of them as one of the core techniques, whether you are on the path of self-realization and spiritual journey, or looking to aid your wellbeing by complementing some form of yoga or meditation.
Aum (or Om) is a well-known mantra, simple as it sounds, has tremendous power to connect us to divine – It is the universal scared sound and must be chanted in correct way (Listen to an example). We have a detailed article on Aum Mantra which covers the various aspects of Aum Mantra. Gayatri Mantra is another well-known mantra and is said to be one of the most powerful when chanted. We have a MUST READ article on mantras that will help you determine and choose a few of them depending on your life circumstances. The article offers very effective guidance on making the right selection for different individuals.
On Durga Shakti portal, we will read about most profound mantras of Durga, strengthening our bond with divine mother, calling upon her divine energy and bless us with prosperity, happiness, spiritual wisdom and enlightenment. Remember, any chosen mantra from the compilation below can be chanted daily, but there are certain days in a year, when we do every effort to chant these mantras. These are the days of Navratri (During Spring and Fall) and Durga Pooja.
BASICS: WHEN and HOW
First, let’s look at the basics – When and how to chant – Remember, this is a spiritual practice and to get most out of chanting, we must follow some basic guidelines.
- In the morning, preferably after bath, sit relaxed in meditation posture either on the chair with feet on ground or in lotus pose, spine straight, eyes closed. There are several recommended mediation postures that you may follow, but we encourage to ensure that spine is straight, and body is relaxed.
- Start an evening routine if you can after or around sunset, or before going to bed.
- Choose a quiet space with no distractions or sounds.
- Mantras can be chanted aloud or silently; however, we recommend chanting aloud, which not only increases focus and auditory stimulation but also help us practice correct pronunciation.
- Never set a goal that is difficult to achieve, start with 5 minutes practice and gradually increase by a minute every few days.
- Once you have a routine setup, use a Japa Mala (which has 108 beads), the overall time may vary depending on the mantra. Try your best to complete 108 chants of the mantra in one sitting.
Durga Mantras
There are several (likely in hundreds) mantras and shlokas about Durga well documented in Vedic literature, we will note only 3 mantras that are considered to bring the most benefits during our mediation and chanting routine. If you are looking for mantras for very specific situation (Stronger concentration, willpower, peace with enemies, nightmares etc., please refer to this article).
Mantra for Divine Protection
“Om Dum Durgayei Namaha”
If you are new to building your connection to Goddess Durga or have not chanted Durga mantras in the past, start with this mantra, and you will see visible improvements in overall quality of your life. This traditional Durga mantra calls upon the powerful and protective characteristics of the Goddess Durga.
Meaning: “Om” stands for the Supreme Reality, symbolizing that aspect of Godhead which creates and sustains all things, “Dum” is seed (“beej” in Hindi) sound of Durga energy, and “Durgayei Namaha” is the phrase “I bow to Durga.”
Benefits: By chanting this mantra, we ask Durga for her protection, courage, and inner strength. It invokes Shakti, the divine feminine energy, to ward off dangers from the outside and conquer internal negative forces like anger, envy, and rage.
Mantra for three divine mothers
“Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayei Vicche”
This mantra refers to Chandi, another form of Durga known as fiercest form of the Goddess. It is a potent chant for calling upon divine feminine energy and dispelling obstacles.
Meaning: While addressing Goddess Chandi, this mantra attracts the energies of Saraswati (Aim), Lakshmi (Hreem), and Parvati (Kleem).
Benefits: It is said that reciting this mantra will bring wisdom, money, love, and the elimination of harmful forces.
Mantra for Courage, Prosperity, Wellbeing and Love
“Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike
Sharanye Trayambike Gauri Narayani Namostute”
This is one of the most profound mantras of Durga, and she is praised as the source of all fortune and the granter of all wishes. It is a well-known mantra chanted throughout significant ceremonies and events.
Meaning: Sarva Mangala Mangalye (All Auspicious Auspiciousness), Shive (companion of Lord Shiva), Sarvartha Sadhike (Fulfiller of All Desires), Sharanye (to be Surrendered to), Trayambike (companion of Lord Shiva or Three Eyed One), Gauri (one with fair skin tone), and Narayani (Lord Vishnu’s sister) are the seven names honoring Goddess Durga that are mentioned in this mantra.
Benefits: It is said that reciting this mantra will provide courage, prosperity, wellbeing, love & joy.
We at Durga Shakti portal and all Durga devotees wish you success at your journey to connect with Ma Durga and get her blessings.
Jai Durga! Jai Shakti!
Your fellow devotees at DurgaShakti.org
Don't forget to download and print these holy mantras!
