# Durga Chalisa

> Durga mantra from Traditional Hindi devotional hymn (40 chaupais). Meaning, benefits and how to chant. Full Sanskrit lyrics at https://mahakatha.com/mantras/durga/durga-chalisa/

- **Deity:** Durga
- **Language:** hindi
- **Source:** Traditional Hindi devotional hymn (40 chaupais)
- **Composer:** Devidas (named in the closing line)
- **Also known as:** Durga Chalisa, Durga Maa Chalisa, Shri Durga Chalisa, Namo Namo Durge Sukh Karni, दुर्गा चालीसा, श्री दुर्गा चालीसा
- **Full lyrics and transliteration:** https://mahakatha.com/mantras/durga/durga-chalisa/ (not in the Mahakatha recorded collection yet)

## Meaning

The Durga Chalisa is a forty-verse Hindi hymn to the Goddess Durga that begins "Namo namo durge sukh karni". It praises her many forms, from Annapurna and Saraswati to Kali and the Mahavidyas, and retells her victories over Mahishasura, Shumbha, Nishumbha and Raktabija.
Its closing line names the poet as Devidas. It is one of the most widely recited prayers during Navratri, and many families also recite it at home on Tuesdays and Fridays.

## How to chant

1. **Choose a quiet time** — Many people recite it in the morning or evening, and every day during the nine nights of Navratri. Any quiet time works.
2. **Light a lamp if you wish** — A lamp or incense in front of an image of the Goddess is customary, but not required.
3. **Recite the forty verses in order** — Read from the lyrics on this page, aloud or softly, from "Namo namo durge sukh karni" to the closing line naming Devidas. If you are new to it, read the English meaning first.
4. **Finish quietly** — Sit for a minute after the last verse. Some people follow it with the aarti "Jai Ambe Gauri".

## Frequently asked

**What is the Durga Chalisa?**

It is a Hindi hymn of forty chaupai verses to the Goddess Durga, beginning "Namo namo durge sukh karni". "Chalisa" comes from "chalis", the Hindi word for forty.

**Who wrote the Durga Chalisa?**

The last verse names the poet as Devidas ("devidasa sharana nija jani"). Nothing reliable is known about when Devidas lived.

**When is the Durga Chalisa recited?**

It is traditionally recited during Navratri, on Ashtami and Navami, and by many families on Tuesdays and Fridays. Many people also recite it daily.

**Does Mahakatha have a recording of the Durga Chalisa?**

Not yet. The Durga Chalisa is not in the Mahakatha collection, and this page gives the lyrics and meaning only. You can listen to the Durga chants we have recorded, such as Sarva Mangala Mangalye and the Mahishasura Mardini mantra.


## Related mantras

- [Durge Smrita Harasi Mantra](https://mahakatha.com/mantras/durga/durge-smrita-harasi/)
- [Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Mantra](https://mahakatha.com/mantras/durga/ya-devi-sarva/)
- [Aigiri Nandini – Mahishasura Mardini Stotram](https://mahakatha.com/mantras/durga/mahishasura-mardini-mantra/)
- [Ambe Mata Mantra](https://mahakatha.com/mantras/durga/ambe-mata-mantra/)
- [Durga Gayatri Mantra](https://mahakatha.com/mantras/durga/durga-gayatri-mantra/)

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Source: https://mahakatha.com/mantras/durga/durga-chalisa/ — Mahakatha, https://mahakatha.com