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Argala Stotram

Stotra
Focus: Maa Durga

A powerful hymn invoking Goddess Durga for victory, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles. Traditionally recited before the Devi Mahatmyam (Durga Saptashati).

Chant Details

Origin: Devi Mahatmyam (Markandeya Purana)

Author:

Language: Sanskrit, Hindi, English

Scripture: Markandeya Purana (Part of Devi Mahatmyam)

Total Verses: 26

Associated Forms:
Durga
Chandika
Ambika

Spiritual Benefits

  • Removal of obstacles and difficulties
  • Attainment of victory, fame, and beauty
  • Bestows good fortune, health, and supreme happiness
  • Destruction of enemies and negative forces
  • Overall welfare and prosperity

Sacred Verses

1.Verse 1

Sanskrit

ॐ अस्य श्री अर्गलास्तोत्रमन्त्रस्य विष्णुर्ऋषिः अनुष्टुप्छन्दः श्रीमहालक्ष्मीर्देवता श्रीजगदम्बाप्रीतये सप्तशतीपाठाङ्गत्वेन जपे विनियोगः॥

Hindi Translation

ॐ इस श्री अर्गला स्तोत्र मंत्र के ऋषि विष्णु हैं, अनुष्टुप् छन्द है, श्रीमहालक्ष्मी देवता हैं। श्रीजगदम्बा की प्रसन्नता के लिए सप्तशती पाठ के अंग के रूप में इसका जप किया जाता है।

English Translation

Om. The Rishi (sage) of this Argala Stotram is Vishnu, the meter is Anushtup, the deity is Shri Mahalakshmi. It is chanted as a part of the Saptashati recitation for the pleasure of Shri Jagadamba.

Explanation

This is the 'Viniyoga' or introductory declaration. It sets the intention, stating the hymn's spiritual lineage (seer, meter, deity) and its purpose: to please the Universal Mother as a component of the Devi Mahatmyam recitation.

2.Verse 2

Sanskrit

जय त्वं देवि चामुण्डे जय भूतार्तिहारिणि। जय सर्वगते देवि कालरात्रि नमोऽस्तु ते॥

Hindi Translation

हे देवी चामुण्डा, आपकी जय हो! हे प्राणियों के कष्ट हरने वाली, आपकी जय हो! हे सर्वव्यापी देवी, हे कालरात्रि! आपको नमस्कार है।

English Translation

Victory to you, O Devi Chamunda! Victory to you, the remover of the afflictions of all beings. Victory to you, the all-pervading Devi. O Kalaratri (Night of Time), salutations to you.

Explanation

The hymn begins with praises to the fierce and protective forms of the Goddess. Chamunda is the slayer of demons Chanda and Munda, 'Bhutartiharini' is she who ends suffering, and 'Kalaratri' is the dark night of dissolution, signifying her absolute power over time and existence.

3.Verse 3

Sanskrit

जयन्ती मङ्गला काली भद्रकाली कपालिनी। दुर्गा क्षमा शिवा धात्री स्वाहा स्वधा नमोऽस्तु ते॥

Hindi Translation

जयन्ती, मंगला, काली, भद्रकाली, कपालिनी, दुर्गा, क्षमा, शिवा, धात्री, स्वाहा और स्वधा के रूप में प्रसिद्ध हे देवी, आपको नमस्कार है।

English Translation

Salutations to you, O Devi, who is known as Jayanti (Victorious), Mangala (Auspicious), Kali (Dark One), Bhadrakali (Gentle Kali), Kapalini (Skull-bearer), Durga (Remover of Difficulties), Kshama (Forgiveness), Shiva (Auspicious), Dhatri (Supporter), Svaha (Sacrificial Offering), and Svadha (Offering to Ancestors).

Explanation

This famous verse lists eleven powerful names of the Goddess, each representing a core function. It acknowledges her as the source of victory, auspiciousness, destruction of ego, forgiveness, and universal support.

4.Verse 4

Sanskrit

मधुकैटभविद्रावि विधातृवरदे नमः। रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥

Hindi Translation

मधु और कैटभ का नाश करने वाली तथा ब्रह्माजी को वरदान देने वाली हे देवी! आपको नमस्कार है। आप मुझे रूप (आत्म-स्वरूप का ज्ञान), जय (विजय), यश (कीर्ति) दें और मेरे शत्रुओं का नाश करें।

English Translation

Salutations to the one who defeated Madhu and Kaitabha and gave a boon to the Creator (Brahma). Grant me form (spiritual beauty), grant me victory, grant me fame, and destroy my enemies (inner and outer).

Explanation

This verse begins the central prayer of the Argala Stotram. It asks the Goddess for four key boons: 'Rupam' (a divine form or self-realization), 'Jayam' (victory in spiritual and worldly battles), 'Yasho' (glory and good reputation), and the destruction of 'Dvishah' (hostile forces, both internal like ego and external).

5.Verse 5

Sanskrit

महिषासुरनिर्णाशि भक्तानां सुखदे नमः। रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥

Hindi Translation

महिषासुर का संहार करने वाली और भक्तों को सुख देने वाली हे देवी! आपको नमस्कार है। आप मुझे रूप, जय, यश दें और मेरे शत्रुओं का नाश करें।

English Translation

Salutations to the annihilator of Mahishasura, who grants happiness to her devotees. Grant me form, grant me victory, grant me fame, and destroy my enemies.

Explanation

The prayer continues, invoking her most famous feat: the slaying of the buffalo-demon Mahishasura. This act symbolizes the conquest of tamasic (ignorant and brutish) forces.

6.Verse 6

Sanskrit

रक्तबीजवधे देवि चण्डमुण्डविनाशिनि। रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥

Hindi Translation

हे देवी! रक्तबीज का वध करने वाली और चण्ड-मुण्ड का विनाश करने वाली! आप मुझे रूप, जय, यश दें और मेरे शत्रुओं का नाश करें।

English Translation

O Devi, the slayer of Raktabija and the destroyer of Chanda and Munda! Grant me form, grant me victory, grant me fame, and destroy my enemies.

Explanation

This verse recalls her victories over other powerful demons. The slaying of Raktabija (whose blood drops created more demons) signifies her power to destroy infinitely multiplying negative thoughts and karma.

7.Verse 7

Sanskrit

शुम्भस्यैव निशुम्भस्य धूम्राक्षस्य च मर्दिनि। रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥

Hindi Translation

शुम्भ, निशुम्भ और धूम्राक्ष का मर्दन करने वाली हे देवी! आप मुझे रूप, जय, यश दें और मेरे शत्रुओं का नाश करें।

English Translation

O slayer of Shumbha, Nishumbha, and Dhumraksha! Grant me form, grant me victory, grant me fame, and destroy my enemies.

Explanation

The devotee invokes her power shown in defeating the demon brothers Shumbha and Nishumbha, who represent ego and attachment, the root causes of suffering.

8.Verse 8

Sanskrit

वन्दिताङ्घ्रियुगे देवि सर्वसौभाग्यदायिनि। रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥

Hindi Translation

हे देवी! सभी सौभाग्य प्रदान करने वाली, आपके चरणयुगल सभी के द्वारा वन्दित हैं। आप मुझे रूप, जय, यश दें और मेरे शत्रुओं का नाश करें।

English Translation

O Devi, whose pair of feet are worshipped by all and who grants all good fortunes. Grant me form, grant me victory, grant me fame, and destroy my enemies.

Explanation

The focus shifts from her warrior aspect to her benevolent, boon-bestowing nature. She is the source of all 'saubhagya' (auspiciousness, prosperity, and well-being).

9.Verse 9

Sanskrit

अचिन्त्यरूपचरिते सर्वशत्रुविनाशिनि। रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥

Hindi Translation

हे अचिन्त्य रूप और चरित्र वाली तथा सभी शत्रुओं का नाश करने वाली देवी! आप मुझे रूप, जय, यश दें और मेरे शत्रुओं का नाश करें।

English Translation

O Goddess of incomprehensible form and deeds, the destroyer of all enemies! Grant me form, grant me victory, grant me fame, and destroy my enemies.

Explanation

This verse acknowledges that the Goddess's true nature is beyond human comprehension ('achintya'). Her actions and forms are divine and cannot be limited by mortal understanding.

10.Verse 10

Sanskrit

नतेभ्यः सर्वदा भक्त्या चण्डिके दुरितापहे। रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥

Hindi Translation

हे चण्डिके! जो लोग भक्तिपूर्वक आपके चरणों में सदा प्रणाम करते हैं, उनके पापों और कष्टों को हरने वाली! आप मुझे रूप, जय, यश दें और मेरे शत्रुओं का नाश करें।

English Translation

O Chandika, who always removes the sins and sufferings of those who bow to you with devotion. Grant me form, grant me victory, grant me fame, and destroy my enemies.

Explanation

This verse emphasizes the power of 'bhakti' (devotion) and surrender. For those who bow to her, she removes 'durita' (sins, calamities, sufferings).

11.Verse 11

Sanskrit

स्तुवद्भ्यो भक्तिपूर्वं त्वां चण्डिके व्याधिनाशिनि। रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥

Hindi Translation

हे चण्डिके! जो भक्तिपूर्वक आपकी स्तुति करते हैं, उनकी व्याधियों का नाश करने वाली! आप मुझे रूप, जय, यश दें और मेरे शत्रुओं का नाश करें।

English Translation

O Chandika, destroyer of diseases for those who praise you with devotion. Grant me form, grant me victory, grant me fame, and destroy my enemies.

Explanation

The Goddess is praised as 'Vyadhi-nashini,' the destroyer of diseases. This extends her protective grace to physical health and well-being, healing the ailments of her devotees.

12.Verse 12

Sanskrit

चण्डिके सततं ये त्वामर्चयन्तीह भक्तितः। रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥

Hindi Translation

हे चण्डिके! जो लोग इस संसार में भक्तिपूर्वक आपकी सदा पूजा करते हैं, (उन्हें) आप रूप, जय, यश दें और उनके शत्रुओं का नाश करें।

English Translation

O Chandika, for those who constantly worship you with devotion here in this world, grant form, victory, fame, and destroy their enemies.

Explanation

This verse highlights the rewards of consistent and devoted worship ('archana') of the Goddess in daily life.

13.Verse 13

Sanskrit

देहि सौभाग्यमारोग्यं देहि मे परमं सुखम्। रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥

Hindi Translation

मुझे सौभाग्य और आरोग्य दें तथा परम सुख प्रदान करें। आप मुझे रूप, जय, यश दें और मेरे शत्रुओं का नाश करें।

English Translation

Grant me good fortune (saubhagya) and freedom from disease (arogyam); grant me the supreme happiness. Grant me form, victory, fame, and destroy my enemies.

Explanation

The devotee now explicitly asks for worldly and spiritual blessings: good fortune, health, and the ultimate happiness or bliss (paramam sukham).

14.Verse 14

Sanskrit

विधेहि द्विषतां नाशं विधेहि बलमुच्चकैः। रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥

Hindi Translation

मेरे शत्रुओं का नाश करें और मुझे महान बल प्रदान करें। आप मुझे रूप, जय, यश दें और मेरे शत्रुओं का नाश करें।

English Translation

Cause the destruction of my enemies and grant me immense strength. Grant me form, victory, fame, and destroy my enemies.

Explanation

This is a direct plea for empowerment ('balam uchhakaih' - high strength) to overcome adversities and for the removal of hostile forces.

15.Verse 15

Sanskrit

विधेहि देवि कल्याणं विधेहि परमां श्रियम्। रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥

Hindi Translation

हे देवी! मेरा कल्याण करें और मुझे परम श्री (धन, संपदा, शोभा) प्रदान करें। आप मुझे रूप, जय, यश दें और मेरे शत्रुओं का नाश करें।

English Translation

O Devi, bestow welfare (kalyanam) upon me and grant me supreme prosperity/glory (paramam shriyam). Grant me form, victory, fame, and destroy my enemies.

Explanation

The prayer expands to include 'kalyanam' (overall well-being) and 'paramam shriyam' (supreme wealth, both material and spiritual), covering all aspects of a fulfilled life.

16.Verse 16

Sanskrit

सुरासुरशिरोरत्ननिघृष्टचरणेऽम्बिके। रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥

Hindi Translation

हे अम्बिके! आपके चरण देवों और असुरों के मुकुटों में लगे रत्नों से घर्षित होते हैं। आप मुझे रूप, जय, यश दें और मेरे शत्रुओं का नाश करें।

English Translation

O Ambika (Mother), whose feet are rubbed by the gems on the crowns of both Suras (gods) and Asuras (demons)! Grant me form, victory, fame, and destroy my enemies.

Explanation

This powerful metaphor illustrates the Goddess's supreme sovereignty. Both divine and demonic beings bow at her feet, acknowledging her as the ultimate power beyond their duality.

17.Verse 17

Sanskrit

विद्यावन्तं यशस्वन्तं लक्ष्मीवन्तं जनं कुरु। रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥

Hindi Translation

आप (अपने भक्तों को) विद्यावान, यशस्वी और लक्ष्मीवान बनाएं। आप मुझे रूप, जय, यश दें और मेरे शत्रुओं का नाश करें।

English Translation

Make your devotee learned (vidyavantam), famous (yashasvantam), and prosperous (lakshmivantam). Grant me form, victory, fame, and destroy my enemies.

Explanation

The prayer now becomes altruistic, asking the Goddess to bestow knowledge, fame, and wealth not just upon the chanter, but upon all 'janam' (people/devotees).

18.Verse 18

Sanskrit

प्रचण्डदैत्यदर्पघ्ने चण्डिके प्रणताय मे। रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥

Hindi Translation

हे प्रचण्ड दैत्यों के घमण्ड को चूर करने वाली चण्डिके! मुझ शरणागत को रूप, जय, यश दें और मेरे शत्रुओं का नाश करें।

English Translation

O Chandika, destroyer of the pride of ferocious demons, to me who is surrendered to you, grant form, victory, fame, and destroy my enemies.

Explanation

This verse reiterates her power to crush the 'darpa' (arrogance) of the most powerful demons, highlighting the importance of humility in devotion.

19.Verse 19

Sanskrit

चतुर्भुजे चतुर्वक्त्रसंस्तुते परमेश्वरि। रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥

Hindi Translation

हे चार भुजाओं वाली, चार मुखों वाले ब्रह्माजी द्वारा प्रशंसित परमेश्वरी! आप मुझे रूप, जय, यश दें और मेरे शत्रुओं का नाश करें।

English Translation

O four-armed Supreme Goddess, who is praised by the four-faced Brahma! Grant me form, victory, fame, and destroy my enemies.

Explanation

Her supreme status is confirmed by mentioning that even the Creator, Lord Brahma, praises her. Her four arms symbolize her dominion over the four directions.

20.Verse 20

Sanskrit

कृष्णेन संस्तुते देवि शश्वद्भक्त्या सदाम्बिके। रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥

Hindi Translation

हे अम्बिके! भगवान कृष्ण द्वारा सदा भक्तिपूर्वक आपकी स्तुति की जाती है। आप मुझे रूप, जय, यश दें और मेरे शत्रुओं का नाश करें।

English Translation

O Ambika, who is always praised with devotion by Krishna! Grant me form, victory, fame, and destroy my enemies.

Explanation

This verse elevates her status further by stating that even Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, is her eternal devotee.

21.Verse 21

Sanskrit

हिमाचलसुतानाथसंस्तुते परमेश्वरि। रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥

Hindi Translation

हे हिमाचल की पुत्री (पार्वती) के पति (शिव) द्वारा प्रशंसित परमेश्वरी! आप मुझे रूप, जय, यश दें और मेरे शत्रुओं का नाश करें।

English Translation

O Supreme Goddess, who is praised by the lord of Himalaya's daughter (Lord Shiva)! Grant me form, victory, fame, and destroy my enemies.

Explanation

This highlights her praise by her own consort, Lord Shiva, showing the mutual reverence in the divine partnership of Shiva and Shakti.

22.Verse 22

Sanskrit

इन्द्राणीपतिसद्भावपूजिते परमेश्वरि। रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥

Hindi Translation

हे इन्द्राणी के पति (इंद्र) द्वारा सद्भाव से पूजित परमेश्वरी! आप मुझे रूप, जय, यश दें और मेरे शत्रुओं का नाश करें।

English Translation

O Supreme Goddess, worshipped with sincere devotion by the husband of Indrani (Lord Indra)! Grant me form, victory, fame, and destroy my enemies.

Explanation

Even the king of the gods, Indra, worships her, reinforcing her supreme authority over all divine beings.

23.Verse 23

Sanskrit

देवि प्रचण्डदोर्दण्डदैत्यदर्पविनाशिनि। रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥

Hindi Translation

हे देवी! प्रचण्ड भुजाओं वाले दैत्यों के अहंकार का नाश करने वाली! आप मुझे रूप, जय, यश दें और मेरे शत्रुओं का नाश करें।

English Translation

O Devi, destroyer of the pride of demons with mighty arms! Grant me form, victory, fame, and destroy my enemies.

Explanation

A powerful reiteration of her ability to humble even the most physically powerful and arrogant beings.

24.Verse 24

Sanskrit

देवि भक्तजनोद्दामदत्तानन्दोदयेऽम्बिके। रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥

Hindi Translation

हे अम्बिके! भक्तजनों को अपार आनंद प्रदान करने वाली देवी! आप मुझे रूप, जय, यश दें और मेरे शत्रुओं का नाश करें।

English Translation

O Ambika, who brings forth an abundance of joy for your devotees! Grant me form, victory, fame, and destroy my enemies.

Explanation

This verse focuses on her benevolent nature, as the source of unbound joy ('ananda') for those who are devoted to her.

25.Verse 25

Sanskrit

भार्यां मनोरमां देहि मनोवृत्तानुसारिणीम्। तारिणीं दुर्गसंसारसागरस्य कुलोद्भवाम्॥

Hindi Translation

मुझे मन के अनुसार चलने वाली, कुलीन, और इस कठिन संसार सागर से तारने वाली मनोरम पत्नी प्रदान करें।

English Translation

Grant me a beautiful wife who is in harmony with my thoughts (manovrittanusarinim), born of a good family, and who can help me cross the difficult ocean of worldly existence (samsara).

Explanation

This is a unique verse in the stotram, a specific prayer for a virtuous and spiritually compatible spouse who can be a partner in navigating the challenges of life.

26.Verse 26

Sanskrit

इदं स्तोत्रं पठित्वा तु महास्तोत्रं पठेन्नरः। स तु सप्तशतीसंख्यावरमाप्नोति सम्पदाम्॥ॐ॥

Hindi Translation

इस स्तोत्र को पढ़कर जो मनुष्य महास्तोत्र (देवी माहात्म्य) का पाठ करता है, वह सप्तशती पाठ के सम्पूर्ण फल और सम्पदा को प्राप्त करता है।

English Translation

The person who reads this stotram and then recites the great stotram (Devi Mahatmyam), attains the highest fruit equivalent to the recitation of the Saptashati and gains all forms of wealth. Om.

Explanation

This is the 'Phala Shruti' or the verse detailing the benefits. It promises that reciting the Argala before the main Chandi Path ensures the devotee receives the complete spiritual rewards and blessings of the entire scripture.

Important Notes

The Argala Stotram is a preparatory hymn recited before the main Devi Mahatmyam. 'Argala' means 'bolt' or 'obstruction remover'. Chanting this stotram is believed to clear the path for the devotee to receive the full benefits of the Saptashati.

The Power of Sacred Sound

Chanting these sacred texts with devotion and understanding can bring peace, clarity, and spiritual upliftment.

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