Durgaमाँ दुर्गा

About Durga

Shakta tradition sees the one Devi in many forms: gentle Parvati and Gauri, fierce Kali and Chamunda, the nine Navadurgas worshipped on the nine nights of Navratri, and village and regional mothers such as Vaishno Devi, Kamakhya, Meenakshi, Mariamman and Santoshi Mata.

Her story and glory are told in the Devi Mahatmya — the Durga Saptashati — from the Markandeya Purana, recited in full during Navratri. The Shakti Peethas, where the body of Sati is said to have fallen, are her great places of pilgrimage.

Durga mantra

Prayers to Durga 28

Chalisas, aartis, stotras and mantras for Durga, each with the full text, transliteration and meaning.

Chalisa · 6–8 min Durga Chalisa दुर्गा चालीसा A forty-verse hymn invoking Goddess Durga, protector and slayer of evil, often chanted during Navratri. Read with meaning → Chalisa · 6–8 min Santoshi Mata Chalisa संतोषी माता चालीसा Hymn to the Goddess of contentment, popularly chanted on Fridays. Read with meaning → Aarti · 3 min Jai Ambe Gauri जय अम्बे गौरी Universal aarti to Mother Durga/Amba — sung during Navratri and daily worship. Read with meaning → Stotra · 3 min Bhavani Ashtakam भवान्यष्टकम् Shankaracharya's surrender hymn to Mother Bhavani — "I know no one but You." Read with meaning → Stotra · 6 min Annapurna Stotram अन्नपूर्णास्तोत्रम् Nityanandakari — Shankaracharya's hymn to Annapurna, the goddess of food and nourishment who reigns in Kashi. Every verse ends "bhiksham dehi kripavalambana-kari mata annapurneshvari" — Mother Annapurna, give me alms, you who uphold us with your grace. Read with meaning → Stotra · 8 min Argala Stotram अर्गलास्तोत्रम् The hymn recited after the Devi Kavach and before the Durga Saptashati, whose refrain asks the Goddess: "Give me beauty, give me victory, give me glory, destroy my enemies." Argala means the bolt that opens the door to the Saptashati. Read with meaning → Stotra · 12 min Devi Kavach देव्याः कवचम् (श्रीचण्डीकवच) The 'armour of the Goddess', taught by Brahma to the sage Markandeya: the nine Durgas are named, and each direction and each part of the body is placed under the protection of a form of the Goddess. Recited before the Durga Saptashati, and on its own for protection, especially during Navratri. Read with meaning → Mantra · 6 min Durga Mantras दुर्गा मन्त्र Eight mantras of the Divine Mother from the Durga Saptashati and tradition — the Navarna mantra, Ya Devi, Sarva Mangala, Sharanagata Dinarta, Jayanti Mangala Kali and more — with meaning. Read with meaning → Aarti · 4 min Durge Durghat Bhari — Devi Aarti दुर्गे दुर्घट भारी The Marathi aarti of the Devi sung in Navratri and after every Devi puja in Maharashtra — "Jai Devi Jai Devi Mahishasuramathini" — with meaning in English and Hindi. Read with meaning → Aarti · 4 min Jai Santoshi Mata — Santoshi Mata Aarti जय सन्तोषी माता The aarti of Santoshi Mata sung at the end of the Friday vrat katha — praising the goddess of contentment, to whom jaggery and roasted chana are offered. Read with meaning → Stotra · 5 min Keelak Stotram कीलकस्तोत्रम् The third of the hymns recited before the Durga Saptashati (after the Devi Kavach and Argala). It tells how Shiva "locked" the power of the Saptashati and how a devotee "unlocks" it through surrender to the Goddess. Read with meaning → Stotra · 9 min Mahishasura Mardini Stotram महिषासुरमर्दिनी स्तोत्रम् 'Ayi Giri Nandini' — the rhythmic hymn to Durga as the slayer of the buffalo-demon Mahishasura, sung above all during Navratri. Its sound-play mirrors the dance and battle of the Goddess. Readings of some lines differ between editions. Read with meaning → Mantra · 5 min Mantras for Marriage and a Happy Married Life विवाह मन्त्र Traditional mantras for a good marriage and a happy married life — the Katyayani mantra of the gopis, the Gauri prayer, Uma-Maheshvara, Sarva Mangala and the Saptapadi words — with meaning. Read with meaning → Mantra · 5 min Mantras for Protection रक्षा मन्त्र Traditional mantras for protection and courage — the Narasimha mantra, Om Ham Hanumate Namah, Manojavam, Sharanagata Dinarta, Sarvabadha Vinirmukto and the Mahamrityunjaya — with meaning. Read with meaning → Stotra · 3 min Meenakshi Pancharatnam मीनाक्षीपञ्चरत्नम् Udyad-bhanu-sahasra-koti — five jewels of praise for Meenakshi, the fish-eyed goddess of Madurai, Parvati as the queen of Shiva-Sundareshvara. Each verse ends "I always bow to Meenakshi, the ocean of compassion". Read with meaning →

Durga Saptashati — all 13 chapters

1. Durga Saptashati Chapter 120 min
2. Durga Saptashati Chapter 218 min
3. Durga Saptashati Chapter 312 min
4. Durga Saptashati Chapter 412 min
5. Durga Saptashati Chapter 522 min
6. Durga Saptashati Chapter 66 min
7. Durga Saptashati Chapter 78 min
8. Durga Saptashati Chapter 817 min
9. Durga Saptashati Chapter 911 min
10. Durga Saptashati Chapter 108 min
11. Durga Saptashati Chapter 1115 min
12. Durga Saptashati Chapter 1211 min
13. Durga Saptashati Chapter 135 min

Festivals of Durga

• दुSharad Navratriशरद नवरात्रिShukla Pratipada to Navami, Ashwin month
• विDussehra (Vijayadashami)विजयादशमीShukla Dashami, Ashwin month
• कKarva Chauthकरवा चौथKrishna Chaturthi, Kartik month
• छChhath Pujaछठ पूजाShukla Shashthi, Kartik month
• दुChaitra Navratri (Gudi Padwa · Ugadi)चैत्र नवरात्रिShukla Pratipada to Navami, Chaitra month
• नNarak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)नरक चतुर्दशीKrishna Chaturdashi, Kartik month (day before Diwali)
• तीHariyali Teejहरियाली तीजShukla Tritiya, Shravan month
• हHartalika Teejहरतालिका तीजShukla Tritiya, Bhadrapada month
• अAhoi Ashtamiअहोई अष्टमीKrishna Ashtami, Kartik month (Ashvin in amanta)

Other observances

• Mahalaya · Sarva Pitru Amavasya महालया अमावस्या

  The last day of Pitru Paksha, when shraddha can be offered for all ancestors; in Bengal it marks the invocation of Devi Durga before the Pujas.

Dates for every observance are on the festival calendar; for muhurat timings check the Panchang.

Temples of Durga

• Shakti PeethasWhere the body of Sati fell

Vaishno Devi Mandir वैष्णो देवी मंदिर

Katra, Jammu and Kashmir · Vaishno Devi

Among India's most visited pilgrimages. 13 km trek from Katra. Three natural rock formations (pindis) represent Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati. Bhairon Baba temple above completes the yatra.

Temple guide →Map

Kamakhya Temple कामाख्या मंदिर

Guwahati, Assam · Kamakhya Devi

Primary Shakti Peetha where Sati's yoni fell. No idol — a natural yoni-shaped stone. Famous for Ambubachi Mela (goddess's menstruation festival). Tantric and sacrificial worship. Blue Hill (Nilachal) atop which it stands.

Temple guide →Map

Jwala Devi Temple ज्वाला देवी मंदिर

Kangra, Himachal Pradesh · Jwala Mata

Shakti Peetha where Sati's tongue fell. Natural flame (jwala) burns continuously — no fuel source. Nine flames represent nine Durga forms. Akbar once tried to extinguish — failed.

Temple guide →Map

Naina Devi Temple नैना देवी मंदिर

Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh · Naina Devi

Shakti Peetha where Sati's eyes fell. Hilltop temple overlooking Govind Sagar lake. Especially crowded during Shravan Ashtami fair.

Temple guide →Map

Chamunda Devi Temple चामुंडा देवी मंदिर

Palampur, Himachal Pradesh · Chamunda Devi

Revered Shakti shrine of the Kangra valley. Durga as Chamunda, who slew the demons Chanda and Munda. Shiva as "Ardh Nateshwar" present.

Temple guide →Map

Dakshineswar Kali Temple दक्षिणेश्वर काली मंदिर

Kolkata, West Bengal · Bhavatarini (Kali)

Built by Rani Rashmoni. Where Ramakrishna Paramahamsa lived and realized the Mother. 12 Shiva temples line the river. Bhavatarini — "She who takes across the ocean of existence."

Temple guide →Map

Kalighat Temple कालीघाट मंदिर

Kolkata, West Bengal · Kali

Shakti Peetha where Sati's right toe fell. Kolkata is named after Kali ("Kalikata"). Older temple from 15th century. Fierce Dakshina Kali form with three large eyes, golden tongue.

Temple guide →Map

Meenakshi Temple मीनाक्षी अम्मन मंदिर

Madurai, Tamil Nadu · Meenakshi (Parvati), Sundareswarar (Shiva)

Among India's most famous temples. 14 gopurams covered in 33,000 colorful sculptures. Hall of Thousand Pillars. Meenakshi (fish-eyed goddess) marriage festival (Chithirai) is spectacular. One of the finalists for New 7 Wonders.

Temple guide →Map

Mumba Devi Temple मुंबा देवी मंदिर

Mumbai, Maharashtra · Mumba Devi

Mumbai is named after Mumba Devi. Patron goddess of the Kolis (original fishing community). Current location at Bhuleshwar after relocation.

Temple guide →Map

Jwaladevi Temple Kangra ज्वाला देवी मंदिर काँगड़ा

Jwalamukhi, Himachal Pradesh · Jwaladevi

Alternate name for Jwala Devi — eternal flame. Nine natural flames each named for a Durga form. Dolu built silver dome.

Temple guide →Map

Chamunda Devi Mysore चामुण्डेश्वरी मंदिर मैसूर

Mysuru, Karnataka · Chamundeshwari

Atop Chamundi Hill (1,062m) overlooking Mysuru. Goddess slew demon Mahishasura here (Mysuru = "Mahishuru"). Mysuru Dasara 10-day festival most spectacular. Grand golden idol.

Temple guide →Map

Kanyakumari Temple कन्याकुमारी भगवती मंदिर

Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu · Kumari Amman

Southernmost tip of India. Shakti Peetha where Sati's spine fell. Virgin goddess Kumari waiting for Shiva. Confluence of 3 seas. Diamond nose-ring reportedly visible from the sea.

Temple guide →Map

Kalkaji Mandir Delhi कालका जी मंदिर

New Delhi, Delhi · Kalka (Kali)

Among Delhi's oldest active temples. Self-manifested (swayambhu) idol. 12-sided marble floor. Especially crowded Tuesdays, Fridays, Navratras.

Temple guide →Map

Jhandewalan Mandir Delhi झंडेवाला मंदिर

New Delhi, Delhi · Durga

Chhoti Devi self-manifested from a well. Massive underground pilgrimage structure. Grand Navratri celebrations. 108ft Hanuman statue nearby.

Temple guide →Map

Chattarpur Temple Delhi छतरपुर मंदिर

New Delhi, Delhi · Katyayani Durga

One of the largest temple complexes in India. 20+ sub-temples. Marble lattice work. Grand Navratri — 20 lakh+ devotees. Sri Sri 1008 Nagpal Baba founded.

Temple guide →Map

Kamakshi Amman Temple कामाक्षी अम्मन मंदिर

Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu · Kamakshi (Parvati)

The chief Shakti shrine of Kanchipuram, where the goddess Kamakshi sits in the posture of meditation. It is closely linked with Adi Shankara and the Sri Chakra, and is counted among the Shakti Peethas in several traditions.

Temple guide →Map

Biraja Temple बिरजा मंदिर

Jajpur, Odisha · Biraja (Viraja) Devi

Ancient Shakti Peetha of Jajpur, where Durga is worshipped as two-armed Mahishasuramardini; the town is also revered as Nabhi Gaya, a place for ancestral rites.

Temple guide →Map

Mansa Devi Temple मनसा देवी मंदिर

Haridwar, Uttarakhand · Mansa Devi

Hilltop shrine of the wish-fulfilling goddess Mansa Devi on Bilwa Parvat above Haridwar, one of the city's three Siddh Peeths with Chandi Devi and Maya Devi, reached by steps or ropeway.

Temple guide →Map

Kalika Mata Temple कालिका माता मंदिर

Pavagadh, Gujarat · Mahakali (Kalika Mata)

Hilltop shrine of Mahakali at the summit of Pavagadh, counted among the Shakti Peethas and standing within the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Temple guide →Map

Saptashrungi Devi Temple सप्तशृंगी देवी मंदिर

Vani, Maharashtra · Saptashrungi Devi

Rock-face shrine of the eighteen-armed goddess on the seven-peaked Saptashrung hill near Nashik, counted as the 'half' peetha among Maharashtra's three and a half Shakti Peethas.

Temple guide →Map

Tulja Bhavani Temple तुळजा भवानी मंदिर

Tuljapur, Maharashtra · Tulja Bhavani

One of Maharashtra's three and a half Shakti Peethas and the family goddess of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj; Tulja Bhavani is the kuldevi of countless Marathi families.

Temple guide →Map

Sharda Devi Temple शारदा देवी मंदिर

Maihar, Madhya Pradesh · Sharda Devi

Hilltop shrine of Maa Sharda on Trikuta hill at Maihar, reached by over a thousand steps or ropeway; popularly counted as a Shakti Peetha and linked in legend with the warriors Alha and Udal.

Temple guide →Map

Karni Mata Temple करणी माता मंदिर

Deshnoke, Rajasthan · Karni Mata (form of Durga)

Shrine of Karni Mata, revered as a form of Durga and family deity of the Bikaner and Jodhpur royal houses, famous for the thousands of rats, called kabbas, that are protected and fed here.

Temple guide →Map

Malinithan मालिनीथान

Likabali, Arunachal Pradesh · Durga (Malini)

Hilltop archaeological site near Likabali with the ruins of a medieval stone temple and fine sculptures, linked by tradition to Krishna and Rukmini, and the most important Hindu heritage site in Arunachal Pradesh.

Temple guide →Map

Nartiang Durga Temple नर्तियांग दुर्गा मंदिर

Nartiang, Meghalaya · Durga (Jainteshwari)

Old Durga shrine of the Jaintia kings in the West Jaintia Hills, counted by some traditions as the Jayanti Shakti Peetha, standing near the famous Nartiang monoliths.

Temple guide →Map

Mata Mansa Devi Mandir माता मनसा देवी मंदिर

Panchkula, Haryana · Mansa Devi (form of Shakti)

Major Shakti shrine in the Shivalik foothills at Panchkula near Chandigarh, drawing huge crowds during the twice-yearly Navratri fairs.

Temple guide →Map

Shri Shantadurga Temple श्री शांतादुर्गा मंदिर

Kavlem, Ponda, Goa · Shantadurga (Durga)

Goa's most famous goddess temple, honouring Shantadurga, the peaceful form of Durga who, as tradition says, made peace between Shiva and Vishnu. She is the family deity of many Saraswat families.

Temple guide →Map

Mookambika Temple मूकाम्बिका मंदिर

Kollur, Karnataka · Mookambika (Devi)

A revered goddess temple at the foot of Kodachadri hill, where Devi Mookambika is worshipped in a linga that unites Shiva and Shakti. Closely linked by tradition with Adi Shankaracharya, it draws pilgrims from across Karnataka and Kerala, especially for Navaratri.

Temple guide →Map

Kanaka Durga Temple कनक दुर्गा मंदिर

Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh · Kanaka Durga (Durga)

The chief goddess temple of Vijayawada, on Indrakeeladri hill above the Krishna river, where Durga is worshipped as Kanaka Durga. It is famous for its grand Dasara celebrations, with the goddess adorned in a different form each day.

Temple guide →Map

Mundeshwari Devi Temple मुंडेश्वरी देवी मंदिर

Kaimur (near Bhabua), Bihar · Mundeshwari (Durga) and Shiva

A hilltop shrine of Goddess Mundeshwari and a four-faced Shiva linga, often described as one of the oldest Hindu temples still in worship, known for its rare octagonal plan and bloodless offering ritual.

Temple guide →Map

Dhari Devi Temple धारी देवी मंदिर

Kaliyasaur, Uttarakhand · Dhari Devi (a form of Kali)

Riverside shrine on the Alaknanda between Srinagar and Rudraprayag, where the upper half of the goddess Dhari's image is worshipped. Garhwalis revere her as the guardian of Uttarakhand and of the Char Dham pilgrimage route.

Temple guide →Map

Hidimba Devi Temple हिडिम्बा देवी मंदिर

Manali, Himachal Pradesh · Hidimba Devi

A tall wooden pagoda-style temple in the cedar forest of Dhungri, Manali, built in 1553 over a sacred rock. It honours Hidimba Devi, wife of Bhima in the Mahabharata, who is the presiding goddess of the Manali area.

Temple guide →Map

Gauri Kund गौरीकुंड (गौरी देवी मंदिर)

Gaurikund, Uttarakhand · Gauri (Parvati)

The Himalayan village at the start of the Kedarnath trek, where tradition says Parvati performed penance to win Shiva. Pilgrims pray at the Gauri Devi temple and traditionally bathe in its hot springs before climbing to Kedarnath.

Temple guide →Map

Rukmini Devi Temple रुक्मिणी देवी मंदिर

Dwarka, Gujarat · Rukmini

A finely carved shrine of Rukmini, Krishna's chief queen, standing about 2 km outside Dwarka. Local tradition holds that the Dwarka pilgrimage is complete only after darshan here, and the temple is known for its custom of offering water.

Temple guide →Map

Nellaiappar Temple नेल्लैअप्पर मंदिर

Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu · Shiva (Nellaiappar) and Kanthimathi Amman

The great twin temple of Tirunelveli, dedicated to Shiva as Nellaiappar and Parvati as Kanthimathi Amman. Praised in the Tevaram hymns, it is famous for its musical pillars, its copper hall of Nataraja and its huge chariot festival.

Temple guide →Map

Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple यागंटी उमा महेश्वर मंदिर

Yaganti (near Banaganapalle), Andhra Pradesh · Uma Maheswara (Shiva and Parvati)

A Vijayanagara-era temple set against the Erramala hills in Nandyal district, where Shiva and Parvati are worshipped together in one stone image. Its spring-fed pushkarini, hill caves and the 'growing Nandi' make it a much-loved pilgrimage.

Temple guide →Map

Banashankari Amma Temple बनशंकरी अम्मा मंदिर

Cholachagudda (Badami), Karnataka · Banashankari (Shakambhari, form of Parvati)

The much-loved shrine of Goddess Banashankari, the forest goddess, near Badami. Linked by tradition with the Badami Chalukyas, it is a family deity for many in Karnataka and Maharashtra and hosts a famous January fair.

Temple guide →Map

Masani Amman Temple मसानी अम्मन मंदिर

Anaimalai (Pollachi), Tamil Nadu · Masani Amman (form of Adi Parashakti)

The chief shrine of Masani Amman, a powerful village goddess shown in a rare reclining form. Devotees turn to her for healing and for justice, offering ground chillies at the Stone of Justice.

Temple guide →Map

Chandi Mandir चंडी मंदिर

Panchkula, Haryana · Chandi Devi

An old shrine of the goddess Chandi at the foot of the Shivalik hills, after which the city of Chandigarh is widely said to be named; a major Navratri pilgrimage in the Tricity area.

Temple guide →Map

Kheer Bhawani Temple खीर भवानी मंदिर

Tulmulla, Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir · Ragnya Devi (Kheer Bhawani)

The most revered shrine of the Kashmiri Pandits, built over a sacred spring at Tulmulla where the goddess Ragnya is offered kheer; its Jyeshtha Ashtami mela is a great annual gathering.

Temple guide →Map

Bhimakali Temple भीमाकाली मंदिर

Sarahan, Himachal Pradesh · Devi (Bhimakali)

The family goddess of the former Bushahr rulers, enshrined in a striking wood-and-stone tower temple at Sarahan above the Sutlej valley. Some traditions count it among the Shakti Peethas.

Temple guide →Map

Amaramkavu अमरमकावु

Kolani, Thodupuzha, Kerala · Devi (Vana Durga)

A sacred grove and shrine of the forest goddess Vana Durga near Thodupuzha, said to be the largest sacred grove in Idukki district and valued for both worship and its rich biodiversity.

Temple guide →Map

Frequently asked questions