śrī durgā sapta ślokī

Shiva spoke: O Goddess, You who are easily attained by devotees, O accomplisher of all tasks — in the age of Kali, please tell me with care the means by which all endeavors may be successfully fulfilled.

The Goddess spoke: Listen, O Lord, I shall reveal the means to accomplish all desires in the age of Kali. Out of my love for you alone, the hymn of praise to the Divine Mother is now being disclosed.

Of this sacred Durga Saptashloki hymn, the sage is Narayana, the meter is Anushtup, the presiding deities are Shri Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasarasvati. This seven-verse recitation of Durga is employed for the pleasure of Shri Durga.

That divine and blessed Goddess Mahamaya forcibly draws away even the minds of the wise and casts them into delusion.

O Durga, when remembered by those in distress, You remove the fear of all beings. When remembered by those who are at peace, You bestow exceedingly auspicious wisdom. O remover of poverty, suffering, and fear — who else but You exists with a heart ever tender and compassionate, devoted to rendering service to all?

O auspicious one who is the embodiment of all that is auspicious, O Shiva who fulfills all purposes and desires, O refuge of all, O three-eyed Gauri, O Narayani — salutations unto you.

O Goddess who is devoted to protecting those afflicted and helpless who seek Your refuge, O Devi who removes the suffering of all beings, O Narayani, salutations be unto You.

O Goddess who embodies all forms, who is the supreme ruler of all, who is endowed with all powers — protect us from all fears, O Devi Durga. Salutations unto you.

When pleased, you remove all diseases without exception; when angered, you destroy all desired objects and wishes. Those who have taken refuge in you never fall into calamity, for those who seek your shelter themselves become a refuge for others.

O Supreme Goddess of all, just as you bring peace from all afflictions to the three worlds, so too must you accomplish the destruction of our enemies.