Sri Mahishasura Mardhini Sthothram by Sri Adishankaracharya – Lyrics & meanings

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

Victory to Goddess Sri Mahishasuramardhini, who is the slayer of demon Mahisha ! Victory to daughter of Himavan who has long beautiful plait of hair!  Victory to Nandini who is the source of happiness, she makes the entire Universe pleasant, she resides in the highest peak of Mount Vindhyachala, she is the most desirable companion of Lord Vishnu, she is venerated by the deities, she is the embodiment of auspiciousness, she is the consort of supreme Lord Shiva who has bluish throat,  she has various manifestations too, victory to Goddess Sri Mahishasuramardhini, who is the slayer of demon Mahisha ! Victory to daughter of Himavan who has long beautiful plait of hair!  She is the provider of abundance of  boons to deities and formidable to wicked, she has ever pleasing disposition, she destroys wicked demons, she is the controller of the three worlds, she is most compassionate , she is beloved of  Lord Shankara, she is the destroyer of sins, she  rejoice over the divine sounds, disdainful to the offspring’s of Dhanu and Diti, she is the destroyer of pride, she is the daughter of the King of ocean/Sindhu sutha, victory to Goddess Sri Mahishasuramardhini, who is the slayer of demon Mahisha ! Victory to daughter of Himavan who has long beautiful plait of hair!  She is the mother of the Universe/Jagadamba,  she resides in the woods of Kadhambha, she has pleasing appearance,  she resides in the highest mountain range of Himalayas, she is sweet as nectar,  she destroyed the demons Madhu and Kaitabha, victory to Goddess Sri Mahishasuramardhini, who is the slayer of demon Mahisha ! Victory to daughter of Himavan who has long beautiful plait of hair!  She crush the pride of demons, she rides on celestial vehicle lion, she is vicious in battle field, she crush the army of opponents mercilessly with her powerful hands, victory to Goddess Sri Mahishasuramardhini, who is the slayer of demon Mahisha ! Victory to daughter of Himavan who has long beautiful plait of hair!  She has  enormous power, she is unconquerable in the battlefield,  she is Pramadha who is sincere associate  of Lord Shiva, she adopts various strategies to annihilate the demons of unruly nature, victory to Goddess Sri Mahishasuramardhini, who is the slayer of demon Mahisha ! Victory to daughter of Himavan who has long beautiful plait of hair! she is merciful,  she has possessed inexhaustible power , she is the safest heaven to people who are surrendered at her lotus feet,   she holds powerful trident which is capable to take away the life of those who causes trouble to three worlds,  she has supreme radiance resembles to sun, she  gets extremely energized  with the sound of  ‘Dhumi Dhumi’, and  beating of drums by the deities, victory to Goddess Sri Mahishasuramardhini, who is the slayer of demon Mahisha ! Victory to daughter of Himavan who has long beautiful plait of hair!  she blew away hundreds of hideous demons with her ferocious look, and a simple gesticulation of the ‘Humkara', she causes  streams of blood oozing out of the battlefield,  She is ShivA who is the consort of Lord Shiva, she finds immense pleasure in the association of Lord Shiva,  she is the slayer of demons Shumbha and Nishumbha in the fierce battle, victory to Goddess Sri Mahishasuramardhini,  who is the slayer of demon Mahisha ! Victory to daughter of Himavan who has long beautiful plait of hair!  Victory to Goddess Sri Adi Shakthi who is stunningly beautiful with the precious ornaments decked all over her body,  she is alarming to the four fold army of opponents, she vanquishes them with vicious sword in the battle field, her limb quivers while she prepares to aim the arrow against them,victory to Goddess Sri Mahishasuramardhini, who is the slayer of demon Mahisha ! Victory to daughter of Himavan who has long beautiful plait of hair!    Victory to Goddess Sri Adi Shakthi whose triumph was eulogized by the entire Universe, she mesmerizes Lord Shiva/Bhoothapathi with the  tittering sounds of her anklets,  she finds extreme pleasure in the cosmic dance with Lord Shiva, she has attained half of the body of her consort, she gets immensely pleased to the resourceful dance forms, victory to Goddess Sri Mahishasuramardhini, who is the slayer of demon Mahisha ! Victory to daughter of Himavan who has long beautiful plait of hair!    she is venerated by  virtuous people, she is too passionate to them,  she has beautiful face that has the resemblance to moon which spread cool rays in the darkness, it spread light light in the dark hours, her eyes has the resemblance to fully blossomed fresh  alluring flower which entice honey bees like devotees, she lures the heart of Lord Shiva, victory to Goddess Sri Mahishasuramardhini, who is the slayer of demon Mahisha ! Victory to daughter of Himavan who has long beautiful plait of hair!  she is highly enthusiastic in  battle fields, she is assisted by female Shakthi as warriors, she is surrounded by numerous hunters, she resides in the hermit surrounded by various creepers of Mallika, Jillakas and Bhillakas,  she is most desirable resembles to fully blossomed flower on a beautiful creeper full of red leaves,  Victory to Goddess Sri Mahishasuramardhini, who is the  slayer of demon Mahisha ! Victory to daughter of Himavan who has long beautiful plait of hair!  she has the gait of King of elephant,  she symbolizes precious jewel of three worlds; she is the daughter of King of the ocean where numerous treasures and Lord Chandra initiated, she is worshiped by Lord Manmatha who kindles the hearts of young maidens full of love and passion with his cupid arrow,  victory to Goddess Sri Mahishasuramardhini,  who is the slayer of demon Mahisha ! Victory to daughter of Himavan who has long beautiful plait of hair!  her attractive forehead has the resemblance of  soft and tender lotus leaf, she  moves charmingly with elegant footsteps, she has the gait of swan, she symbolizes intelligence and wisdom, her attractive plait of hair is surrounded by the honey bees from Bakula trees which swarm on the cluster of lotus flowers,  victory to Goddess Sri Mahishasuramardhini,  who is the slayer of demon Mahisha ! Victory to daughter of Himavan who has long beautiful plait of hair!  she plays enchanting music  that flew out from the flute excels the song of  nightingale,  victory to Goddess Sri Adi Shakthi who resides in the most attractive and serene mountain peaks reverberated with the sounds of tribal folks who have unique qualities of her, they blissfully live in her company, victory to Goddess Sri Mahishasuramardhini,  who is the slayer of demon Mahisha ! Victory to daughter of Himavan who has long beautiful plait of hair!  she is attired in bright yellow colored silk garments around her gorgeous waist that put the moon into embarrassment, her beautiful toe nails shines like moon in the reflection of the brilliance from the crowns of deities and demons while they prostrate before her lotus feet, victory to Goddess Sri Adi Shakthi, whose large and raised bosom compete with the front lobe on the forehead of elephant and highest peak of golden mountain/Mount Meru, victory to Goddess Sri Mahishasuramardhini, who is the  slayer of demon Mahisha ! Victory to daughter of Himavan who has long beautiful plait of hair!  Whose brilliance excels the thousands of splendor of Lord Aditya,  victory to Goddess Sri Adi Shakthi, who is venerated by Lord Surya, she is eulogized by Tharakasura who was defeated by her son in the vicious battle, she is too compassionate to King Suratha and Samadhi who underwent severe penances, victory to Goddess Sri Mahishasuramardhini, who is the slayer of demon Mahisha ! victory to daughter of Himavan who has long beautiful plait of hair!  she is the ocean of mercy, she symbolizes  auspiciousness.  


Whoever worship her lotus feet on regular basis with utmost faith and devotion would be blessed with immense wealth and prosperity, I shall surrender at the lotus feet of Goddess Sri Adi Shakthi/ShivA who resides in the lotus flower  capable to fulfill all the desires of the worshiper, victory to Goddess Sri Mahishasuramardhini, who is the  slayer of demon Mahisha ! Victory to daughter of Himavan who has long beautiful plait of hair!  Victory to Goddess Sri Adi Shakthi,  I shall take refuge on the lotus feet of Goddess Sri Adi Shakthi which is the resting place of Lord Shiva as well.  Victory to Goddess Sri Mahishasuramardhini, who is the  slayer of demon Mahisha ! Victory to daughter of Himavan who has long beautiful plait of hair!  Whoever venerates Goddess Sri Adi Shakthi whose face has the luster of Lord Chandra,  they will not face any ill fortune, Victory to Goddess Sri Adi Shakthi, who is  pride of Lord Shiva, she is  worshiped by the celestial Apsaras in the assembly of Lord Indra,  I shall earnestly to pray to Goddess Mahishasuramardhini not to reject my plea, Victory to Goddess Sri Mahishasuramardhini, slayer of demon Mahisha ! Victory to daughter of Himavan who has long beautiful plait of hair! Oh! Goddess Sri Adi Shakthi, you are the ocean of mercy, thus I shall earnestly pray to shower mercy on us.  Oh! Janani/ Mother of the Universe, I shall earnestly pray to shower your auspicious grace on us, kindly eradicate our sorrows and miseries, and kindly accept our prayers even though they are simple.

Ayigiri Nandini Nandhitha Medhini Vishwa Vinodhini Nandanuthey |Girivara Vindhyashirodhini Vasini Vishnuvilasini Jishnunuthey |Bhagavathi Hey Shithi Kanda Kudumbini BhoorikudumbhiniJaya Jaya Hey Mahishasura Mardhini Ramyakapardhini Shailasuthey ||

Suravara Varshini Dhurdhara Dharshini Dhurmukha Marshini Harsharathey |Thribhuvana Poshini Sankarathoshini Kilbhishamoshini Ghosharathey |Dhanujaniroshini Dhidhisutha Roshini Dhurmatha Shoshini Sindhusuthey |Jaya Jaya Hey Mahishasura Mardhini Ramyakapardhini Shailasuthey ||

Ayi Jagadhamba Madhambha Kadhambha Vanapriyavasini Hasarathey |Shikhari Shiromani Thunga Himalaya Shrunga Nijalaya Madhyagathey |Madhumadhure Madhu Kaitabha Bhanjini Kaitabha Bhanjani Rasarathey |Jaya Jaya Hey Mahishasura Mardhini Ramyakapardhini Shailasuthey ||

Ayi Shathakhanda Vikanditharunda Vithunditha Shunda Gajathipathey |Ripu Gaja Khanda Vidharana Chanda Parakrama Shunda Mrugathipathey |Nija Bhuja Dhanda Nipathitha Khanda Vipathitha Munda Badathipathey Jaya Jaya Hey Mahishasura Mardhini Ramyakapardhini Shailasuthey ||

Ayi Rana Dhurmatha Shathru Vadhothitha Dhurdhara Nirjjara Shakthibruthey |Chathura Vichara Dhureena Mahashiva Dhoothakrutha Pramadhadhipathey |Dhuritha Dureeha Dhurasaya Dhurmathi  Dhanava Dhootha Kruthanthamathey |Jaya Jaya Hey Mahishasura Mardhini Ramyakapardhini Shailasuthey ||

Ayi Sharanagatha Vairi Vadhoovara Veera Varabhaya Dhayakarey |Thribuvana Masthaka  Shoola Virodhi Shirodhi Krithamala Shoolakare|Dhimidhimi Thamara Dhundhubhinadha Maha Mukhari Krutha Thigmakare |Jaya Jaya Hey Mahishasuramardhini Ramyakapardhini Shailasuthey ||

Ayi Nija Humkruthimathra Nirakrutha Dhoomra Vilochana Dhoomrashathey |Samaravishoshitha Shonithabeeja Samudhbhava Shonitha Beejalathe |Shiva Shiva Shumbha Nishumbha Maha Hava  Tharpitha Bhootha Pishacharathey |Jaya Jaya Hey Mahishasuramardhini Ramyakapardhini Shailasuthey ||

Dhanuranushanga Rana Kshanasanga Parispuradanga Natathkatakae |Kanakapishanga Brushathkanishanga Rasathbhatashrunga Hathavatuke |Krithachathuranga Balakshitharanga Kadath Bahuranga Ratathpadhuke |Jaya Jaya Hey Mahishasuramardhini Ramyakapardhini Shailasuthey ||

Jayajaya Hey Japyajayejaya Shabhdhaparasthuthi Thathpara Vishvanuthey |Bhanabhana Bhinjimi Bhingrithanoopura Sinjitha  Mohitha Bhoothapathe |Nadithanatartha Nadinada Nayaka Naditha Natya Sukhanarathey |Jaya Jaya Hey Mahishasuramardhini Ramyakapardhini Shailasuthey ||

Ayi Sumana Sumana Sumana Sumanohara Kanthiyuthe |Shrutharajani Rajani Rajani Rajanikara Vakthravruthe |Sunayana Vibhramarabhrama Bhramarabhramaradhipathe |

Jaya Jaya Hey Mahishasuramardhini Ramyakapardhini Shailasuthey ||

Sahithamahahava Mallamahallika Mallitharallaka Mallarathe |Virachithavallika Pallika Mallika Billika Bhillika Vargavruthe |Sithakruthphulla Samullasitharuna Thallajapallava Sallalithe |Jaya Jaya Hey Mahishasuramardhi Ramyakapardhini Shailasuthey ||

Aviralaghanda Kalathamadhamedhura Maththamathanga Raja pathe |Thribhuvana Bhooshana Bhootha Kalanidhi Roopapayonidhi Rajasuthe |Ayisutha Dheejanalalasa Manasa Mohana Manmatha Rajasuthe |Jaya Jaya Hey Mahishasuramardhini Ramyakapardhini Sahilasuthey ||

Kamaladhalamala Komala Kanthikala Kalithamala Balalathe |Sakalavilasa Kalanilayakrama Kelichalthkala Hamsakule |Alikulasankula Kuvalayamandala Maulimiladhbahulalikule |

Jaya Jaya Hey Mahishasuramardhini Ramyakapardhini Shailasuthey ||

Karamuralirava Veejithakoojitha Lajjithakokila Manjumathe |Milintha Pulintha Manohara Kunchitha Ranjithashaila Nikunjagathey |Nijaguna Bhootha Mahasabharigana  Sathguna Sambrutha Kelithale |Jaya Jaya Hey Mahishasuramardhini Ramyakapardhini Shailasuthey ||

Katithada Peethadhukoola Vichithra Mayukha Thiraskrutha Chandraruche |Pranathasurasura Moulimanisphura Dhamshulasannaka Chandraruche |Jithakanakachala Moulipadhorjitha Nirbhruthakunjara Kumbhakuche |Jaya Jaya Hey Mahishasuramardhini Ramyakapardhini Sahilasuthey ||

Vijithasahashra Karaikasahashra Karaikasahashraka Raikanuthe |Kruthasutha Tharaka Sangaratharaka Sangaratharaka Soonusuthey |Surathasamadhi Samana Samadhi Samadhi Samadhi Sujatharathe |Jaya Jaya Hey Mahishasuramardhini Ramyakapardhini Shailasuthey ||

Padakamalam Karunanilayevarivashyathi Yo Anudhinam Sa Shive |Ayi Kamale Kamalanilaye Kamalanilaya Sa Katham Na Bhaveth |Thava Padhameva Param Ithi Anusheelayatho Mama Kim Na Shive |Jaya Jaya Hey Mahishasuramardhini Ramyakapardhini Shailasuthey ||

Kanakala Sathkala Sindhu Jalairanu  Sinjinuthe Guna Rangabhuvam|Bhajathi Sa Kim Na Shachi Kuchakumbha Thadi Parirambha Sukhanubhavam |Thava Charanam Sharanam Karavani Nathamaravani Nivasi Shivam |Jaya Jay Hey Mahishasuramardhini Ramyakapardhini Sahilasuthey ||

 Thava Vimalendhu Kulam Vadhanendhumalam Sakalaya Anukoolayathey |Kimu Puruhootha Pureendhumukhi  Sumukhibheerasou Vimukhikriyathey |Mama Thu  Matham Shivanamadhane Bhavathikripaya Kimu Na Kriyathe |Jaya Jaya Hey Mahishasuramardhini Ramyakapardhini Shailasuthey |

Ayi Mai Dheenadhayalu Dhaya Krupayaiva Thvaya Bhavathavyam Umey |Ayi Jagatho Janani Kripayasi Thathanumithasi Rathe |Na Yadhuchithamathra Bhavathavyarari Kurutha Dhuruthapamapakaruthe |Jaya Jaya Hey Mahishasuramardhini Ramyakapardhini Shailasuthey ||

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||