The Argala Stotram in Hindi is one of the most sacred preliminary prayers recited before the full reading of the Durga Saptashati. If you have been searching for the complete अर्गला स्त्रोत्र with its meaning and transliteration, this article covers everything you need — from the original Sanskrit verses to their spiritual depth and practical recitation guidance.
The word “Argala” means a bolt or latch. Spiritually, it refers to the key that unlocks the blessings of the Goddess. This stotra acts as a divine invocation that prepares the devotee to receive the full grace of Maa Durga before they enter the sacred text of the Saptashati.
What Is the Argala Stotram? History and Background
The Durga Argala Stotram is traditionally attributed to the Markandeya Purana, within which the Durga Saptashati (also called the Devi Mahatmya or Chandi Path) is embedded. According to the prescribed method of reciting Chandi Path, 3 stotras serve as the outer framework — Devi Kavacham, Argala Stotram, and Keelakam. These three are collectively called the “Patha Vidhi” or the procedural prayers.
The sage Markandeya is credited as the seer (Rishi) of this text. The presiding deity is Sri Mahalakshmi. The meter is Anushtup, the same classical meter found throughout Vedic and Puranic literature.
The Argala Stotram contains 25 verses. Its defining refrain — “Rupam dehi jayam dehi yasho dehi dvishho jahi” — appears repeatedly through the stotram, making it deeply rhythmic and meditative. This refrain is a fourfold prayer asking the Goddess to grant beauty, victory, glory, and the destruction of enemies.
The significance of this stotram goes beyond ritual procedure. Each verse salutes a different form or victory of the Goddess and concludes with the same humble petition. It is both a hymn of praise and a sincere personal prayer.
Argala Stotram In Hindi — Complete Sanskrit Text (अर्गला स्त्रोत्र)
॥ अथार्गलास्तोत्रम् ॥
ॐ अस्य श्रीअर्गलास्तोत्रमन्त्रस्य विष्णुर्ऋषिः, अनुष्टुप् छन्दः,
श्रीमहालक्ष्मीर्देवता, श्रीजगदम्बाप्रीतये सप्तशतीपाठाङ्गत्वेन जपे विनियोगः ॥
ॐ नमश्चण्डिकायै ॥
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
ॐ जयन्ती मङ्गला काली भद्रकाली कपालिनी।
दुर्गा क्षमा शिवा धात्री स्वाहा स्वधा नमोऽस्तु ते॥ 1 ॥
जय त्वं देवि चामुण्डे जय भूतार्तिहारिणि।
जय सर्वगते देवि कालरात्रि नमोऽस्तु ते॥ 2 ॥
मधुकैटभविद्राविविधातृवरदे नमः।
रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥ 3 ॥
महिषासुरनिर्णाशि भक्तानां सुखदे नमः।
रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥ 4 ॥
रक्तबीजवधे देवि चण्डमुण्डविनाशिनि।
रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥ 5 ॥
शुम्भस्यैव निशुम्भस्य धूम्राक्षस्य च मर्दिनि।
रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥ 6 ॥
वन्दिताङ्घ्रियुगे देवि सर्वसौभाग्यदायिनि।
रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥ 7 ॥
अचिन्त्यरूपचरिते सर्वशत्रुविनाशिनि।
रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥ 8 ॥
नतेभ्यः सर्वदा भक्त्या चण्डिके दुरितापहे।
रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥ 9 ॥
स्तुवद्भ्यो भक्तिपूर्वं त्वां चण्डिके व्याधिनाशिनि।
रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥ 10 ॥
चण्डिके सततं ये त्वामर्चयन्तीह भक्तितः।
रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥ 11 ॥
देहि सौभाग्यमारोग्यं देहि मे परमं सुखम्।
रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥ 12 ॥
विधेहि द्विषतां नाशं विधेहि बलमुच्चकैः।
रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥ 13 ॥
विधेहि देवि कल्याणं विधेहि परमां श्रियम्।
रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥ 14 ॥
सुरासुरशिरोरत्ननिघृष्टचरणेऽम्बिके।
रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥ 15 ॥
विद्यावन्तं यशस्वन्तं लक्ष्मीवन्तं जनं कुरु।
रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥ 16 ॥
प्रचण्डदैत्यदर्पघ्ने चण्डिके प्रणताय मे।
रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥ 17 ॥
चतुर्भुजे चतुर्वक्त्रसंस्तुते परमेश्वरि।
रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥ 18 ॥
कृष्णेन संस्तुते देवि शश्वद्भक्त्या सदाम्बिके।
रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥ 19 ॥
हिमाचलसुतानाथसंस्तुते परमेश्वरि।
रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥ 20 ॥
इन्द्राणीपतिसद्भावपूजिते परमेश्वरि।
रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥ 21 ॥
देवि प्रचण्डदोर्दण्डदैत्यदर्पविनाशिनि।
रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥ 22 ॥
देवि भक्तजनोद्दामदत्तानन्दोदयेऽम्बिके।
रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि॥ 23 ॥
पत्नीं मनोरमां देहि मनोवृत्तानुसारिणीम्।
तारिणीं दुर्गसंसारसागरस्य कुलोद्भवाम्॥ 24 ॥
इदं स्तोत्रं पठित्वा तु महास्तोत्रं पठेन्नरः।
स तु सप्तशतीसङ्ख्यावरमाप्नोति सम्पदाम्॥ 25 ॥
॥ इति देव्या अर्गलास्तोत्रं सम्पूर्णम् ॥
Argala Stotram — Complete Transliteration with English and Hindi Meaning
Viniyoga (Dedication)
Transliteration: Om asya shri-argala-stotra-mantrasya Vishnur-rishih, Anushtup chhandah, Shri-Mahalakshmeer-devata, Shri-Jagadamba-pritaye Saptashati-pathangatvena jape viniyogah. Om namash-chandikayai.
English Meaning: This is the Argala Stotra Mantra, whose Rishi is Vishnu, whose meter is Anushtup, whose deity is Sri Mahalakshmi, and which is recited as part of the Saptashati path for the pleasure of the World Mother. Om, salutation to Chandika.
Hindi Meaning: यह अर्गला स्तोत्र मंत्र है, जिसके ऋषि विष्णु हैं, छंद अनुष्टुप है, देवता श्री महालक्ष्मी हैं और जो श्री जगदम्बा की प्रसन्नता के लिए सप्तशती पाठ के अंग के रूप में जपा जाता है।
Verse 1
Transliteration: Om Jayanti Mangala Kali Bhadrakali Kapalini | Durga Kshama Shiva Dhatri Svaha Svadha Namo’stu Te ||
English Meaning: O Goddess, You are Jayanti (the ever-victorious), Mangala (the auspicious), Kali (the dark destroyer), Bhadrakali (the benevolent Kali), Kapalini (the skull-bearer), Durga (the invincible), Kshama (forgiveness), Shiva (the gracious), Dhatri (the sustainer of creation), Svaha (the fire oblation), and Svadha (the ancestral offering) — I bow to You.
Hindi Meaning: हे देवी, आप जयन्ती, मंगला, काली, भद्रकाली, कपालिनी, दुर्गा, क्षमा, शिवा, धात्री, स्वाहा और स्वधा हैं — आपको मेरा नमस्कार है।
Verse 2
Transliteration: Jaya Tvam Devi Chamunde Jaya Bhutarti-harini | Jaya Sarvagate Devi Kalaratri Namo’stu Te ||
English Meaning: Victory to You, O Chamunda! Victory to You who removes the suffering of all living beings! Victory to You who pervades all things, O Kalaratri — I offer my salutation.
Hindi Meaning: हे चामुण्डे, आपकी जय हो! प्राणियों की पीड़ा हरने वाली, सर्वव्यापिनी, कालरात्रि देवी — आपको प्रणाम।
Verse 3
Transliteration: Madhu-Kaitabha-vidhravi-vidhatra-varade namah | Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvishho Jahi ||
English Meaning: Salutation to You who scattered Madhu and Kaitabha and who grants boons to Brahma the creator. Grant me beauty, grant me victory, grant me glory — destroy my enemies.
Hindi Meaning: मधु और कैटभ को भगाने वाली, ब्रह्मा को वरदान देने वाली देवी को नमस्कार। मुझे रूप, जय और यश दो — शत्रुओं का नाश करो।
Verse 4
Transliteration: Mahishasura-nirnashi bhaktanam sukhade namah | Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvishho Jahi ||
English Meaning: Salutation to You who destroyed Mahishasura and who bestows happiness on Your devotees. Grant me beauty, grant me victory, grant me glory — destroy my enemies.
Hindi Meaning: महिषासुर का नाश करने वाली, भक्तों को सुख देने वाली देवी को नमस्कार। मुझे रूप, जय और यश दो — शत्रुओं का नाश करो।
Verse 5
Transliteration: Raktabija-vadhe Devi Chanda-Munda-vinashini | Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvishho Jahi ||
English Meaning: O Goddess who slew Raktabija and destroyed Chanda and Munda. Grant me beauty, grant me victory, grant me glory — destroy my enemies.
Hindi Meaning: रक्तबीज का वध करने वाली, चण्ड-मुण्ड का नाश करने वाली देवी। मुझे रूप, जय और यश दो — शत्रुओं का नाश करो।
Verse 6
Transliteration: Shumbhasyaiva Nishumbhasya Dhumrakshhasya cha Mardini | Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvishho Jahi ||
English Meaning: O Crusher of Shumbha, Nishumbha, and Dhumraksha. Grant me beauty, grant me victory, grant me glory — destroy my enemies.
Hindi Meaning: शुम्भ, निशुम्भ और धूम्राक्ष का दमन करने वाली देवी। मुझे रूप, जय और यश दो — शत्रुओं का नाश करो।
Verse 7
Transliteration: Vanditanghri-yuge Devi Sarva-saubhagya-dayini | Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvishho Jahi ||
English Meaning: O Goddess whose two feet are worshipped by all, who bestows every kind of good fortune. Grant me beauty, grant me victory, grant me glory — destroy my enemies.
Hindi Meaning: जिनके चरणों की सभी वंदना करते हैं, सम्पूर्ण सौभाग्य देने वाली देवी। मुझे रूप, जय और यश दो — शत्रुओं का नाश करो।
Verse 8
Transliteration: Achintya-rupa-charite Sarva-shatru-vinashini | Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvishho Jahi ||
English Meaning: O Goddess of inconceivable form and deeds, destroyer of all enemies. Grant me beauty, grant me victory, grant me glory — destroy my enemies.
Hindi Meaning: अकल्पनीय रूप और चरित्र वाली, समस्त शत्रुओं का नाश करने वाली देवी। मुझे रूप, जय और यश दो — शत्रुओं का नाश करो।
Verse 9
Transliteration: Natebhyah sarvada bhaktya Chandike duritapahhe | Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvishho Jahi ||
English Meaning: O Chandika, remover of sins, who always protects those who bow before You with devotion. Grant me beauty, grant me victory, grant me glory — destroy my enemies.
Hindi Meaning: हे चण्डिके, जो सदा भक्तिपूर्वक नमन करने वालों के पापों को दूर करती हैं। मुझे रूप, जय और यश दो — शत्रुओं का नाश करो।
Verse 10
Transliteration: Stuvad-bhyo bhakti-purvam tvam Chandike vyadhi-nashini | Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvishho Jahi ||
English Meaning: O Chandika, destroyer of diseases, who blesses those who praise You with devotion. Grant me beauty, grant me victory, grant me glory — destroy my enemies.
Hindi Meaning: हे व्याधि-नाशिनी चण्डिके, जो भक्तिपूर्वक स्तुति करने वालों को आशीर्वाद देती हैं। मुझे रूप, जय और यश दो — शत्रुओं का नाश करो।
Verse 11
Transliteration: Chandike satatam ye tvam archayanti-ha bhaktitah | Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvishho Jahi ||
English Meaning: O Chandika, to those who worship You here constantly and with devotion. Grant me beauty, grant me victory, grant me glory — destroy my enemies.
Hindi Meaning: हे चण्डिके, जो सदा भक्तिपूर्वक आपकी यहां पूजा करते हैं। मुझे रूप, जय और यश दो — शत्रुओं का नाश करो।
Verse 12
Transliteration: Dehi saubhagyam arogyam dehi me paramam sukham | Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvishho Jahi ||
English Meaning: Grant me good fortune and health; grant me supreme happiness. Grant me beauty, grant me victory, grant me glory — destroy my enemies.
Hindi Meaning: मुझे सौभाग्य और आरोग्य दो; मुझे परम सुख प्रदान करो। मुझे रूप, जय और यश दो — शत्रुओं का नाश करो।
Verse 13
Transliteration: Vidhehi dvishhatam nasham vidhehi balam uchchakaih | Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvishho Jahi ||
English Meaning: Bring about the destruction of my enemies; bestow upon me great strength. Grant me beauty, grant me victory, grant me glory — destroy my enemies.
Hindi Meaning: शत्रुओं का नाश करो और मुझे महान शक्ति प्रदान करो। मुझे रूप, जय और यश दो — शत्रुओं का नाश करो।
Verse 14
Transliteration: Vidhehi Devi kalyaanam vidhehi paramam shriyam | Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvishho Jahi ||
English Meaning: O Goddess, bring about my welfare; bestow upon me supreme prosperity. Grant me beauty, grant me victory, grant me glory — destroy my enemies.
Hindi Meaning: हे देवी, मेरा कल्याण करो और मुझे परम श्री (ऐश्वर्य) प्रदान करो। मुझे रूप, जय और यश दो — शत्रुओं का नाश करो।
Verse 15
Transliteration: Sura-asura-shiro-ratna-nighrishta-charane’mbike | Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvishho Jahi ||
English Meaning: O Ambika, whose feet are polished by the crown gems of gods and demons alike. Grant me beauty, grant me victory, grant me glory — destroy my enemies.
Hindi Meaning: हे अम्बिके, देवताओं और असुरों के मुकुट-मणियों से जिनके चरण घिसते हैं। मुझे रूप, जय और यश दो — शत्रुओं का नाश करो।
Verse 16
Transliteration: Vidyavantam yashasvantam lakshmivantam janam kuru | Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvishho Jahi ||
English Meaning: Make us learned in knowledge, renowned in fame, and blessed with Lakshmi’s grace. Grant me beauty, grant me victory, grant me glory — destroy my enemies.
Hindi Meaning: हमें विद्यावान, यशस्वी और लक्ष्मीवान बनाओ। मुझे रूप, जय और यश दो — शत्रुओं का नाश करो।
Verse 17
Transliteration: Prachanda-daitya-darpa-ghne Chandike pranataya me | Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvishho Jahi ||
English Meaning: O Chandika, crusher of the fierce pride of demons, to me who bows before You. Grant me beauty, grant me victory, grant me glory — destroy my enemies.
Hindi Meaning: हे चण्डिके, प्रचण्ड दैत्यों के अहंकार को चूर करने वाली, मुझ नतमस्तक भक्त पर कृपा करो। मुझे रूप, जय और यश दो — शत्रुओं का नाश करो।
Verse 18
Transliteration: Chaturbhuje chatur-vaktra-samstute Parameshvari | Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvishho Jahi ||
English Meaning: O Parameshvari of four arms, praised by four-faced Brahma. Grant me beauty, grant me victory, grant me glory — destroy my enemies.
Hindi Meaning: हे चार भुजाओं वाली परमेश्वरी, जिनकी चतुर्मुख ब्रह्मा ने स्तुति की है। मुझे रूप, जय और यश दो — शत्रुओं का नाश करो।
Verse 19
Transliteration: Krishnena samstute Devi shashvad-bhaktya sadambike | Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvishho Jahi ||
English Meaning: O Devi, O Ambika, praised by Krishna with eternal devotion. Grant me beauty, grant me victory, grant me glory — destroy my enemies.
Hindi Meaning: हे देवी अम्बिके, जिनकी श्रीकृष्ण ने सदा शाश्वत भक्ति से स्तुति की है। मुझे रूप, जय और यश दो — शत्रुओं का नाश करो।
Verse 20
Transliteration: Himachala-suta-natha-samstute Parameshvari | Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvishho Jahi ||
English Meaning: O Parameshvari, praised by Shiva — the lord of Parvati, daughter of the Himalayas. Grant me beauty, grant me victory, grant me glory — destroy my enemies.
Hindi Meaning: हे परमेश्वरी, जिनकी स्तुति हिमाचलपुत्री पार्वती के स्वामी भगवान शिव ने की है। मुझे रूप, जय और यश दो — शत्रुओं का नाश करो।
Verse 21
Transliteration: Indrani-pati-sad-bhava-pujite Parameshvari | Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvishho Jahi ||
English Meaning: O Parameshvari, worshipped with sincere devotion by Indra, the lord of Indrani. Grant me beauty, grant me victory, grant me glory — destroy my enemies.
Hindi Meaning: हे परमेश्वरी, जिनकी इन्द्राणी के पति इन्द्र ने सच्चे भाव से पूजा की है। मुझे रूप, जय और यश दो — शत्रुओं का नाश करो।
Verse 22
Transliteration: Devi prachanda-dor-danda-daitya-darpa-vinashini | Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvishho Jahi ||
English Meaning: O Devi, destroyer of the arrogance of demons with Your mighty arms. Grant me beauty, grant me victory, grant me glory — destroy my enemies.
Hindi Meaning: हे देवी, अपनी प्रचण्ड भुजाओं से दैत्यों के अहंकार को नष्ट करने वाली। मुझे रूप, जय और यश दो — शत्रुओं का नाश करो।
Verse 23
Transliteration: Devi bhakta-janod-dama-dattanandodaye’mbike | Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvishho Jahi ||
English Meaning: O Ambika, who generously bestows boundless joy upon Your devoted followers. Grant me beauty, grant me victory, grant me glory — destroy my enemies.
Hindi Meaning: हे अम्बिके, जो अपने भक्तजनों को उदारता से अपार आनंद प्रदान करती हैं। मुझे रूप, जय और यश दो — शत्रुओं का नाश करो।
Verse 24
Transliteration: Patnim manoramam dehi mano-vrittan-usarinim | Tarinim durga-samsara-sagarasya kulodbhavam ||
English Meaning: Grant me a devoted, virtuous companion whose heart aligns with noble intentions — one who can help cross the difficult ocean of worldly existence and who is born of a good lineage.
Hindi Meaning: मुझे मनोरम पत्नी दो जो मेरे मन के अनुकूल हो, जो कठिन संसार-सागर से पार कराने में सहायक हो और कुलीन परिवार से उत्पन्न हो।
Verse 25 — Phala Shruti (The Fruit of Recitation)
Transliteration: Idam stotram pathitva tu maha-stotram pathen-narah | Sa tu saptashati-sankhya-varam apnoti sampadam ||
English Meaning: One who recites this stotram and then proceeds to recite the great Saptashati text attains blessings equal to the complete seven-hundred-verse reading.
Hindi Meaning: जो इस स्तोत्र का पाठ करके सप्तशती का पाठ करता है, वह सात सौ श्लोकों के पाठ के बराबर फल प्राप्त करता है।
Word-by-Word Meaning of the Core Refrain
| Sanskrit Word | Transliteration | English Meaning | Hindi Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| रूपं | Rupam | Beauty, radiance | सौंदर्य, तेज |
| देहि | Dehi | Grant, give | दो, प्रदान करो |
| जयं | Jayam | Victory | विजय |
| यशो | Yasho | Fame, glory | यश, कीर्ति |
| द्विषो | Dvishho | Enemies, adversaries | शत्रु, विरोधी |
| जहि | Jahi | Destroy, dispel | नाश करो, दूर करो |
Spiritual Significance of the Argala Stotram
The word “Argala” — a door bolt — carries the central spiritual metaphor of this prayer. Just as a bolt must be lifted before a door can open, the Argala Stotram lifts the veil of distraction and ego before the devotee enters the deeper space of the Saptashati.
Each verse follows a deliberate two-part structure. The first line praises a specific victory of the Goddess — over Madhu-Kaitabha, Mahishasura, Raktabija, or Shumbha-Nishumbha. The second line presents the personal petition. This sequence is spiritually intentional: acknowledge before you ask. The devotee is not rushing to their wish; they are first grounding themselves in the Goddess’s power and grace.
The fourfold refrain carries deeper meaning than its surface words suggest. “Rupa” is not merely physical beauty — it is inner luminosity and calm presence. “Jaya” is not a sporting victory — it is the resilience that holds steady under pressure. “Yasha” is lasting reputation built on sincere character. And “Dvishho jahi” is not only about external enemies — it addresses the inner adversaries of doubt, pride, and attachment.
The refrain repeating 21 times across the stotram creates a natural rhythm of surrender. Each repetition brings the devotee back to the same humble posture — hands open, heart ready, entirely dependent on the Mother’s grace.
Argala Stotram Benefits — What the Tradition Says
Amplifies the Saptashati Patha Verse 25 directly states that reciting the Argala Stotram before the Saptashati earns the devotee the full fruit of the complete seven-hundred-verse reading. Within Chandi Patha, this stotram is therefore not a preliminary formality — it is a multiplier.
Removal of Obstacles The prayer for “Dvishho jahi” calls upon the same Goddess who conquered the most formidable demonic forces in Puranic scripture. Devotees traditionally recite this stotram when facing blocks in life — professional, personal, or spiritual. It is understood as a request to clear whatever stands in the way of one’s rightful path.
Health, Prosperity, and Knowledge Verse 12 asks for good fortune (saubhagya) and health (arogya). Verse 16 asks that devotees be made learned (vidyavanta), reputed (yashasvanta), and prosperous (lakshmivanta). The stotram touches the full range of practical human needs within a devotional frame.
Deepened Devotion Over Time The structured rhythm of praise followed by petition, repeated across 25 verses, gradually shapes the devotee’s inner attitude. Regular recitation builds the habit of gratitude before request — a shift that extends beyond the prayer into daily life.
The 11 Names of the Goddess in Verse 1 — Explained
Verse 1 is unique in the stotram because it offers 11 distinct names of the Goddess in a single verse. Each name reflects a different aspect of her cosmic function:
| Name | English Meaning | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| जयन्ती (Jayanti) | The ever-victorious | She who is never defeated |
| मङ्गला (Mangala) | The auspicious one | Bringer of all good |
| काली (Kali) | The dark one | Destroyer of time and death |
| भद्रकाली (Bhadrakali) | The benevolent Kali | Fierce yet protective |
| कपालिनी (Kapalini) | The skull-bearer | Transcendence of death |
| दुर्गा (Durga) | The invincible fort | Protector against all harm |
| क्षमा (Kshama) | Forgiveness | The merciful mother |
| शिवा (Shiva) | The auspicious, gracious | The gentle form of Shakti |
| धात्री (Dhatri) | The sustainer | Nurturer of all creation |
| स्वाहा (Svaha) | The fire oblation | Goddess of the sacred fire |
| स्वधा (Svadha) | The ancestral offering | Honored in ancestor rites |
This is not a random list. These names move from the fierce warrior (Kali, Durga) through forgiveness and grace (Kshama, Shiva) to the cosmic sustainer (Dhatri, Svaha, Svadha). The devotee salutes every dimension of the Divine Mother in the very first verse.
When and How to Recite the Argala Stotram
When to Recite
The Argala Stotram fits into the complete Chandi Patha sequence after Devi Kavacham and before Keelakam. After all 3 preparatory stotras, the devotee proceeds to the 13 chapters of the Saptashati.
It is especially recited during:
- Navratri (both Chaitra and Shardiya)
- Fridays and Tuesdays dedicated to the Goddess
- Any Devi puja performed at home or in a temple
- As a standalone daily prayer for devotees of Maa Durga
How to Recite
Begin with the Viniyoga — the formal dedication verse. This sets the intention and aligns the recitation with its traditional purpose. Then proceed through the 25 verses in order.
No fixed repetition count is mandated beyond the text’s own structure. Some devotees read it once daily; others recite it 3 or 7 times on special occasions. Early morning is traditionally preferred. Sit quietly, face east or north, and read with an attentive mind. Sincerity matters more than speed.
Argala Stotram In English — Summary of All 25 Verses
| Verse | Key Praise | Personal Petition |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 names of the Goddess | Salutation |
| 2 | Chamunda, Kalaratri | Salutation |
| 3 | Destroyer of Madhu-Kaitabha | Rupam Dehi… |
| 4 | Destroyer of Mahishasura | Rupam Dehi… |
| 5 | Slayer of Raktabija, Chanda-Munda | Rupam Dehi… |
| 6 | Crusher of Shumbha, Nishumbha, Dhumraksha | Rupam Dehi… |
| 7 | Feet worshipped by all, bestower of fortune | Rupam Dehi… |
| 8 | Inconceivable form, enemy destroyer | Rupam Dehi… |
| 9 | Remover of sins for devoted bowers | Rupam Dehi… |
| 10 | Destroyer of disease for devoted praisers | Rupam Dehi… |
| 11 | Blesses constant devotional worshippers | Rupam Dehi… |
| 12 | Direct prayer for fortune and health | Rupam Dehi… |
| 13 | Prayer for enemy destruction and strength | Rupam Dehi… |
| 14 | Prayer for welfare and supreme prosperity | Rupam Dehi… |
| 15 | Feet honored by gods and demons alike | Rupam Dehi… |
| 16 | Prayer to be made learned, famous, prosperous | Rupam Dehi… |
| 17 | Crusher of demonic pride | Rupam Dehi… |
| 18 | Praised by four-faced Brahma | Rupam Dehi… |
| 19 | Praised by Krishna with eternal devotion | Rupam Dehi… |
| 20 | Praised by Shiva, lord of Parvati | Rupam Dehi… |
| 21 | Worshipped by Indra with true devotion | Rupam Dehi… |
| 22 | Destroyer of demonic arrogance with mighty arms | Rupam Dehi… |
| 23 | Bestower of boundless joy on devotees | Rupam Dehi… |
| 24 | Personal prayer for a virtuous life companion | (No refrain) |
| 25 | Phala Shruti — fruit of recitation | (Closing verse) |
Conclusion
The Argala Stotram in Hindi is more than a preliminary recitation. It is a complete spiritual practice — a cycle of praise, surrender, and sincere petition that mirrors the soul’s approach to the Divine Mother. Each invocation of her name, each acknowledgment of her great deeds, and each repetition of “Rupam dehi jayam dehi yasho dehi dvishho jahi” draws the devotee deeper into a relationship of trust and devotion with Maa Durga.
Whether you approach the अर्गला स्त्रोत्र as part of the full Chandi Path or as a daily prayer on its own, its words carry a timeless power rooted in the living tradition of Shakti worship.
May Maa Chamunda bless all who turn to her with open hearts.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the Argala Stotram?
A 25-verse prayer from the Durga Saptashati tradition, recited before the main Chandi Path as part of the preparatory sequence.
Q2: What does “Argala” mean?
Argala means a bolt or latch — spiritually, the key that opens the door to the Goddess’s blessings.
Q3: What are the main Argala Stotram benefits?
The tradition holds it amplifies the Saptashati’s effect, removes obstacles, and brings health, victory, and prosperity.
Q4: Can the Argala Stotram be recited alone without the full Saptashati?
Yes. It carries complete devotional value as a standalone prayer to Maa Durga.
Q5: When is the best time to recite it?
Early morning during Navratri, on Fridays or Tuesdays, or as part of a daily Devi sadhana.
Q6: Who is the Rishi of the Argala Stotram?
The Rishi is Vishnu and the presiding deity is Sri Mahalakshmi, as stated in the opening Viniyoga.
Q7: How many times does the central refrain appear?
The refrain “Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvishho Jahi” appears 21 times, in Verses 3 through 23.
Q8: What is the Phala Shruti in Verse 25?
It states that reciting this stotram before the Saptashati earns the devotee the full spiritual benefit of all 700 verses.
