Let us press soma for Jātavedas (Agni), knower of all beings, who burns down those who hate us; may that fire carry us across all difficulties, as a boat over the sea, and beyond every peril.
I take refuge in that Goddess Durgā — fire-hued, blazing with tapas, effulgent, sought by those who long for the fruits of their deeds. O skilful ferry across danger, salutations to you for safe passage.
O Agni, ever-renewing and worthy of praise, carry us across all difficulties by your blessings; may our earth be broad and abundant, and may there be peace and well-being for our children and their offspring.
Verse 5 — viśvāni no durgahā jātavedaḥ sindhunna nāvā…
O Jātavedas, destroyer of difficulties, carry us over every danger as a boat over the sea; O Agni, praised with a heart like the sage Atri’s, awaken as the protector of our bodies.
pṛtanā jitaṃ sahamānamugramagniṃ huvema paramāthsadhasthāt | sa naḥ parṣadati durgāṇi viśvā kṣāmaddevo ati duritātyagniḥ
From the highest abode we invoke Agni — victorious in battle, all-enduring, fierce; may that resplendent god carry us across all difficulties, over the parched wastes, and beyond every evil.
You kindle, O adorable one, the ancient sacred fire at the rites; as both the timeless and the ever-new priest you take your seat; O Agni, gladden your own being and win for us all good fortune.
May we, O Indra, ever follow that supreme abode of Viṣṇu, rich with blessings and offerings; dwelling near the summit of heaven, may the devotees here rejoice in the world of Viṣṇu.
We know Kātyāyanī, we meditate upon the Virgin Goddess (Kanyākumārī); may that Durgā impel us onward. (the Durgā Gāyatrī)
About Durgā Sūktam
Durgā Sūktam is a Sanskrit stotra, composed by Vedic Rishis (Shruti), addressed to Durga — a Sukta. It is presented here in Devanagari, Roman (IAST), Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, each verse with its English meaning. Source text: sanskritdocuments.org.
The Durgā Sūktam is a Vedic hymn to the Goddess drawn from the Taittirīya Āraṇyaka and the Ṛgveda; as śruti it is anonymous, ancient revelation and wholly in the public domain.
Durgā Sūktam is a Vedic hymn to Durgā, the Goddess who protects and destroys obstacles. Its 9 verses are recited during Devī worship, especially at Navarātri, and invoke the goddess as the armour (kavaca) of the gods.
What does the Durga Suktam say?
Durgā Sūktam addresses Durgā as the one who dwells in fire and in the waters, who is born from the sacrificial fire, and who protects the gods from their enemies. The hymn identifies her with the supreme power (śakti) that sustains the cosmos.
When is the Durga Suktam recited?
Durgā Sūktam is traditionally recited during Devī pūjā, at the opening of Vedic rituals, and during Navarātri. It is also part of the regular liturgy in Śrī Vaiṣṇava and Śākta temples.
How do I read the Durga Suktam on Avabodhak?
Every verse of Durgā Sūktam is shown in Devanagari, Roman (IAST) and English meaning. Free to read, no login required; the practice view lets you chant along verse by verse.