Sacred Invocation of the Goddess - Sri Durga Stuti

This invocation is a hymn of praise to Goddess Durga and is the first part of the Devi Stuti—a collection of sacred Sanskrit mantras and stotras in the Devi Mahatmyam (Glory of the Goddess). It is from the Markandeya Purana, a Hindu text composed somewhere between 400–600 CE. The Mahatmyam contains 700 verses in praise of the Goddess as the supreme power and creator of the universe.

Playing these recordings throughout the day while you are engaged in activity, and even as you go to sleep at night, can have a soothing and transformative effect on your life.

Mantra:

Om Sarva Mangala Mangalye
Shive Sarvartha Sadhike
Sharanye Tryambake Gauri
Narayani Namostute

Translation:

Om! The One who is auspiciousness Herself,
Siva’s Consort, She fulfills all noble goals.
The refuge of all, She is the three-eyed One, Gauri.
Salutations to You, Narayani.

Mantras

A mantra is a sacred sound formula. Literally translated, mantra means: “That which makes the mind steady.” Science has proven that sound vibrations are able to clean material objects. Sound also has a cleansing effect on the mind because mantras are purifying sound vibrations. The mantras selected in this series may be used for meditation. Mantra japa (repetition of a mantra) is one of the best known and simplest methods of meditation. Try at least two sittings a day. Find a clean, quiet place. Have a comfortable posture that allows your spine to be erect. Begin with fifteen minutes for each session, and gradually increase the time. You can repeat mantras along with the recording, either aloud, or silently. This can lead to a profound state of meditation.

The mantras are in Sanskrit, one of the most ancient languages in the world. It is known as the “perfect language” because the sounds used to form the words bring forth the vibration of the meaning. The power and effect of the vibration of each mantra in this series is intensified by the great Yoga Master, Sri Swami Satchidananda, who selected and repeats each mantra.

For further instructions in meditation technique, please refer to the instructional CD and booklet Guided Meditation—Basic Techniques by Sri Swami Satchidananda.

Swami Satchidananda

Sri Swami Satchidananda, one of the first Yoga Masters to bring the classical Yoga tradition to the West, is well-known for his combination of practical wisdom and spiritual insight. He dedicated his life to the service of humanity, demonstrating by his own example the means of finding abiding peace.