Mahishasur Mardini Stotram: Verse 9

The Mahishasura Mardini Stotram praises the divine power of Goddess Parvati/Durga/Shakti, who triumphs over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. It is a devotional hymn that invokes her strength and grace, inspiring devotees to seek her protection and blessings.

It is not only about Goddess Parvati/Durga/Shakti defeating the Mahisasur (buffalo demon), it is more about the multifaceted qualities and praises for the divine feminine power and love.

Mahishasur Mardini Stotram was composed by Adi Shankara, who is mentioned in the 53rd chapter of the first portion of the Shivarahasya Purana.

There are in total 21 verses, having 4 lines(phrases) or 2 sentences each making a total of 84 phrases or 42 sentences.

We will be taking a look at the ninth verse in this article, the overall meaning, word-by-word meaning, and the meaning behind the verse as what it wants to preach to us.

Verse 9
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सुरललना ततथेयि तथेयि कृताभिनयोदर नृत्यरते

कृत कुकुथः कुकुथो गडदादिकताल कुतूहल गानरते ।

धुधुकुट धुक्कुट धिंधिमित ध्वनि धीर मृदंग निनादरते

जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥

Surala-Lana Ta-Ta-Theyi Ta-Theyi Kruta-Bhina-Yodar Nrutya-Rate
Kruta Ku-Ku-Thaha Ku-Ku-Tho Gada-Da-Di-Katala Kutu-Hal Gana-Rate

Dhu-Dhu-Kuta Dhuk-Kuta Dhim-Dhimita Dhwani Dhira Mrudanga Ni-Nada-Rate
Jay Jay He Mahishasur-Mardini Ramyaka-Pardini Shailasute

Meaning
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O Goddess, you delight in the celestial dance; as a dancer, you are fully engaged in the divine-like movements performed in the heavenly realm.

The creation of Kukuth brings forth a curious delight in rhythmic sounds, expressing joy and curiosity through song and music

The sounds of the mridangam resonate with vibrant rhythms, creating a deep and soothing melody, and evoking a sense of calm and joy.

Victory, Victory! to the slayer, destroyer of the Buffalo Demon (Mahishasur), victory to the one with the matted hair, to the goddess Daughter of the mountains.

Word By Word Meaning
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सुरललना ततथेयि तथेयि कृताभिनयोदर नृत्यरते

Surala-Lana Ta-Ta-Theyi Ta-Theyi Kruta-Bhina-Yodar Nrutya-Rate

The celestial maiden/dancers, following the rhythm of divine grace (Tathayi), engage in a beautiful dance, expressing the art of performance within the celestial realm.

**सुरललना (**Surala-Lana): Celestial maiden/dancers
- सुर (Sura): Divine or celestial
- ललना (Lalana): Beautiful maiden or girl, a dancer in this context
**ततथेयि (**Ta-Ta-Theyi): Emphasizing action
- त (Ta): Emphasis
- तथेयि (Ta-Theyi): Related to action or movement
**तथेयि (**Ta-Theyi): Related to action or movement
कृताभिनयोदर ( Kruta-Bhina-Yodar): Expression performed in the realm of
- कृत (Kruta): Done or performed
- अभिनय (Abhinaya): Expression or acting
- ओदर (Yodar): In the realm of
**नृत्यरते (**Nrutya-Rate): Engaged in dance
- नृत्य (Nrutya): Dance
- रते (Rate): Engaged in or enjoying

कृत कुकुथः कुकुथो गडदादिकताल कुतूहल गानरते

Kruta Ku-Ku-Thaha Ku-Ku-Tho Gada-Da-Di-Katala Kutu-Hal Gana-Rate

O Goddess, the sound of ‘kukutha’ has been created, along with various rhythmic beats, evoking curiosity and delight in the song.

**कृत (**Kruta): Done or performed
कुकुथः (Ku-Ku-Thaha): A term for a sound or cry (often used in poetic contexts)
**कुकुथो (**Ku-Ku-Tho): A sound or exclamation, possibly expressing surprise or excitement
**गडदादिकताल (**Gada-Da-Di-Katala): Various types of rhythms (or beats)
- गडद (Gadada): Referring to a specific rhythm or beat
- आदि (Adika): And others (implying various types)
- ताल (Tala): Rhythm or meter
**कुतूहल (**Kutu-Hal): Curiosity or intrigue
**गानरते (**Gana-Rate): Engaged in singing
- गान (Gana): Singing or song
- रते (Rate): Engaged in or enjoying

धुधुकुट धुक्कुट धिंधिमित ध्वनि धीर मृदंग निनादरते

Dhu-Dhu-Kuta Dhuk-Kuta Dhim-Dhimita Dhwani Dhira Mrudanga Ni-Nada-Rate

The sounds of ‘dhudhukut’ and ‘dhukkut,’ vibrant and resonant, create a steady tone, as the deep sound of the mridanga resonates joyfully.

**धुधुकुट (**Dhu-Dhu-Kuta): A sound or noise, often used to describe a rhythmic beat
**धुक्कुट (**Dhuk-Kuta): A term for a rhythmic sound.
**धिंधिमित (**Dhim-Dhimita): A sound that is vibrant or resonant, often associated with musical notes
**ध्वनि (**Dhwani): Sound or tone
**धीर (**Dhira): Steady or composed; often implies depth or richness in sound
**मृदंग (**Mrudanga): A traditional Indian percussion instrument, known for its deep and resonant sound
**निनादरते (**Ni-Nada-Rate): Engaged in the sound of (or resonating with)
- निनाद (Nināda): Sound or resonance
- रते (Rate): Engaged in or enjoying

जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते

Jay Jay He Mahishasur-Mardini Ramyaka-Pardini Shailasute

जय (jaya): Victory!
हे (he): O (a term of address)
महिषासुरमर्दिनि (mahishasuramardini): Destroyer of the buffalo demon
- महिषासुर (mahishasura): the buffalo demon
- मर्दिनि (mardini): one who destroys or defeats
रम्यकपर्दिनि (ramyakapardini): Beautiful goddess with matted hair
- रम्य (ramya): beautiful or charming
- कपर्दिनि (kapardini): one who has matted hair (often associated with asceticism)
शैलसुते (shailasute): Daughter of the mountain
- शैला (shaila): mountain
- सुते (sute): daughter or offspring

Meaning behind the Mythology of Mahishasura Mardini Stotram
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The verse describes the divine maidens and celestial dancers which are the associates of Maa Parvati (Maa Durga/Shakti). The verse is rich in onomatopoeic words that recreate the sounds of various drums, musical instruments, and dancing chords, emphasizing the joyous atmosphere of the celebration. The verse highlights the great devotion and interest of music in Devi Parvati, which gives a lesson of rejoicing with the harmony of nature.

Spiritual Meaning
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Divine dance and music: The imagery of celestial dancers and rhythmic movements highlights the importance of divine expression and joy. It signifies the interconnectedness of all beings through art and celebration, inviting one to embrace the spiritual dance of life with grace and devotion.
Sound and Resonance of the Universe: The emphasis on rhythmic sounds and musical instruments symbolizes the harmony of creation. It reminds us of the vibrational nature of existence and the power of sound in spiritual practices.

Listen to Recite
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The stotram is often recited during Navaratri celebrations and is believed to invoke the Goddess’s blessings and protection. The verse encapsulates the multifaceted nature of the Goddess, highlighting her benevolent aspects as well as her fierce, demon-slaying form.

References
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