Shri Durga Chandrakala Stuti

Shri Durga Chandrakala Stuti (literally meaning "The Sixteen Moon-Digit Hymn to Goddess Durga") is a 16-verse poetic masterpiece composed by the 16th-century polymath saint and Advaita philosopher Sri Appayya Dikshitar.

The hymn gets its name because it consists of 16 verses (Chandrakalas), corresponding to the 16 digits/phases of the Moon and the 16 Nitya Devis of Srividya.

Appayya Dikshitar composed this hymn when faced with severe health trials. Praising Mother Durga as the embodiment of Vedic wisdom, the slayer of Mahishasura, and the ultimate protector of seekers, he was miraculously cured by Goddess Durga's grace.

Each verse flows with high Vedantic Sanskrit poetry, praising Durga as the inner power of Shiva and the supreme savior from all fear.

• Verse 1: May Durga, praised by Vedanta, worshipped by Brahma and Indra, holding trident, protect me!
• Verse 2: May the Primordial Energy, Saccidananda form, Maharajni, protect me!
• Verses 3–16: Praising Durga mounted on lion, drinking demon blood, wife of Shiva, grantor of boons.
• Verse 17 (Phalashruti): Reciting morning Durga Chandrakala Stuti removes all obstacles.

Spiritual Significance

The Durga Chandrakala Stuti incorporates 16 lunar phases:

1. Sixteen Moon Digits: The 16 verses represent the 16 Kalas of the Moon and the 16 Nitya Goddesses.
2. Kashikastha: Repeatedly praises Durga as residing in Kashi (Kashikastha).
3. : Traditional prescription for overcoming acute physical suffering.

According to scriptural tradition and verse 17 of this stotram, daily recitation of Shri Durga Chandrakala Stotram grants the following blessings:

• Removal of Severe Illnesses and Pain: Cures chronic ailments, fever, and physical distress.
• Destruction of Enemies and Black Magic: Shields against evil spirits, negative energies, and adversaries.
• Grant of Wisdom and Poetic Mastery: Enhances Vedantic intuition, speech clarity, and memory.
• Attainment of Universal Protection: Bestows peace, wealth, and supreme liberation (Moksha).

Appayya-Dīkṣita-Kṛtāṃ Durgā-Candrakalā-Stutim ।
Yaḥ Paṭhet-Prātar-Utthāya Sa Sarva-Vighnaiḥ Pramucyate ॥ 17 ॥

Meaning of Phalashruti

Whoever recites this Durga Chandrakala Stuti composed by Sri Appayya Dikshitar every morning upon waking up will be freed from all obstacles (Sarva-Vighnaih Pramucyate) and blessed with health, peace, and liberation.

1. When should Durga Chandrakala Stuti be chanted?

During Navaratri, Tuesdays, Fridays, Durgashtami, and periods of illness.

2. Who composed this stotram?

Sri Appayya Dikshitar, one of the greatest scholars of 16th-century India.