Who is Goddess Chamunda?
Goddess Chamunda (also called Chamundeshwari and Charchika) is the fierce, powerful form of Adi Shakti who emerged from the brow of Goddess Durga to destroy the demons Chanda and Munda — from whose names she received her sacred title. She is worshipped as one of the Sapta Matrikas (seven divine mothers) and is particularly venerated in Tantric traditions as the supreme destroyer of ego, ignorance, and evil.
Chamunda rides a corpse (Shava) or ghost (Preta), wears a garland of skulls (Mundamala), and wields a trident (Trishool) and sword (Khadga). Despite her terrifying appearance, she is the loving mother who protects the righteous and vanquishes darkness.
Reciting the Chamunda Chalisa is believed to remove fear, overcome enemies, eliminate black magic, and grant courage and divine protection.
॥ Doha — Opening Couplet ॥
Chand Mund Samharini, Chamunda Kalyan। Singh Vahini Kripa Kari, Keejai Abhay Pradaan॥
Meaning: O Goddess Chamunda, vanquisher of demons Chanda and Munda, grant auspiciousness. Riding your lion, shower your grace and bestow fearlessness upon us.
॥ Chaupai — 40 Sacred Verses ॥
1. Jai Chamunda Jai Kalyani, Asur Vinashani Jag Maharani। Trishool Khadga Hasta Viraje, Jai Jaikar Bhuvan Mein Gaaje॥ Meaning: Victory to Chamunda, the auspicious one and destroyer of demons. Armed with trident and sword, her glory echoes throughout the three worlds.
2. Kali Ke Bhakahan Mein Aavi, Chand Mund Ka Kiya Anta Saavi। Asur Rakta Se Nahi Dara, Raktabeej Ka Kiya Sanhara॥ Meaning: You appeared in Kali’s ferocious form and ended Chanda and Munda. Undaunted by demon blood, you annihilated even Raktabija.
3. Mundamala Gal Mein Dharan, Digambar Roop Mahaan Dharan। Pretaasana Par Virajati, Mahishi Asur Ko Bhagati॥ Meaning: Wearing a garland of skulls, clad in the directions themselves, you sit upon a corpse and rout the buffalo-demon with supreme power.
4. Netra Laal Aur Bhrukuti Taani, Asur Nashani Devi Bhavaani। Naad Ghanta Ka Goonj Uthata, Sab Bhakt Ka Bhay Mita Data॥ Meaning: Eyes red, brows furrowed you are the destroyer of demons, O Devi. The resounding bell removes all fear from your devotees.
5. Mahakali Ka Roop Tiharo, Bhakton Ka Sankat Tum Haro। Raktbija Ko Kiya Sanhara, Devi Shakti Ka Adbhut Dhara॥ Meaning: You are the embodiment of Mahakali. Remove the troubles of devotees. You slew Raktabija what a wondrous stream of divine Shakti!
6. Tig Netra Mahaan Vikarala, Dekh Asur Bhaage Tatkal। Ghora Roopa Dharke Aai, Bhakt Ke Rakshin Chalin Aai॥ Meaning: Three fearsome eyes make demons flee instantly. You assumed this terrifying form to come and protect your devotees.
7. Chamunda Devi Sharan Mein Aao, Sab Bhayashank Dur Bhagao। Param Shakti Ki Pooja Karo, Man Mein Nishchay Drird Karo॥ Meaning: Come to the shelter of Goddess Chamunda and drive away all fear and doubt. Worship the supreme Shakti and strengthen your resolve within.
8. Shmashan Vaasini Shakti Mahan, Maatangi Aur Kali Saman। Jo Bhi Tujhe Pooja Karta, Uska Bhay Aur Kasht Mita॥ Meaning: Dwelling in the cremation ground, your power is like Matangi and Kali combined. Whoever worships you sees their fear and suffering erased.
9. Chamunda Naam Se Kasht Jaata, Takleef Aur Dard Mita Jaata। Maa Ki Kripa Jo Pata Hai, Teri Bhakti Jo Karta Hai॥ Meaning: Merely chanting Chamunda’s name banishes hardship. Pain and sorrow dissolve. Whoever performs your bhakti receives the Mother’s boundless grace.
10. Ashta Bhuja Dhari Raudra Roopa, Devi Chamunda Shakti Anupa। Damru Ghant Trishool Dhari, Asur Dal Ko Diya Maari॥ Meaning: Eight-armed, in fierce form — Devi Chamunda’s Shakti is incomparable. Holding drum, bell, and trident, you slaughter the demonic horde.
11. Chamundeshwari Namaskaar, Devi Ko Karein Baar Baar। Maa Ki Kripa Se Jitten Hain, Sab Musibaton Se Bachte Hain॥ Meaning: We bow again and again to Chamundeshwari. By the Mother’s grace we triumph and are saved from every adversity.
12. Bhooton Pretom Ki Swamini, Nav Durga Ki Antaryamini। Jo Koi Tere Nam Jaape, Uske Sab Sankat Aap Cape॥ Meaning: Mistress of spirits and ghosts, inner dweller of the nine Durgas. Whoever chants your name — their every trouble resolves itself.
13. Naav Durga Mein Saptam Sthana, Chamunda Ka Hai Yahi Bakhana। Navratri Mein Pooja Karo, Sab Manokamna Poori Karo॥ Meaning: Chamunda holds the seventh place among the nine Durgas. Worship her during Navratri and fulfil all your heart’s desires.
14. Mahishasura Ka Ant Kiya, Aur Chand Mund Ko Mukti Diya। Chamunda Maa Ki Jai Ho Jai, Sab Bhakton Ka Kalyan Ho Bhai॥ Meaning: You ended Mahishasura and liberated Chanda and Munda from their dark existence. Victory to Mother Chamunda! May all devotees be blessed.
15. Tantra Mantra Ki Swamini Ho, Sab Vidhyaon Ki Gyani Ho। Jo Koi Tujhe Dhyata Hai Nit, Uska Jeevan Ho Jata Pavit॥ Meaning: You are the mistress of tantra and mantra, knower of all sciences. Whoever meditates on you daily their life becomes pure and sacred.
16. Kaala Jadu Aur Buri Nazar, Chamunda Se Door Hota Har। Maa Ki Shakti Apaar Hai, Bhakt Ko Tera Sahara Hai॥ Meaning: Black magic and the evil eye Chamunda dispels them all. The Mother’s power is boundless; devotees rely entirely on your shelter.
17. Mahavidya Ki Moorat Ho Tum, Param Shakti Ki Soorat Ho Tum। Tujhe Dhyate Jo Sab Kaal, Unka Nahi Hota Bura Haal॥ Meaning: You are the embodiment of the Mahavidya and the face of supreme Shakti. Those who meditate on you at all times shall never come to harm.
18. Rakt Pushpa Se Pooja Karo, Maa Chamunda Ko Raaji Karo। Lal Vastra Aur Sindoor De, Maa Ko Prasanna Karo He॥ Meaning: Worship with red flowers and make Mother Chamunda pleased. Offer red cloth and vermilion thus delight the Mother.
19. Chamunda Maa Ki Shakti Apaar, Bhakt Ke Seene Mein Hai Jyot Ujiyar। Jitten Hain Hum Har Mushkil Mein, Maa Ki Kripa Hai Har Pal Mein॥ Meaning: Mother Chamunda’s power is boundless; a bright flame burns in the devotee’s chest. We triumph in every difficulty the Mother’s grace is present every moment.
20. Pratham Navratri Se Ant Tak, Pooja Karo Maa Ke Samak। Nau Din Tak Vrat Rakho Maa, Teri Kripa Milegi Sada॥ Meaning: From the first night to the last of Navratri, worship the Mother face to face. Observe the fast for nine days and her grace shall be yours forever.
21. Dashami Ko Prasad Chadhao, Maa Ko Prem Se Bulao। Chamunda Devi Ki Aarti Gao, Sab Parivaar Ko Sukh Pao॥ Meaning: On Dashami offer prasad and lovingly invoke the Mother. Sing the Aarti of Devi Chamunda and bring happiness to your entire family.
22. Bhakti Mein Shakti Hai Apaar, Chamunda Ki Kripa Hai Baar Baar। Teri Bhakti Se Jeeten Hain, Sab Dushmanon Ko Harate Hain॥ Meaning: In devotion lies immense power; Chamunda’s grace flows again and again. Through your bhakti we triumph and defeat all our adversaries.
23. Jab Bhi Sankat Aata Hai, Chamunda Naam Lena Chahiye। Maa Aayengi Sahayata Ko, Door Karengee Kastay Ko॥ Meaning: Whenever trouble comes, chant Chamunda’s name. The Mother will come to help and drive away all hardships.
24. Shiv Ke Sang Virajati Maa, Brahma Vishnu Ke Prerak Maa। Tridevi Ka Roop Hai Tera, Shakti Ka Sagar Hai Tera॥ Meaning: You abide with Lord Shiva and inspire Brahma and Vishnu. You are the form of the three goddesses and an ocean of Shakti.
25. Brahmaand Ki Shakti Ho Tum, Srishti Ki Aadhar Ho Tum। Tujhe Naman Karti Hai Duniya, Tere Bina Adhoori Hai Duniya॥ Meaning: You are the energy of the cosmos and the foundation of creation. The world bows to you; without you the world is incomplete.
26. Chamunda Maa Teri Jai Ho, Sab Bhakton Ka Kalyan Ho। Dushton Ko Tu Dand De Maa, Sadhu Santan Ka Uddhaar Karo॥ Meaning: Victory to Mother Chamunda! May all devotees be blessed. Punish the wicked and uplift the righteous and the saints.
27. Asur Nashani Shakti Tum Ho, Dharma Ki Rakshak Shakti Tum Ho। Jo Tujhe Pooja Karta Nit, Unka Jeevan Nirmala Pavit॥ Meaning: You are the power that destroys demons and protects dharma. Those who worship you daily lead a pure and sanctified life.
28. Haar Na Maano Kadhi Na Ruko, Maa Chamunda Ka Asheervaad Lo। Teri Himmat Aur Hausle Badhao, Zindagi Mein Aage Badho॥ Meaning: Never give up, never stop receive Mother Chamunda’s blessing. Strengthen your courage and resolve and move forward in life.
29. Chamunda Maa Ki Aarti Karo, Dhan Dhanya Se Ghar Bharo। Sab Rog Dosh Dur Karo Maa, Parivar Mein Sukh Shanti Bharo॥ Meaning: Perform Chamunda’s Aarti and fill the home with prosperity. Remove all diseases and faults, O Mother, and fill the family with peace and joy.
30. Nau Durga Mein Chamunda Naam, Saptami Tithi Ka Yahi Kaam। Saptami Ke Din Pooja Karo, Maa Ki Kripa Apaar Pao॥ Meaning: Among the nine Durgas, Chamunda’s name shines on Saptami. Worship on the seventh day and receive the Mother’s boundless grace.
31. Trishool Se Asur Ko Maaro, Khadga Se Adharma Mitao। Chamunda Devi Ki Mahima Badi, Sab Bhakton Par Kripa Ghadi॥ Meaning: Piercing demons with the trident, destroying adharma with the sword Chamunda Devi’s glory is immense and her mercy ever rains upon devotees.
32. Chamunda Chalisa Nit Padho, Har Kasht Se Mukti Badho। Pratah Kaal Dhyan Lagao, Maa Ki Shakti Ko Apnao॥ Meaning: Read the Chamunda Chalisa daily and step toward liberation from every difficulty. Meditate at dawn and claim the Mother’s power as your own.
33. Maa Ki Kirpa Amrit Baras, Bhakt Ke Jeevan Mein Aave Harakh। Har Kasht Aur Dard Ko Haro, Chamunda Maa Ko Yaad Karo॥ Meaning: The Mother’s grace rains like nectar; joy fills the devotee’s life. Destroy every hardship and pain remember Mother Chamunda.
34. Navdurga Mein Sab Se Tivra, Chamunda Shakti Mahaan Ganbhira। Jo Tujhe Dhyata Hai Anuragi, Uski Raksha Karo Maa Bhagi॥ Meaning: Fiercest among the nine Durgas, Chamunda Shakti is profound and mighty. O Mother, protect the devoted soul who lovingly meditates on you.
35. Bhoot Pret Aur Pisach Bhagao, Sab Nishacharon Ko Durao। Tantra Baadhaaon Se Bachao, Maa Chamunda Ki Sharan Pao॥ Meaning: Drive away ghosts, spirits, and demons; banish all nocturnal beings. Free us from tantric obstacles take shelter at Mother Chamunda’s feet.
36. Teri Pooja Se Hoti Hai Shanti, Dil Mein Aati Hai Sacchi Bhakti। Chamunda Maa Ka Naam Jagao, Jeevan Mein Ujaas Failao॥ Meaning: Worshipping you brings peace and genuine devotion fills the heart. Spread the name of Mother Chamunda and let light pervade your life.
37. Chamunda Maa Teri Jataaon Mein, Brahmand Ka Saar Hai। Teri Shakti Se Duniya Chalti, Tera Naam Hi Taar Hai॥ Meaning: In Chamunda’s matted locks lies the essence of the cosmos. The world moves by your power; your name alone is the raft across existence.
38. Navratri Mein Jaagran Karo, Chamunda Maa Ko Yaad Karo। Bhajan Kirtan Aur Aarti Se, Maa Ki Kripa Milti Hai।॥ Meaning: Hold the night vigil during Navratri and remember Mother Chamunda. Through bhajan, kirtan, and aarti, the Mother’s grace is attained.
39. Chamunda Naam Jo Japte Hain, Sab Paap Unke Lat Jate Hain। Punya Ka Sanchay Hota Hai, Jeevan Mein Sukh Aata Hai॥ Meaning: Those who chant Chamunda’s name burn away all their sins. Merit accumulates and happiness enters their lives.
40. Chamunda Chalisa Sampaan Hua, Maa Ki Kripa Ka Varan Hua। Bhakti Bhav Se Jo Padha Karo, Maa Ki Kripa Nit Pao॥ Meaning: The Chamunda Chalisa is complete and the Mother’s grace has been invoked. Read it with devotion every day and receive the Mother’s blessings always.
॥ Closing Doha ॥
Chamunda Maa Ki Kripa Se, Dur Hote Sab Kasht। Bhakton Par Maa Ki Chhaya, Sada Rahe Aabasth॥
Meaning: By Mother Chamunda’s grace all troubles are removed. May the Mother’s protective shadow forever shelter her devotees.
Benefits of Reciting Chamunda Chalisa
- Protection from evil: Shields against negative energies, black magic, and the evil eye
- Conquest over enemies: Grants courage to overcome adversaries
- Removal of fear: Particularly powerful for those suffering from phobias and anxiety
- Tantric protection: Removes obstacles caused by tantric interference
- General well-being: Bestows health, peace, and prosperity
Best Time to Chant
- Ashtami & Navami Tithi during Navratri
- Saptami Tithi of every month
- Tuesday and Friday nights
- During the Shmashan Hora (twilight hour) for advanced practitioners