OM SRI GURUBHYO NAMAH SRI PARAMA GURUBHYO NAMAH

SRI PARAMESHSHTI GURUBHYO NAMAH

Meaning of Argala is impediment, obstruction, bolt, latch etc., The stotra will clear these obstructions.

At the first sight Argala  Stotra seems to be praise to Goddess Durga, but if we try to understand the inner meaning, each stotra bestow us with  specific  benefits for happy living.

In most of the ‘PATHAS’ 5 th sloka “ Dhoomra Netra vadhe devi……” is not there and hence we find this version has 26 slokas and the numbering also change accordingly.

It is a fact that most of our ancient literature is lost and whatever and whenever found is included by our scholars. It is also true that some of the Stotras are seen in more than one Purana or in more than one tantra grantas. Let us not bother on these things.

॥Om Namah Chandikayai ॥

The meaning of Argala Stotram Beginning: With the name of Divine I bow down unto the lotus feet of Goddess Chandika.

Om Jayanti Mangala Kali Bhadrakali Kapalini

Durga Kshama Shiva Dhatri Svaha Svadha Namostute ॥1॥

Goddess Durga is always victorious. She is Auspicious. She is gentle in nature but as Goddess Kali, she eliminates dense darkness. She is tough but merciful. She is the best half of Lord Shiva and she feeds the universe. O Goddess, I bow down to you.

Swaha, svadha is translated as ‘feeding the universe”, but swaha, swadha is originated from PRAKRUTI.

1. Swaha and Swadha both has originated from Prakurti as a part:

prakrutiḥ kalayā caiva sarvaśaktisvarupiṇī
babhuba dāhika śaktiragneḥ svahāsvarupiṇī

 ಪ್ರಕೃತಿಹ್ ಕಲಯಾ ಚೈವ ಸರ್ವಶಕ್ತಿ ಸ್ವರೂಪಿಣೀ

ಬಭುಬಾ ದಾಹಿಕ ಶಕ್ತಿ ರಜ್ಞೇಹ್  ಸ್ವಾಹಾ ಸ್ವರೊಪಿಣೀ

 As a part of Prakruti endowed with all energy Swaha originated as the burning power of fire.

 viśuddha prakruteraṃśāṃ sasmitāṃ varadāṃ śubhām
svadhābhidhānāṃ sudatīṃ lakṣmīṃ lkṣaṇasamyutām

ವಿಶುದ್ಧಾ ಪ್ರಕೃತೇರಂಶಂ ಸಸ್ಮಿತಾಂ ವರದಾಂ ಶುಭಾಂ

ಸ್ಪಧಾಭಿಧಾನಾಮ್ ಸುದಾತೀಮ್ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಮ್ ಲಕ್ಷಣಸಂಯುತಾಂ

Pure and part of Prakruti, auspicious with beautiful smile, Swadha named girl came into being with beautiful teeth and qualities of Laxmi.Since both Swaha and Swadha have orignated from Prakruti which is nothing but the adishakti or the Devi Herself, in the hymn the Devi has been referred and prayed as Swaha and Swadha.

Chanting this verse makes one victorious. This victory shall be forever and continuous and helps live the most auspicious life till the last breath. Goddess Durga also removes all the awful, terrible, dreadful and bad thoughts from our mind. When we have good thoughts our life also turns out to be good.

Jaya Tvam Devi Chamunde Jaya Bhutartiharini

Jaya Sarvagate Devi Kalaratri Namostute ॥2॥

Goddess Chamunda, victory is always yours. You eliminate evil spirits. You are everywhere, Victory is yours.  The Goddess of night ( Kalaratri),  I bow down to you.

This sloka gets us the winning attitude. The mind gets enlightened, this removes evil eye, black magic etc., This mantra also takes away the past life karmas, bad deeds of the past. (Note: NOT THE PRARABDHA KARMA)

Madhu Kaitabh Vidravi Vidhatr Varade Namaḥ

Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi ॥3॥

I bow down to that Goddess Durga who killed many demons like Madhu and Kaitabh. She herself is the blessing.

From this sloka all the slokas end with ‘Roopam dehi……… jahi”

Jayam dehi is give us victory, Yasho dehi is give us fame, “dvisha”  has many meanings like hatred, enemy, hostile, unpleasant.  “Jahi”is, to turn down, refuse, reject – Turn down from enemies, hatred, unpleasant. Once we turn down from our internal enemies our spiritual path opens up.

Roopam here is not referred to NAME or FORM or BEUTY, but the PRABHA VALAYA. Without having a very great prabha valaya, what is called as AURA, victory, fame or spiritual growth is not possible.

For the next slokas, I am not giving every time the meaning of Roopam Dehi………………….dvisho jahi”

This is the sloka to get relieved of many diseases and also keeps us away from people who back bite us.

Mahishasur Nirnashi Bhaktanam Sukhde Namah

Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi ॥4॥

I bow down to that Goddess Durga who killed mahisasura and who bless her devotees with all the comfort and happiness.

This is the best mantra to get rid of our false EGO and to get rid of negative and mindless people around us creating hurdles and problems in our life.

Dhomrnetra Vadhe Devi Dharm Kamarth Dayini

Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi ॥5॥

O Goddess Durga, you killed Dhomrnetra demon. She grants us all spiritual goodness and fulfils our wishes.

This mantra helps us to get rid of all kinds of visual diseases. This mantra also liberates from all sorts of mental illusion. This also helps to overcome false obstacles and imaginary boundaries.

Raktbeej Vadhe Devi Chand-Mund Vinashini

Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi ॥6॥

Goddess Durga killed Raktbeej and Chand-Mund demons.

This sloka helps us to get rid of all blood-related illnesses. In present times Rakta bija relates to infectious diseases. This mantra can also cure infectious diseases spread by viruses and bacteria. It can also control negative thoughts.

This mantra can help the chanter to always stay peaceful and positive and also control people who have negative thoughts for us and those who always willing and prepared to destroy our peace and serenity. 

शुम्भस्यैव निशुम्भस्य धूम्राक्षस्य च मर्दिनि

रुपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥7॥

Shumbhasyaiva Nishumbhasya Dhumrakshasya Che Mardini

Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi ॥7॥

It is saying that Goddess Durga is the slayer of demons Shumbha, Nishumbha and Dhumralochana.

One can get rid of Ego and its offspring like unforgiveness, wrong entitlement, wrongful pride, arrogance, false humility, being  prejudiced, narrow-minded, boastful, know-it-all, dogmatic, and self-feeling of holier than God.

This shields us from blame, scandal, dishonour, shame, criticism, and deprecation, from a cunning and over-clever people.

वन्दिताङ्‌घ्रियुगे देवि सर्व सौभाग्य दायिनि

रुपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥8॥

Vanditaangghriyuge Devi Sarva Saubhaagya Daayini

Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi ॥8॥

Goddess Durga whose lotus feet are praised by all and who is the bestowed of all welfare and good fortune.

Goddess Durga grants us good fortune in all areas of life, be it love life, money or any other area of life. One can become a leader, manager, organizer. Goddess Durga also grants victory, fame, and money.

अचिन्त्य रुप चरिते सर्व शत्रु विनाशिनि

रुपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥9॥

Acintya Rup Charite Sarv Shatru Vinashini

Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi ॥9॥

Goddess Durga is beyond the comprehension of the human mind. She is the destroyer of all enemies..

Gives us any desired knowledge and good for teachers, inventors, researchers, and scholars.

This helps them to be unique and discover more things in their specific field. Provides protection from jealous and envious people who create hurdles to us.

नतेभ्यः सर्वदा भक्त्या चण्डिके दुरिता पहे

रुपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥10॥

Natebhyah Sarvadaa Bhaktyaa Chandike Durita Apahe

Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi ॥10॥

Goddess always keeps away her devotees from sins.

Helps us to stay away from thoughts, ideas, perceptions which make us to do sins and bad karmas. Our minds are protected by the Goddess Durga herself and helps us in our spiritual growth.

स्तुवद्‌भ्यो भक्तिपूर्वं त्वां चण्डिके व्याधि नाशिनि

रुपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥11॥

Stuvadbhayo Bhakti Puurvam Tvaam Chandike Vyadhi Nashini

Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi ॥11॥

Chandika always destroy devotees’ all diseases and other troublesome ailments.

We get the protection from worldly problems. 

चण्डिके सततं युद्धे जयन्ति पाप नाशिनि

रुपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥12॥

Chandike Satatam Yuddhe Jayanti Paap Nashini

Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi ॥12॥

Goddess Durga is always victorious in all her battle. She is also the destroyer of all Sins.

We all keep fighting big and small battles in life for survival.  She always assure us victory, destroyer our sins and gives courage

देहि सौभाग्यमारोग्यं देहि मे परमं सुखम्

रुपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥13॥

Dehi Saubhaagyam Aarogyam Dehi Me Param Sukham

Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi ॥13॥

Praying Goddess Durga to please bless and grant us all the good luck, prosperity, perfect health, along with freedom from all the diseases.

Gives good health, wealth, and prosperity in all aspects of life.

विधेहि द्विषतां नाशं विधेहि बलमुच्चकैः

रुपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥14॥

Vidhehi Dvissataam Naasham Vidhehi Balamuchchakaih

Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi ॥14॥

When Durga go into deep meditation she can destroy all worldly poisons.

Helps us reach a deeper meditative trance, removes all deep-rooted and genetic diseases and gives inner and physical strength.

विधेहि देवि कल्याणं विधेहि परमां श्रियम्।

रुपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥15॥

Vidhehi Devi Kalyaannam Vidhehi Prmam Shriyam

Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi ॥15॥

Goddess Durga is always takes care of the welfare of her devotees. She grants all our desires

Helps us to go into a deeper meditative trance. Fulfills all our worldly desires.

सुरासुर शिरो रत्न निघृष्टचरणेऽम्बिके

रुपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥16॥

Surasur Shiro Ratna Nighrshst Charane Ambike

Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi ॥16॥

Goddess Durga is worshiped by all good and bad spirits. Her name is like a crown on the head. Most divine people, angels, and the Lord always touch her feet in devotion.

Helps activate Crown Chakra. Those who chant this mantra are worshiped by all good and bad people too. Chanter will become so graceful person that all people would want to serve him.

विद्यावन्तं यशस्वन्तं लक्ष्मीवन्तं जनं कुरु

रुपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥17॥

Vidyavantam Yashsvantam Laksmivantan Janam Kuru

Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi ॥17॥

Praying Goddess Durga to please provide us knowledge, glory, money, and richness and to make us full with the attributes of Lakshmi (beauty and prosperity)

Gives us knowledge, richness and prosperity

प्रचण्ड दैत्य दर्पघ्ने चण्डिके प्रणताय मे

रुपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥18॥

Prachand Daitya Darpghne Chandike Pranataya Me

Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi ॥18॥

Goddess Durga destroys the deep egos of the excessively violent and powerful demons. She is the destroyer of the terrible demons.

Helps us get  the ability to overcome all kinds of tough situations.

चतुर्भुजे चतुर्वक्त्र संस्तुते परमेश्‍वरि

रुपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥19॥

Chaturbhuje Chaturvaktra Samstute Parameshvari

Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi ॥19॥

Goddess Durga is praised by Creator of the Universe Lord Brahma with all his four faces and all his four hands.

Helps us enhances the creativity of a person. Very useful to musicians, actors, singers, painters and like

कृष्णेन संस्तुते देवि शश्‍वद्भक्त्या सदाम्बिके

रुपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥20॥

Krshnena Samstute Devi Shashvad Bhaktyaa Sadambike

Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi ॥20॥

Goddess Durga is always praised by Lord Krishna, the embodiment of love with a continuous flow of devotion.

We remember here “ karanguli nakhotpanna Narayana Dashakrutih”

From Lalita sahasranama. That is all 10 Manifestations of  Narayana is from the 10 nails of the Devi’s hands.

This verse Helps us in getting the abilities like Lord Krishna. That is  qualities of loving, caring, diplomacy, knowledge, wisdom and cleverness. 

हिमाचल सुतानाथ संस्तुते परमेश्‍वरि

रुपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥21॥

Himachal Sutanath Samstute Parameshvari

Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi ॥21॥

Goddess Durga is praised by the husband of the daughter of the Himachal mountain, that is Durga is praised by Siva the husband of Parvati,the daughter of Himavanta.

This bestows us with innocence like a child as well strength to destroy the evils.

इन्द्राणी पति सद्भाव पूजिते परमेश्‍वरि

रुपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥22॥

Indrani Pati Sadbhava Pujite Parameshvari

Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi ॥22॥

Goddess Durga who is worshiped by the husband of Indrani, that is wife of Indra. Indrani is also the name of Durga and if we consider this meaning Durga is worshipped by Siva.

Bestows us with the leadership qualities

देवि प्रचण्ड दोर्दण्ड दैत्य दर्प विनाशिनि

रुपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥23॥

Devi Pracanndda-Dordanda-Daitya-Darpa-Vinasini

Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi ॥23॥

Goddess Durga destroys the pride, ego and  excessively violent and powerful demons.

Helps us to stay away from destruction and bad deeds and to over come tough times in life.  

देवि भक्त जनोद्दाम दत्तानन्दोदयेऽम्बिके

रुपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ॥24॥

Devi Bhakta Janodhaam Datta Nandodayeambike

Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi ॥24॥

Goddess Durga fills the unbounded joy in the hearts of the devotees.

This verse fine tunes true way of spirituality and helps find a true master to lead us to the eternal truth. This also gives us inner happiness, joy, peace, calm and more than anything it can lead us to the state of THOUGHTLESSNESS

पत्नीं मनोरमां देहि मनो वृत्तानुसारिणीम्

तारिणीं दुर्ग संसार सागरस्य कुलोद्भवाम् ॥25॥

Patnim Manoramam Dehi Mano Vrttanusaarinim

Taarinim Durg Sansaar Saagarasya Kulovardvam ॥25॥

Goddess Durga grants a beautiful wife matching to one’s mental status and enables us to cross the difficult ocean of the worldly existence.

Helps in getting suitable and understanding spouse. Those married will have very good domestic harmony. What is interesting is that the same verse also prays for salvation (Moksha).

She is Bhukti mukti pradayini. One should enjoy every bit of life without getting attachment to it which is the key for salvation (Moksha)

इदं स्तोत्रं पठित्वा तु महास्तोत्रं पठेन्नरः

स तु सप्तशती संख्या वरमाप्नोति सम्पदाम् ॥26॥

Idam Stotram Pathitva Tu Mahastotram Ptthennarah

Saptashati Sankhaya Varmapnoti Sampdaam ॥26॥

Chanting this Stotram is equal to reading of Durga Saptashati and gives the same benefit of reading Durga saptashati.

We should understand the meaning of each sloka and contemplate on its meaning while chanting to get the desired results.

Loka samasta saukhino bhavantu samasta sanmangalani bhavantu