“Aigiri Nandini” is a popular and spiritually significant Indian devotional song that holds a special place in the hearts of millions. Composed by Adi Shankaracharya, a revered Indian philosopher and theologian, this hymn is dedicated to the goddess Durga, a powerful deity in Hinduism. The lyrics of “Aigiri Nandini” are not just a musical composition; they are a deeply profound and evocative expression of devotion, strength, and the triumph of good over evil. In this article, we will delve into the meaning, history, and significance of the “Aigiri Nandini” lyrics.
Aigiri Nandini Lyrics
Ayi giri nandini, nandhitha medhini,
Viswa vinodhini nandanuthe,
Girivara vindhya sirodhi nivasini,
Vishnu Vilasini Jishnu nuthe,
Bhagawathi hey sithi kanda kudumbini,
Bhoori kudumbini bhoori kruthe,
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini, Ramya Kapardini Shaila SutheSuravara varshini, durdara darshini,
Durmukhamarshani, harsha rathe,
Tribhuvana poshini, Sankara thoshini,
Kilbisisha moshini, ghosha rathe,
Danuja niroshini, Dithisutha roshini,
Durmatha soshini, Sindhu suthe,
Jaya Jaya Hey Mahishasura Mardini, Ramya Kapardini Shaila SutheAyi Jagadambha Madambha, Kadambha,
Vana priya vasini, Hasarathe,
Shikhari siromani, thunga Himalaya,
Srunga nijalaya, madhyagathe,
Madhu Madure, Mdhukaitabha banjini,
Kaitabha banjini, rasa rathe,
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini, Ramya Kapardini Shaila SutheAyi satha kanda, vikanditha runda,
Vithunditha shunda, Gajathipathe,
Ripu Gaja ganda, Vidhaarana chanda,
Paraakrama shunda, mrugathipathe,
Nija bhuja danda nipaathitha khanda,
Vipaathitha munda, bhatathipathe,
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini, Ramya Kapardini Shaila SutheAyi rana durmathaShathru vadhothitha,
Durdhara nirjjara, shakthi bruthe,
Chathura vicharadureena maha shiva,
Duthatkrutha pramadhipathe,
Duritha Dureeha, dhurasaya durmathi,
Dhanava dhutha kruithaanthamathe,
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini, Ramya Kapardini Shaila SutheAyi saranagatha vairi vadhuvara,
Veera varaa bhaya dhayakare,
Tribhuvana masthaka soola virodhi,
Sirodhi krithamala shoolakare,
Dimidmi thaamara dundubinadha mahaa
Mukharikruthatigmakare,
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini, Ramya Kapardini Shaila SutheAyi nija huum kruthimathra niraakrutha,
Dhoomra vilochana Dhoomra sathe,
Samara vishoshitha sonitha bheeja,
Samudhbhava sonitha bheejalathe,
Shiva shiva shumbha nishumbhamaha hava,
Tarpitha bhootha pisacha rathe,
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini, Ramya Kapardini Shaila SutheDhanu ranushanga rana kshana sanga,
Parisphuradanga natath katake,
Kanaka pishanga brushathka nishanga,
Rasadbhata shrunga hatavatuke,
Kritha chaturanga bala kshithirangakadath,
Bahuranga ratadhpatuke,
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini, Ramya Kapardini Shaila SutheSura Lalanata Tatheyi Tatheyi Tathabhi Nayottama Nrtya Rate
Hasa Vilasa Hulasa Mayi Prana Tartaja Nemita Prema Bhare
Dhimi Kita Dhikkata Dhikkata Dhimi Dhvani Ghora Mrdanga Ninada Late
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini, Ramyaka Pardini Shaila SutheJaya Jaya hey japya jayejaya shabda,
Parastuti tatpara vishvanute,
Bhana Bhanabhinjimi bhingrutha noopura,
Sinjitha mohitha bhootha pathe,
Nadintha nataartha nadi nada nayaka,
Naditha natya sugaanarathe,
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini, Ramya Kapardini Shaila SutheAyi sumana sumana,
Sumana sumanohara kanthiyuthe,
Sritha rajani rajani rajani,
Rajaneekaravakthra vruthe,
Sunayana vibhramarabhrama,
Bhramarabrahmaradhipadhe,
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini, Ramya Kapardini Shaila SutheSahitha maha hava mallama hallika,
Mallitharallaka mallarathe,
Virachithavallika pallika mallika billika,
Bhillika varga Vruthe,
Sithakruthapulli samulla sitharuna,
Thallaja pallava sallalithe,
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini, Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe— 12Avirala ganda kalatha mada medura,
Matha matanga rajapathe,
Tribhuvana bhooshana bhootha kalanidhi,
Roopa payonidhi raja suthe,
Ayi suda thijjana lalasa manasa,
Mohana manmatha raja suthe,
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini, Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe— 13
Kamala dalaamala komala kanthi,
Kala kalithaamala bala lathe,
Sakala vilasa Kala nilayakrama,
Keli chalathkala hamsa kule,
Alikula sankula kuvalaya mandala,
Mauli miladh bhakulalikule,
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini, Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe— 14Kara murali rava veejitha koojitha,
Lajjitha kokila manjumathe,
Militha pulinda manohara kunchitha,
Ranchitha shaila nikunjakathe,
Nija guna bhootha maha sabari gana,
Sathguna sambrutha kelithale,
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini, Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe— 15Kati thata peetha dukoola vichithra,
Mayuka thiraskrutha Chandra ruche,
Pranatha suraasura mouli mani sphura,
Damsula sannka Chandra ruche,
Jitha kanakachala maulipadorjitha,
Nirbhara kunjara kumbhakuche,
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini, Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe— 16Vijitha sahasra karaika sahasrakaraika,
Sarakaraika nuthe,
Krutha sutha tharaka sangaratharaka,
Sangaratharaka soonu suthe,
Suratha Samadhi samana Samadhi,
Samadhi Samadhi sujatharathe,
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini, Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe—. 17Padakamalam karuna nilaye varivasyathi,
yo anudhinam sa shive,
Ayi kamale kamala nilaye kamala nilaya
Sa katham na bhaveth,
Thava padameva param ithi
Anusheelayatho mama kim na shive,
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini, Ramya Kapardini Shaila SutheKanakala sathkala sindhu jalairanu
Sinjinuthe guna ranga bhuvam,
Bhajathi sa kim na Shachi kucha kumbha
Thati pari rambha sukhanubhavam,
Thava charanam saranam kara vani
Nataamaravaaninivasi shivam,
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini, Ramya Kapardini Shaila SutheThava Vimalendu kulam vadnedumalam
Sakalayananu kulayathe,
Kimu puruhootha pureendu mukhi
Sumukhibhee rasou vimukhi kriyathe,
Mama thu matham shivanama dhane
Bhavathi krupaya kimu na kriyathe,
Jaya Jaya hey Mahishasura mardini, Ramya kapardini, shaila SutheAyi mai deena dayalu thaya krupayaiva
Thvaya bhavthavyam ume,
Ayi jagatho janani kripayaa asi
thatha anumithasi rathe
Na yaduchitham atra bhavathvya rari kurutha,
durutha pamapakarute
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini, Ramya Kapardini Shaila Suthe
Historical Background
The “Aigiri Nandini” lyrics are derived from the ancient Indian scriptural text called “Devi Mahatmyam” or “Durga Saptashati.” Composed in the 5th or 6th century CE, this text consists of 700 verses that extol the glory and divine manifestations of the goddess Durga. Adi Shankaracharya, an influential philosopher and theologian, is credited with the creation of the lyrics as a hymn to the goddess. He is renowned for his profound philosophical writings and his contributions to the development of Hindu thought.
The Composition
The “Aigiri Nandini” lyrics, also known as the “Mahishasura Mardini Stotram,” are composed in Sanskrit, one of the oldest languages in the world and a revered language in Hinduism. This hymn consists of eight stanzas, each describing various aspects of the goddess Durga and her divine powers. The song is often sung with great devotion and fervor during religious festivals, especially during the Navaratri festival, a nine-night celebration dedicated to the goddess Durga.
Meaning and Interpretation
The “Aigiri Nandini” lyrics are not just a set of verses but a rich source of spiritual wisdom and devotion. Each stanza of the hymn is laden with profound symbolism and metaphors, which convey important aspects of Hindu philosophy and the goddess Durga’s significance.
“Aigiri Nandini Nanditha Medini” – The opening verse begins with an invocation to the goddess Durga, addressing her as the delighter of the earth. It symbolizes her power to bring joy and prosperity to the world.
“Vishvavinodini Nandanute” – The lyrics praise Durga’s power to captivate and delight the entire universe, reminding us of her universal appeal and divine presence.
“Girivara Vindhya Shirodhi Nivasini” – This verse depicts Durga as the one who resides atop the Vindhya mountains, indicating her transcendence and her ability to provide shelter and protection.
“Nivasini Mahishasura Mardhini” – Here, the lyrics refer to the goddess as the destroyer of the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
“Dharani Tava Lagna” – The hymn expresses that the earth is blessed by Durga’s presence, emphasizing her role as a protector of the world.
“Nara Vara Varini Kavacham” – This stanza describes Durga’s protective shield that safeguards her devotees from harm, both physical and spiritual.
“Namami Tvam Namaritha Nandanapankajam” – The lyrics convey reverence and devotion, with a plea for Durga’s blessings and protection.
“Harivara Varshini Viricha Vichedanam” – The final verse celebrates Durga’s power to bring prosperity and happiness, and her ability to dispel darkness and ignorance.
The “Aigiri Nandini” lyrics beautifully capture the essence of the goddess Durga, highlighting her various attributes as a protector, provider, and destroyer of evil forces.
Significance and Popularity
The “Aigiri Nandini” hymn holds immense significance in Hindu culture. It is chanted and sung during various religious and cultural events, including Durga Puja, Navaratri, and other goddess-oriented festivals. The verses evoke a sense of devotion, strength, and courage, making it a source of inspiration for those facing challenges in their lives.
The hymn’s popularity extends beyond India, with the diaspora communities and spiritual seekers worldwide finding solace and inspiration in its verses. It has also gained recognition in the realm of music, with various renditions and adaptations being performed by artists from different musical backgrounds.
The “Aigiri Nandini” lyrics are not just words on a page but a profound expression of devotion and spirituality. They encapsulate the essence of the goddess Durga and her significance in Hindu culture. The hymn continues to inspire millions of people, providing solace, strength, and a deep connection to the divine. Its timeless verses remind us of the eternal power of good over evil and the transformative nature of devotion and spirituality.
