Complete Guide to Durga Keelaka Stotram
Introduction to Durga Keelaka Stotram
Durga Keelaka Stotram is an essential hymn recited as part of the Durga Saptashati (Chandi Path) worship. The word 'Keelaka' means 'key' or 'nail' — this stotram serves as the divine key that unlocks the full spiritual power of the Saptashati recitation. Without the Keelaka, the spiritual energy of the Saptashati remains 'locked' and its full benefits cannot be accessed.
Spiritual Significance of Durga Keelaka Stotram
In the tradition of Durga Saptashati recitation, three preliminary texts must be recited before the main 700 verses — the Kavacham (armor), Argala (bolt), and Keelaka (key). The Keelaka specifically removes the spiritual seal placed by Lord Shiva on the Saptashati to prevent its misuse, making its power accessible to sincere devotees.
Durga Keelaka Stotram Lyrics
॥ अथ कीलकम् ॥
ॐ अस्य श्रीकीलकमन्त्रस्य शिव ऋषिः,अनुष्टुप् छन्दः,
श्रीमहासरस्वती देवता,श्रीजगदम्बाप्रीत्यर्थं सप्तशतीपाठाङ्गत्वेन जपे विनियोगः।
ॐ नमश्चण्डिकायै॥
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
ॐ विशुद्धज्ञानदेहाय त्रिवेदीदिव्यचक्षुषे।
श्रेयःप्राप्तिनिमित्ताय नमः सोमार्धधारिणे॥1॥
सर्वमेतद्विजानीयान्मन्त्राणामभिकीलकम्।
सोऽपि क्षेममवाप्नोति सततं जाप्यतत्परः॥2॥
सिद्ध्यन्त्युच्चाटनादीनि वस्तूनि सकलान्यपि।
एतेन स्तुवतां देवी स्तोत्रमात्रेण सिद्ध्यति॥3॥
न मन्त्रो नौषधं तत्र न किञ्चिदपि विद्यते।
विना जाप्येन सिद्ध्येत सर्वमुच्चाटनादिकम्॥4॥
समग्राण्यपि सिद्ध्यन्ति लोकशङ्कामिमां हरः।
कृत्वा निमन्त्रयामास सर्वमेवमिदं शुभम्॥5॥
स्तोत्रं वै चण्डिकायास्तु तच्च गुप्तं चकार सः।
समाप्तिर्न च पुण्यस्य तां यथावन्नियन्त्रणाम्॥6॥
सोऽपि क्षेममवाप्नोति सर्वमेवं न संशयः।
कृष्णायां वा चतुर्दश्यामष्टम्यां वा समाहितः॥7॥
ददाति प्रतिगृह्णाति नान्यथैषा प्रसीदति।
इत्थंरुपेण कीलेन महादेवेन कीलितम्॥8॥
यो निष्कीलां विधायैनां नित्यं जपति संस्फुटम्।
स सिद्धः स गणः सोऽपि गन्धर्वो जायते नरः॥9॥
न चैवाप्यटतस्तस्य भयं क्वापीह जायते।
नापमृत्युवशं याति मृतो मोक्षमवाप्नुयात्॥10॥
ज्ञात्वा प्रारभ्य कुर्वीत न कुर्वाणो विनश्यति।
ततो ज्ञात्वैव सम्पन्नमिदं प्रारभ्यते बुधैः॥11॥
सौभाग्यादि च यत्किञ्चिद् दृश्यते ललनाजने।
तत्सर्वं तत्प्रसादेन तेन जाप्यमिदं शुभम्॥12॥
शनैस्तु जप्यमानेऽस्मिन् स्तोत्रे सम्पत्तिरुच्चकैः।
भवत्येव समग्रापि ततः प्रारभ्यमेव तत्॥13॥
ऐश्वर्यं यत्प्रसादेन सौभाग्यारोग्यसम्पदः।
शत्रुहानिःपरो मोक्षः स्तूयते सा न किं जनैः॥14॥
॥ इति देव्याः कीलकस्तोत्रं सम्पूर्णम् ॥
॥ Atha Kilakam ॥
Om Asya Shrikilakamantrasya Shiva Rishih,Anushtup Chhandah,
Shri Mahasaraswati Devata,Shri Jagadambaprityartham Saptashatipathangatvena Jape Viniyogah।
Om Namashchandikayai॥
Markandeya Uvacha
Om Vishuddhajnanadehaya Trivedidivyachakshushe।
Shreyahpraptinimittaya Namah Somardhadharine॥1॥
Sarvametadvijaniyanmantranamabhikilakam।
Soapi Kshemamavapnoti Satatam Japyatatparah॥2॥
Siddhyantyuchchatanadini Vastuni Sakalanyapi।
Etena Stuvatam Devi Stotramatrena Siddhyati॥3॥
Na Mantro Naushadham Tatra Na Kinchidapi Vidyate।
Vina Japyena Siddhyeta Sarvamuchchatanadikam॥4॥
Samagranyapi Siddhyanti Lokashankamimam Harah।
Kritva Nimantrayamasa Sarvamevamidam Shubham॥5॥
Stotram Vai Chandikayastu Tachcha Guptam Chakara Sah।
Samaptirna Cha Punyasya Tam Yathavanniyantranam॥6॥
Soapi Kshemamavapnoti Sarvamevam Na Sanshayah।
Krishnayam Va Chaturdashyamashtamyam Va Samahitah॥7॥
Dadati Pratigrihnati Nanyathaisha Prasidati।
Itthanrupena Kilena Mahadevena Kilitam॥8॥
Yo Nishkilam Vidhayainam Nityam Japati Sansphutam।
Sa Siddhah Sa Ganah Soapi Gandharvo Jayate Narah॥9॥
Na Chaivapyatatastasya Bhayam Kvapiha Jayate।
Napamrityuvasham Yati Mrito Mokshamavapnuyat॥10॥
Jnatva Prarabhya Kurvita Na Kurvano Vinashyati।
Tato Jnatvaiva Sampannamidam Prarabhyate Budhaih॥11॥
Saubhagyadi Cha Yatkinchid Drishyate Lalanajane।
Tatsarvam Tatprasadena Tena Japyamidam Shubham॥12॥
Shanaistu Japyamaneasmin Stotre Sampattiruchchakaih।
Bhavatyeva Samagrapi Tatah Prarabhyameva Tat॥13॥
Aishvaryam Yatprasadena Saubhagyarogyasampadah।
Shatruhanihparo Mokshah Stuyate Sa Na Kim Janaih॥14॥
॥ Iti Devyah Kilakastotram Sampurnam ॥
Verse-by-Verse Meaning of Keelaka Stotram
1 First Verse
ॐ विशुद्धज्ञानदेहाय त्रिवेदीदिव्यचक्षुषे।
श्रेयःप्राप्तिनिमित्ताय नमः सोमार्धधारिणे॥
श्रेयःप्राप्तिनिमित्ताय नमः सोमार्धधारिणे॥
Word Meanings: विशुद्धज्ञानदेहाय (Vishuddhajnanadehenaya) = to the one whose body is pure knowledge; त्रिवेदीदिव्यचक्षुषे (Trivedidivyachakshushe) = whose divine eyes are the three Vedas; श्रेयःप्राप्तिनिमित्ताय (Shreyahpraptinimittaya) = for the purpose of attaining the Supreme Good; नमः (Namah) = salutations; सोमार्धधारिणे (Somardhaddharine) = to the bearer of the half-moon (Shiva)
Translation: (Markandeya said:) Om! Salutations to Lord Shiva, whose body is pure knowledge, whose divine eyes are the three Vedas, who is the means to attaining the Supreme Good, and who bears the half-moon.
2 Second Verse
सर्वमेतद्विजानीयान्मन्त्राणामभिकीलकम्।
सोऽपि क्षेममवाप्नोति सततं जाप्यतत्परः॥
सोऽपि क्षेममवाप्नोति सततं जाप्यतत्परः॥
Word Meanings: सर्वम् एतत् (Sarvam etat) = all this; विजानीयात् (Vijaniyat) = should know; मन्त्राणाम् (Mantranam) = of the mantras; अभिकीलकम् (Abhikilakam) = the locking/sealing hymn; सः अपि (Sah api) = he too; क्षेमम् (Kshemam) = welfare; अवाप्नोति (Avapnoti) = obtains; सततम् (Satatam) = always; जाप्यतत्परः (Japyatatparah) = devoted to chanting
Translation: One should know all this as the sealing hymn (Keelaka) of the mantras. One who is always devoted to its chanting also obtains welfare.
3 Third Verse
सिद्ध्यन्त्युच्चाटनादीनि वस्तूनि सकलान्यपि।
एतेन स्तुवतां देवी स्तोत्रमात्रेण सिद्ध्यति॥
एतेन स्तुवतां देवी स्तोत्रमात्रेण सिद्ध्यति॥
Word Meanings: सिद्ध्यन्ति (Siddhyanti) = are accomplished; उच्चाटनादीनि (Uchchatanadini) = driving away (of enemies) and other acts; वस्तूनि (Vastuni) = things/objectives; सकलानि (Sakalani) = all; एतेन (Etena) = by this; स्तुवताम् (Stuvatam) = for those who praise; देवी (Devi) = the Goddess; स्तोत्रमात्रेण (Stotramatrena) = by the hymn alone; सिद्ध्यति (Siddhyati) = is accomplished
Translation: All objectives including driving away enemies and similar acts are accomplished. For those who praise the Goddess, fulfillment comes through the recitation of this hymn alone.
4 Fourth Verse
न मन्त्रो नौषधं तत्र न किञ्चिदपि विद्यते।
विना जाप्येन सिद्ध्येत सर्वमुच्चाटनादिकम्॥
विना जाप्येन सिद्ध्येत सर्वमुच्चाटनादिकम्॥
Word Meanings: न (Na) = not; मन्त्रः (Mantrah) = mantra; नौषधम् (Naushadham) = nor medicine/herb; तत्र (Tatra) = there; न किञ्चित् (Na kinchit) = nothing else; विद्यते (Vidyate) = exists; विना (Vina) = without; जाप्येन (Japyena) = chanting; सिद्ध्येत (Siddhyet) = is accomplished; सर्वम् उच्चाटनादिकम् (Sarvam uchchatandikam) = all acts like driving away enemies
Translation: No mantra, no herbs, nothing else is needed. Without any additional practice, all objectives are accomplished through the chanting of this hymn alone.
5 Fifth Verse
समग्राण्यपि सिद्ध्यन्ति लोकशङ्कामिमां हरः।
कृत्वा निमन्त्रयामास सर्वमेवमिदं शुभम्॥
कृत्वा निमन्त्रयामास सर्वमेवमिदं शुभम्॥
Word Meanings: समग्राणि (Samagrani) = all collectively; सिद्ध्यन्ति (Siddhyanti) = are accomplished; लोकशङ्काम् (Lokashankam) = the doubt of the people; इमाम् (Imam) = this; हरः (Harah) = Lord Shiva; कृत्वा (Kritva) = having done; निमन्त्रयामास (Nimantrayamasa) = he sealed/locked; सर्वम् (Sarvam) = all; शुभम् (Shubham) = auspicious
Translation: All things are accomplished collectively. To remove the doubt of the people, Lord Shiva sealed (keelita) all this auspicious hymn.
6 Sixth Verse
स्तोत्रं वै चण्डिकायास्तु तच्च गुप्तं चकार सः।
समाप्तिर्न च पुण्यस्य तां यथावन्नियन्त्रणाम्॥
समाप्तिर्न च पुण्यस्य तां यथावन्नियन्त्रणाम्॥
Word Meanings: स्तोत्रम् (Stotram) = the hymn; चण्डिकायाः (Chandikayah) = of Chandika (Durga); गुप्तम् (Guptam) = secret; चकार (Chakara) = made; सः (Sah) = He (Shiva); समाप्तिः (Samaptih) = completion; न (Na) = not; पुण्यस्य (Punyasya) = of the merit; यथावत् (Yathavat) = properly; नियन्त्रणाम् (Niyatraanam) = the regulation
Translation: He (Shiva) made the hymn of Chandika (Durga) secret. Until it is properly unlocked, the full merit of the recitation is not obtained.
7 Seventh Verse
सोऽपि क्षेममवाप्नोति सर्वमेवं न संशयः।
कृष्णायां वा चतुर्दश्यामष्टम्यां वा समाहितः॥
कृष्णायां वा चतुर्दश्यामष्टम्यां वा समाहितः॥
Word Meanings: क्षेमम् (Kshemam) = welfare; अवाप्नोति (Avapnoti) = obtains; सर्वम् (Sarvam) = all; न संशयः (Na samshayah) = without doubt; कृष्णायाम् (Krishnayam) = on the dark (fortnight); चतुर्दश्याम् (Chaturdashyam) = on the fourteenth (tithi); अष्टम्याम् (Ashtamyam) = on the eighth (tithi); समाहितः (Samahitah) = with concentration
Translation: One obtains all welfare without doubt. With concentration, one should recite it on the fourteenth or eighth day of the dark fortnight.
8 Eighth Verse
ददाति प्रतिगृह्णाति नान्यथैषा प्रसीदति।
इत्थंरूपेण कीलेन महादेवेन कीलितम्॥
इत्थंरूपेण कीलेन महादेवेन कीलितम्॥
Word Meanings: ददाति (Dadati) = gives; प्रतिगृह्णाति (Pratigrihnati) = receives; न अन्यथा (Na anyatha) = not otherwise; एषा (Esha) = She (Chandika); प्रसीदति (Prasidati) = is pleased; इत्थंरूपेण (Itthamrupena) = in this manner; कीलेन (Kilena) = by the seal/lock; महादेवेन (Mahadevena) = by Mahadeva; कीलितम् (Kilitam) = was sealed/locked
Translation: She gives and receives (the offerings of devotees), but is not otherwise pleased (without unlocking). In this manner, the hymn was sealed by Mahadeva.
9 Ninth Verse
यो निष्कीलां विधायैनां नित्यं जपति संस्फुटम्।
स सिद्धः स गणः सोऽपि गन्धर्वो जायते नरः॥
स सिद्धः स गणः सोऽपि गन्धर्वो जायते नरः॥
Word Meanings: यः (Yah) = whoever; निष्कीलाम् (Nishkilam) = unlocked; विधाय (Vidhaya) = having made; एनाम् (Enam) = this; नित्यम् (Nityam) = daily; जपति (Japati) = chants; संस्फुटम् (Samphutam) = clearly; सः (Sah) = he; सिद्धः (Siddhah) = a Siddha; गणः (Ganah) = a Gana (attendant of Shiva); गन्धर्वः (Gandharvah) = a Gandharva (celestial musician); जायते (Jayate) = becomes
Translation: Whoever, having unlocked this (through the Keelaka recitation), chants it daily and clearly — that person becomes a Siddha, a Gana, or a Gandharva.
10 Tenth Verse
न चैवाप्यटतस्तस्य भयं क्वापीह जायते।
नापमृत्युवशं याति मृतो मोक्षमवाप्नुयात्॥
नापमृत्युवशं याति मृतो मोक्षमवाप्नुयात्॥
Word Meanings: न (Na) = not; अटतः (Atatah) = while wandering; तस्य (Tasya) = for that person; भयम् (Bhayam) = fear; क्वापि (Kvapi) = anywhere; जायते (Jayate) = arises; अपमृत्युवशम् (Apamrityuvasham) = under the sway of untimely death; याति (Yati) = goes; मृतः (Mritah) = upon dying; मोक्षम् (Moksham) = liberation; अवाप्नुयात् (Avapnuyat) = attains
Translation: No fear arises anywhere for that person while wandering. They do not fall under the sway of untimely death, and upon dying, they attain liberation.
11 Eleventh Verse
ज्ञात्वा प्रारभ्य कुर्वीत न कुर्वाणो विनश्यति।
ततो ज्ञात्वैव सम्पन्नमिदं प्रारभ्यते बुधैः॥
ततो ज्ञात्वैव सम्पन्नमिदं प्रारभ्यते बुधैः॥
Word Meanings: ज्ञात्वा (Jnatva) = having understood; प्रारभ्य (Prarabhya) = having begun; कुर्वीत (Kurvita) = should do; न कुर्वाणः (Na kurvanah) = not doing (it); विनश्यति (Vinashyati) = perishes; बुधैः (Budhaih) = by the wise
Translation: Having understood it, one should begin (the practice). Not performing it, one falls. Therefore, the wise begin this practice only after understanding it properly.
12 Twelfth Verse
सौभाग्यादि च यत्किञ्चिद् दृश्यते ललनाजने।
तत्सर्वं तत्प्रसादेन तेन जाप्यमिदं शुभम्॥
तत्सर्वं तत्प्रसादेन तेन जाप्यमिदं शुभम्॥
Word Meanings: सौभाग्यादि (Saubhagyadi) = good fortune and such; यत्किञ्चित् (Yatkinchit) = whatever; दृश्यते (Drishyate) = is seen; ललनाजने (Lalanajane) = among women; तत्सर्वम् (Tatsarvam) = all that; तत्प्रसादेन (Tatprasadena) = by Her grace; जाप्यम् (Japyam) = to be chanted; शुभम् (Shubham) = auspicious
Translation: Whatever good fortune and beauty is seen among women — all of that is by Her grace. Therefore, this auspicious hymn should be chanted.
13 Thirteenth Verse
शनैस्तु जप्यमानेऽस्मिन् स्तोत्रे सम्पत्तिरुच्चकैः।
भवत्येव समग्रापि ततः प्रारभ्यमेव तत्॥
भवत्येव समग्रापि ततः प्रारभ्यमेव तत्॥
Word Meanings: शनैः (Shanaih) = gradually; जप्यमाने (Japyamane) = when being chanted; अस्मिन् स्तोत्रे (Asmin stotre) = of this hymn; सम्पत्तिः (Sampattih) = prosperity; उच्चकैः (Uchchakaih) = abundantly; भवति एव (Bhavati eva) = indeed comes; समग्रा (Samagra) = complete; प्रारभ्यम् (Prarabhyam) = should be commenced
Translation: When this hymn is chanted gradually, complete and abundant prosperity indeed comes. Therefore, the practice should be commenced.
✦ Phala Shruti (Verse 14)
ऐश्वर्यं यत्प्रसादेन सौभाग्यारोग्यसम्पदः।
शत्रुहानिःपरो मोक्षः स्तूयते सा न किं जनैः॥
शत्रुहानिःपरो मोक्षः स्तूयते सा न किं जनैः॥
Word Meanings: ऐश्वर्यम् (Aishvaryam) = lordship/sovereignty; यत्प्रसादेन (Yatprasadena) = by whose grace; सौभाग्यारोग्यसम्पदः (Saubhagyarogyasampadah) = good fortune, health, and wealth; शत्रुहानिः (Shatruhanih) = destruction of enemies; परः मोक्षः (Parah mokshah) = supreme liberation; स्तूयते (Stuyate) = is praised; सा (Sa) = She; न किम् (Na kim) = why not; जनैः (Janaih) = by people
Translation: Sovereignty, good fortune, health, wealth, destruction of enemies, and supreme liberation — all by Her grace! Why should She not be praised by all people?
Spiritual Benefits of Reciting Durga Keelaka Stotram
Spiritual Growth
- Divine Grace: Attracts the special blessings and protection of Goddess Durga
- Inner Peace: Brings tranquility and contentment to the mind
- Positive Energy: Develops an attitude of gratitude and spiritual awareness
- Spiritual Progress: Enhances devotion and deepens spiritual understanding
Material and Worldly Benefits
- Obstacle Removal: Clears impediments from the path of progress
- Success: Enhances success in academic, professional, and personal endeavors
- Protection: Provides divine protection from negative forces and energies
- Family Harmony: Promotes peace and understanding among family members
Health and Well-being
- Mental Clarity: Enhances focus, concentration, and decision-making
- Stress Relief: Reduces anxiety and promotes emotional balance
- Physical Vitality: Supports overall health and well-being
- Karmic Purification: Helps dissolve accumulated negative karma
How to Chant Durga Keelaka Stotram: Complete Guide
Preparation for Chanting
- Personal Cleanliness: Take a bath and wear clean clothes
- Sacred Space: Sit in a clean, quiet place facing east or north
- Deity Image: Place an image or idol of Goddess Durga before you
- Light a Lamp: Light a ghee or sesame oil lamp for auspiciousness
- Mental Preparation: Calm the mind with a few minutes of deep breathing
Step-by-Step Chanting Process
- Invocation: Begin with a brief prayer to Goddess Durga
- Sankalpa: State your intention (spiritual growth, protection, or specific purpose)
- Recitation: Chant the stotram with clear pronunciation and devotional feeling
- Meditation: After chanting, sit quietly and meditate on the deity's form
- Prayer: Offer your heartfelt prayers and express gratitude
Important Guidelines
- Maintain regularity — daily practice yields the best results
- Chant with genuine devotion rather than mere mechanical repetition
- Try to understand the meaning of the verses for deeper spiritual impact
- Maintain a vegetarian diet on days of special devotion
- Share the merit of your practice by praying for the welfare of all beings
Best Times to Recite Durga Keelaka Stotram
Daily Practice
- Early Morning: Brahma Muhurta (4:00 - 6:00 AM) for maximum spiritual benefit
- Evening: During sunset (Sandhya Kaal) for divine blessings
- Before Sleep: For peaceful rest and divine protection through the night
Special Occasions
- Festival Days: During festivals associated with Goddess Durga
- Ekadashi: Auspicious for spiritual practices and vrat observances
- Purnima (Full Moon): Enhanced spiritual energy for meditation and chanting
- Amavasya (New Moon): For removal of negative influences and karmic cleansing
Frequently Asked Questions about Keelaka Stotram
What is the Keelaka Stotram?
The Keelaka Stotram (कीलक स्तोत्रम्) is an essential auxiliary hymn of the Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmyam). 'Keelaka' means 'lock' or 'key' — this stotram serves as the spiritual key that unlocks the full power of the Saptashati. Just as a lock secures a treasure, the Keelaka was placed by Lord Shiva to 'lock' the immense power of the Saptashati, and its proper recitation 'unlocks' this divine energy for the benefit of the devotee.
What is the connection between Keelaka and Durga Saptashati?
The Durga Saptashati parayana (ritual recitation) requires six preparatory texts called Shadanga (six limbs): Kavacham (armor), Argala (bolt), Keelakam (key), Ratri Suktam, Devi Suktam, and Nyasa. The Keelaka is the third of these and is absolutely essential — without it, the full spiritual power of the 700 verses remains 'locked.' Lord Shiva revealed the Keelaka to ensure that only sincere devotees with proper preparation could access the Saptashati's immense power.
When should one recite the Keelaka Stotram?
The Keelaka Stotram is recited as part of the complete Durga Saptashati parayana — always before beginning the main 700 verses, after the Kavacham and Argala. During Navaratri, it is chanted daily. It is also recited independently on Tuesdays, Fridays, Ashtami, and Navami for Devi's special blessings. Reciting it during Chaitra and Sharad Navaratri is considered mandatory for proper Saptashati practice.
What are the benefits of the Keelaka Stotram?
The Keelaka unlocks the spiritual treasure of the Durga Saptashati, ensuring that the full benefits of the 700 verses are realized. It amplifies the power of Devi worship, grants special protection from negative forces, activates the mantric power dormant in the Saptashati, and pleases Lord Shiva (who is the narrator and Keelaka creator). Without its recitation, the Saptashati parayana is considered incomplete.
What does Lord Shiva say about the Keelaka?
Lord Shiva explains the Keelaka in the context of His conversation with Parvati. He states that He placed this Keelaka (lock) on the Saptashati to regulate its immense power. When the Keelaka is properly recited (unlocked), the devotee gains access to the full protective, healing, and liberating power of the Devi Mahatmyam. Lord Shiva himself is the seer (Rishi) of this stotram, indicating its supreme authority.