Complete Guide to Durga Tantroktam Devi Suktam
Introduction to Durga Tantroktam Devi Suktam
Durga Tantroktam Devi Suktam is a powerful Tantric hymn that reveals the mystical and esoteric dimensions of the supreme Goddess. Unlike its Vedic counterpart, this Tantric version (Tantroktam = as revealed in the Tantras) presents the Goddess through the lens of Tantric philosophy, emphasizing her role as the dynamic Shakti that activates and empowers all cosmic functions.
Spiritual Significance of Durga Tantroktam Devi Suktam
The Tantric tradition provides a complementary perspective to the Vedic understanding of the divine feminine. This suktam specifically highlights the Goddess's role as the activating power (Shakti) behind every cosmic process, from creation to dissolution. It is an integral part of the complete Durga Saptashati worship system and deepens the devotee's appreciation of the Goddess's all-pervading nature.
Durga Tantroktam Devi Suktam Lyrics
॥ अथ तन्त्रोक्तं रात्रिसूक्तम् ॥
ॐ विश्वेश्वरीं जगद्धात्रीं स्थितिसंहारकारिणीम्।
निद्रां भगवतीं विष्णोरतुलां तेजसः प्रभुः॥1॥
ब्रह्मोवाच
त्वं स्वाहा त्वं स्वधा त्वं हि वषट्कारः स्वरात्मिका।
सुधा त्वमक्षरे नित्ये त्रिधा मात्रात्मिका स्थिता॥2॥
अर्धमात्रास्थिता नित्या यानुच्चार्या विशेषतः।
त्वमेव सन्ध्या सावित्री त्वं देवि जननी परा॥3॥
त्वयैतद्धार्यते विश्वं त्वयैतत्सृज्यते जगत्।
त्वयैतत्पाल्यते देवि त्वमत्स्यन्ते च सर्वदा॥4॥
विसृष्टौ सृष्टिरुपा त्वं स्थितिरूपा च पालने।
तथा संहृतिरूपान्ते जगतोऽस्य जगन्मये॥5॥
महाविद्या महामाया महामेधा महास्मृतिः।
महामोहा च भवती महादेवी महासुरी॥6॥
प्रकृतिस्त्वं च सर्वस्य गुणत्रयविभाविनी।
कालरात्रिर्महारात्रिर्मोहरात्रिश्च दारुणा॥7॥
त्वं श्रीस्त्वमीश्वरी त्वं ह्रीस्त्वं बुद्धिर्बोधलक्षणा।
लज्जा पुष्टिस्तथा तुष्टिस्त्वं शान्तिः क्षान्तिरेव च॥8॥
खड्गिनी शूलिनी घोरा गदिनी चक्रिणी तथा।
शङ्खिनी चापिनी बाणभुशुण्डीपरिघायुधा॥9॥
सौम्या सौम्यतराशेषसौम्येभ्यस्त्वतिसुन्दरी।
परापराणां परमा त्वमेव परमेश्वरी॥10॥
यच्च किञ्चित् क्वचिद्वस्तु सदसद्वाखिलात्मिके।
तस्य सर्वस्य या शक्तिः सा त्वं किं स्तूयसे तदा॥11॥
यया त्वया जगत्स्रष्टा जगत्पात्यत्ति यो जगत्।
सोऽपि निद्रावशं नीतः कस्त्वां स्तोतुमिहेश्वरः॥12॥
विष्णुः शरीरग्रहणमहमीशान एव च।
कारितास्ते यतोऽतस्त्वां कः स्तोतुं शक्तिमान् भवेत्॥13॥
सा त्वमित्थं प्रभावैः स्वैरुदारैर्देवि संस्तुता।
मोहयैतौ दुराधर्षावसुरौ मधुकैटभौ॥14॥
प्रबोधं च जगत्स्वामी नीयतामच्युतो लघु।
बोधश्च क्रियतामस्य हन्तुमेतौ महासुरौ॥15॥
॥ इति रात्रिसूक्तम् ॥
॥ Atha Tantroktam Ratrisuktam ॥
Om Vishveshvarim Jagaddhatrim Sthitisanharakarinim।
Nidram Bhagavatim Vishnoratulam Tejasah Prabhuh॥1॥
Brahmovacha
Tvam Svaha Tvam Svadha Tvam Hi Vashatkarah Svaratmika।
Sudha Tvamakshare Nitye Tridha Matratmika Sthita॥2॥
Ardhamatrasthita Nitya Yanuchcharya Visheshatah।
Tvameva Sandhya Savitri Tvam Devi Janani Para॥3॥
Tvayaitaddharyate Vishvam Tvayaitatsrijyate Jagat।
Tvayaitatpalyate Devi Tvamatsyante Cha Sarvada॥4॥
Visrishtau Srishtirupa Tvam Sthitirupa Cha Palane।
Tatha Samhritirupante Jagatoasya Jaganmaye॥5॥
Mahavidya Mahamaya Mahamedha Mahasmritih।
Mahamoha Cha Bhavati Mahadevi Mahasuri॥6॥
Prakritistvam Cha Sarvasya Gunatrayavibhavini।
Kalaratrirmaharatrirmoharatrishcha Daruna॥7॥
Tvam Shristvamishvari Tvam Hristvam Buddhirbodhalakshana।
Lajja Pushtistatha Tushtistvam Shantih Kshantireva Cha॥8॥
Khadgini Shulini Ghora Gadini Chakrini Tatha।
Shankhini Chapini Banabhushundiparighayudha॥9॥
Saumya Saumyatarasheshasaumyebhyastvatisundari।
Paraparanam Parama Tvameva Parameshvari॥10॥
Yachcha Kinchit Kvachidvastu Sadasadvakhilatmike।
Tasya Sarvasya Ya Shaktih Sa Tvam Kim Stuyase Tada॥11॥
Yaya Tvaya Jagatsrashta Jagatpatyatti Yo Jagat।
Soapi Nidravasham Nitah Kastvam Stotumiheshvarah॥12॥
Vishnuh Shariragrahanamahamishana Eva Cha।
Karitaste Yatoatastvam Kah Stotum Shaktiman Bhavet॥13॥
Sa Tvamittham Prabhavaih Svairudarairdevi Sanstuta।
Mohayaitau Duradharshavasurau Madhukaitabhau॥14॥
Prabodham Cha Jagatsvami Niyatamachyuto Laghu।
Bodhashcha Kriyatamasya Hantumetau Mahasurau॥15॥
॥ Iti Ratrisuktam ॥
Verse-by-Verse Meaning of Tantroktam Ratri Suktam
1 First Verse
ॐ विश्वेश्वरीं जगद्धात्रीं स्थितिसंहारकारिणीम्।
निद्रां भगवतीं विष्णोरतुलां तेजसः प्रभुः॥
निद्रां भगवतीं विष्णोरतुलां तेजसः प्रभुः॥
Word Meanings: विश्वेश्वरीम् (Vishveshvarim) = the sovereign of the universe; जगद्धात्रीम् (Jagaddhatrim) = the sustainer of the world; स्थितिसंहारकारिणीम् (Sthiti-samhara-karinim) = the cause of preservation and dissolution; निद्राम् (Nidram) = the sleep; भगवतीम् (Bhagavatim) = the divine one; विष्णोः (Vishnoh) = of Vishnu; अतुलाम् (Atulam) = incomparable; तेजसः (Tejasah) = of radiance; प्रभुः (Prabhuh) = the Lord (Brahma)
Translation: (Brahma spoke of) the sovereign of the universe, the sustainer of the world, who causes preservation and dissolution — the divine Sleep (Yoga Nidra) of Vishnu, of incomparable radiance.
2 Second Verse
त्वं स्वाहा त्वं स्वधा त्वं हि वषट्कारः स्वरात्मिका।
सुधा त्वमक्षरे नित्ये त्रिधा मात्रात्मिका स्थिता॥
सुधा त्वमक्षरे नित्ये त्रिधा मात्रात्मिका स्थिता॥
Word Meanings: स्वाहा (Svaha) = the exclamation offered to gods; स्वधा (Svadha) = the offering to ancestors; वषट्कारः (Vashatkaarah) = the sacred utterance; स्वरात्मिका (Svaratmika) = essence of vowels; सुधा (Sudha) = nectar; अक्षरे (Akshare) = imperishable; नित्ये (Nitye) = eternal; त्रिधा मात्रात्मिका (Tridha maatratmika) = existing as three measures (A-U-M of Om)
Translation: (Brahma said:) You are Svaha, You are Svadha, You are the Vashat-kara, You are the essence of vowels. You are the nectar, the imperishable one, the eternal one, existing as the three measures (of Om).
3 Third Verse
अर्धमात्रास्थिता नित्या यानुच्चार्या विशेषतः।
त्वमेव सन्ध्या सावित्री त्वं देवि जननी परा॥
त्वमेव सन्ध्या सावित्री त्वं देवि जननी परा॥
Word Meanings: अर्धमात्रास्थिता (Ardhamatrasthita) = situated in the half-measure (the silence after Om); नित्या (Nitya) = eternal; अनुच्चार्या (Anuchchaiya) = unpronounceable; विशेषतः (Visheshatah) = especially; सन्ध्या (Sandhya) = the twilight (juncture); सावित्री (Savitri) = Savitri (Gayatri); जननी (Janani) = the Mother; परा (Para) = supreme
Translation: You are eternally situated in the half-measure (silence after Om), especially the unpronounceable. You alone are Sandhya (twilight), Savitri (Gayatri). You are, O Goddess, the Supreme Mother.
4 Fourth Verse
त्वयैतद्धार्यते विश्वं त्वयैतत्सृज्यते जगत्।
त्वयैतत्पाल्यते देवि त्वमत्स्यन्ते च सर्वदा॥
त्वयैतत्पाल्यते देवि त्वमत्स्यन्ते च सर्वदा॥
Word Meanings: त्वया (Tvaya) = by You; धार्यते (Dharyate) = is sustained; विश्वम् (Vishvam) = the universe; सृज्यते (Srijyate) = is created; जगत् (Jagat) = the world; पाल्यते (Palyate) = is protected; अत्स्यन्ते (Atsyante) = is consumed/destroyed; सर्वदा (Sarvada) = always
Translation: By You this universe is sustained, by You the world is created, by You it is protected, O Goddess, and You always consume it at the end.
5 Fifth Verse
विसृष्टौ सृष्टिरूपा त्वं स्थितिरूपा च पालने।
तथा संहृतिरूपान्ते जगतोऽस्य जगन्मये॥
तथा संहृतिरूपान्ते जगतोऽस्य जगन्मये॥
Word Meanings: विसृष्टौ (Visrishtau) = in creation; सृष्टिरूपा (Srishtirupa) = in the form of creation; स्थितिरूपा (Sthitirupa) = in the form of preservation; पालने (Palane) = in protection; संहृतिरूपा (Samhritirupa) = in the form of dissolution; अन्ते (Ante) = at the end; जगन्मये (Jaganmaye) = O embodiment of the world
Translation: In creation You are the form of creation, in protection You are the form of preservation, and at the end of the world You are the form of dissolution — O embodiment of the world!
6 Sixth Verse
महाविद्या महामाया महामेधा महास्मृतिः।
महामोहा च भवती महादेवी महासुरी॥
महामोहा च भवती महादेवी महासुरी॥
Word Meanings: महाविद्या (Mahavidya) = the Great Knowledge; महामाया (Mahamaya) = the Great Illusion; महामेधा (Mahamedha) = the Great Intellect; महास्मृतिः (Mahasmritih) = the Great Memory; महामोहा (Mahamoha) = the Great Delusion; महादेवी (Mahadevi) = the Great Goddess; महासुरी (Mahasuri) = the Great Asuri (power)
Translation: You are the Great Knowledge, the Great Illusion, the Great Intellect, the Great Memory, the Great Delusion, the Great Goddess, and the Great Power.
7 Seventh Verse
प्रकृतिस्त्वं च सर्वस्य गुणत्रयविभाविनी।
कालरात्रिर्महारात्रिर्मोहरात्रिश्च दारुणा॥
कालरात्रिर्महारात्रिर्मोहरात्रिश्च दारुणा॥
Word Meanings: प्रकृतिः (Prakritih) = the Primordial Nature; सर्वस्य (Sarvasya) = of all; गुणत्रयविभाविनी (Gunatrayavibhavini) = the manifester of the three Gunas; कालरात्रिः (Kalaratrih) = the Night of Death; महारात्रिः (Maharatrih) = the Great Night (of dissolution); मोहरात्रिः (Moharatrih) = the Night of Delusion; दारुणा (Daruna) = the terrible one
Translation: You are Prakriti of all, the manifester of the three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas). You are the Night of Death (Kalaratri), the Great Night (Maharatri), and the terrible Night of Delusion (Moharatri).
8 Eighth Verse
त्वं श्रीस्त्वमीश्वरी त्वं ह्रीस्त्वं बुद्धिर्बोधलक्षणा।
लज्जा पुष्टिस्तथा तुष्टिस्त्वं शान्तिः क्षान्तिरेव च॥
लज्जा पुष्टिस्तथा तुष्टिस्त्वं शान्तिः क्षान्तिरेव च॥
Word Meanings: श्रीः (Shrih) = prosperity; ईश्वरी (Ishvari) = the sovereign; ह्रीः (Hrih) = modesty; बुद्धिः (Buddhih) = intelligence; बोधलक्षणा (Bodhalakshana) = characterized by awareness; लज्जा (Lajja) = modesty; पुष्टिः (Pushtih) = nourishment; तुष्टिः (Tushtih) = contentment; शान्तिः (Shantih) = peace; क्षान्तिः (Kshantih) = forgiveness
Translation: You are Prosperity, You are the Sovereign, You are Modesty, You are Intelligence characterized by awareness. You are Modesty, Nourishment, Contentment, Peace, and Forgiveness.
9 Ninth Verse
खड्गिनी शूलिनी घोरा गदिनी चक्रिणी तथा।
शङ्खिनी चापिनी बाणभुशुण्डीपरिघायुधा॥
शङ्खिनी चापिनी बाणभुशुण्डीपरिघायुधा॥
Word Meanings: खड्गिनी (Khadgini) = sword-bearing; शूलिनी (Shulini) = trident-bearing; घोरा (Ghora) = terrifying; गदिनी (Gadini) = mace-bearing; चक्रिणी (Chakrini) = discus-bearing; शङ्खिनी (Shankhini) = conch-bearing; चापिनी (Chapini) = bow-bearing; बाणभुशुण्डीपरिघायुधा (Bana-bhushundi-parighayudha) = armed with arrows, musket, and mace
Translation: You are the sword-bearer, the trident-bearer, the terrifying one, the mace-bearer, the discus-bearer, the conch-bearer, the bow-bearer — armed with arrows, musket, and iron mace.
10 Tenth Verse
सौम्या सौम्यतराशेषसौम्येभ्यस्त्वतिसुन्दरी।
परापराणां परमा त्वमेव परमेश्वरी॥
परापराणां परमा त्वमेव परमेश्वरी॥
Word Meanings: सौम्या (Saumya) = gentle; सौम्यतरा (Saumyatara) = gentler; अशेषसौम्येभ्यः (Asheshasaumyebhyah) = than all the gentle ones; अतिसुन्दरी (Atisundari) = the most beautiful; परापराणाम् (Paraparanam) = of the supreme and the non-supreme; परमा (Parama) = the highest; परमेश्वरी (Parameshvari) = the Supreme Goddess
Translation: You are gentle, gentler than all the gentle, the most beautiful of all. You are the highest of the supreme and the non-supreme — You alone are the Supreme Goddess.
11 Eleventh Verse
यच्च किञ्चित् क्वचिद्वस्तु सदसद्वाखिलात्मिके।
तस्य सर्वस्य या शक्तिः सा त्वं किं स्तूयसे तदा॥
तस्य सर्वस्य या शक्तिः सा त्वं किं स्तूयसे तदा॥
Word Meanings: यत् (Yat) = whatever; किञ्चित् (Kinchit) = anything; क्वचित् (Kvachit) = anywhere; वस्तु (Vastu) = thing; सत् असत् (Sat asat) = real or unreal; अखिलात्मिके (Akhilatmike) = O soul of everything; शक्तिः (Shaktih) = the power; किम् (Kim) = how; स्तूयसे (Stuyase) = can You be praised
Translation: Whatever exists anywhere — whether real or unreal — O soul of everything, You are the power of all of it. How then can You be adequately praised?
12 Twelfth Verse
यया त्वया जगत्स्रष्टा जगत्पात्यत्ति यो जगत्।
सोऽपि निद्रावशं नीतः कस्त्वां स्तोतुमिहेश्वरः॥
सोऽपि निद्रावशं नीतः कस्त्वां स्तोतुमिहेश्वरः॥
Word Meanings: यया (Yaya) = by whom (You); जगत्स्रष्टा (Jagatrashta) = the creator of the world; जगत्पाति (Jagatpati) = the protector of the world; अत्ति (Atti) = consumes; जगत् (Jagat) = the world; निद्रावशम् (Nidraavasham) = under the sway of sleep; नीतः (Nitah) = led; कः (Kah) = who; स्तोतुम् (Stotum) = to praise; ईश्वरः (Ishvarah) = is capable
Translation: By You, even He who creates, protects, and consumes the world has been led under the sway of sleep. Who then is capable of praising You?
13 Thirteenth Verse
विष्णुः शरीरग्रहणमहमीशान एव च।
कारितास्ते यतोऽतस्त्वां कः स्तोतुं शक्तिमान् भवेत्॥
कारितास्ते यतोऽतस्त्वां कः स्तोतुं शक्तिमान् भवेत्॥
Word Meanings: विष्णुः (Vishnuh) = Vishnu; शरीरग्रहणम् (Shariragrahanam) = the assumption of bodies; अहम् (Aham) = I (Brahma); ईशानः (Ishanah) = Ishana (Shiva); कारिताः (Karitah) = have been made to act; ते (Te) = by You; कः (Kah) = who; शक्तिमान् (Shaktiman) = is powerful enough
Translation: Vishnu's assumption of forms, I (Brahma), and Ishana (Shiva) — we have all been made to act by You. Who then could be powerful enough to praise You?
14 Fourteenth Verse
सा त्वमित्थं प्रभावैः स्वैरुदारैर्देवि संस्तुता।
मोहयैतौ दुराधर्षावसुरौ मधुकैटभौ॥
मोहयैतौ दुराधर्षावसुरौ मधुकैटभौ॥
Word Meanings: सा त्वम् (Sa tvam) = You, such as You are; इत्थम् (Ittham) = thus; प्रभावैः (Prabhavaih) = with glories; उदारैः (Udaraih) = noble; संस्तुता (Samstuta) = praised; मोहय (Mohaya) = delude; एतौ (Etau) = these two; दुराधर्षौ (Duradharsau) = invincible; असुरौ (Asurau) = demons; मधुकैटभौ (Madhukaitabhau) = Madhu and Kaitabha
Translation: O Goddess, thus praised with Your noble glories — please delude these two invincible demons, Madhu and Kaitabha!
15 Fifteenth Verse
प्रबोधं च जगत्स्वामी नीयतामच्युतो लघु।
बोधश्च क्रियतामस्य हन्तुमेतौ महासुरौ॥
बोधश्च क्रियतामस्य हन्तुमेतौ महासुरौ॥
Word Meanings: प्रबोधम् (Prabodham) = to awakening; जगत्स्वामी (Jagatsvami) = the lord of the world; नीयताम् (Niyatam) = may he be led; अच्युतः (Achyutah) = the imperishable one (Vishnu); लघु (Laghu) = quickly; बोधः (Bodhah) = awareness; क्रियताम् (Kriyatam) = may it be created; अस्य (Asya) = of this (Vishnu); हन्तुम् (Hantum) = to slay; एतौ (Etau) = these two; महासुरौ (Mahasurau) = the great demons
Translation: And may the Lord of the world, the imperishable Achyuta (Vishnu), be quickly led to awakening! May awareness be created in Him to slay these two great demons!
Spiritual Benefits of Reciting Durga Tantroktam Devi Suktam
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 Tantroktam Devi Suktam: 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 Tantroktam Devi Suktam
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 Tantroktam Devi Suktam
What is the Tantroktam Devi Suktam?
The Tantroktam Devi Suktam (तन्त्रोक्तं देवी सूक्तम्) is a hymn from the Tantric tradition that glorifies the Supreme Goddess (Devi) as the all-pervading divine power. 'Tantroktam' means 'as stated in the Tantras.' This sukta declares the Devi as the ultimate reality who pervades all gods, all elements, and all beings. It is one of the six auxiliary hymns (Shadanga) of the Durga Saptashati and presents a powerful Shakta (Goddess-centered) theological vision.
How does the Tantroktam differ from the Rigvedoktam Devi Suktam?
The Rigvedoktam Devi Suktam (Rigveda 10.125) is an ancient Vedic hymn by the Rishika Vak (Speech personified), describing the Goddess as Vak Devi who accompanies all gods. The Tantroktam Devi Suktam is a later Tantric composition that presents the Devi as the Supreme Being who creates, sustains, and dissolves the universe. The Vedic version is cosmological; the Tantric version is explicitly theological, establishing Devi as Brahman itself.
When should one recite the Tantroktam Devi Suktam?
It is recited as part of the complete Durga Saptashati parayana (before the main 700 verses). Independently, it is chanted during Navaratri, on Fridays and Tuesdays, during Devi puja, and on Ashtami and Navami. It is particularly powerful during Shakti Peetham worship and during tantric Devi sadhana. The sukta is also recited during Kanya Puja (worship of young girls as Devi) performed during Navaratri.
What are the benefits of the Tantroktam Devi Suktam?
This sukta invokes the all-pervading Shakti of the universe, granting the devotee her complete protection, wisdom, and transformative power. It removes ignorance about the divine feminine, bestows spiritual insight into the nature of Shakti, protects from malefic influences, and ensures the effectiveness of Devi-related spiritual practices. As a Saptashati auxiliary, it amplifies the power of the main parayana.
What is the theological significance of this sukta?
The Tantroktam Devi Suktam represents the highest Shakta theology — the Devi is not merely a consort or power of a male deity, but the Supreme Brahman herself. She declares: 'I move with the Rudras, Vasus, Adityas, and Vishwadevas. I am the sovereign queen of all.' This radical theological statement establishes the Goddess as the independent, self-sufficient Supreme Being — the foundation of all Shakta philosophy and Tantra traditions.