Sri Bhadrakali Ashtakam
Shree bhadrakaal'yasht'akam'
Ghore sam'saaravahnau pral'ayamupagate yaa hi kri'tvaa shmashaane
Nri'tyatyanyoonashaktirjagadidamakhilam' mund'amaalaabhiraamaa |
Bhidyadbrahmaand'abhaand'am' pat'utaraninadairat't'ahaasairudaaraih'
Saasmaakam' vairivargam' shamayatu tarasaa bhadradaa bhadrakaal'ee || 1 ||
Magne loke'mburaashau nalinabhavanutaa vishnunaa kaarayitvaa
Chakrotkri'ttorukant'ham' madhumapi bhayadam' kait'abham' chaatibheemam |
Padmotpatteh' prabhootam' bhayamuta riputoyaaharatsaanukampaa
Saasmaakam' vairivargam' shamayatu tarasaa bhadradaa bhadrakaal'ee || 2 ||
Vishvatraanam' vidhaatum' mahishamatha raane yaa'suram' bheemaroopam'
Shoolenaahatya vakshasyamarapatinutaa paatayantee cha bhoomau |
Tasyaasri'gvaahineebhirjalanidhimakhilam' shonitaabham' cha chakre
Saasmaakam' vairivargam' shamayatu tarasaa bhadradaa bhadrakaal'ee || 3 ||
Yaa devee chand'amund'au tribhuvananal'ineevaaranau devashatroo
Dri'sht'vaa yuddhotsave tau drutataramabhiyaataasinaa kri'ttakant'hau |
Kri'tvaa tadraktapaanodbhavamadamuditaa saat't'ahaasaatibheemaa
Saasmaakam' vairivargam' shamayatu tarasaa bhadradaa bhadrakaal'ee || 4 ||
Sadyastam' raktabeejam' samarabhuvi nataa ghoraroopaanasankhyaan
Raaktodbhootairasankhyairgajaturagarathaih' saarthamanyaam'shcha daityaan |
Vaktre nikshipya dri'sht'vaa gurutaradashanairaapapau shonitaugham'
Saasmaakam' vairivargam' shamayatu tarasaa bhadradaa bhadrakaal'ee || 5 ||
Sthaanaadbhrasht'aishcha devaistuhinagiritat'e sangataih' sam'stutaa yaa
Sankhyaaheenaih' sametam' tridasharipuganaih' syandanebhaashvayuktaih' |
Yuddhe shumbham' nishumbham' tribhuvanavipadam' naashayantee cha jaghne
Saasmaakam' vairivargam' shamayatu tarasaa bhadradaa bhadrakaal'ee || 6 ||
Shambhornetraanale yaa jananamapi jagattraanahetorayaaseet
Bhooyasteekshnaatidhaaraavidalitadanujaa daarukam' chaapi hatvaa |
Tasyaasri'kpaanatusht'aa muhurapi kri'tavatyat't'ahaasam' kat'horam'
Saasmaakam' vairivargam' shamayatu tarasaa bhadradaa bhadrakaal'ee || 7 ||
Yaa devee kaalaraatree tuhinagirasutaa lokamaataa dharitree
Vaanee nidraa cha maayaa manasijadayitaa ghoraroopaatisaumyaa |
Chaamund'aa khad'gahastaa ripuhananaparaa shonitaasvaadakaamaa
Saa hanyaadvishvavandyaa mama ripunivahaa bhadradaa bhadrakaal'ee || 8 ||
Bhadrakaal'yasht'akam' japyam' shatrusankshayakaankshinaa |
Svargaapavargadam' punyam' dusht'agrahanivaaranam || 9 ||
Iti shreebhadrakaal'yasht'akam |
Meaning
Sri Bhadrakali Ashtakam is a powerful hymn praising the fierce and protective aspects of Goddess Bhadrakali. Each verse glorifies Her role in saving the cosmos by destroying mighty demons and restoring balance. Though fierce in appearance, Her essence in the Ashtakam is compassion—destroying negativity to protect the righteous.
The first verse invokes Bhadrakali who dances fearlessly in the cremation ground, wearing a garland of skulls, and whose terrible laughter shatters the cosmic shell. This form symbolizes Her ability to crush the enemies of devotees and remove inner fears.
The second verse recalls Her assistance in the battle against Madhu and Kaitabha, where she eliminates immense fear from the universe and supports Vishnu in saving the worlds. She is the remover of overwhelming dangers.
The third verse describes the slaying of Mahishasura. Bhadrakali pierces his chest with the trident, and his blood fills the oceans. This form removes deep-rooted obstacles and karmic enemies.
The fourth verse highlights the destruction of Chanda and Munda. Her swift arrival and fierce laughter destroy both demons, symbolizing Her ability to eliminate negative influences instantly.
The fifth verse retells Raktabija’s annihilation. Since every drop of his blood produced new demons, Bhadrakali consumed his blood completely, stopping the multiplication of evil. This represents ending recurring problems.
The sixth verse praises her slaying of Shumbha and Nishumbha after gods lost their positions and prayed from Mount Himalaya. She restores cosmic balance.
The seventh verse narrates Daruka’s death, where Bhadrakali emerges from Shiva’s third eye to protect the universe and destroys the demon. Her fierce laughter purifies creation.
The final verse brings together all Her forms—Kalaratri, Durga, Parvati, Maya, Chamunda, and more—showing that Bhadrakali is the ultimate power who removes enemies and grants auspiciousness.
Benefits:
• Destroys enemies, obstacles, negative forces
• Protection from black magic, evil eyes, spirits
• Victory in disputes, dangers, challenges
• Enhances courage, focus, mental strength
• Brings prosperity, peace and divine grace
• Powerful remedy for malefic planetary effects
Frequently Asked Questions
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