Sarva Mangala Mangalye (Durga Mantra)

Where it comes from

This verse is from the eleventh chapter of the Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmya), verse 10. After the Devi has destroyed the demon Shumbha, the gods, led by Agni, praise her in a long hymn called the Narayani Stuti, in which almost every verse ends narayani namo'stu te, "O Narayani, salutations to you." This is the best known of those verses. It is also the third of the seven verses of the Durga Saptashloki.

A note on the wording: the popular form, given above, is sarvamangala-maangalye (माङ्गल्ये, with a long "aa"). The Gita Press edition prints sarvamangala-mangalye (मङ्गल्ये, short "a") and notes the long form as a variant. Both are in use, and the meaning does not change.

What it means

• Sarvamangalamangalye: you who are the auspiciousness of all that is auspicious. Not just one blessing among many, but what makes anything a blessing at all.
• Shive: O Shiva, the gracious one. Here the feminine name Shiva addresses the Devi.
• Sarvarthasadhike: who brings every aim to fulfilment.
• Sharanye: the refuge, the one in whom we take shelter.
• Tryambake gauri: three-eyed Gauri, Parvati as Shiva's consort.
• Narayani namo'stu te: O Narayani, salutations to you. Narayani names her as the power of Narayana, so the verse joins Shaiva and Vaishnava names in one breath.

That joining is the verse's quiet point: Shiva, Gauri, Tryambaka and Narayani are all one Devi. Whatever form you worship, she is the auspiciousness inside it.

When and how to recite it

• At the end of puja or aarti: it is one of the most common closing verses, after the Devi aarti, with folded hands.
• Navratri: said daily with the kalash puja, or 108 times on a mala as japa for the Devi's protection.
• Weddings and auspicious beginnings: because it names Gauri and asks for every aim to be fulfilled, it is recited at weddings, griha pravesh and before new ventures.
• Tuesdays and Fridays: the usual days of Devi worship.

Frequently asked questions

Which chapter of the Durga Saptashati has Sarva Mangala Mangalye?

Chapter 11, verse 10, in the Narayani Stuti that the gods sing after Shumbha's defeat. It is also the third verse of the Durga Saptashloki.

Is it "mangalye" or "maangalye"?

Both are in use. "Maangalye" (माङ्गल्ये, long) is the popular form; Gita Press prints "mangalye" (मङ्गल्ये, short) and notes the other as a variant. The meaning is the same.

Can it be chanted 108 times?

Yes. Many people chant it 108 times on a mala during Navratri or on Fridays. Said once at the end of puja is also complete in itself.

What does "Narayani" mean here?

The power or consort of Narayana. In the Saptashati the Devi is praised as Narayani throughout chapter 11, showing her as the one power behind all the gods.

Is this a Durga mantra or a Parvati mantra?

It addresses the Devi with many names, including Gauri (Parvati) and Narayani. In the Saptashati she is Durga, the one Devi who takes all these forms.

Can it be recited at weddings?

Yes. Its blessing of every auspicious thing and its address to Gauri make it a common verse at weddings and other happy beginnings.