Introduction
This verse is one of the salutations from the Narayani Stuti, a hymn embedded in the Devi Mahatmya (Markandeya Purana) that praises the Divine Mother in each of Her Shakti forms — Brahmi, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Narasimhi, Aindri, and others. This particular verse addresses Her specifically in the form of Varahi, the boar-faced Devi.
Sanskrit Text
गृहीतोग्रमहाचक्रे दंष्ट्रोद्धृतवसुन्धरे ।
वराहरूपिणि शिवे नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
Transliteration
Grihīto[a-u]gra-mahā-chakre daṃṣṭro[a-u]ddhṛta-vasundhare |
Varāha-rūpiṇi śive Nārāyaṇi namo['a]stu te ||
Word-by-word Meaning
Grihita-ugra-maha-chakre - who holds the fierce, great discus
damshtra-uddhrita-vasundhare - who lifted up the earth (Vasundhara) upon Her tusk
varaha-rupini - in the boar-formed (Varaha) manifestation
shive - the auspicious one
Narayani - O Narayani (an epithet of the Divine Mother)
namo'stu te - salutations be to You
Complete Meaning
Salutations to You, O Narayani, who — assuming a fierce form and holding a great discus — rescued the Earth by lifting her upon Your tusk; who takes the auspicious form of Varahi.
Significance
The Narayani Stuti is chanted after the main narrative of the Devi Mahatmya, offering praise to the Goddess through Her many Shakti forms, each linked to a particular episode of protecting the universe. This verse specifically recalls the Varaha (boar) act of rescuing the Earth from the cosmic waters — here embodied as the feminine Shakti, Varahi. It affirms Varahi as an inseparable expression of the one Divine Mother, Narayani.
Benefits
Traditionally, reciting the Narayani Stuti (including this verse) is believed to remove fear and obstacles, protect against enemies and negative influences, and grant courage and steadiness of mind. As part of Varahi worship specifically, it is associated with protection, clarity of speech and judgment, and safeguarding against harm.
When to Chant
Best chanted in the morning or evening, especially during Navaratri (both Sharad Navaratri in autumn and Vasantha Navaratri in spring), or as part of a complete recitation of the Narayani Stuti / Devi Mahatmya.
Chant Count
3, 21, or 108
Best Day
Tuesday or Friday
FAQs
Q: Is this the same as the Varahi Gayatri or Varahi Moola Mantra already on the site?
A: No — this is a different, separate verse. It comes from the Narayani Stuti within the Devi Mahatmya, and specifically honors Varahi as one of the Divine Mother's many forms, rather than being a standalone Gayatri or bija-mantra style chant.
Q: Do I need to recite the entire Narayani Stuti to benefit from this verse?
A: No, this single verse can be chanted on its own with devotion. Reciting the complete Narayani Stuti (which honors all the Matrika forms of Devi) is a fuller practice, but this verse alone is meaningful, especially for those drawn to Varahi specifically.
Q: Why is Varahi also called "Narayani" here?
A: "Narayani" is used in the Devi Mahatmya as an epithet for the Divine Mother in Her supreme, all-encompassing form. Each verse of the Narayani Stuti addresses one of Her particular manifestations (Vaishnavi, Varahi, Aindri, etc.) while still calling her "Narayani" — affirming that all these forms are one and the same Devi.
