Jay Adhya Shakti Aarti English Translation -
Jay Adhya Shakti Aarti is a profound hymn of devotion dedicated to Goddess Ambe, serving as a cornerstone of Navratri celebrations, particularly in Gujarat. It was composed in the 16th century (approx. 1601 AD) by the poet Shivanand Vamdev Pandya
on the banks of the sacred Narmada River. The hymn is not just a song; it is a spiritual journey that describes the primordial cosmic energy that illuminates the entire universe. Verse-by-Verse English Translation Highlights
The aarti is structured around the days of the Hindu lunar month, with each verse reflecting a specific divine form and attribute: Introduction & First Day (Padvo):
"Victory to the Primordial Power, Mother of the Universe, who created the eternal cosmos" Second Day (Dwitiya): She appears as the dual form of Shiva-Shakti
(representing the union of male and female principles), praised by deities like Brahma and Ganesha. Third Day (Trutiya): She manifests in the three forms of Kali, Mahalakshmi, and Saraswati
, ruling over the three worlds: heaven, earth, and the netherworld. Fourth Day (Chaturthi): Mahalakshmi
, she pervades all moving and non-moving beings, appearing from the south with four arms. Fifth Day (Panchami): jay adhya shakti aarti english translation
She represents the five elements and is praised by the five great Rishis while seated on a lotus. Sixth to Eighth Days: She is the destroyer of the demon Mahishasura
(Shasthi), the embodiment of sacred rivers and scriptures like the Ganga and Gita
(Saptami), and the eight-handed goddess of knowledge, Saraswati (Ashtami). Fourteenth Day & Full Moon (Chaudas & Poonam):
She destroys the demons Chand and Mund and is hailed by sages like Vashistha as she takes 16,000 forms to protect her devotees. The Spiritual Message
The final verses of the aarti, authored by Shivananda Swami, promise that anyone who sings these hymns with pure devotion will be blessed with happiness, prosperity, and ultimate spiritual liberation. It concludes with a plea for mercy and the removal of all suffering, emphasizing that true freedom comes from recognizing the "Adhya Shakti" (primordial energy) within the self.
The Meaning Behind Mataji Aarti & Translation | The Jai Jais Jay Adhya Shakti Aarti is a profound hymn
Verse 7
Original: Shumbh Nishumbha Mardini, Mahishasura Ghatini
Translation: O slayer of Shumbha and Nishumbha (powerful demons), O destroyer of Mahishasura (the buffalo demon).
Original: Raktabeej ki vadha karya, anand bhayo kshani
Translation: By slaughtering Raktabeej (the demon whose every drop of blood spawned clones), in an instant, the universe rejoiced.
Verse 3
Original: Sur Nar Asur Muni, Jit Ne kiyo Shringar
Translation: Gods (Devas), humans (Naras), demons (Asuras), and sages (Munis) – all have adorned themselves with Your grace.
Original: Teeno Lok Ki, Tu Hi Aadhar
Translation: Of the three worlds (Heaven, Earth, Netherworld), You alone are the Foundation.
1. Introduction
In Hindu liturgy, the Aarti is a ritual of light, accompanied by the singing of devotional songs, intended to honor a deity. Among the pantheon of Hindu deities, the Goddess represents Shakti—the dynamic energy that powers the cosmos. The Jay Adhya Shakti Aarti is perhaps the most famous hymn dedicated to the Goddess in the western Indian state of Gujarat.
The term "Adya Shakti" translates to "Primordial Power" or "Original Energy." The hymn does not restrict itself to a single form of the Goddess but rather addresses the collective manifestation of the Divine Feminine, often identified with Amba, Jagdamba, or Durga. This paper aims to make this profound text accessible to an English-speaking audience, preserving the poetic meter and theological depth of the original Gujarati. Verse 2 Original: Brahma Vishnu Sadashiva, Tujhi Shakti
Common Variations of the Aarti
It is important to note that slight variations exist in the Jay Adhya Shakti Aarti depending on region (Gujarat, Maharashtra, North India). Some versions include an extra verse praising Sheetala Devi or Kali. The version translated above is the most standard 9-verse rendition sung in Swaminarayan and general Shakta temples.
Final Chorus (Repeat):
English: Victory to the Primeval Power... Mother of creation... remove all our sufferings.
Verse 2
Original: Brahma Vishnu Sadashiva, Tujhi Shakti aadhaare
Translation: Brahma, Vishnu, and Sadashiva (Shiva), rely on Your Power for support.
Original: Tere hi gun gaye, nahi re paar
Translation: They sing Your glories alone; there is no end to them.
Verse 5
Original: Maheeya, Maheeshwari, Mata Bhavani
Translation: O Great Goddess (Maheeya), O Consort of Lord Shiva (Maheshwari), O Mother Bhavani (giver of existence).
Original: Bhay-Har, Bhava-Har, Jag Janani
Translation: You remove fear, you remove the cycle of birth and death (Bhava), O Mother of the Universe (Jag Janani).
Verse 1 (Often sung after chorus):
Original: Trigun Tej Tvo Nirmal, Swaroop Tumhara.
English: Your divine form is pure, radiant with the three qualities (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas).
Original: Brahma Vishnu Mahesh, Tum Se Hi Upat Paya.
English: Lord Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Mahesh (Shiva, the destroyer)—they all were born only from you.