Navratri is a time when devotees worship Maa Durga and seek her blessings for strength, courage and protection. Alongside the worship of the Goddess’s nine forms, many devotees recite sacred hymns and names associated with her divine power.
One such devotional practice is the chanting of Maa Durga’s 32 names, also known as the Durga Dwatrinshat Namavali. According to Hindu religious tradition, these names invoke different aspects of the Goddess and are recited by devotees during Navratri and other times of prayer.
The 32 names of Maa Durga describe different aspects of the Goddess, including her ability to overcome difficulties, remove obstacles and guide devotees through challenging circumstances.
The names repeatedly use the word Durga, which is associated with protection and the overcoming of difficulties. In devotional practice, reciting these names is considered a way to focus the mind, express faith and seek the Goddess’s blessings.
Devotees may recite the names during Navratri, during daily worship or whenever they wish to spend time in prayer.
The following list follows the sequence published by Webdunia Hindi. Spellings and transliterations may vary across devotional sources.
ॐ दुर्गा
दुर्गतिशमनी
दुर्गाद्विनिवारिणी
दुर्गमच्छेदनी
दुर्गसाधिनी
दुर्गनाशिनी
दुर्गतोद्धारिणी
दुर्गनिहन्त्री
दुर्गमापहा
दुर्गमज्ञानदा
दुर्गदैत्यलोकदवानला
दुर्गमा
दुर्गमालोका
दुर्गमात्मस्वरूपिणी
दुर्गमार्गप्रदा
दुर्गम विद्या
दुर्गमाश्रिता
दुर्गमज्ञान संस्थाना
दुर्गमध्यान भासिनी
दुर्गमोहा
दुर्गमगा
दुर्गमार्थस्वरूपिणी
दुर्गमासुर संहन्त्री
दुर्गमायुध धारिणी
दुर्गमांगी
दुर्गमता
दुर्गम्या
दुर्गमेश्वरी
दुर्गभीमा
दुर्गभामा
दुर्गमो
दुर्गोद्धारिणी
According to the traditional method described in the source, devotees can follow these steps:
1. Begin with cleanliness: Bathe and prepare a clean space for worship.
2. Choose a suitable seat: Sit on a kusha-grass mat or blanket, facing east or north, as described in the traditional practice.
3. Light a ghee lamp: Light a diya before the Goddess and settle into prayer.
4. Recite the names: Chant Maa Durga’s 32 names with devotion and concentration. The cited guide describes reciting 5, 11 or 21 rounds daily for nine consecutive days.
5. Offer a prayer: Conclude by praying for strength, peace, wisdom and the well-being of your family.
These are traditional devotional instructions, not compulsory rules. Devotees can adapt their prayers according to their family customs, available time and personal faith
In Hindu devotional belief, chanting Maa Durga’s names is associated with:
Seeking courage and strength during difficult times.
Praying for protection and relief from obstacles.
Developing concentration and a regular spiritual practice.
Expressing gratitude, faith and devotion to the Goddess.
Seeking peace of mind and blessings for the family.
These benefits reflect religious beliefs and devotional traditions; chanting should not be presented as a guaranteed way to fulfil wishes or resolve every problem.
Navratri is dedicated to the worship of the Divine Feminine, with different forms of Maa Durga honoured during the nine days. The festival brings together prayer, fasting, devotional singing and community celebrations across India.
For many devotees, reciting sacred names and hymns is an important part of this observance. The 32 names offer another way to remember the Goddess’s qualities and incorporate prayer into the festival.
The takeaway: Maa Durga’s 32 names form a devotional recitation that many Hindus associate with faith, courage and the overcoming of difficulties. During Navratri, devotees can chant them as part of their prayers, keeping the focus on devotion and spiritual reflection.
