शरणागतदीनार्तपरित्राणपरायणे। सर्वस्यार्तिहरे देवि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥
śaraṇāgata-dīnārta-paritrāṇa-parāyaṇē। sarvasyārti-harē dēvi nārāyaṇi namōstu tē॥
Translation
O Goddess, devoted to protecting the distressed and afflicted who seek refuge, O remover of all afflictions, Nārāyaṇi, salutations be to you.
Word by word
- śaraṇāgata
- those who seek refuge
- dīnārta
- distressed and afflicted
- paritrāṇa
- protection
- parāyaṇē
- O one devoted to
- sarvasya
- of all
- ārti
- affliction
- harē
- O remover
- dēvi
- O Goddess
- nārāyaṇi
- O consort of Nārāyaṇa
- namaḥ
- salutations
- astu
- be
- tē
- to you
Meaning
This fourth core verse of Saptashloki Durga offers heartfelt praise to Goddess Durga, addressing her as dēvi and nārāyaṇi (consort or power of Nārāyaṇa/Vishnu). She is celebrated as parāyaṇē, wholly dedicated to protecting (paritrāṇa) those who seek her refuge (śaraṇāgata), especially the distressed and afflicted (dīnārta). As sarvasyārti-harē, she removes all afflictions, offering solace and liberation to all beings. The verse concludes with a reverent salutation (namōstu tē), emphasizing her role as the ultimate refuge. In the Shakta tradition, particularly within the Durga Saptashati, this verse underscores Durga’s compassionate and protective nature, making her accessible to devotees in the Kali Yuga through surrender (śaraṇāgati). It complements the third verse’s salutation by focusing on her role as a savior, a key theme in devotional practices like Navaratri.