Proud Mahishasura— in centuries of mighty warfare conquered heaven's shore. Indra, Chandra, all the gods, stripped of dominion, wander lost through mortal realms like earthly men, hearts heavy with their cost!
With Lotus-born— came all the gods in anguish to where Hari-Hara were drawn. In voices crushed by cruel pain, they told their tale of loss and stain: "What path exists for our release?"—they asked with heads forlorn.
The immortals' plea— hearing this, Shambhu raged, and Vishnu of the chakra-spree. From Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva's face, brows furrowed crimson with their grace, fierce wrath blazed forth like thunder-claps, wild power breaking free.
That mighty radiance bright— joined with all the gods' own luminous concentrated might. Like burning mountain-mass ablaze, that glory-heap through all its ways took on a woman's peerless form, her beauty filling every sight.
Shambhu's blazing power— fashioned the goddess's face divine, radiant in that hour. From Death's own force, dark tresses long veiled the blue heavens like a song— Vishnu's strength became her arms, mighty beyond time's tower.
The moon's gentle art— formed her tender, graceful breasts, love's humble counterpart! From fire's blaze her birth was won, three eyes upon her brow like sun— Indra's might became her waist, a vision to steal the heart!
The goddess's crimson feet— rose from Brahma's radiance, like lotus-blooms complete! Other gods' life-giving flame shaped thigh and shank in beauty's name, fashioned ears and teeth in rows, making her form replete.
Rudra, bow-bearer— gave his trident drawn from his own weapon-bearer. Narayana gave the wheel, Fire gave power, Death the steel, water-pot and prayer-beads too Brahma brought as offering sharer.
Indra, thunderbolt-lord— placed in the goddess's hand a bell and lightning-sword! Divine conch Varuna gave, the Sun his blazing wave, Ocean offered lotus-chains, Wind a bow with arrows stored!
Himalaya, mountain-king— gave a lion for her mount, with boundless strength to bring. The serpent-lord who holds the earth, bowing low to show her worth, offered jeweled cobra-chains, an everlasting ring.
By all gods glorified— that Great Power rose upon the mountain's snowy side! Her thunderous laughter shakes all space, heaven-ocean-mountain-place, lion-riding, weapon-bearing, terrible and beautified!
Victory sounds ring clear— Mahishasura's slayer wakes, Mother to destroy all fear! The gods rejoice in hearts made bright, the world resounds with her praise-light, sages seeking refuge come to worship at her feet so dear.