What it means
I bow to Durga. Dum is her seed syllable. Durga means the one hard to reach, and also the one who carries you through what's hard.
Where it comes from
People who can't manage the full Durga Saptashati during Navratri often choose this short mantra instead, and many who do read the Saptashati chant a round of it first. The feeling behind it is courage: facing fear rather than running from it.
How to chant it
Seated on red cloth, with a red flower offered to the Goddess, on a rudraksha or red sandalwood mala.
When: Navratri mornings, and Tuesdays and Fridays through the year.
Try it now
The japa counter opens with this mantra selected and keeps count for you.
Questions people ask
Say dum short and clear, with a light nasal hum at the end. Hearing it once from someone who knows is a good idea.