Shiv Chalisa — Complete with Meaning — Lyrics, Meaning & Benefits

The Great Ascetic Lord

Lord Shiva — the Destroyer, the Yogi, the Mahadeva — is worshipped across all Hindu traditions as the Supreme Being who encompasses all of creation, preservation, and dissolution. The Shiv Chalisa, like the Hanuman Chalisa, is a forty-verse devotional poem (chalisa = forty) that praises Shiva through his names, his deeds, and his grace.

It begins, in the traditional manner, with a prayer to Ganesha — Shiva’s own son — before turning to praise of the father.

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दोहा — Opening Doha

जय गणेश गिरिजा सुवन, मंगल करण कृपाल ।
दीनन के दुख दूर करि, कीजै नाथ निहाल ॥

Jai Ganesh Girija Suvan, Mangal Karan Kripal. Deenan Ke Dukh Door Kari, Keejai Nath Nihal.

Victory to Ganesha, son of Girija (Parvati), cause of all auspiciousness, compassionate Lord! Remove the sorrows of the humble and make us joyful, O Master.

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चौपाई — The Forty Verses

Verse 1

जय गिरिजा पति दीन दयाला । सदा करत संतन प्रतिपाला ॥

Jai Girija Pati Deen Dayal. Sada Karat Santan Pratipal.

Victory to the husband of Girija (Parvati), who is compassionate to the humble! You always protect and sustain the saints.

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Verse 2

भाल चंद्रमा सोहत नीके । कानन कुण्डल नागफनी के ॥

Bhal Chandrama Sohat Neeke. Kanan Kundal Nagphani Ke.

The crescent moon gleams beautifully on your forehead. Coiled serpents serve as earrings in your ears.

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Verse 3

अंग गौर शिर गंग बहाए । मुण्डमाल तन छार लगाए ॥

Ang Gaur Shir Gang Bahaaye. Mundmaal Tan Chhaar Lagaaye.

Your body is fair and from your matted locks the Ganga flows forth. You wear a garland of skulls and your body is smeared with sacred ash.

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Verse 4

वस्त्र खाल बाघम्बर सोहे । छवि को देखि नाग मन मोहे ॥

Vastra Khaal Baghaambar Sohe. Chhavi Ko Dekhi Naag Man Mohe.

A tiger skin serves as your garment and looks magnificent upon you. Even the serpents are enchanted when they behold your divine form.

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Verse 5

मैना मातु की हवे दुलारी । बाम अंग सोहत छवि न्यारी ॥

Maina Matu Ki Have Dulari. Bam Ang Sohat Chhavi Nyari.

The beloved daughter of Maina (Parvati) shines uniquely on your left side — a wondrous form, the Ardhanarishvara.

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Verse 6

कर त्रिशूल सोहत छवि भारी । करत सदा शत्रुन क्षयकारी ॥

Kar Trishool Sohat Chhavi Bhaari. Karat Sada Shatrun Kshaykaari.

The trident in your hand shines with great splendour — it ever destroys the enemies of your devotees.

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Verse 7

नंदि गणेश सोहैं तहँ कैसे । सागर मध्य कमल हैं जैसे ॥

Nandi Ganesh Sohai Tahan Kaise. Saagar Madhya Kamal Hain Jaise.

Nandi and Ganesha shine in your presence like lotus flowers in the middle of an ocean.

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Verse 8

कार्तिक श्याम और गणराऊ । या छवि को कहि जात न काऊ ॥

Kartik Shyam Aur Ganrau. Ya Chhavi Ko Kahi Jaat Na Kau.

Kartikeya (dark-complexioned) and Ganesha (Lord of the Ganas) — no one can adequately describe this divine vision.

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Verse 9

देवन जबहीं जाय पुकारा । तब ही दुख प्रभु आप निवारा ॥

Devan Jabhin Jay Pukara. Tab Hi Dukh Prabhu Aap Nivara.

Whenever the gods called out to you, you yourself immediately removed their troubles, O Lord.

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Verse 10

किया उपद्रव तारक भारी । देवन सब मिलि तुमहिं जुहारी ॥

Kiya Updrav Tarak Bhaari. Devan Sab Mili Tumhin Juhaari.

When Tarakasura caused great havoc, all the gods joined together and bowed before you.

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Verse 11

तुरत षडानन आप पठाए । लव निमेष महँ मारि गिराए ॥

Turat Shadaanan Aap Pathaaye. Lav Nimesh Mahan Maari Giraye.

You immediately sent Shadanana (Kartikeya, the six-faced) — and in the twinkling of an eye the demon was struck down.

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Verse 12

आप जलंधर असुर संहारा । सुयश तुम्हार विदित संसारा ॥

Aap Jalandhar Asur Sanhaara. Suyash Tumhaar Vidit Sansara.

You yourself destroyed the demon Jalandhara. Your great glory is known throughout the world.

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Verse 13

त्रिपुरासुर सन युद्ध मचाई । सबहिं कृपा कर लीन बचाई ॥

Tripurasur San Yuddh Machaai. Sabhin Kripa Kar Leen Bachaai.

You waged war against Tripurasura (the three-city demon) and by your grace saved everyone.

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Verse 14

किया तपहिं भागीरथ भारी । पुरब प्रतिज्ञा तासु पुरारी ॥

Kiya Taphin Bhagirath Bhaari. Purab Pratigya Tasu Puraari.

Bhagiratha performed great austerities — and you, O Puraari (destroyer of the three cities), fulfilled his ancient vow (by catching the Ganga in your matted locks).

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Verse 15

दानिन महँ तुम सम कोउ नाहीं । सेवक स्तुति करत सदाहीं ॥

Daanin Mahan Tum Sam Kou Nahin. Sevak Stuti Karat Sadaahin.

Among all givers, none equals you. Your servants praise you always.

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Verse 16

वेद नाम महिमा तव गाई । अकथ अनादि भेद नहिं पाई ॥

Ved Naam Mahima Tav Gaai. Akath Anaadi Bhed Nahin Paai.

The Vedas sing of your glory by name. Yet your mystery is unspeakable and beginningless — none can reach its depths.

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Verse 17

प्रगट उदधि मंथन में ज्वाला । जरत सुरासुर भए विहाला ॥

Pragat Udadhi Manthan Mein Jwala. Jarat Surasur Bhaye Vihala.

When the churning of the ocean produced a terrible flame of poison, gods and demons alike were distressed and burning.

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Verse 18

कीन्ह दया तहँ करी सहाई । नीलकण्ठ तब नाम कहाई ॥

Keenh Daya Tahan Kari Sahaaee. Neelkanth Tab Naam Kahaai.

You showed compassion and came to their aid — drinking the poison yourself. From that act you received the name Neelakantha (the Blue-Throated One).

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Verse 19

पूजन रामचंद्र जब कीन्हा । जीत के लंक विभीषण दीन्हा ॥

Poojan Ramchandra Jab Keenha. Jeet Ke Lank Vibhishan Deenha.

When Ramachandra worshipped you, you blessed him — and by your grace he won Lanka and gave it to Vibhishana.

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Verse 20

सहस कमल मेँ हो रहे धारी । कीन्ह परीक्षा तबहिं पुरारी ॥

Sahas Kamal Mein Ho Rahe Dhaari. Keenh Pariksha Tabhin Puraari.

When Rama was offering a thousand lotus flowers in worship, you tested him (by hiding one flower).

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Verse 21

एक कमल प्रभु राखेउ जोई । कमल नयन पूजन चहँ सोई ॥

Ek Kamal Prabhu Rakheyu Joi. Kamal Nayan Poojan Chan Soi.

You had hidden one lotus flower. Rama (lotus-eyed) prepared to offer his own eye as the final lotus.

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Verse 22

कठिन भक्ति देखी प्रभु शंकर । भए प्रसन्न दिए इच्छित वर ॥

Kathin Bhakti Dekhi Prabhu Shankar. Bhaye Prasann Die Ichchhit Var.

Seeing such intense devotion, Lord Shankara was pleased and granted Rama his desired boon.

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Verses 23–40

जय जय जय अनंत अविनाशी । करत कृपा सब के घटवासी ॥
दुष्ट सकल नित मोहि सताने । भ्रमत रहौं मोहि चैन न आने ॥

Jai Jai Jai Anant Avinaashi. Karat Kripa Sab Ke Ghatvasi. Dusht Sakal Nit Mohi Satane. Bhramat Rahoon Mohi Chain Na Aane.

Victory, victory, victory to the Infinite and Imperishable! You dwell in all hearts and show grace to all. All the wicked trouble me daily. I wander without peace.

त्राहि त्राहि मैं नाथ पुकारो । यहि अवसर मोहि आन उबारो ॥
लाउँ बलि पूजा चरण तिहारो । मोहि उबारो मोहि उबारो ॥

Traahi Traahi Main Naath Pukaro. Yahi Avasar Mohi Aan Ubaaro. Laun Bali Pooja Charan Tihaaro. Mohi Ubaaro Mohi Ubaaro.

Save me, save me, I cry to you, O Lord! At this very moment come and rescue me. I sacrifice myself at your feet — save me, save me!

सुनत आर्त मेरी पुकारा । दुख-अपदा मम दूर निवारा ॥
मात-पिता भ्राता सब होई । संकट में पूछत नहिं कोई ॥

Sunat Aart Meri Pukara. Dukh Apda Mam Door Nivaara. Maat Pita Bhrata Sab Hoi. Sankat Mein Puchhat Nahin Koi.

Hearing my distressed cry, remove my sorrow and calamity. You are my mother, father, and brother — yet in my troubles, no one asks after me.

स्वामी एक है आस तुम्हारी । आय हरहु मम संकट भारी ॥
धन निर्धन को देत सदाहीं । जो कोई जाँचे वो फल पाहीं ॥

Swami Ek Hai Aas Tumhaari. Aay Harahu Mam Sankat Bhaari. Dhan Nirdhan Ko Det Sadaahin. Jo Koi Jaanche Vo Phal Paahin.

O Master, you are my only hope. Come and remove my great troubles. You give wealth to the poor always — whoever asks receives the fruit.

अस्तुति केहि विधि करौं तुम्हारी । क्षमहु नाथ अब चूक हमारी ॥
शंकर हो संकट के नाशन । मंगल कारण विघ्न विनाशन ॥

Astuti Kehi Vidhi Karoon Tumhaari. Kshamahu Nath Ab Chook Hamaari. Shankar Ho Sankat Ke Nashan. Mangal Kaaran Vighna Vinashan.

How shall I praise you, O Lord? Forgive our mistakes, O Master. O Shankara, you are the destroyer of all troubles, the cause of all auspiciousness, destroyer of all obstacles.

योगी यति मुनि ध्यान लगावैं । शारद नारद शीश नवावैं ॥
नमो नमो जय नमो शिवाय । सुर ब्रह्मादिक पार न पाय ॥

Yogi Yati Muni Dhyan Lagaavain. Sharad Narad Sheesh Navaavain. Namo Namo Jai Namo Shivaay. Sur Brahmaadik Paar Na Paay.

Yogis, ascetics, and sages meditate on you. Sarada (Saraswati) and Narada bow their heads before you. Salutation, salutation, victory, salutation to Shiva! Even the gods and Brahma cannot reach your ultimate nature.

जो यह पाठ करे मन लाई । ता पर होत है शम्भु सहाई ॥
ऋनिया जो कोई हो अधिकारी । पाठ करे सो पावन हारी ॥

Jo Yah Path Kare Man Laai. Ta Par Hot Hai Shambhu Sahaaee. Rineya Jo Koi Ho Adhikaari. Path Kare So Paavan Haari.

Whoever reads this with attention receives Shambhu’s help. Even one burdened with debts — whoever reads this is purified and freed.

पुत्र हीन कर इच्छा जोई । निश्चय शिव प्रसाद तेहि होई ॥
पण्डित त्रयोदशी को लावे । ध्यान पूर्वक होम करावे ॥

Putra Heen Kar Ichchha Joi. Nishchay Shiv Prasad Tehi Hoi. Pandit Trayodashi Ko Laave. Dhyan Poorvak Hom Karaave.

Whoever is childless and wishes for a child — Shiva’s grace will certainly grant it. Invite a pandit on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi) and perform a homa (fire sacrifice) with full concentration.

त्रयोदशी व्रत करे हमेशा । तन नहीं ताके रहे कलेशा ॥
धूप दीप नैवेद्य चढ़ावे । शंकर सम्मुख पाठ सुनावे ॥

Trayodashi Vrat Kare Hamesha. Tan Nahin Taake Rahe Klesha. Dhoop Deep Naivedya Chadhave. Shankar Sammukh Path Sunaave.

Whoever observes the Trayodashi vrat always — their body will be free of suffering. Offer incense, lamps, and food (naivedya), and recite the Chalisa before Shankara.

जन्म जन्म के पाप नसावे । अंत धाम शिवपुर में पावे ॥
कहैं अयोध्यादास आसा करी । जानि सकल दुख हरहु हरी ॥

Janma Janma Ke Paap Nasaave. Ant Dhaam Shivpur Mein Paave. Kahai Ayodhyadas Aasha Kari. Jaani Sakal Dukh Harahu Hari.

The sins of many lifetimes are destroyed. At the end of life one attains Shivapura (Shiva’s abode). Says Ayodhyadas with hope: knowing all our suffering, please remove it, O Hari (Shiva).

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दोहा — Closing Doha

नित्त नेम कर प्रात ही, पाठ करौ चालीसा ।
तुम मेरी मनोकामना, पूर्ण करो जगदीशा ॥

Nitt Nem Kar Praat Hi, Path Karau Chalisa. Tum Meri Manokamna, Poorn Karo Jagdisha.

Every morning as a regular practice, recite the Chalisa. O Lord of the Universe, fulfil my heart’s desire.

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How to Recite the Shiv Chalisa

The Shiv Chalisa is traditionally recited:

• Every Monday (Shiva’s special day) — ideally after an early morning bath
• During Mahashivaratri — the great night of Shiva, observed with all-night vigil
• Mondays of Shravan month — the holiest Mondays of the year for Shiva worship
• When fasting for Shiva — the recitation completes the vrat
• While offering Bilva leaves, milk, water, and bel flowers at a Shiva linga

Om Namah Shivaya — five syllables that contain the entire universe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Shiv Chalisa — Complete with Meaning?

The Shiv Chalisa is a forty-verse devotional hymn praising Lord Shiva — the destroyer, the yogi, the compassionate lord of all. Reciting it on Mondays and during Mahashivaratri brings Shiva's blessings of health, liberation, and fulfilment.

Which deity is the Shiv Chalisa — Complete with Meaning dedicated to?

The Shiv Chalisa — Complete with Meaning is dedicated to Shiva and is chanted for shiva devotion, moksha, healing, monday vrat.

How many times should you chant the Shiv Chalisa — Complete with Meaning?

Traditionally, the Shiv Chalisa — Complete with Meaning is chanted 40 times for maximum spiritual benefit. Multiples of 108 are considered sacred.

What are the benefits of chanting the Shiv Chalisa — Complete with Meaning?

Benefits include: Destroys sins accumulated over many lifetimes. Grants health, healing, and freedom from disease. Gives moksha — liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Especially powerful on Mondays and during Mahashivaratri. Fulfils the wish for children for those without offspring. Removes all obstacles and enemies from one's path.