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🕉 Shiv Chalisa

📿 Shiv Chalisa

Chalisa

AuthorAyodhyadas

LanguageAwadhi

Verses1 doha + 40 chaupais + 2 dohas

Recitation timeabout 10 minutes

Special daysMonday, Pradosh, Masik Shivaratri, Shravan

MalaRudraksha

The Shiv Chalisa describes the form of Lord Shiva, his leelas (slaying Tarakasura, drinking the poison, destroying Tripura, his grace on Bhagiratha) and his compassion for devotees. Reciting it on Pradosh (trayodashi) and Mondays is considered special — the Chalisa itself mentions the trayodashi vow.

📖 Full text — with meaning

Tap «Roman (English) script» to see the original Devanagari text.

॥ दोहा ॥ जय गणेश गिरिजा सुवन, मंगल मूल सुजान। कहत अयोध्यादास तुम, देहु अभय वरदान॥

|| Doha || Jai Ganesh Girija Suvan, Mangal Mul Sujan | Kahat Ayodhyadas Tum, Dehu Abhay Vardan ||

Victory to Ganesha, son of Girija, root of all auspiciousness and all-knowing; Ayodhyadas prays — grant me the boon of fearlessness.

जय गिरिजा पति दीन दयाला। सदा करत सन्तन प्रतिपाला॥

Jai Girija Pati Din Dayala | Sada Karat Santan Pratipala ||

Victory to the Lord of Girija, merciful to the humble; you always protect the saints.

भाल चन्द्रमा सोहत नीके। कानन कुण्डल नागफनी के॥

Bhal Chandrama Sohat Nike | Kanan Kundal Nagaphni Ke ||

The moon shines beautifully on your forehead, and you wear earrings of serpent-hoods.

अंग गौर शिर गंग बहाये। मुण्डमाल तन छार लगाये॥

Ang Gaur Shir Gang Bahaye | Mundamal Tan Chhar Lagaye ||

Your body is fair, the Ganga flows from your head; you wear a garland of skulls and ash on your body.

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

Vastra Khal Baghambar Sohe | Chhavi Ko Dekhi Nag Man Mohe ||

The tiger-skin garment adorns you; seeing your form, gods, serpents and sages are enchanted.

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

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

Mother Maina's beloved daughter (Parvati) sits at your left side — a unique sight.

कर त्रिशूल सोहत छवि भारी। करत सदा शत्रुन क्षयकारी॥

Kar Trishul Sohat Chhavi Bhari | Karat Sada Shatrun Kshaykari ||

The trident shines in your hand, always destroying enemies.

नन्दि गणेश सोहै तहँ कैसे। सागर मध्य कमल हैं जैसे॥

Nandi Ganesh Sohai Tahan Kaise | Sagar Madhya Kamal Hain Jaise ||

Nandi and Ganesha look there like lotuses in the middle of the ocean.

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

Kartik Shyam Aur Ganrau | Ya Chhavi Ko Kahi Jat Na Kau ||

With Kartikeya and the ganas, this sight of the divine family cannot be described.

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

Devan Jabhin Jay Pukara | Tab Hi Dukh Prabhu Ap Nivara ||

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

किया उपद्रव तारक भारी। देवन सब मिलि तुमहिं जुहारी॥

Kiya Upadrav Tarak Bhari | Devan Sab Mili Tumahin Juhari ||

When Tarakasura created great havoc, all the gods together prayed to you.

तुरत षडानन आप पठायउ। लवनिमेष महँ मारि गिरायउ॥

Turat Shadanan Ap Pathayau | Lavnimesh Mahan Mari Girayau ||

You at once sent Shadanana (Kartikeya), who struck him down in the blink of an eye.

आप जलंधर असुर संहारा। सुयश तुम्हार विदित संसारा॥

Ap Jalandhar Asur Sanhara | Suyash Tumhar Vidit Sansara ||

You yourself slew the demon Jalandhar; your fame is known throughout the world.

त्रिपुरासुर सन युद्ध मचाई। सबहिं कृपा कर लीन बचाई॥

Tripurasur San Yuddha Machai | Sabhin Kripa Kar Lin Bachai ||

Fighting Tripurasura, you mercifully saved everyone.

किया तपहिं भागीरथ भारी। पुरब प्रतिज्ञा तासु पुरारी॥

Kiya Taphin Bhagirath Bhari | Purab Pratigya Tasu Purari ||

When Bhagiratha did great penance, O destroyer of Tripura, you fulfilled his vow (by holding the Ganga in your locks).

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

Danin Mahan Tum Sam Kou Nahin | Sevak Stuti Karat Sadahin ||

Among givers there is none like you; your servants always sing your praise.

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

Ved Nam Mahima Tav Gai | Akath Anadi Bhed Nahin Pai ||

The Vedas sing the glory of your name, yet you are indescribable and beginningless — none has found your secret.

प्रकटी उदधि मंथन में ज्वाला। जरत सुरासुर भए विहाला॥

Prakti Udadhi Manthan Men Jvala | Jarat Surasur Bhae Vihala ||

When the fire (of the halahala poison) rose at the churning of the ocean, gods and demons were tormented by its burning.

कीन्ही दया तहँ करी सहाई। नीलकण्ठ तब नाम कहाई॥

Kinhi Daya Tahan Kari Sahai | Nilakantha Tab Nam Kahai ||

Then you mercifully helped (by holding the poison in your throat) and came to be called Neelkanth.

पूजन रामचन्द्र जब कीन्हा। जीत के लंक विभीषण दीन्हा॥

Pujan Ramachandra Jab Kinha | Jit Ke Lank Vibhishan Dinha ||

When Shri Ramchandra worshipped you, he could conquer Lanka and give it to Vibhishana.

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

Sahas Kamal Men Ho Rahe Dhari | Kinha Pariksha Tabhin Purari ||

As (Ram) worshipped you with a thousand lotuses, the destroyer of Tripura tested him.

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

Ek Kamal Prabhu Rakheu Joi | Kamal Nayan Pujan Chahan Soi ||

The Lord hid one lotus, and lotus-eyed Ram wished to offer his own eye in its place.

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

Kathin Bhakti Dekhi Prabhu Shankar | Bhae Prasanna Die Ichchhit Var ||

Seeing such intense devotion, Lord Shankar was pleased and granted the desired boon.

जय जय जय अनन्त अविनाशी। करत कृपा सब के घटवासी॥

Jai Jai Jai Ananta Avinashi | Karat Kripa Sab Ke Ghatvasi ||

Victory to the endless, imperishable one; dwelling in every heart, you bless all.

दुष्ट सकल नित मोहि सतावै। भ्रमत रहौं मोहि चैन न आवै॥

Dushta Sakal Nit Mohi Satavai | Bhramat Rahaun Mohi Chain Na Avai ||

All the wicked (and the vices) trouble me daily; I wander and find no peace.

त्राहि त्राहि मैं नाथ पुकारो। येहि अवसर मोहि आन उबारो॥

Trahi Trahi Main Nath Pukaro | Yehi Avasar Mohi An Ubaro ||

O Lord, I cry «save me, save me» — come now and rescue me.

लै त्रिशूल शत्रुन को मारो। संकट से मोहि आन उबारो॥

Lai Trishul Shatrun Ko Maro | Sankat Se Mohi An Ubaro ||

Take up your trident, strike down the enemies and rescue me from trouble.

मात-पिता भ्राता सब होई। संकट में पूछत नहिं कोई॥

Mat-Pita Bhrata Sab Hoi | Sankat Men Puchhat Nahin Koi ||

Mother, father, brothers — though all are there, none asks after me in trouble.

स्वामी एक है आस तुम्हारी। आय हरहु मम संकट भारी॥

Svami Ek Hai As Tumhari | Ay Harhu Mam Sankat Bhari ||

O Master, you are my only hope; come and remove my heavy trouble.

धन निर्धन को देत सदा हीं। जो कोई जांचे सो फल पाहीं॥

Dhan Nirdhan Ko Det Sada Hin | Jo Koi Janche So Phal Pahin ||

You always give wealth to the poor; whoever asks receives the fruit.

अस्तुति केहि विधि करैं तुम्हारी। क्षमहु नाथ अब चूक हमारी॥

Astuti Kehi Vidhi Karain Tumhari | Kshamhu Nath Ab Chuk Hamari ||

How shall I praise you? O Lord, forgive my mistakes.

शंकर हो संकट के नाशन। मंगल कारण विघ्न विनाशन॥

Shankar Ho Sankat Ke Nashan | Mangal Karan Vighna Vinashan ||

O Shankar, you destroy trouble, cause auspiciousness and remove obstacles.

योगी यति मुनि ध्यान लगावैं। शारद नारद शीश नवावैं॥

Yogi Yati Muni Dhyan Lagavain | Sharad Narad Shish Navavain ||

Yogis, ascetics and sages meditate on you; Saraswati and Narada bow their heads.

नमो नमो जय नमः शिवाय। सुर ब्रह्मादिक पार न पाय॥

Namo Namo Jai Namah Shivay | Sur Brahmadik Par Na Pay ||

«Namah Shivaya» — salutations again and again; even the gods and Brahma cannot reach your end.

जो यह पाठ करे मन लाई। ता पर होत है शम्भु सहाई॥

Jo Yah Path Kare Man Lai | Ta Par Hot Hai Shambhu Sahai ||

Shambhu helps whoever recites this with a focused mind.

ऋनियां जो कोई हो अधिकारी। पाठ करे सो पावन हारी॥

Riniyan Jo Koi Ho Adhikari | Path Kare So Pavan Hari ||

One burdened by debt who recites this is (by tradition) freed of the debt and becomes pure.

पुत्र हीन कर इच्छा कोई। निश्चय शिव प्रसाद तेहि होई॥

Putra Hin Kar Ichchha Koi | Nishchay Shiv Prasad Tehi Hoi ||

A childless person who recites it with the wish for a child surely receives Shiva's grace.

पण्डित त्रयोदशी को लावे। ध्यान पूर्वक होम करावे॥

Pandit Trayodashi Ko Lave | Dhyan Purvak Hom Karave ||

On trayodashi, invite a pandit and have a homa performed with devotion.

त्रयोदशी व्रत करै हमेशा। ताके तन नहीं रहै कलेशा॥

Trayodashi Vrat Karai Hamesha | Take Tan Nahin Rahai Kalesha ||

One who always keeps the trayodashi (Pradosh) fast has no suffering in the body.

धूप दीप नैवेद्य चढ़ावे। शंकर सम्मुख पाठ सुनावे॥

Dhup Dip Naivedya Chadhave | Shankar Sammukh Path Sunave ||

Offer incense, lamp and naivedya, and recite this before Shankar.

जन्म जन्म के पाप नसावे। अन्त धाम शिवपुर में पावे॥

Janma Janma Ke Pap Nasave | Anta Dham Shivapur Men Pave ||

By this the sins of many births are destroyed and one finally reaches Shiva's abode.

कहैं अयोध्यादास आस तुम्हारी। जानि सकल दुःख हरहु हमारी॥

Kahain Ayodhyadas As Tumhari | Jani Sakal Duhkh Harhu Hamari ||

Ayodhyadas says — O Lord, you are my hope; knowing everything, remove all my sorrows.

॥ दोहा ॥ नित्त नेम कर प्रातः ही, पाठ करौं चालीसा। तुम मेरी मनोकामना, पूर्ण करो जगदीश॥

|| Doha || Nitta Nem Kar Pratah Hi, Path Karaun Chalisa | Tum Meri Manokamana, Purna Karo Jagdish ||

Let me recite the Chalisa every morning as a daily discipline; O Lord of the world, fulfil my wish.

मगसर छठि हेमन्त ऋतु, संवत चौसठ जान। अस्तुति चालीसा शिवहि, पूर्ण कीन कल्याण॥

Magsar Chhathi Hemanta Ritu, Sanvat Chausath Jan | Astuti Chalisa Shivahi, Purna Kin Kalyan ||

In the Hemant season, on the sixth of Margashirsha, Samvat (…)64, this Chalisa praising Shiva was completed for the welfare of all.

💡 Essence

The Shiv Chalisa praises Shiva as compassionate, generous and the remover of troubles; the devotee lays down his sorrows, debts and difficulties and prays for fearlessness and well-being.

📿 Japa counter (mala of 108)

Tap the button for each repetition; every 108 counts as one mala (your phone vibrates). The count is saved on this device/browser.

📅 Next auspicious days (from our panchang)

23 Oct (Friday) — Pradosh Vrat
26 Oct (Monday)
2 Nov (Monday)
6 Nov (Friday) — Pradosh Vrat
7 Nov (Saturday) — Masik Shivaratri
9 Nov (Monday)

Dates are for Delhi sunrise; see today's panchang for your city.

🪔 How to chant / recite

Time: Morning after bath or at Pradosh-kaal (around sunset); Monday and trayodashi are special.
Seat & direction: On a white or kusha asana, facing north or east.
Preparation: Offer water/milk and bilva leaves on the Shivalinga, then begin.
Count: 1 recitation daily; 11 times or a 40-day vow for a wish; 3 or 11 times on Pradosh.
Along with it: One mala (108) of «Om Namah Shivaya» on a rudraksha mala, before or after.
End: Aarti «Om Jai Shiv Omkara» and a prayer for forgiveness.

🛕 Puja vidhi (step by step)

🧺 Items needed

Shivalinga or picture of Shiva-parivar
Pure water and raw milk (abhishek)
Bilva leaves (three-leaved, unbroken)
Dhatura, aak flowers (as per tradition)
White sandalwood, bhasma, akshata
Incense, ghee lamp
Fruits and sweets as bhog
Rudraksha mala (for japa)

🪷 Procedure

Bathe and wear clean clothes; clean the puja place and spread a fresh cloth on the altar (chowki).
Do achamana (sip water three times) and purify hands and mouth; sit on an asana and calm the mind.
Light a lamp of ghee or sesame oil — by tradition the lamp is kept to the deity's right.
Take water, akshata (unbroken rice) and a flower in the right hand and make the sankalpa — your name, gotra, place, date and the purpose of the puja, spoken or in the mind; then let the water fall to the ground.
First remember Shri Ganesha (Om Gam Ganapataye Namah).
Do abhishek on the Shivalinga with water, then milk (and if possible curd, ghee, honey, sugar — panchamrit), then water again, chanting «Om Namah Shivaya».
Offer white sandalwood and bhasma, akshata, bilva leaves (smooth side towards the linga), dhatura and aak flowers.
Show incense and lamp, offer bhog; then chant the mantra / recite Shiv Chalisa / Rudrashtakam.
Sing «Om Jai Shiv Omkara»; the parikrama of a Shivalinga is half — the outlet (somasutra) is not crossed.
Finally perform aarti, offer pushpanjali (flowers) and do parikrama (or turn around in your place).
Ask forgiveness for any mistakes in the puja, distribute the prasad and take it yourself.

⚠️ Rules & precautions

Ketaki flowers and tulsi are traditionally not offered to Shiva; turmeric-kumkum is offered to Mother Parvati, not on the linga.
Bilva leaves should be unbroken; a bilva leaf can be washed and offered again.
Monday, Pradosh (trayodashi) and Masik Shivaratri are special days for Shiva.
Water/milk offered on the linga should not fall at the feet — pour it into a plant.

📜 Story / origin

The last doha gives the time of composition — Hemant season, Margashirsha shashthi, «Samvat chausath»; the author Ayodhyadas is named in the text.

The Chalisa tells how Ram worshipped Shiva with a thousand lotuses; when one was missing, Ram wished to offer his own lotus-like eye — pleased with this devotion, Shiva granted his wish.

🌟 Benefits (as per tradition)

A prayer for peace in trouble, fear and mental unrest.
The Chalisa mentions recitation for freedom from debt and for the wish of a child.
Reciting with the Pradosh vow is believed to bring Shiva's grace.

These are traditional beliefs described in scriptures; results are understood to depend on faith, discipline and one's own actions.

❓ Frequently asked questions

When should the Shiv Chalisa be recited?

Every morning; especially on Mondays, Pradosh (trayodashi), Masik Shivaratri and in the month of Shravan.

Can I recite without a Shivalinga?

Yes, before a picture of Shiva with a lamp, or simply meditating in the mind.

Who wrote the Shiv Chalisa?

The text says «kahat Ayodhyadas» — by tradition the author is Ayodhyadas.

For how many days should it be recited?

A 40-day vow is popular for a wish; if sutak etc. intervenes, recite mentally.

🕉 Om Namah Shivaya · 🕉 Mahamrityunjaya Mantra · 🪔 Shiv Aarti (Om Jai Shiv Omkara) · 🪔 Find your planet/deity from your kundali · 🧙 Ask an astrologer · 🕉 All mantras & aartis · 🇮🇳 हिन्दी में पढ़ें

Note: recite with devotion and correct pronunciation; for special anushthans take guidance from a learned acharya.

Other Mantras and Aarti

📿 Hanuman Chalisa 📿 Durga Chalisa 📿 Ganesh Chalisa 📿 Lakshmi Chalisa 📿 Shani Chalisa 📿 Krishna Chalisa 📿 Ram Chalisa 🕉 Gayatri Mantra 🕉 Mahamrityunjaya Mantra 🪔 Ganesh Aarti (Jai Ganesh Deva)🪔 Shiv Aarti (Om Jai Shiv Omkara)🪔 Lakshmi Aarti (Om Jai Lakshmi Mata)🪔 Durga Aarti (Jai Ambe Gauri)🪔 Hanuman Aarti (Aarti Kijai Hanuman Lala Ki)🕉 Om Namah Shivaya

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