The Shiv Chalisa is a 40-verse Hindi devotional hymn praising Lord Shiva’s compassion, strength, and protection of his devotees. “Chalis” means forty in Hindi, referring to the 40 chaupais that make up the main body of the hymn. It opens and closes with dohas (couplets) and is traditionally chanted on Mondays, during Shivratri, and throughout the month of Shravan.
The Shiv Chalisa is one of the most widely recited devotional hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva. Composed of 40 chaupais by Pandit Ayodhyadas, it narrates Shiva’s compassion, his victories over powerful demons, and his eternal role as the protector of devotees. This guide covers the origin of the Shiv Chalisa, why it holds such deep significance, how to chant it correctly, its benefits, and the complete, verified text with Hindi, transliteration, and meaning for all 40 verses.
Below is the complete, verified Shiv Chalisa in Hindi with transliteration and English meaning for every verse, including the opening doha, all 40 chaupais, and the closing dohas.
Doha
जय गणेश गिरिजा सुवन, मंगल मूल सुजान।
कहत अयोध्यादास तुम, देहु अभय वरदान॥
Jai Ganesh Girija Suvan, Mangal Mool Sujan.
Kahat Ayodhyadas Tum, Dehu Abhay Vardan.
Meaning: Glory to Lord Ganesha, the beloved son of Goddess Girija, the wise source of all auspiciousness. Ayodhyadas prays: grant me the boon of fearlessness.
Verse 1
जय गिरिजा पति दीन दयाला।
सदा करत सन्तन प्रतिपाला॥
Jai Girija Pati Dina Dayala.
Sada Karat Santan Pratipala.
Meaning: Victory to the compassionate Lord of Girija (Parvati), who always protects his devoted followers.
Verse 2
भाल चन्द्रमा सोहत नीके।
कानन कुण्डल नागफनी के॥
Bhal Chandrama Sohat Nike.
Kanan Kundal Nagaphani Ke.
Meaning: The crescent moon shines beautifully on his forehead, and serpent-hood shaped earrings adorn his ears.
Verse 3
अंग गौर शिर गंग बहाये।
मुण्डमाल तन क्षार लगाए॥
Ang Gaur Shir Gang Bahaye.
Mundamal Tan Kshar Lagaye.
Meaning: His fair body carries the Ganga flowing from his head, a garland of skulls rests on him, and sacred ash covers his form.
Verse 4
वस्त्र खाल बाघम्बर सोहे।
छवि को देखि नाग मन मोहे॥
Vastra Khaal Baghambar Sohe.
Chhavi Ko Dekhi Naag Man Mohe.
Meaning: He wears a tiger skin as his garment, and even serpents and sages are captivated by his radiant form.
Verse 5
मैना मातु की हवे दुलारी।
बाम अंग सोहत छवि न्यारी॥
Maina Matu Ki Have Dulari.
Baam Ang Sohat Chhavi Nyari.
Meaning: Parvati, the beloved daughter of Mother Maina, graces his left side with her unique, glowing beauty.
Verse 6
कर त्रिशूल सोहत छवि भारी।
करत सदा शत्रुन क्षयकारी॥
Kar Trishul Sohat Chhavi Bhari.
Karat Sada Shatrun Kshaykari.
Meaning: The trident in his hand shines with immense glory, and he always uses it to destroy his enemies.
Verse 7
नन्दि गणेश सोहैं तहँ कैसे।
सागर मध्य कमल हैं जैसे॥
Nandi Ganesh Sohain Taham Kaise.
Sagar Madhya Kamal Hain Jaise.
Meaning: Nandi and Ganesha beside him appear as beautiful as a lotus blooming in the middle of the ocean.
Verse 8
कार्तिक श्याम और गणराऊ।
या छवि को कहि जात न काऊ॥
Kartik Shyam Aur Ganrau.
Ya Chhavi Ko Kahi Jaat Na Kau.
Meaning: Kartikeya and the Ganas stand alongside him too, forming a scene so magnificent that words cannot describe it.
Verse 9
देवन जबहीं जाय पुकारा।
तब ही दुख प्रभु आप निवारा॥
Devan Jabahin Jaay Pukara.
Tabahin Dukh Prabhu Aap Nivara.
Meaning: Whenever the Devas cried out for help, Shiva himself removed their suffering at once.
Verse 10
किया उपद्रव तारक भारी।
देवन सब मिलि तुमहिं जुहारी॥
Kiya Upadrav Tarak Bhari.
Devan Sab Mili Tumahin Juhari.
Meaning: When the demon Tarakasura caused great destruction, all the Devas gathered together and prayed to Shiva.
Verse 11
तुरत षडानन आप पठायउ।
लव निमेष महँ मारि गिरायउ॥
Turat Shadanan Aap Pathayau.
Lav Nimesh Maham Mari Girayau.
Meaning: Shiva quickly sent his six-faced son (Kartikeya), who destroyed the demon in the blink of an eye.
Verse 12
आप जलंधर असुर संहारा।
सुयश तुम्हार विदित संसारा॥
Aap Jalandhar Asur Sanhara.
Suyash Tumhar Vidit Sansara.
Meaning: Shiva himself destroyed the demon Jalandhara, and his glorious fame became known throughout the world.
Verse 13
त्रिपुरासुर सन युद्ध मचाई।
सबहिं कृपा कर लीन बचाई॥
Tripurasur San Yuddh Machayi.
Sabahin Kripa Kar Leen Bachayi.
Meaning: Shiva waged war against the demon Tripurasura and, through his mercy, protected everyone from harm.
Verse 14
किया तपहिं भागीरथ भारी।
पुरब प्रतिज्ञा तासु पुरारी॥
Kiya Tapahin Bhagirath Bhari.
Purab Pratigya Tasu Purari.
Meaning: Bhagiratha performed intense penance, and Shiva, the destroyer of Tripura, fulfilled his ancient vow.
Verse 15
दानिन महँ तुम सम कोउ नाहीं।
सेवक स्तुति करत सदाहीं॥
Danin Maham Tum Sam Kou Nahin.
Sevak Stuti Karat Sadahin.
Meaning: No one is as generous as you, O Shiva; your devotees praise you constantly.
Verse 16
वेद माहि महिमा तुम गाई।
अकथ अनादि भेद नहिं पाई॥
Ved Mahi Mahima Tum Gayi.
Akath Anadi Bhed Nahin Payi.
Meaning: The Vedas themselves sing of your glory, yet even they cannot fully describe your beginningless, indescribable mystery.
Verse 17
प्रकटी उदधि मंथन में ज्वाला।
जरत सुरासुर भए विहाला॥
Prakati Udadhi Manthan Mein Jvala.
Jarat Surasur Bhaye Vihala.
Meaning: When the churning of the ocean released a deadly poison, both gods and demons were left helpless and burning.
Verse 18
कीन्ही दया तहं करी सहाई।
नीलकण्ठ तब नाम कहाई॥
Kinhi Daya Taham Kari Sahai.
Nilkanth Tab Naam Kahayi.
Meaning: Shiva showed mercy and drank the poison himself, which is why he became known as Nilkanth, the blue-throated one.
Verse 19
पूजन रामचन्द्र जब कीन्हा।
जीत के लंक विभीषण दीन्हा॥
Poojan Ramchandra Jab Keenha.
Jeet Ke Lanka Vibhishan Dinha.
Meaning: When Lord Rama worshipped Shiva, he won the battle of Lanka and gave the kingdom to Vibhishana.
Verse 20
सहस कमल में हो रहे धारी।
कीन्ह परीक्षा तबहिं त्रिपुरारी॥
Sahas Kamal Mein Ho Rahe Dhari.
Kinh Pariksha Tabahin Tripurari.
Meaning: Rama was worshipping Shiva with a thousand lotus flowers when Shiva, the destroyer of Tripura, decided to test his devotion.
Verse 21
एक कमल प्रभु राखेउ जोई।
कमल नयन पूजन चहं सोई॥
Ek Kamal Prabhu Rakheu Joi.
Kamal Nayan Poojan Chahen Soi.
Meaning: Shiva secretly hid one lotus, and when Rama found one flower missing, he prepared to offer his own lotus-like eye instead.
Verse 22
कठिन भक्ति देखी प्रभु शंकर।
भए प्रसन्न दिए इच्छित वर॥
Kathin Bhakti Dekhi Prabhu Shankar.
Bhaye Prasann Diye Ichchhit Var.
Meaning: Seeing such unwavering devotion, Lord Shankar was deeply pleased and granted Rama the boon he desired.
Verse 23
जय जय जय अनन्त अविनाशी।
करत कृपा सब के घट वासी॥
Jai Jai Jai Anant Avinashi.
Karat Kripa Sab Ke Ghat Vasi.
Meaning: Victory, victory, victory to the endless and imperishable one, who dwells with compassion in every heart.
Verse 24
दुष्ट सकल नित मोहि सतावैं।
भ्रमत रहौं मोहि चैन न आवैं॥
Dusht Sakal Nit Mohi Satavain.
Bhramat Rahaun Mohi Chain Na Avain.
Meaning: Wicked troubles constantly torment me, and I wander restlessly, unable to find any peace.
Verse 25
त्राहि त्राहि मैं नाथ पुकारो।
यह अवसर मोहि आन उबारो॥
Trahi Trahi Main Nath Pukaro.
Yah Avasar Mohi Aan Ubaro.
Meaning: Save me, save me, I call out to you, my Lord; rescue me in this moment of need.
Verse 26
ले त्रिशूल शत्रुन को मारो।
संकट से मोहि आन उबारो॥
Le Trishul Shatrun Ko Maro.
Sankat Se Mohi Aan Ubaro.
Meaning: Take up your trident and destroy my enemies; free me from this difficulty and protect me.
Verse 27
मात पिता भ्राता सब कोई।
संकट में पूछत नहिं कोई॥
Mata Pita Bhrata Sab Koi.
Sankat Mein Poochhat Nahin Koi.
Meaning: I have a mother, father, and brothers, yet none of them ask after me in times of trouble.
Verse 28
स्वामी एक है आस तुम्हारी।
आय हरहु मम संकट भारी॥
Swami Ek Hai Aas Tumhari.
Aay Harahu Mam Sankat Bhari.
Meaning: You alone, my Lord, are my one true hope; come and remove my heavy burden of troubles.
Verse 29
धन निर्धन को देत सदा हीं।
जो कोई जांचे सो फल पाहीं॥
Dhan Nirdhan Ko Det Sada Hin.
Jo Koi Janche So Phal Pahin.
Meaning: You always grant wealth to the poor, and whoever sincerely asks receives the fruit of their request.
Verse 30
अस्तुति केहि विधि करौं तुम्हारी।
क्षमहु नाथ अब चूक हमारी॥
Astuti Kehi Vidhi Karaun Tumhari.
Kshamahu Nath Ab Chook Hamari.
Meaning: I do not know how to fully praise you, O Lord; please forgive any shortcomings in my worship.
Verse 31
शंकर हो संकट के नाशन।
मंगल कारण विघ्न विनाशन॥
Shankar Ho Sankat Ke Nashan.
Mangal Karan Vighn Vinashan.
Meaning: Lord Shankar, you are the destroyer of troubles, the cause of auspiciousness, and the remover of every obstacle.
Verse 32
योगी यति मुनि ध्यान लगावैं।
शारद नारद शीश नवावैं॥
Yogi Yati Muni Dhyan Lagavain.
Sharad Narad Sheesh Navavain.
Meaning: Yogis, ascetics, and sages meditate upon you; even Saraswati and Narada bow their heads before you.
Verse 33
नमो नमो जय नमः शिवाय।
सुर ब्रह्मादिक पार न पाय॥
Namo Namo Jai Namah Shivay.
Sur Brahmadik Paar Na Paay.
Meaning: I bow again and again, victory to Namah Shivaya; even gods like Brahma cannot fathom your full glory.
Verse 34
जो यह पाठ करे मन लाई।
ता पर होत हैं शम्भु सहाई॥
Jo Yah Path Kare Man Layi.
Ta Par Hot Hain Shambhu Sahayi.
Meaning: Whoever recites this Chalisa with a focused mind receives Shambhu’s (Shiva’s) constant help and support.
Verse 35
ऋणियों जो कोई हो अधिकारी।
पाठ करे सो पावन हारी॥
Riniyon Jo Koi Ho Adhikari.
Path Kare So Pavan Hari.
Meaning: Anyone burdened by debt who recites this Chalisa will be freed from that debt through Shiva’s grace.
Verse 36
पुत्र होन की इच्छा जोई।
निश्चय शिव प्रसाद तेहि होई॥
Putra Hon Ki Ichchha Joi.
Nishchay Shiv Prasad Tehi Hoi.
Meaning: Whoever wishes to be blessed with a child will surely receive Shiva’s grace through this recitation.
Verse 37
पण्डित त्रयोदशी को लावे।
ध्यान पूर्वक होम करावे॥
Pandit Trayodashi Ko Lave.
Dhyan Purvak Hom Karave.
Meaning: On the thirteenth lunar day (Trayodashi), invite a learned priest and perform a fire ritual with focused devotion.
Verse 38
त्रयोदशी व्रत करै हमेशा।
तन नहिं ताके रहै कलेशा॥
Trayodashi Vrat Karai Hamesha.
Tan Nahin Take Rahai Kalesha.
Meaning: Whoever consistently observes the Trayodashi fast will never suffer bodily affliction.
Verse 39
धूप दीप नैवेद्य चढ़ावे।
शंकर सम्मुख पाठ सुनावे॥
Dhoop Deep Naivedya Chadhave.
Shankar Sammukh Path Sunave.
Meaning: Offer incense, a lamp, and food offerings, and recite this Chalisa in front of Lord Shankar.
Verse 40
जन्म जन्म के पाप नसावे।
अन्त धाम शिवपुर में पावे॥
Janm Janm Ke Paap Nasave.
Ant Dham Shivpur Mein Pave.
Meaning: This practice destroys the sins accumulated across many lifetimes and finally leads the devotee to Shiva’s eternal abode.
Doha
कहैं अयोध्यादास आस तुम्हारी।
जानि सकल दुःख हरहु हमारी॥
Kahain Ayodhyadas Aas Tumhari.
Jani Sakal Dukh Harahu Hamari.
Meaning: Ayodhyadas says: my hope rests only in you; knowing this, please remove all our sorrows.
नित्त नेम कर प्रातः ही, पाठ करौं चालीसा।
तुम मेरी मनोकामना, पूर्ण करो जगदीश॥
Nit Nem Kar Pratah Hi, Path Karaun Chalisa.
Tum Meri Manokamana, Purn Karo Jagdish.
Meaning: Every morning, with steady discipline, I recite this Chalisa; O Lord of the universe, please fulfill my sincere wishes.
The Shiv Chalisa can be recited daily, but certain occasions carry special significance. Mondays, regarded as Shiva’s day, are considered the most auspicious time for this practice. The hymn itself references Trayodashi, the thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight, as a day for fire rituals and fasting connected to this Chalisa. Maha Shivratri and the month of Shravan are also widely observed periods for reciting the Shiv Chalisa, often alongside Rudrabhishek and other Shiva worship rituals.
The Shiv Chalisa was composed by Pandit Ayodhyadas, as confirmed in the opening doha and the closing verses of the hymn. It is traditionally associated with the North Indian bhakti movement of the medieval period.
The Shiv Chalisa contains 40 chaupais (four-line verses), which is where its name comes from, since “Chalis” means forty in Hindi. It also includes an opening doha and closing dohas that frame the 40 main verses.
Sit in a clean, quiet space facing east or north, ideally after bathing. Light a lamp before an image or idol of Shiva. Recite the opening doha, followed by all 40 chaupais in sequence, and close with the closing dohas. The Chalisa can be read 1, 3, 5, 11, or 21 times in one sitting, with Mondays considered the most auspicious day.
Daily recitation of the Shiv Chalisa is believed to remove obstacles, reduce fear, and bring peace and protection into the devotee’s life. The hymn itself states that sincere daily recitation frees a person from sins accumulated across many births and leads toward Shiva’s eternal abode.
Yes. The Shiv Chalisa is one of the most accessible Shiva prayers because it is written in simple Hindi rather than Sanskrit, and it does not require elaborate rituals. A beginner can start by reading it with the transliteration and meaning, then build toward memorization through regular practice.
Om Namah Shivaya is a short Vedic mantra meant for repeated chanting (japa), usually 108 times with a mala. The Shiv Chalisa is a longer narrative hymn in Hindi that tells the story of Shiva’s deeds and qualities across 40 verses, recited once or a few times per sitting rather than repeated in cycles.
Save or bookmark this page so you can return to it whenever you need Ganesha’s grace, at the start of something new, in a moment of difficulty, or simply as part of your daily sandhya. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay connected, and share your thoughts or experience in the comments.
The ten most powerful Lord Shiva mantras for daily practice are Om Namah Shivaya, the…
The 108 names of Mahadev are a namavali of sacred Sanskrit epithets, each paired with…
Nag Panchami 2026: Date, Story of the Serpent God, and How to Worship Nag Panchami…
God in Hinduism is Brahman, the one formless ultimate reality behind everything that exists. Hindus…
Teej 2026 brings three festivals for Hindu women between mid-August and mid-September. Hariyali Teej 2026…
Kamika Ekadashi 2026 date and time: the fast falls on Sunday, August 9, 2026, during…