Bhairav Chalisa — Word-by-Word Meaning

Placing on my head, with love, the feet of Shri Ganapati, the Guru and Gauri, I offer this Chalisa in salutation to Shri Shiva-Bhairavnath. Shri Bhairav, remover of distress, doer of good, the compassionate; of dark complexion and fearsome body, with large red eyes. Victory, victory to the darling of Kali; victory, victory to the Kotwal (guardian) of Kashi. Victory to Batuk Bhairav, remover of fear; victory to Kaal Bhairav, the mighty. Victory to the renowned Bhairavnath; victory to all the Bhairavas, the givers of joy. Shiva took on the form of Bhairav for the sake of lifting the burden of worldly existence. Hearing Bhairav's roar, fear flees; in every way one's wishes are fulfilled. Shesha, Mahesha and the rest have sung his virtues; he is called the Kotwal of Kashi. Matted locks upon his head with the moon shining there; a small crown and ornaments adorn him. A girdle of bells rings at his waist; at his darshan all fear flees. He granted the gift of life to his servant; he showed his grace and then recognized (the devotee) as his own. He dwells upon the tongue as Sharada (Saraswati) and Kali; he gave a boon and kept my honour. Blessed, blessed is Bhairav, destroyer of fear; victory, delighter of hearts, crusher of the wicked horde. In his hands the trident, the damaru and the sacred whip; not small is the glory of his gracious sidelong glance. Whoever fearlessly sings Bhairav's virtues gains the eight siddhis and the nine treasures. Of vast form, reliever of hard sorrow; of fierce wrath, both his eyes red. Countless ghosts and spirits roam at his side; 'Bam Bam Bam, Shiva, Bam Bam' he calls. Of fierce (Rudra) body, the darling of Kali; he is the death even of Mahakala. Batuk Nath, grave as Time itself; of white, red and dark body. Manifesting his three forms, he fills his good devotees with auspicious hope. On a jewel-studded golden throne, a tiger-skin for his soft and sacred seat. Whoever goes to Kashi and meditates upon you gains the darshan of Vishwanath. Victory, O Lord, destroyer and giver of bliss; victory, exalted one, joy of Hara and Uma. Bhima, three-eyed, with the dog at his side — victory; Vaijanath, Shri Jagatnath — victory. Of mighty, terrible, dreadful body — victory; Rudra, three-eyed, steadfast and brave — victory. Lord of the forest — victory; lord of the ghosts — victory; dog-mounted, moon-crested lord — victory. In an instant, the sky-clad lord of the discus — victory; who takes the helpless by the hand, O lord of the orphaned — victory. Lord of the trident, lord of beings, moon-crested — victory; master of wrath, beloved one, lord of the immortals — victory. Shri Vamana, lord of the mongoose, the fierce — victory; of mighty deeds and blazing fame — victory. Rudra Batuk, lord of wrath, bearer of Time; bearing the discus and club in his ten arms, and the serpent. Drinking the intoxicating draught, he sings Shambhu's praise; he makes the sixty-four yoginis dance with him. He shows grace to his devotees in countless ways — the unyielding Kotwal of Kashi. When Kaal Bhairav brings down his staff, the greatest of the great sins are destroyed. The body of the devotee becomes pure, and every distress and the pain of existence is wiped away. Shri Bhairav, king of the spirits, removes obstacles and accomplishes auspicious works. He removed the sorrows of Ailadi; ever showing grace, he set her affairs in order. Sundardas, with deep devotion, near the hermitage of Shri Durvasa at Prayag — — has written this in praise of Shri Bhairav Ji; (whoever reads it) finds all his wishes fulfilled. Victory, victory, victory to Bhairav, Lord Batuk, remover of distress; show your grace upon your servant, O incarnation of Shankara.