Vishnu Chalisa
विष्णु चालीसा
Origin & Story
Hindu devotional tradition · Unknown (folk devotional composition) · Medieval period
The Vishnu Chalisa draws its narrative from the Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana, which describe the Dashavatar — the ten incarnations through which Vishnu descends to earth to restore dharma whenever evil threatens to overwhelm good. Each avatar addresses a specific cosmic crisis, from the great flood (Matsya) to the future destruction of evil (Kalki).
✦ As told in scripture
The Bhagavata Purana narrates that whenever dharma declines and adharma rises, Vishnu incarnates. As Narasimha, he emerged from a pillar to save his devotee Prahlad — proving he is present everywhere. As Vamana, he covered the entire universe in three steps. As Krishna, he revealed the entire cosmos within his mouth. Each avatar demonstrates that no force in the universe can overcome Vishnu's protective power.
Complete Text with Meaning
जय जगदीश हरे प्रभु जय जगदीश हरे। ब्रह्मा रुद्र सनातन तुम परमेश्वर॥
Jai Jagdish Hare Prabhu Jai Jagdish Hare Brahma Rudra Sanatan Tum Parmeshwar
Meaning:Victory to the Lord of the universe, O Hari! You are Brahma, Rudra, the eternal one, the Supreme Lord.
समुद्र मन्थन में जब गरल भयंकर आया। सब देवता विकल भए तब आपने बचाया॥
Samudra Manthan Mein Jab Garal Bhayankar Aaya Sab Devta Vikal Bhaye Tab Aapne Bachaya
Meaning:When during the churning of the ocean the terrible poison emerged, all the gods were distraught — then you saved them.
मत्स्य रूप धरि आपने जल प्रलय से तारा। कूर्म रूप धरि पृथ्वी का बोझ संभारा॥
Matsya Roop Dhari Aapne Jal Pralay Se Tara Kurma Roop Dhari Prithvi Ka Bojh Sambhara
Meaning:In the form of Matsya (fish), you saved from the great flood. In the form of Kurma (tortoise), you bore the weight of the earth.
वाराह रूप धरि धरा हिरण्याक्ष संहारा। नरसिंह रूप धरि प्रहलाद को उबारा॥
Varaha Roop Dhari Dhara Hiranyaksh Samhara Narsimha Roop Dhari Prahlad Ko Ubara
Meaning:In the form of Varaha (boar), you slew Hiranyaksha and rescued the earth. In the form of Narasimha (man-lion), you saved Prahlad.
वामन रूप धरि बलि को दान में छला। परशुराम बन क्षत्रियन को मारा॥
Vaman Roop Dhari Bali Ko Daan Mein Chhala Parshuram Ban Kshatriyan Ko Mara
Meaning:In the form of Vaman (dwarf), you outwitted King Bali through charity. As Parashurama, you destroyed the arrogant warriors.
श्रीराम बन रावण दल मारा। कृष्ण रूप धरि कंस को संहारा॥
Shri Ram Ban Ravan Dal Mara Krishna Roop Dhari Kans Ko Samhara
Meaning:As Sri Ram, you destroyed Ravana's army. As Krishna, you slew the tyrant Kamsa.
बुद्ध रूप धरि दया प्रचारा। कल्कि रूप धरि म्लेच्छ संहारा॥
Buddha Roop Dhari Daya Prachara Kalki Roop Dhari Mlecchha Samhara
Meaning:As Buddha, you spread compassion. As Kalki, you will destroy the wicked.
दशावतार लीला तुम्हारी। जग में विदित सब संसारी॥
Dashavatar Leela Tumhari Jag Mein Vidit Sab Sansari
Meaning:Your ten incarnations are your divine play. The whole world knows of them.
शंख चक्र गदा हाथ विराजे। पीताम्बर शिर मुकुट सजे॥
Shankh Chakra Gada Haath Viraje Peetambar Shir Mukut Saje
Meaning:Conch, discus and mace adorn your hands. You wear yellow garments and a crown.
गरुड़ वाहन शोभा न्यारी। लक्ष्मी संग सदा सुखकारी॥
Garud Vahan Shobha Nyari Lakshmi Sang Sada Sukhkari
Meaning:Your mount Garuda is uniquely splendid. With Lakshmi, you always bring happiness.
क्षीरसागर जहाँ तुम वासा। शेषनाग शय्या सुखरासा॥
Kshirsagar Jahan Tum Vasa Sheshnag Shayya Sukhrasa
Meaning:Your abode is the ocean of milk. The serpent Shesha is your blissful bed.
तुलसी मन्दिर द्वार तुम्हारे। भक्त सदा मंगल गुणधारे॥
Tulsi Mandir Dwar Tumhare Bhakt Sada Mangal Gundhaare
Meaning:Tulsi plants adorn your temple doorways. Your devotees always carry auspicious virtues.
दोहा: विष्णु चालीसा पढ़े जो कोई शुभ मन लाय। सब सुख सम्पत्ति लहे प्रभु विष्णु सहाय॥
Doha: Vishnu Chalisa Padhe Jo Koi Shubh Man Lay Sab Sukh Sampatti Lahe Prabhu Vishnu Sahay
Meaning:Closing: Whoever reads this Vishnu Chalisa with a pure heart obtains all happiness and prosperity with Lord Vishnu's help.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Vishnu Chalisa
Covers all 10 avatars of Vishnu — the Dashavatar
Powerful for Thursday worship (Vishnu/Guru day)
Grants protection, prosperity and spiritual growth
Describes Vishnu's complete form — weapons, mount, abode, consort
Ideal for Ekadashi fasting days
Removes sins and grants liberation as stated in the closing verse
How to Chant Vishnu Chalisa
Sit before Vishnu or Krishna's image. Light a ghee diya. Offer tulsi leaves. Chant 11 times on Thursdays for regular practice. During Ekadashi, chanting while fasting multiplies the merit. Visualize each avatar as described in the verses.