Shiv Chalisa
शिव चालीसा in English · English
Origin & Story
Hindu devotional tradition · Unknown (attributed to devotional folk tradition) · Medieval period
The Shiv Chalisa follows the Chalisa tradition popularized by Tulsidas, but its specific authorship is debated. It describes Lord Shiva in his complete form — the ascetic who is also the householder, the destroyer who is also the creator, the fierce one who is also compassionate. The narrative draws from the Shiva Purana, referencing his destruction of Tripurasur, his role in the Samudra Manthan (ocean churning), and his eternal dance of creation and dissolution.
✦ As told in scripture
The Shiva Purana narrates that when the poison Halahala emerged during the churning of the cosmic ocean, threatening to destroy all creation, neither gods nor demons could contain it. Lord Shiva drank the entire poison to save the universe. Goddess Parvati pressed his throat to prevent it from entering his body, turning his throat blue — hence his name Neelkanth (Blue-Throated One). This act of self-sacrifice for all of creation is the ultimate demonstration of Shiva's compassion.
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Complete Text with Meaning
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|| Doha || Jai Ganesh Girija Suvan, Mangal Mool Sujaan Kahat Ayodhyadas Tum, Dehu Abhay Vardaan
Meaning:Opening Doha: Victory to Ganesh, son of Girija (Parvati), the wise root of all auspiciousness. Ayodhyadas says — grant us the boon of fearlessness.
|| Chaupai || Jai Girijapati Deendayala Sada Karat Santan Pratipala
Meaning:Victory to the Lord of Parvati, compassionate to the humble. You always protect the saints.
Bhal Chandrama Sohat Neeke Kanan Kundal Nagphani Ke
Meaning:The crescent moon adorns your forehead beautifully. Your earrings are serpent hoods.
Ang Gaur Shir Gang Bahaye Mundmal Tan Chhar Lagaye
Meaning:Your body is fair, the Ganga flows from your head. You wear a garland of skulls and smear ash on your body.
Vastra Khal Baghambr Sohe Chhavi Ko Dekh Naag Muni Mohe
Meaning:You are adorned in tiger skin. Seeing your beauty, even serpents and sages are enchanted.
Maina Matu Ki Havai Dulari Vam Ang Sohat Chhavi Nyari
Meaning:Parvati, the beloved daughter of Maina, sits at your left side in unique splendor.
Kar Trishul Sohat Chhavi Bhari Karat Sada Shatrun Kshayakari
Meaning:The trident in your hand looks magnificent. You constantly destroy all enemies.
Nandi Ganesh Sohat Tahan Kaise Sagar Madhya Kamal Hain Jaise
Meaning:Nandi and Ganesh sit beside you, like lotuses in the middle of an ocean.
Kartik Shyam Aur Ganrau Ya Chhavi Ko Kahi Jaat Na Kau
Meaning:Kartikeya, the dark one, and lord Ganesha — no one can describe this divine vision.
Devan Jabahi Jaay Pukara Tabahi Dukh Prabhu Aap Nivara
Meaning:Whenever the gods come crying to you, you immediately remove their sorrows.
Kiya Upadrav Tarak Bhari Devan Sab Mili Tumhi Juhari
Meaning:When the demon Tarak caused great havoc, all the gods together came to pray to you.
Turat Shadanan Aap Pathayau Lav Nimesh Mahan Maari Girayau
Meaning:You immediately sent your six-faced son (Kartikeya). In the blink of an eye, he slew and felled the demon.
Aap Jalandhar Asur Samhara Suyash Tumhar Vidit Sansara
Meaning:You yourself destroyed the demon Jalandhar. Your glory is known throughout the world.
Tripurasur San Yuddh Machai Sabhi Kripa Kari Leen Bachai
Meaning:You waged war against the demon Tripurasur. With your grace, you saved everyone.
Kiya Tapahi Bhagirath Bhari Purab Pratigya Tasu Purari
Meaning:Bhagirath performed great penance. You fulfilled his ancient vow, O Lord.
Danin Mahan Tum Sam Kou Nahin Sevak Stuti Karat Sadahin
Meaning:Among the generous, none equals you. Your devotees always sing your praises.
Ved Naam Mahima Tav Gayin Akath Anadi Bhed Nahin Payin
Meaning:The Vedas sing the glory of your name. Indescribable, beginningless — they cannot fathom your mystery.
Pragat Udadhi Manthan Mein Jwala Jarat Surasur Bhaye Bihala
Meaning:During the churning of the ocean, terrible poison emerged. Both gods and demons were distraught as it burned.
Keenh Daya Tahan Kari Sahai Neelkanth Tab Naam Kahai
Meaning:You showed mercy and came to their aid. Then you were called Neelkanth (the blue-throated one).
Poojan Ramchandra Jab Keenha Jeet Ke Lanka Vibheeshan Deenha
Meaning:When Lord Ramchandra performed your worship, he conquered Lanka and gave it to Vibhishana.
Sahas Kamal Mein Ho Rahe Dhari Keenh Pariksha Tabahi Purari
Meaning:Ram was offering a thousand lotuses to you. Then you, O Lord, tested his devotion.
Ek Kamal Prabhu Rakheu Joi Kamal Nayan Poojan Chaha Soi
Meaning:You hid one lotus. Ram offered his own lotus-like eye in its place.
Kathin Bhakti Dekhi Prabhu Shankar Bhaye Prasanna Diye Ichchhit Var
Meaning:Seeing such intense devotion, Lord Shankar was pleased and granted him the desired boon.
Jai Jai Jai Anant Avinashi Karat Kripa Sabke Ghatvasi
Meaning:Victory, victory, victory to the infinite and imperishable! You dwell in all hearts and shower grace upon everyone.
Dusht Sakal Mohi Nit Satavain Bhramat Rahau Mohi Chain Na Aavai
Meaning:Wicked people torment me constantly. I wander restlessly with no peace.
Trahi Trahi Main Naath Pukaro Yahi Avasar Mohi Aan Ubaro
Meaning:I cry out — save me, save me, O Lord! At this moment, come and rescue me.
Lai Trishul Shatrun Ko Maro Sankat Se Mohi Aan Ubaro
Meaning:Take up your trident and destroy my enemies. Rescue me from this crisis.
Maat Pita Bhrata Sab Koi Sankat Mein Poochhat Nahin Koi
Meaning:Mother, father, brothers — everyone — in times of trouble, no one asks about me.
Swami Ek Hai Aas Tumhari Aay Harahu Ab Sankat Bhari
Meaning:O Lord, my only hope is in you. Come now and remove this great difficulty.
Dham Tumharo Kailash Hai Bhari Sab Jag Janat Sundar Nyari
Meaning:Your abode is the mighty Kailash. The whole world knows its incomparable beauty.
Nandi Bhringi Sada Sohari Karat Bhajan Brahm Sukumari
Meaning:Nandi and Bhringi are always delighted there. Brahma and other gods perform worship.
Kanchan Kundal Karnan Shobhe Devta Darshan Ko Ati Lobhe
Meaning:Golden earrings adorn your ears beautifully. The gods are eager to behold you.
Prasanna Chit Hoi Shambhu Shoola Bant De Sabko Amar Phala
Meaning:When Lord Shambhu is pleased in his heart, he distributes the immortal fruit to all.
Nagpash Lapet Sharira Aise Shobhit Tripurari Veera
Meaning:Serpents are wrapped around your body. Thus adorned, O brave Tripurari, you shine.
Karat Sada Shatrun Kshayakari Devtaon Ke Sada Sukhkari
Meaning:You always destroy enemies. You always bring happiness to the gods.
Shiv Chalisa Jo Koi Gaave Sab Sukh Sampatti Ghar Aave
Meaning:Whoever sings this Shiv Chalisa, all happiness and prosperity comes to their home.
Kashi Mein Virajat Shambhu Shankar Aarti Hot Sada Jai Kar
Meaning:In Kashi, Lord Shambhu Shankar resides. His aarti is performed with triumphant celebration always.
Vishwanath Darbar Hai Bhari Jahan Basat Teeno Tripurari
Meaning:The court of Vishwanath is magnificent. There the Lord of the three worlds dwells.
Dashrath Ek Achambho Dekha Shambhu Vivah Manohar Pekha
Meaning:Dashrath witnessed a wondrous sight — the beautiful and enchanting wedding of Lord Shambhu.
Sundardas Gyan Nahin Payo Shiv Chalisa Alp Banayo
Meaning:Sundardas says he has not attained full knowledge, and has composed this humble Shiv Chalisa.
Jo Yah Padhe Maheshwar Pooja Uski Kathin Kabhi Nahin Dooja
Meaning:Whoever reads this worship of Maheshwar, no difficulty can ever touch them.
|| Doha || Mantra Tantra Vigyan Ke Jo Kuchh Hove Saar Shiv Shiv Shiv Satya Hai Shiv Ka Naam Apaar
Meaning:Closing Doha: Of all mantras, tantras and sciences — whatever essence exists — Shiva, Shiva, Shiva is the truth. The name of Shiva is infinite.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting शिव चालीसा
Invokes Lord Shiva's complete grace and protection
Especially powerful on Mondays, Maha Shivaratri and Shravan month
Grants peace of mind, removes anger and negative emotions
Destroys enemies and obstacles as described in the verses
Brings harmony in marriage (Shiva-Parvati being the ideal couple)
Regular Monday recitation transforms one's spiritual life
How to Chant शिव चालीसा
Sit before a Shiva Lingam or image. Light a diya with ghee. Offer bilva leaves and water. Chant 11 times on Mondays for regular practice. During Shravan month (July-August), daily recitation is especially powerful. The Shiv Chalisa can be followed by chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya' 108 times for deeper devotion.
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Read the full शिव चालीसा with verse-by-verse meaning, or explore more sacred texts