शिव चालीसा — Word-by-Word Meaning

Opening Doha: Victory to Ganesh, son of Girija (Parvati), the wise root of all auspiciousness. Ayodhyadas says — grant us the boon of fearlessness. Victory to the Lord of Parvati, compassionate to the humble. You always protect the saints. The crescent moon adorns your forehead beautifully. Your earrings are serpent hoods. Your body is fair, the Ganga flows from your head. You wear a garland of skulls and smear ash on your body. You are adorned in tiger skin. Seeing your beauty, even serpents and sages are enchanted. Parvati, the beloved daughter of Maina, sits at your left side in unique splendor. The trident in your hand looks magnificent. You constantly destroy all enemies. Nandi and Ganesh sit beside you, like lotuses in the middle of an ocean. Kartikeya, the dark one, and lord Ganesha — no one can describe this divine vision. Whenever the gods come crying to you, you immediately remove their sorrows. When the demon Tarak caused great havoc, all the gods together came to pray to you. You immediately sent your six-faced son (Kartikeya). In the blink of an eye, he slew and felled the demon. You yourself destroyed the demon Jalandhar. Your glory is known throughout the world. You waged war against the demon Tripurasur. With your grace, you saved everyone. Bhagirath performed great penance. You fulfilled his ancient vow, O Lord. Among the generous, none equals you. Your devotees always sing your praises. The Vedas sing the glory of your name. Indescribable, beginningless — they cannot fathom your mystery. During the churning of the ocean, terrible poison emerged. Both gods and demons were distraught as it burned. You showed mercy and came to their aid. Then you were called Neelkanth (the blue-throated one). When Lord Ramchandra performed your worship, he conquered Lanka and gave it to Vibhishana. Ram was offering a thousand lotuses to you. Then you, O Lord, tested his devotion. You hid one lotus. Ram offered his own lotus-like eye in its place. Seeing such intense devotion, Lord Shankar was pleased and granted him the desired boon. Victory, victory, victory to the infinite and imperishable! You dwell in all hearts and shower grace upon everyone. Wicked people torment me constantly. I wander restlessly with no peace. I cry out — save me, save me, O Lord! At this moment, come and rescue me. Take up your trident and destroy my enemies. Rescue me from this crisis. Mother, father, brothers — everyone — in times of trouble, no one asks about me. O Lord, my only hope is in you. Come now and remove this great difficulty. Your abode is the mighty Kailash. The whole world knows its incomparable beauty. Nandi and Bhringi are always delighted there. Brahma and other gods perform worship. Golden earrings adorn your ears beautifully. The gods are eager to behold you. When Lord Shambhu is pleased in his heart, he distributes the immortal fruit to all. Serpents are wrapped around your body. Thus adorned, O brave Tripurari, you shine. You always destroy enemies. You always bring happiness to the gods. Whoever sings this Shiv Chalisa, all happiness and prosperity comes to their home. In Kashi, Lord Shambhu Shankar resides. His aarti is performed with triumphant celebration always. The court of Vishwanath is magnificent. There the Lord of the three worlds dwells. Dashrath witnessed a wondrous sight — the beautiful and enchanting wedding of Lord Shambhu. Sundardas says he has not attained full knowledge, and has composed this humble Shiv Chalisa. Whoever reads this worship of Maheshwar, no difficulty can ever touch them. Closing Doha: Of all mantras, tantras and sciences — whatever essence exists — Shiva, Shiva, Shiva is the truth. The name of Shiva is infinite.