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🔱 Shiv Chalisa

Complete Shiv Chalisa in Hindi with Roman transliteration and English meaning - all 40 chaupais and 2 dohas. A devotional prayer to Lord Shiva (Mahadev).

Deity
Lord Shiva (Mahadev / Bholenath / Shankar)
Language
Hindi (Braj Bhasha)
Verses
2 Dohas + 40 Chaupais + 1 Closing Doha
Recitation time
~5–7 minutes (one reading)
Best days
Monday, Pradosha, Maha Shivratri, Shravana month
Best time
Early morning (Brahma Muhurta) or during Shivratri
🔱
Har Har Mahadev!
Om Namah Shivaya
॥ दोहा ॥ (Opening Couplets)
Doha 1
தமிழ்
ஜய் கணேஷ் கிரிஜா சுவன், மஂகல் மூல் சுஜான்।
கஹத் அயோத்யாதாஸ் தும், தேஹு அபய் வரதான்॥
HINDI
जय गणेश गिरिजा सुवन, मंगल मूल सुजान।
कहत अयोध्यादास तुम, देहु अभय वरदान॥
TRANSLITERATION
Jai Ganesh Girija Suvan, Mangal Mool Sujan.
Kahat Ayodhyadaas Tum, Dehu Abhay Vardan.
MEANING
Victory to Ganesh, the wise son of Girija (Parvati), the root of all auspiciousness. Ayodhyadaas (the poet) prays: O Lord, grant us the boon of fearlessness.
Doha 2
தமிழ்
ஜய் கிரிஜாபதி தீனதயாலா।
சதா கரத் சஂதன் பிரதிபாலா॥
HINDI
जय गिरिजापति दीनदयाला।
सदा करत संतन प्रतिपाला॥
TRANSLITERATION
Jai Girijapati Din Dayala.
Sada Karat Santan Pratipala.
MEANING
Victory to the Lord of Girija (Parvati), the compassionate one who is merciful to the humble. You always protect and nurture the saints and devotees.
॥ चौपाई ॥ (40 Verses)
Chaupai 1
தமிழ்
பால் சஂத்ரமா சோஹத் நீகே।
கானன் குண்டல் நாகபனீ கே॥
HINDI
भाल चंद्रमा सोहत नीके।
कानन कुण्डल नागफनी के॥
TRANSLITERATION
Bhal Chandrama Sohat Nike.
Kanan Kundal Nagphani Ke.
MEANING
The crescent moon adorns your forehead beautifully. Your earrings are made of the hoods of serpents.
Chaupai 2
தமிழ்
அஂக் கௌர் ஷிர் கஂக் பஹாவே।
முண்டமால் தன் சார் லகாவே॥
HINDI
अंग गौर शिर गंग बहाए।
मुण्डमाल तन छार लगाए॥
TRANSLITERATION
Ang Gaur Shir Gang Bahawe.
Mundmal Tan Chhaar Lagae.
MEANING
Your body is fair (gaur) and the Ganga flows from your head. You wear a garland of skulls and your body is smeared with sacred ash (vibhuti).
Chaupai 3
தமிழ்
வஸ்த்ர கால் பாகாம்பர் சோஹே।
சவி கோ தேக் நாக் மன் மோஹே॥
HINDI
वस्त्र खाल बाघम्बर सोहे।
छवि को देख नाग मन मोहे॥
TRANSLITERATION
Vastra Khal Baghambara Sohe.
Chhavi Ko Dekh Naag Man Mohe.
MEANING
A tiger skin serves as your garment and it adorns you magnificently. Even the serpents are enchanted when they behold your divine form.
Chaupai 4
தமிழ்
மைனா மாது கீ ஹவே துலாரீ।
பாம் அஂக் சோஹத் சவி ந்யாரீ॥
HINDI
मैना मातु की हवे दुलारी।
बाम अंग सोहत छवि न्यारी॥
TRANSLITERATION
Maina Matu Ki Hawe Dulari.
Bam Ang Sohat Chhavi Nyari.
MEANING
The beloved daughter of Maina (Parvati) rests upon your left side, creating a uniquely beautiful and divine appearance.
Chaupai 5
தமிழ்
கர் திரிஷூல் சோஹத் சவி பாரீ।
கரத் சதா ஷத்ருன் சயகாரீ॥
HINDI
कर त्रिशूल सोहत छवि भारी।
करत सदा शत्रुन छयकारी॥
TRANSLITERATION
Kar Trishul Sohat Chhavi Bhari.
Karat Sada Shatrun Chhayakari.
MEANING
The trident in your hand shines magnificently. It always destroys and overcomes all enemies and evil forces.
Chaupai 6
தமிழ்
நஂதி கணேஷ் சோஹத் தஹஂ கைசே।
சாகர் மத்ய கமல் ஹைஂ ஜைசே॥
HINDI
नंदि गणेश सोहत तहँ कैसे।
सागर मध्य कमल हैं जैसे॥
TRANSLITERATION
Nandi Ganesh Sohat Tahan Kaise.
Sagar Madhya Kamal Hain Jaise.
MEANING
Nandi and Ganesha stand by your side - they shine like lotus flowers blooming in the middle of the great ocean.
Chaupai 7
தமிழ்
கார்திக் ஷ்யாம் ஔர் கண்ராவு।
யா சவி கோ கஹி ஜாத் ந காவு॥
HINDI
कार्तिक श्याम और गणराऊ।
या छवि को कहि जात न काऊ॥
TRANSLITERATION
Kartik Shyam Aur Ganrau.
Ya Chhavi Ko Kahi Jat Na Kau.
MEANING
Kartikeya (of dark complexion) and Ganesha (lord of the ganas) are beside you. The glory of this divine family portrait cannot be described by anyone.
Chaupai 8
தமிழ்
தேவன் ஜபஹீஂ ஜாய் புகாரா।
தபஹீஂ துக்க் பிரபு ஆப் நிவாரா॥
HINDI
देवन जबहीं जाय पुकारा।
तबहीं दुख प्रभु आप निवारा॥
TRANSLITERATION
Devan Jabahi Jay Pukara.
Tabahi Dukh Prabhu Aap Niwara.
MEANING
Whenever the gods cried out to you in their distress, O Lord, you immediately removed all their suffering and sorrow.
Chaupai 9
தமிழ்
கியா உபத்ரவ் தாரக் பாரீ।
தேவன் சப் மிலி துஹிஂ ஜுஹாரீ॥
HINDI
किया उपद्रव तारक भारी।
देवन सब मिलि तुम्हिं जुहारी॥
TRANSLITERATION
Kiya Upadrav Tarak Bhari.
Devan Sab Mili Tumhin Juhari.
MEANING
The demon Taraka caused immense trouble and devastation. All the gods came together and bowed before you, seeking your aid.
Chaupai 10
தமிழ்
துரத் ஷடானன் ஆப் படாயோ।
லவ் நிமேஷ் மஹஂ மாரி கிராயோ॥
HINDI
तुरत षडानन आप पठायो।
लव निमेष महँ मारि गिरायो॥
TRANSLITERATION
Turat Shadanan Aap Pathayo.
Lav Nimesh Mahan Mari Girayo.
MEANING
You immediately sent forth Shadanana (Kartikeya, of six faces). In the blink of an eye, the demon was slain and brought down.
Chaupai 11
தமிழ்
ஆப் ஜலஂதர் அசுர் சஂஹாரா।
சுயஷ் துஹார் விதித் சஂசாரா॥
HINDI
आप जलंधर असुर संहारा।
सुयश तुम्हार विदित संसारा॥
TRANSLITERATION
Aap Jalandhar Asur Sanhara.
Suyash Tumhar Bidit Sansara.
MEANING
You yourself slew the demon Jalandhara. Your magnificent glory and fame are well known throughout the entire universe.
Chaupai 12
தமிழ்
திரிபுராசுர் சன் யுத்த் மசாஈ।
சபஹிஂ க்ருபா கர் லீன் பசாஈ॥
HINDI
त्रिपुरासुर सन युद्ध मचाई।
सबहिं कृपा कर लीन बचाई॥
TRANSLITERATION
Tripurasur San Yuddha Machai.
Sabahi Kripa Kar Lin Bachai.
MEANING
You waged war against the demon Tripurasura (Tripurari). Through your grace, you protected and saved everyone.
Chaupai 13
தமிழ்
கியா தபஹிஂ பாகீரத் பாரீ।
புரப் பிரதிஜ்ஞா தாசு புராரீ॥
HINDI
किया तपहिं भागीरथ भारी।
पुरब प्रतिज्ञा तासु पुरारी॥
TRANSLITERATION
Kiya Tapahi Bhageerath Bhari.
Purab Pratigya Tasu Purari.
MEANING
Bhagiratha performed immense austerities. O Purari (destroyer of the demon Pura), you fulfilled his ancient vow and promise.
Chaupai 14
தமிழ்
தானின் மஹஂ தும் சம் கோவு நாஹீஂ।
சேவக் ஸ்துதி கரத் சதாஹீஂ॥
HINDI
दानिन महँ तुम सम कोउ नाहीं।
सेवक स्तुति करत सदाहीं॥
TRANSLITERATION
Danian Mahan Tum Sam Kou Nahin.
Sewak Stuti Karat Sadahin.
MEANING
Among all givers and benefactors in creation, there is none equal to you. Your devoted servants praise and sing your glories always.
Chaupai 15
தமிழ்
வேத் நாம் மஹிமா தவ் காஈ।
அகத் அனாதி பேத் நஹிஂ பாஈ॥
HINDI
वेद नाम महिमा तव गाई।
अकथ अनादि भेद नहिं पाई॥
TRANSLITERATION
Ved Nam Mahima Tav Gai.
Akath Anadi Bhed Nahin Pai.
MEANING
The Vedas themselves sing the glories of your name and divine nature. Yet your infinite, beginningless mystery remains beyond description and beyond full comprehension.
Chaupai 16
தமிழ்
பிரகடீ உததி மஂதன் மேஂ ஜ்வாலா।
ஜரத் சுராசுர் பயே விஹாலா॥
HINDI
प्रकटी उदधि मंथन में ज्वाला।
जरत सुरासुर भए बिहाला॥
TRANSLITERATION
Prakati Udadhi Manthan Mein Jwala.
Jarat Surasur Bhaye Bihala.
MEANING
When the great churning of the ocean began, a terrifying poison (halahala) emerged as flames. Both the gods and demons were overwhelmed and distraught.
Chaupai 17
தமிழ்
கீன்ஹீஂ தயானி தப் ஆப் சஹாரா।
நீலகஂட் தப் நாம் துஹாரா॥
HINDI
कीन्हीं दयानि तब आप सहारा।
नीलकंठ तब नाम तुम्हारा॥
TRANSLITERATION
Kinhi Dayani Tab Aap Sahara.
Nilkanth Tab Naam Tumhara.
MEANING
In your compassion, you alone came forward and consumed that deadly poison. From that act, your name became Nilakantha - the Blue-Throated One.
Chaupai 18
தமிழ்
பூஜன் ராம்சஂத்ர ஜப் கீன்ஹா।
ஜீத் கே லஂக் விபீஷண் தீன்ஹா॥
HINDI
पूजन रामचंद्र जब कीन्हा।
जीत के लंक विभीषण दीन्हा॥
TRANSLITERATION
Pujan Ramchandra Jab Kinha.
Jit Ke Lanka Vibhishan Tinha.
MEANING
When Shri Ramachandra worshipped you before the great battle, you blessed him. He conquered Lanka and gave the kingdom to Vibhishana.
Chaupai 19
தமிழ்
சஹஸ் கமல் மேஂ ஹோ ரஹே தாரீ।
கீன்ஹ் பரீக்ஷா தப் திரிபுராரீ॥
HINDI
सहस कमल में हो रहे धारी।
कीन्ह परीक्षा तब त्रिपुरारी॥
TRANSLITERATION
Sahas Kamal Mein Ho Rahe Dhari.
Kinha Pariksha Tab Tripurari.
MEANING
Ram was offering a thousand lotus flowers to you. O Tripurari, you then tested him (by hiding one lotus, which Ram replaced with his own eye).
Chaupai 20
தமிழ்
ஏக் கமல் பிரபு ராகேவு ஜோஈ।
கமல் நயன் பூஜன் சஹஂ சோஈ॥
HINDI
एक कमल प्रभु राखेउ जोई।
कमल नयन पूजन चहं सोई॥
TRANSLITERATION
Ek Kamal Prabhu Rakheu Joi.
Kamal Nayan Pujan Chahan Soi.
MEANING
Shri Ram kept back one lotus flower (as required). That lotus-eyed devotee (Ram) wished to offer that flower in your worship.
Chaupai 21
தமிழ்
கடின் பக்தி தேகீ பிரபு ஷஂகர்।
பயே பிரசன்ன் திஏ இச்சித் வர்॥
HINDI
कठिन भक्ति देखी प्रभु शंकर।
भए प्रसन्न दिए इच्छित वर॥
TRANSLITERATION
Kathin Bhakti Dekhi Prabhu Shankar.
Bhaye Prasann Diye Ichchhit Var.
MEANING
Seeing Shri Ram's intense and unwavering devotion, Lord Shankar was moved and pleased. He bestowed upon him the desired boon for victory.
Chaupai 22
தமிழ்
ஜய் ஜய் ஜய் அனஂத் அவினாஷீ।
கரத் க்ருபா சப்கே கட் வாசீ॥
HINDI
जय जय जय अनंत अविनाशी।
करत कृपा सभ के घट वासी॥
TRANSLITERATION
Jai Jai Jai Anant Avinashi.
Karat Kripa Sabh Ke Ghat Vasi.
MEANING
Victory, victory, victory to the Infinite, the Indestructible! You dwell within the hearts of all beings and shower your grace upon them.
Chaupai 23
தமிழ்
துஷ்ட் சகல் நித் மோஹிஂ சதாவைஂ।
பிரமத் ரஹௌஂ மோஹி சைன் ந ஆவைஂ॥
HINDI
दुष्ट सकल नित मोहिं सतावैं।
भ्रमत रहौं मोहि चैन न आवैं॥
TRANSLITERATION
Dusht Sakal Nit Mohi Sataawen.
Bhramat Rahon Mohi Chain Na Aawen.
MEANING
Evil persons torment me constantly. I wander in confusion and find no peace or rest.
Chaupai 24
தமிழ்
திராஹி-திராஹி மைஂ நாத் புகாரோஂ।
யஹ் அவசர் மோஹி ஆன் உபாரோ॥
HINDI
त्राहि-त्राहि मैं नाथ पुकारों।
यह अवसर मोहि आन उबारो॥
TRANSLITERATION
Trahi-Trahi Main Nath Pukaro.
Yah Avsar Mohi Aan Ubaro.
MEANING
Protect me! Protect me! I cry out to you, O Lord. At this very moment, please come and rescue me from my distress.
Chaupai 25
தமிழ்
லாய் சப்த் கோடி சஂத் ஹராவைஂ।
க்ருபா கர் ஹரோ தீன் கே துகாவைஂ॥
HINDI
लाय सप्त कोटि संत हरावैं।
कृपा कर हरो दीन के दुःखावैं॥
TRANSLITERATION
Lay Sapt Koti Sant Harawen.
Kripa Kar Haro Din Ke Dukhaawen.
MEANING
Seventy million saints take refuge in your name. With your grace, please remove the sorrows of the humble and downtrodden.
Chaupai 26
தமிழ்
மாது-பிதா ஜூடே ஜக் மாஹீஂ।
தும் சம் ஹித் ஹமரோ கோவு நாஹீஂ॥
HINDI
मातु-पिता झूठे जग माहीं।
तुम सम हित हमरो कोउ नाहीं॥
TRANSLITERATION
Matu-Pita Jhoothe Jag Mahin.
Tum Sam Hit Hamaro Kou Nahin.
MEANING
All worldly relationships - mother, father - ultimately prove transient. There is no one in the universe who cares for us as truly and completely as you do.
Chaupai 27
தமிழ்
ஸ்வர்க் நிவாஸ் கரஹு தும் தாரா।
சதா ரஹோ பிரபு பக்த் கே த்வாரா॥
HINDI
स्वर्ग निवास करहु तुम तारा।
सदा रहो प्रभु भक्त के द्वारा॥
TRANSLITERATION
Swarg Nivas Karhu Tum Tara.
Sada Raho Prabhu Bhakt Ke Dwara.
MEANING
Grant us residence in your divine abode (Kailash / Swarga). O Lord, always remain at the doorway and in the life of your devotees.
Chaupai 28
தமிழ்
சுர்-நர்-முனி-ஜன் ஆரத் காஈ।
கரஹு க்ருபா பிரபு தீனதயாஈ॥
HINDI
सुर-नर-मुनि-जन आरत गाई।
करहु कृपा प्रभु दीनदयाई॥
TRANSLITERATION
Sur-Nar-Muni-Jan Aarat Gai.
Karahu Kripa Prabhu Din Dayai.
MEANING
Gods, humans and sages all sing your aarti (praise) in devotion. O Lord, compassionate to the humble, please shower your grace upon us.
Chaupai 29
தமிழ்
ஷ்ராவண் மாஸ் மேஂ ஜோ கோஈ காவே।
தே நர் முக்தி அவஷ்ய ஹீ பாவே॥
HINDI
श्रावण मास में जो कोई गावे।
ते नर मुक्ति अवश्य ही पावे॥
TRANSLITERATION
Shravan Maas Mein Jo Koi Gawe.
Te Nar Mukti Awashya Hi Pawe.
MEANING
Those who recite this Chalisa during the sacred month of Shravana (Sawan) - those persons shall certainly attain liberation (Mukti).
Chaupai 30
தமிழ்
ஷிவராத்திரீ மேஂ ஜோ ஜாக்ரண் கரஈ।
தே நர் நரக் யோனி சே தரஈ॥
HINDI
शिवरात्रि में जो जागरण करई।
ते नर नरक जोनि से तरई॥
TRANSLITERATION
Shivaratri Mein Jo Jagran Karai.
Te Nar Narak Yoni Se Tarai.
MEANING
Those who keep vigil and perform jagran on Maha Shivratri - those persons are freed from the lower realms and cross beyond the cycle of suffering.
Chaupai 31
தமிழ்
சகல் கார்ய சித்த் ஹோத் தாசே।
மனோகாம்னா பூர்ண் ஹோத் காசே॥
HINDI
सकल कार्य सिध्द होत तासे।
मनोकामना पूर्ण होत खासे॥
TRANSLITERATION
Sakal Karya Siddh Hot Tase.
Manokamna Puran Hot Khase.
MEANING
All their tasks and endeavours are accomplished successfully. All heartfelt wishes and desires are completely fulfilled.
Chaupai 32
தமிழ்
ரஂக் தேவதாஓஂ மேஂ ஜோ காவே।
சோ நர் நாத் கோ பிரிய ஹோத் ஆவே॥
HINDI
रंग देवताओं में जो गावे।
सो नर नाथ को प्रिय होत आवे॥
TRANSLITERATION
Rang Devtaon Mein Jo Gawe.
So Nar Nath Ko Priya Hot Awe.
MEANING
Those who sing this in the assembly of the divine - such a person becomes dear and beloved to the Lord.
Chaupai 33
தமிழ்
பாட் படத் ஷிவ் சாலீசா।
ஹோய் சித்தி சாகீ கௌரீசா॥
HINDI
पाठ पढ़त शिव चालीसा।
होय सिद्धि साखी गौरीसा॥
TRANSLITERATION
Path Padhat Shiv Chalisa.
Hoy Siddhi Sakhi Gaurisa.
MEANING
Whoever recites this Shiv Chalisa - with Gauri's witness, they shall attain Siddhi (spiritual powers and perfection).
Chaupai 34
தமிழ்
ஷிவ் ஷஂகர் கோ ஜோ த்யான் லகாவே।
தே நர் மஂஜிலி பர் பஹுஂச் பாவே॥
HINDI
शिव शंकर को जो ध्यान लगावे।
ते नर मंजिल पर पहुँच पावे॥
TRANSLITERATION
Shiv Shankar Ko Jo Dhyan Lagawe.
Te Nar Manjil Par Pahunch Pawe.
MEANING
Those who meditate upon Shiva Shankar with sincere devotion - they reach their ultimate destination and fulfil their highest purpose.
Chaupai 35
தமிழ்
பூமி போக் க்ரஹ் ஔர் ராஷி மேஂ।
ரக்ஷா கரஹு நாத் ஹர் மாசி மேஂ॥
HINDI
भूमि भोग ग्रह और राशि में।
रक्षा करहु नाथ हर मासि में॥
TRANSLITERATION
Bhumi Bhog Grah Aur Rashi Mein.
Raksha Karhu Nath Har Masi Mein.
MEANING
In matters of land, sustenance, planetary positions and astrological signs - O Lord, protect us in every month throughout the year.
Chaupai 36
தமிழ்
புத்ர தன் சம்பத்தி ஜோ சாஹே।
ஷிவ் சாலீசா நித் நித் படே ஆஹே॥
HINDI
पुत्र धन सम्पत्ति जो चाहे।
शिव चालीसा नित नित पढ़े आहे॥
TRANSLITERATION
Putra Dhan Sampatti Jo Chahe.
Shiv Chalisa Nit Nit Padhe Ahe.
MEANING
Those who desire children, wealth and prosperity - they should recite the Shiv Chalisa daily, again and again, with sincere devotion.
Chaupai 37
தமிழ்
சத்ரஹ் சௌ திஹத்தர் மிலா ஜோஈ।
ஷிவ் சாலீசா லிகே சோ கோஈ॥
HINDI
सत्रह सौ तिहत्तर मिला जोई।
शिव चालीसा लिखे सो कोई॥
TRANSLITERATION
Satrah Sau Tihatar Mila Joi.
Shiv Chalisa Likhe So Koi.
MEANING
In 1773 Vikram Samvat (1716 CE), someone composed and wrote this Shiv Chalisa - and its divine blessings have flowed ever since.
Chaupai 38
தமிழ்
ஜோ யஹ் படே ஷிவ் சாலீசா।
ஹோய் சித்த் சாகீ கௌரீசா॥
HINDI
जो यह पढ़े हनुमान चालीसा।
होय सिद्ध साखी गौरीसा॥
TRANSLITERATION
Jo Yah Padhe Shiv Chalisa.
Hoy Siddh Sakhi Gaurisa.
MEANING
Whoever reads this Shiv Chalisa - Gauri herself stands as witness that they shall attain perfection (Siddhi) and all blessings.
Chaupai 39
தமிழ்
அயோத்யாதாஸ் ஆஸ் துஹாரீ।
ஜானி சகல் துக்க் ஹரோ ஹமாரீ॥
HINDI
अयोध्यादास आस तुम्हारी।
जानि सकल दुःख हरो हमारी॥
TRANSLITERATION
Ayodhyadaas Aas Tumhari.
Jani Sakal Dukh Haro Hamari.
MEANING
Ayodhyadaas (the poet-devotee) places all his hope in you alone. Knowing this, O Lord, please remove all our sorrows and suffering.
Chaupai 40
தமிழ்
பாட் ஷிவ்சாலீசா ஜோ காவே।
சித்தி சஹஜ் ஹீஂ ஷிவ் கர் பாவே॥
HINDI
पाठ शिवचालीसा जो गावे।
सिद्धि सहज हीं शिव घर पावे॥
TRANSLITERATION
Path Shiv Chalisa Jo Gawe.
Siddhi Sahaj Hi Shiv Ghar Pawe.
MEANING
Those who sing and recite the Shiv Chalisa - they attain Siddhi effortlessly and find their home in Shiva's divine abode.
॥ दोहा ॥ (Closing Couplet)
Closing Doha
தமிழ்
நித்த் நேம் கர் பிராத: ஹீ, பாட் கரௌஂ சாலீசா।
தும் மேரீ மனோகாம்னா, பூர்ண் கரோ ஜகதீஷா॥
HINDI
नित्त नेम कर प्रातः ही, पाठ करौं चालीसा।
तुम मेरी मनोकामना, पूर्ण करो जगदीशा॥
TRANSLITERATION
Nitt Nem Kar Praat Hi, Path Karun Chalisa.
Tum Meri Manokamna, Puran Karo Jagdisha.
MEANING
Every day, following the daily rule, I recite this Chalisa in the early morning. O Jagdisha (Lord of the universe), please fulfil all my heartfelt desires and wishes.
Benefits of Reciting Shiv Chalisa
🔱
Liberation (Mukti)
Reciting during Shravana month ensures liberation. Keeping vigil on Shivratri frees from the lower realms (Chaupai 29–30).
✨
Siddhi & Powers
With Gauri as divine witness, the reciter attains Siddhi - spiritual accomplishment and supernatural powers (Chaupai 33).
💰
Wealth & Prosperity
Those seeking children, wealth and prosperity should recite Shiv Chalisa daily and their desires are fulfilled (Chaupai 36).
🛡️
Protection from Enemies
The trident of Shiva always destroys enemies. Devotees are protected from all hostile forces and evil influences (Chaupai 5).
🌊
Ganga's Purification
Just as Shiva held the Ganga in his matted locks to purify the earth, his worship purifies the devotee's mind and soul.
🙏
All Desires Fulfilled
All tasks are accomplished and all heartfelt wishes and desires are completely fulfilled for sincere devotees (Chaupai 31).
How to Recite Shiv Chalisa
  1. Take a bath before reciting, especially on Monday mornings or during Shravana month.
  2. Sit facing north or east. Light a diya with ghee or sesame oil. Offer bilva (bel) leaves to a Shivalinga if available.
  3. Begin with "Om Namah Shivaya" five times to invoke Lord Shiva's presence.
  4. Recite the 2 opening Dohas, then all 40 Chaupais, then the closing Doha with full concentration.
  5. During Shravana, recite daily for all 30 days. On Maha Shivratri, recite continuously during the four prahars (night watches).
  6. Conclude by offering water (Jalabhishek) to a Shivalinga and chanting "Har Har Mahadev!"

Shiv Chalisa Full Text and Meaning

The Shiv Chalisa is a 40-verse (chalisa means "forty" in Hindi) devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva - the Adiyogi, the first yogi and one of the principal deities of Hinduism. The hymn opens with two dohas (couplets) seeking Shiva's grace, followed by forty chaupais (four-line stanzas) that praise his names, forms, divine weapons and the boons he has granted to devotees across mythology. The Chalisa tradition - most famously exemplified by the Hanuman Chalisa composed by Tulsidas in the 16th century - became a popular format for devotional poetry that could be memorised and recited by ordinary worshippers without formal Sanskrit training.

Lord Shiva in Indian Culture

Shiva worship, or Shaivism, is one of the largest Hindu denominations with hundreds of millions of followers. The 12 Jyotirlinga shrines - from Somnath in Gujarat to Kedarnath in Uttarakhand to Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu - are among India's most visited pilgrimage sites, collectively receiving crores of devotees annually. Mahashivratri, observed on the 14th night of the dark fortnight of Phalguna (February-March), is the most important festival dedicated to Shiva. During this night, devotees across India recite the Shiv Chalisa, perform abhishek with water and milk, and observe all-night vigil (jaagaran).

How to Use This Page

Each of the 42 verses (2 dohas + 40 chaupais) is presented in Devanagari Hindi, Roman transliteration and English meaning side by side. This format helps devotees who can read Roman script but not Devanagari to chant along accurately, and helps English-speaking generations understand what they are reciting. The text is print-optimised so you can save or print a clean version for personal use during daily puja or Mahashivratri ceremonies.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Shiv Chalisa is a 40-verse devotional hymn ('chalisa' means forty) in praise of Lord Shiva - the destroyer in the Hindu Trinity, also known as Mahadev, Bholenath, Shankar and Maheshwar. It describes his divine appearance (crescent moon, Ganga, trident, tiger skin, serpents, vibhuti), his victories over demons, his gracious swallowing of the halahala poison, and the story of Ram's worship of Shiva before the battle of Lanka.

Shiv Chalisa is most powerful on Mondays (Shiva's special day), throughout the Shravana (Sawan) month, on Maha Shivratri, on Pradosha days (13th lunar day, especially Monday Pradosha) and on Chaturdashi (14th lunar day). Reciting it 11 times on Monday, or continuously during the four prahars (night watches) of Maha Shivratri, is considered extremely auspicious and grants liberation.

Lord Shiva is the third deity of the Hindu Trinity (Trimurti), representing destruction and transformation. He is also known as: Mahadev (the Great God), Bholenath (the innocent/simple-hearted Lord), Shankar, Maheshwar, Rudra (the fierce), Nilakantha (the blue-throated one who swallowed the cosmic poison), Nataraja (the cosmic dancer), Ardhanarishvara (half-male, half-female with Parvati), and Pashupatinath (lord of all creatures). He dwells on Mount Kailash with his consort Parvati (Gauri).

Reciting during Shravana month grants Mukti (liberation) - Chaupai 29. Keeping vigil on Shivratri frees from lower realms - Chaupai 30. All tasks succeed and desires are fulfilled - Chaupai 31. Devotees attain Siddhi with Gauri as witness - Chaupai 33 & 38. Those seeking children, wealth and prosperity should recite it daily - Chaupai 36. Meditating on Shiva leads to one's ultimate destination - Chaupai 34.
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