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The Mahavir Chalisa is a revered hymn dedicated to Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara in Jainism. Known for his teachings of non-violence, truth, and simplicity, Lord Mahavir inspires millions of devotees to live a virtuous and meaningful life. This Chalisa consists of verses that extol his virtues, narrate his life events, and glorify his spiritual achievements. Chanting the Mahavir Chalisa is believed to bring inner peace, eliminate obstacles, and foster a deep connection with the principles of Jain philosophy.
Lord Mahavir, also known as Vardhaman, was born in Kundalpur, and his life epitomized compassion and renunciation. The Chalisa is often recited by devotees during festivals such as Mahavir Jayanti and other Jain religious occasions.
Chalisa Lyrics
॥ Doha ॥
Sheesh Nava Arihant Ko, Siddhan Karoon Pranaam,
Upadhyay Acharya Ka, Le Sukhkari Naam॥
Sarv Sadhu Aur Saraswati, Jin Mandir Sukhkar,
Mahavir Bhagwan Ko, Man-Mandir Mein Dhaar॥
॥ Chaupai ॥
Jai Mahavir Dayalu Swami, Veer Prabhu Tum Jag Mein Naami॥
Vardhaman Hai Naam Tumhara, Lage Hriday Ko Pyara-Pyara॥
Shanti Chhavi Aur Mohini Moorat, Shaan Hansili Sohni Surat॥
Tumne Vesh Digambar Dhaara, Karma-Shatru Bhi Tumse Haara॥
Krodh Maan Aru Lobh Bhagaya, Maha-Moh Tamse Dar Khaya॥
Tu Sarvagya Sarv Ka Gyata, Tujhko Duniya Se Kya Naata॥
Tujhme Nahi Raag Aur Dvesh, Veer Ran Raag Tu Hitopadesh॥
Tera Naam Jagat Mein Sacha, Jisko Jaane Baccha-Baccha॥
Bhoot Pret Tumse Bhay Khaven, Vyantar Rakshas Sab Bhag Javen॥
Maha Vyadh Maari Na Satave, Maha Vikral Kaal Dar Khave॥
Kaala Naag Hoy Fan-Dhaari, Ya Ho Sher Bhayankar Bhaari॥
Na Ho Koi Bachane Wala, Swami Tumhi Karo Pratipala॥
Agni Davaanal Sulag Rahi Ho, Tej Hawa Se Bhadak Rahi Ho॥
Naam Tumhara Sab Dukh Khove, Aag Ekdam Thandi Hove॥
Hinsaamay Tha Bharat Saara, Tab Tumne Keena Nistara॥
Janm Liya Kundalpur Nagari, Hui Sukhi Tab Praja Sagri॥
Siddharth Ji Pita Tumhare, Trishla Ke Aankhon Ke Taare॥
Chhod Sabhi Jhanchat Sansari, Swami Hue Bal-Brahmchari॥
Pancham Kaal Maha-Dukhdaai, Chaandnapur Mahima Dikhlai॥
Teele Mein Atishay Dikhlaaya, Ek Gaay Ka Doodh Giraaya॥
Soch Hua Mann Mein Gwale Ke, Pahuncha Ek Fawda Lekhe॥
Saara Teela Khod Bhagaya, Tab Tumne Darshan Dikhlaya॥
Jodharaj Ko Dukh Ne Ghera, Usne Naam Japa Jab Tera॥
Thanda Hua Top Ka Gola, Tab Sabne Jaykaara Bola॥
Mantri Ne Mandir Banvaya, Raja Ne Bhi Dravya Lagaya॥
Badi Dharmshala Banvaai, Tumko Laane Ko Thaharai॥
Tumne Todi Beeson Gaadi, Pahiya Khaska Nahin Agaadi॥
Gwale Ne Jo Haath Lagaya, Phir To Rath Chalta Hi Paaya॥
Pehle Din Vaishakh Wadi Ke, Rath Jaata Hai Teer Nadi Ke॥
Meena Gujjar Sab Hi Aate, Naach-Kood Sab Chit Umgate॥
Swami Tumne Prem Nibhaya, Gwale Ka Bahu Maan Badhaya॥
Haath Lage Gwale Ka Jab Hi, Swami Rath Chalta Hai Tab Hi॥
Meri Hai Tooti Si Naiyya, Tum Bin Koi Nahi Khivaiyya॥
Mujh Par Swami Zara Kripa Kar, Main Hoon Prabhu Tumhara Chaakar॥
Tumse Main Aru Kachu Nahi Chahoon, Janm-Janam Tere Darshan Paoon॥
Chalise Ko Chandra Banave, Veer Prabhu Ko Sheesh Navave॥
॥ Sorath ॥
Nit Chalisahi Baar, Paath Kare Chalis Din,
Khey Sugandh Apaar, Vardhaman Ke Samne॥
Hoy Kuber Samaan, Janm Daridri Hoy Jo,
Jiske Nahin Santaan, Naam Vansh Jag Mein Chale॥
Religious Significance:
The Mahavir Chalisa is recited by devotees to seek the blessings of Lord Mahavir and align themselves with his teachings of non-violence, simplicity, and truth. The Chalisa is believed to:
- Bring Peace and Prosperity: Regular recitation calms the mind, purifies the soul, and attracts positive energy.
- Eliminate Obstacles: It helps devotees overcome challenges and fears by drawing on Lord Mahavir’s strength and virtues.
- Spiritual Awakening: Chanting the Chalisa fosters mindfulness and spiritual growth by immersing the devotee in the values of Jain philosophy.
Special occasions such as Mahavir Jayanti, Paryushan Parva, and daily rituals in Jain households are ideal times to recite the Chalisa.
Historical and Cultural Context:
The Mahavir Chalisa is inspired by the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir, who was born in Kundalpur to King Siddharth and Queen Trishla. His life symbolizes renunciation and self-realization. The Chalisa celebrates various events of his life, such as his early renunciation, meditation, and ultimate attainment of Keval Gyan (omniscience).
Legends associated with Lord Mahavir’s miraculous acts, such as calming wild beasts and his profound impact on the masses, are poetically narrated in the Chalisa.
The Chalisa also reflects on cultural traditions such as community processions and temple rituals.
Key Themes and Messages:
Core Themes:
- Compassion: The importance of non-violence and kindness towards all living beings.
- Renunciation: Detachment from material desires as a path to enlightenment.
- Faith and Courage: The power of devotion and faith in overcoming obstacles.
Symbolism:
- Renunciation of Wealth and Power: Represents spiritual freedom.
- Miracles Described: Highlight the transformative power of faith.
- Chariot of Devotion: Symbolizes the journey of a devotee guided by Lord Mahavir’s virtues.
Recitation Guidelines:
Preparation:
- Choose a quiet and clean space, preferably near a Lord Mahavir idol or image.
- Light a diya or incense and offer fruits or flowers.
- Maintain a calm and focused mindset.
Frequency:
- Recite the Chalisa daily or during festivals such as Mahavir Jayanti and Paryushan.
- It is also ideal for special intentions like seeking blessings, overcoming hardships, or fostering peace in the family.
Intention:
- Begin by surrendering yourself to Lord Mahavir and setting a positive intention.
Structure of the Chalisa:
Format:
The Chalisa contains:
- Invocation (Doha): Salutations to Lord Mahavir and other revered figures.
- Main Verses (Chaupai): Narration of Lord Mahavir’s virtues, life events, and teachings.
- Conclusion (Sorath): Blessings and benefits for devotees reciting the Chalisa.
Festivals and Rituals:
The Mahavir Chalisa is integral to Jain festivals and rituals:
- Mahavir Jayanti: Recited to honor Lord Mahavir’s birth and teachings.
- Paryushan Parva: Chanted during the days of penance and reflection.
- Community Celebrations: Often sung in groups to enhance communal devotion and spiritual energy.
Conclusion:
The Mahavir Chalisa is not just a hymn but a spiritual guide that emphasizes compassion, truth, and detachment. By reciting it with devotion, devotees can find solace, strength, and enlightenment in their lives. It serves as a timeless reminder of Lord Mahavir’s teachings and continues to inspire individuals on the path of virtue and spiritual growth