Santoshi Mata Chalisa: Lyrics, Benefits, and Rituals

Santoshi Mata Chalisa is a revered devotional hymn dedicated to Goddess Santoshi, the divine embodiment of contentment and peace in Hinduism. Comprising 40 verses, the Chalisa extols the virtues, divine attributes, and grace of the Goddess. It serves as a spiritual tool for devotees seeking inner peace, fulfillment, and liberation from life’s troubles. This Chalisa is recited with devotion to invoke the blessings of Santoshi Mata for prosperity, happiness, and the removal of obstacles. It holds special significance for those observing the Santoshi Mata Vrat (fast), particularly on Fridays.

Santoshi Mata Chalisa Lyrics

Doha

Shri Ganpati Pad Nayi Sir, Dhari Hiy Sharada Dhyan,
Santoshi Maa Ki Karun, Kirti Sakal Bakhan.

Chaupai

Jai Santoshi Maa Jag Janani, Khal Mati Dusht Daitya Dal Hanani.
Ganpati Dev Tumhare Taata, Riddhi Siddhi Kahalavah Mata.

Mata Pita Ki Rahau Dulaari, Kirti Kehi Vidhi Kahoon Tumhari.
Krit Mukut Sir Anupam Bhaari, Kanan Kundal Ko Chhavi Nyaari.

Sohat Ang Chhata Chhavi Pyari, Sundar Cheer Sunahari Dhaari.
Aap Chaturbhuj Sugadh Vishal, Dharan Karahu Gaye Van Mala.

Nikat Hai Gau Amit Dulaari, Karahu Mayur Aap Aswari.
Janat Sabahi Aap Prabhutai, Sur Nar Muni Sab Karahi Badai.

Tumhare Darsh Karat Kshan Mai, Dukh Daridra Sab Jaay Nasai.
Ved Puran Rahe Yash Gaai, Karahu Bhakta Ki Aap Sahaai.

Brahma Sang Saraswati Kahai, Lakshmi Roop Vishnu Sang Aai.
Shiv Sang Girja Roop Viraji, Mahima Teenon Lok Mein Gaji.

Shakti Roop Pragati Jan Jani, Rudra Roop Bhai Maat Bhavani.
Dushtdalan Hit Pragati Kaali, Jagmag Jyoti Prachand Niraali.

Chand Mund Mahishasur Maare, Shumbh Nishumbh Asur Hani Daare.
Mahima Ved Puranan Barani, Nij Bhaktan Ke Sankat Harani.

Roop Sharada Hans Mohini, Nirankaar Sakar Daahini.
Pragatai Chahudish Nij Maaya, Kan Kan Mein Hai Tej Samaaya.

Prithvi Surya Chandra Aru Taare, Tav Ingita Kram Baddh Hain Saare.
Paalan Poshan Tumhin Karta, Kshan Bhangur Mein Pran Harta.

Brahma Vishnu Tumhein Nit Dhyaavai, Shesh Mahesh Sada Man Laave.
Manokamna Puran Karni, Paap Kaatni Bhav Bhay Tarni.

Chitt Lagay Tumhein Jo Dhyaata, So Nar Sukh Sampatti Hai Paata.
Bandhyaa Naari Tumhin Jo Dhyaavai, Putra Pushp Lata Sam Vah Paavai.

Pati Viyogi Ati Vyakul Naari, Tum Viyog Ati Vyakulyaari.
Kanya Jo Koi Tumko Dhyaavai, Apna Man Vanchhit Var Paavai.

Sheelvaan Gunvaan Ho Maiya, Apne Jan Ki Naav Khivaiya.
Vidhi Purvak Vrat Jo Koi Karahin, Taahi Amit Sukh Sampatti Bharahin.

Gur Aur Chana Bhog Tohi Bhaavai, Seva Karai So Aanand Paavai.
Shraddha Yukt Dhyaan Jo Dharahin, So Nar Nishchay Bhav Son Tarahin.

Udyapan Jo Karahi Tumhaar, Taako Sahaj Karahu Nistaara.
Naari Suhagan Vrat Jo Kartin, Sukh Sampatti Son Godi Bhartin.

Jo Sumirat Jaisi Man Bhaava, So Nar Vaiso Hi Phal Paava.
Saat Shukra Jo Vrat Man Dhaare, Taake Poorn Manorath Saare.

Seva Karahi Bhakti Yukt Joi, Taako Door Daridra Dukh Hoi.
Jo Jan Sharan Mata Teri Aavai, Taake Kshan Mein Kaaj Banaavai.

Jai Jai Jai Ambe Kalyani, Kripa Karau Mori Maharani.
Jo Koi Padhai Maat Chaleesa, Taapai Karahi Kripa Jagdeesha.

Nit Prati Paath Karai Ik Baar, So Nar Rahai Tumhara Pyaara.
Naam Let Baadha Sab Bhaage, Rog Dwesh Kabhoon Na Laage.

Doha

Santoshi Maa Ke Sada Bandahu Pag Nish Vaas,
Poorn Manorath Ho Sakal Maat Harau Bhav Traas.

Iti Santoshi Mata Chalisa.

Religious Significance

Spiritual Benefits

Reciting the Santoshi Mata Chalisa offers numerous spiritual and material benefits:

1. Contentment and Peace: Brings mental calmness and satisfaction in life.
2. Family Harmony: Promotes happiness and prosperity within the family.
3. Removal of Obstacles: Destroys negative energies and removes life’s challenges.
4. Fulfillment of Desires: Grants wishes and ensures success in endeavors.
5. Protection: Guards against illness, conflict, and misfortunes.

Special Occasions for Recitation

Fridays are considered especially auspicious for the worship of Santoshi Mata. Devotees observing the Santoshi Mata Vrat perform the Chalisa recitation for enhanced blessings. It is also deemed beneficial during new beginnings, marriages, and for seeking progeny.

Historical and Cultural Context

Santoshi Mata worship gained prominence in the mid-20th century, especially in rural India. The devotion towards her grew exponentially after the release of the Bollywood film “Jai Santoshi Maa” in 1975. The film popularized the rituals of Santoshi Mata Vrat and her Chalisa, inspiring millions to adopt her worship. Historically, she is considered a manifestation of divine contentment, teaching the importance of simplicity and faith.

Key Themes and Messages

Core Themes

1. Contentment: The primary message of Santoshi Mata is to cultivate inner peace and satisfaction.
2. Devotion: Faith and devotion are emphasized as tools for overcoming life’s challenges.
3. Humility and Gratitude: Teachings encourage a humble and grateful approach to life.

Symbolism

• Jaggery and Gram (Gur-Chana): Symbolize simplicity and the power of pure devotion.
• Seven Fridays Fast: Represents perseverance and faith in divine intervention.

Recitation Guidelines

Preparation

• Cleanse the worship area and place an idol or image of Santoshi Mata.
• Light a diya (lamp) and incense to create a serene atmosphere.

Offerings

• Offer jaggery and gram (gur-chana), the Goddess’s preferred offering.

Timing

• Recite the Chalisa every Friday or daily for best results.

Vrat (Fast) Rituals

• Observing a fast on seven consecutive Fridays while reciting the Chalisa amplifies its blessings.

Structure of the Chalisa

Format

The Chalisa consists of:

1. Invocation: Initial verses seeking blessings and praising the Goddess.
2. Main Verses: Narration of her virtues, divine stories, and powers.
3. Conclusion: Gratitude and prayers for fulfillment of wishes.

Verse-by-Verse Interpretation

Doha

Translation:
“With a bowed head, I meditate upon Lord Ganesh and Goddess Saraswati,
I now sing the glory of Santoshi Maa, who grants all desires.”

Explanation: The Doha highlights the importance of invoking divine energies before beginning the prayer.

Chaupai

Each Chaupai celebrates the magnificence and compassionate nature of Santoshi Mata, reminding devotees of her ability to dispel darkness and bring prosperity.

Cultural and Religious Importance

Festivals and Rituals

The Santoshi Mata Vrat is a key ritual associated with her worship, observed mainly on Fridays. Devotees gather for communal recitations and offer jaggery and gram as prasad.

Community Practices

The Chalisa is often sung in groups during devotional gatherings, creating a sense of unity and collective devotion among participants.

Conclusion

The Santoshi Mata Chalisa encapsulates the essence of devotion, simplicity, and unwavering faith. By reciting it regularly and understanding its profound teachings, devotees can transform their lives, attaining inner peace and divine blessings. This Chalisa not only fosters spiritual growth but also serves as a reminder of the importance of contentment in the modern world. Devotees are encouraged to incorporate its teachings into their daily lives to achieve holistic happiness and prosperity.