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The Shiv Chalisa, a devotional hymn of 40 verses, is a revered scripture dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the most powerful and transformative deities in Hinduism. Known as the “Destroyer of Evil” and the harbinger of renewal, Lord Shiva is an embodiment of compassion, destruction, and infinite wisdom. The Chalisa glorifies his divine attributes, narrates his heroic deeds, and emphasizes the benefits of worshipping him.
Composed in Awadhi, the Shiv Chalisa is widely recited during special occasions like Mahashivratri, Shravan Maas, and on Mondays, a day considered sacred to Lord Shiva. It is believed that chanting the Chalisa with devotion can bestow blessings, remove obstacles, and lead to spiritual growth. This guide delves deeply into the Chalisa’s lyrics, significance, history, and meaning.
Shiv Chalisa Lyrics
॥ Doha ॥
Jai Ganesh Girija Suvan, Mangal Mool Sujaan।
Kahat Ayodhya Das Tum, Dehu Abhay Vardaan॥
॥ Chaupai ॥
Jai Girija Pati Deen Dayala।
Sada Karat Santan Pratipala॥
Bhaal Chandrama Sohat Neeke।
Kanan Kundal Naagphani Ke॥
Ang Gaur Shir Gang Bahaye।
Mundmaal Tan Kshar Lagaye॥
Vastr Khaal Baaghamber Sohe।
Chhavi Ko Dekh Naag Man Mohe॥
Maina Maatu Ki Have Dulaari।
Baam Ang Sohat Chhavi Nyaari॥
Kar Trishul Sohat Chhavi Bhaari।
Karat Sada Shatrun Kshaykaari॥
Nandi Ganesh Sohai Tah Kaise।
Saagar Madhya Kamal Hain Jaise॥
Kartik Shyam Aur Ganraau।
Ya Chhavi Ko Kahi Jaat Na Kaau॥
Devan Jabhi Jaay Pukaara।
Tabhi Dukh Prabhu Aap Nivaara॥
Kiya Upadrav Taarak Bhaari।
Devan Sab Mili Tumhi Juhari॥
Turat Shadaanand Aap Pathaayu।
Lav Nimesh Mah Maar Girayu॥
Aap Jalandhar Asur Sanhaara।
Suyash Tumhaar Vidit Sansara॥
Tripurasur San Yuddh Machaayi।
Sabahin Kripa Kar Leen Bachaayi॥
Kiya Tapahin Bhagirath Bhaari।
Purab Pratijna Taasu Puraari॥
Daanin Mah Tum Sam Kou Naahin।
Sevak Stuti Karat Sadahi॥
Ved Maahi Mahima Tum Gaai।
Akath Anaadi Bhed Nahi Paai॥
Prakati Udadhi Manthan Mein Jwala।
Jarath Surasur Bhaye Vihaala॥
Kinha Daya Tahan Kari Sahaayi।
Neelkanth Tab Naam Kahai॥
Poojan Ramchandra Jab Kinha।
Jeet Ke Lanka Vibhishan Dinha॥
Sahas Kamal Mein Ho Rahe Dhaari।
Kinha Pariksha Tabahi Puraari॥
Ek Kamal Prabhu Rakheu Joi।
Kamal Nayan Poojan Chah Soi॥
Kathin Bhakti Dekhi Prabhu Shankar।
Bhaye Prasann Diye Ichhit Var॥
Jai Jai Jai Anant Avinaashi।
Karat Kripa Sab Ke Ghatvaasi॥
Dusht Sakal Nit Mohi Sataavai।
Bharat Raho Mohi Chain Na Aavai॥
Traahi Traahi Main Naath Pukaara।
Yehi Avasar Mohi Aan Ubaara॥
Lai Trishul Shatrun Ko Maara।
Sankat Te Mohi Aan Ubaara॥
Maat-Pita Bhrata Sab Hoi।
Sankat Mein Poochat Nahi Koi॥
Swami Ek Hai Aas Tumhari।
Aayi Harahu Mam Sankat Bhaari॥
Dhan Nirdhan Ko Det Sada Hi।
Jo Koi Jaanche So Phal Paahi॥
Astuti Kehi Vidhi Karoon Tumhaari।
Kshamahu Naath Ab Chook Hamaari॥
Shankar Ho Sankat Ke Naashan।
Mangal Karan Vighn Vinaashan॥
Yogi Yati Muni Dhyan Lagaavai।
Sharad Narad Sheesh Nawaavai॥
Namo Namo Jai Namah Shivaya।
Sur Brahmadik Paar Na Paaya॥
Jo Yah Path Kare Man Laayi।
Ta Par Hot Hai Shambhu Sahaayi॥
Riniyan Jo Koi Ho Adhikari।
Path Kare So Paavan Haari॥
Putra Hon Kar Ichha Joi।
Nishchay Shiv Prasad Tehi Hoi॥
Pandit Trayodashi Ko Laave।
Dhyan Purvak Hom Karaave॥
Trayodashi Vrat Kare Hamesha।
Taake Tan Nahi Rahe Kalesha॥
Dhoop Deep Naivedya Chadhave।
Shankar Sammukh Path Sunaave॥
Janma Janma Ke Paap Nasaave।
Ant Dham Shivpur Mein Paave॥
॥ Doha ॥
Nitt Nem Kar Pratah Hi, Path Karoon Chaleesa।
Tum Meri Manokamna, Poorn Karo Jagdeesh॥
॥ Doha ॥
Magsar Chhathi Hemant Ritu, Samvat Chaunsath Jaan।
Astuti Chaleesa Shivahi, Poorn Keen Kalyaan॥
Religious Significance
The Shiv Chalisa is regarded as a powerful spiritual tool for devotees. It not only deepens one’s connection with Lord Shiva, but it also cleanses the soul and removes obstacles in life. Chanting this Chalisa regularly has profound benefits:
- Elimination of Negativity: It invokes Lord Shiva’s power to destroy evil and remove obstacles.
- Mental Peace and Focus: Devotees experience calmness and clarity of mind through regular recitation.
- Fulfillment of Desires: It is believed that Lord Shiva fulfills the heartfelt wishes of his devotees.
- Divine Protection: Lord Shiva provides strength and shields devotees from harm.
Historical and Cultural Context
The Shiv Chalisa is attributed to Ayodhya Das, a devotee and poet, who composed this hymn to honor Lord Shiva. Its origins are deeply rooted in Indian spiritual traditions and temple rituals. Written in Awadhi, a simple and accessible language, the Chalisa resonates with devotees across regions.
The Chalisa reflects India’s cultural heritage and is often recited during festivals such as Mahashivratri, Shravan Maas, and Trayodashi. It has inspired various musical renditions by renowned artists, enriching its cultural legacy.
Key Themes and Messages
Core Themes
- Devotion: Absolute faith and surrender to Lord Shiva.
- Compassion: Lord Shiva’s willingness to aid his devotees, no matter their struggles.
- Strength and Transformation: Celebrates Shiva’s role as the destroyer of evil and harbinger of positive change.
Symbolism
- Neelkanth (Blue Throat): Shiva consuming poison during Samudra Manthan represents his role as the savior.
- Trishul (Trident): Represents control over creation, preservation, and destruction.
- Chandrashekhar (Moon on Forehead): Signifies control over time.
Recitation Guidelines
Preparation
- Begin with a clean and peaceful environment.
- Light a diya (lamp) and incense before a Shiva idol or image.
- Sit in a meditative posture, facing east or north.
Frequency
- Recite daily or on Mondays for spiritual growth.
- Special occasions like Mahashivratri amplify the benefits of chanting the Chalisa.
Intention
Focus your mind on seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings, whether for personal growth, material success, or liberation.
Conclusion
The Shiv Chalisa is a timeless devotional hymn that brings spiritual and practical benefits to devotees. Its verses celebrate the divine attributes of Lord Shiva, inspiring faith, courage, and devotion. By reciting the Chalisa, one can invite Lord Shiva’s blessings into their life, transforming challenges into opportunities and gaining inner peace. Through its profound teachings, the Shiv Chalisa continues to guide millions on their spiritual journey toward divine grace