Shri Bhairav Chalisa: A Pathway to Fearlessness and Spiritual Empowerment

Shri Bhairav Chalisa is a revered hymn dedicated to Lord Bhairav, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. Bhairav is known as the protector of dharma, the destroyer of fear, and the guardian deity of Kashi (Varanasi). This Chalisa, composed of 40 verses (Chaupais), praises Bhairav’s power, compassion, and role as a protector of devotees.

Bhairav Chalisa is widely recited to overcome obstacles, gain courage, and eliminate negativity. It invokes Bhairav’s blessings to protect the devotee from enemies, misfortunes, and inner weaknesses. The Chalisa holds special significance during Bhairav Ashtami and other auspicious days dedicated to Lord Bhairav.

Shri Bhairav Chalisa

Dohas

Shri Bhairav Sankat Haran, Mangal Karan Kripal।
Karahu Daya Ji Daas Pe, Nishidin Deen Dayal॥

Jai Bhairav Jai Bhootapati, Jai Jai Jai Sukha Kand।
Karahu Kripa Nit Daas Pe, Dehu Sadaa Anand॥

Chaupais

Jay Damarudhar Nayan Vishala।
Shyam Varn, Vapu Maha Karala॥

Jay Trishuldhar Jay Damarudhar।
Kashi Kotwal, Sankat Har॥

Jay Girijasut Param Kripala।
Sankat Haran Harahu Bhram Jala॥

Jayati Batuk Bhairav Bhayhaari।
Jayati Kaal Bhairav Bal Dhaari॥

Ashta Roop Tumhare Sab Gaaye।
Sakal Ek Te Ek Sivaaye॥

Shiva Swaroop Shiva Ke Anugami।
Ganadheesh Tum Sabke Swami॥

Jatajoot Par Mukut Suhaavai।
Bhalachandra Ati Shobha Paavai॥

Kati Karadhani Ghungroo Bajai।
Darshan Karat Sakal Bhay Bhajai॥

Kar Trishul Damaru Ati Sundar।
Mor Pankh Ko Chamvar Manohar॥

Khappar Khadg Liye Balvana।
Roop Chaturbhuj Naath Bakhana॥

Vahan Shwaan Sada Sukha Raasi।
Tum Anant Prabhu Tum Avinaashi॥

Jay Jay Jay Bhairav Bhay Bhanjan।
Jay Kripalu Bhaktan Manranjan॥

Nayan Vishal Laal Ati Bhaari।
Rakt Varn Tum Ahhu Puraari॥

Bam Bam Bolat Din Raati।
Shiv Kah Bhadahu Asur Arati॥

Ekaroop Tum Shambhu Kahaye।
Dooje Bhairav Roop Banaye॥

Sevak Tumhi Tumhi Prabhu Swami।
Sab Jag Ke Tum Antaryami॥

Rakt Varn Vapu Ahhi Tumhara।
Shyam Varn Kahun Hoi Prachara॥

Shwet Varn Puni Kaha Bakhani।
Teeni Varn Tumhare Gunkhani॥

Teeni Nayan Prabhu Param Suhavahin।
Sur Nar Muni Sab Dhyan Lagaavahin॥

Vyaghra Charmadhar Tum Jag Swami।
Pretnath Tum Poorn Akaami॥

Chakranath Nakulesh Prachanda।
Nimish Digambar Keerti Chanda॥

Krodhavats Bhootesh Kaaladhar।
Chakratuṇḍ Dashbaahu Vyaaladhar॥

Ahhi Koti Prabhu Naam Tumhare।
Jayat Sada Metat Dukh Bhare॥

Chaunsath Yogini Nachahin Sanga।
Krodhvaan Tum Ati Ranranga॥

Bhootnath Tum Param Punita।
Tum Bhavishya Tum Ahhu Ateeta॥

Vartaman Tumharo Shuchi Roopa।
Kaala Jayi Tum Param Anupa॥

Eladi Ko Sankat Taarayo।
Saad Bhakt Ko Kaaraj Saarayo॥

Kaaliputra Kahavahu Naatha।
Tav Charanan Naavahu Nit Maatha॥

Shri Krodhesh Kripa Vistaarahu।
Deen Jani Mohi Paar Utaarahu॥

Bhavsagar Bhoodhat Dinraati।
Hohu Kripalu Dusht Aarati॥

Sevak Jaani Kripa Prabhu Keejai।
Mohi Bhakti Apni Ab Deejae॥

Karahun Sada Bhairav Ki Seva।
Tum Samaan Doojo Ko Deva॥

Ashwanath Tum Param Manohar।
Dushtan Kah Prabhu Ahhu Bhayankar॥

Tamharu Daas Jahan Jo Hoi।
Takah Sankat Parai Na Koi॥

Harahu Naath Tum Jan Ki Peera।
Tum Samaan Prabhu Ko Balveera॥

Sab Aparaadh Kshama Kari Deejae।
Deen Jani Aapun Mohi Keejae॥

Jo Yeh Paath Kare Chalisa।
Taapai Kripa Karahu Jagadisha॥

Religious Significance

The Bhairav Chalisa serves as a beacon of hope and courage for devotees seeking spiritual solace and protection. It holds immense religious significance, offering the following benefits:

1. Removal of Fear: Bhairav is regarded as the destroyer of all fears, inner doubts, and phobias.
2. Obstacle Removal: The Chalisa helps overcome hurdles and misfortunes.
3. Protection: Lord Bhairav protects devotees from negative energies, spirits, and adversaries.
4. Divine Blessings: Bhairav’s blessings ensure peace, prosperity, and success in life.
5. Spiritual Growth: Recitation strengthens devotion, enhances willpower, and promotes spiritual elevation.

The most auspicious days for reciting the Chalisa are Bhairav Ashtami, Mondays, and Saturdays, as they are closely associated with Lord Bhairav.

Themes and Symbolism

Core Themes

• Fearlessness: Bhairav inspires courage and inner strength.
• Devotion: The Chalisa emphasizes the power of unwavering faith in Lord Bhairav.
• Protection and Justice: Bhairav is depicted as the protector of dharma and punisher of wrongdoers.

Symbolism

• Dog as a Vehicle: The dog symbolizes loyalty and vigilance, attributes closely associated with Bhairav.
• Weapons: The trident (Trishul) and drum (Damaru) symbolize his control over creation and destruction.
• Forms of Bhairav: The Chalisa mentions various forms of Bhairav, each with unique attributes and powers.

Recitation Guidelines

1. Preparation:
   • Purify the self and the place of worship with incense and lamps.
   • Offer flowers, especially red ones, and light a mustard oil lamp.
2. Frequency:
   • Recite daily or on specific auspicious days like Bhairav Ashtami.
   • Chant 108 times during special rituals.
3. Mindset:
   • Approach the recitation with a calm and focused mind.
   • Maintain an attitude of surrender and devotion to Lord Bhairav.

Conclusion

The Shri Bhairav Chalisa is a profound hymn that connects devotees to the boundless energy and protection of Lord Bhairav. Through its verses, one gains the strength to confront life’s challenges and the assurance of divine guidance. Regular recitation instills fearlessness, eliminates negativity, and nurtures spiritual growth.

“Jai Bhairav, Jai Bhootapati, protector of devotees and vanquisher of evil!”