Shri Shyam Chalisa: An Overview

Shri Shyam Chalisa is a devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Shyam, also known as Barbarik, a significant figure in Hindu spirituality believed to be an incarnation of Lord Krishna. Known for his immense devotion and extraordinary powers, Barbarik, also referred to as Khatu Shyam Ji, is worshipped for his benevolence, protection, and the fulfillment of wishes. This Chalisa encapsulates the divine virtues, leelas, and blessings of Shyam Baba, making it an integral part of devotional practices among his devotees.

Composed in a poetic format, Shri Shyam Chalisa blends the essence of Bhakti (devotion) with the allure of storytelling. Reciting this Chalisa is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and fulfillment of desires, making it a cherished part of worship, especially in places like Khatu, Rajasthan, where the deity’s main temple is located.

Chalisa Lyrics

Doha
Shri Guru Charan Dhyan Dhar, Sumiri Sachchidanand।
Shyam Chalisa Bhajat Hoon, Rach Chaipai Chand।।

Chaupai
Shyam Shyam Bhaji Barambhara, Sahaj Hi Ho Bhavsagar Para।
In Sam Dev Na Dooja Koi, Deen Dayalu Na Daata Hoi।।

Bhimasputra Ahilvati Jaya, Kahin Bhim Ka Pautra Kahaya।
Yeh Sab Katha Sahi Kalpantar, Tanik Na Maano Inme Antar।।

Barbarik Vishnu Avatara, Bhaktan Hetu Manuj Tanu Dhara।
Vasudev Devki Pyare, Yashumati Maiya Nand Dulare।।

Madhusudan Gopal Murari, Brijkishor Govardhan Dhaari।
Siyaram Shri Hari Govinda, Deenpal Shri Bal Mukunda।।

Damodar Ranchhod Bihari, Nath Dwarikadhish Kharari।
Narhari Roop Prahlad Pyara, Khambh Fari Hiranyakush Mara।।

Radha Vallabh Rukmini Kanta, Gopi Vallabh Kans Hananta।
Manmohan Chitchor Kahaye, Makhan Chori Chori Kar Khaye।।

Murali Dhar Yadupati Ghanshyam, Krishna Patitpavan Abhiram।
Mayapati Lakshmipati Eesa, Purushottam Keshav Jagadisha।।

Vishwapati Tribhuvan Ujiara, Deenbandhu Bhaktan Rakhwara।
Prabhu Ka Bhed Koi Na Paya, Shesh Mahesh Thake Muniyara।।

Narad Sharad Rishi Yogindra, Shyam Shyam Sab Ratat Nirantar।
Kavi Kovid Kari Sake Na Ginanta, Naam Apar Athah Ananta।।

Har Srishti Har Yug Mein Bhai, Le Avatar Bhakt Sukhdaai।
Hriday Maahin Kari Dekhu Vichara, Shyam Bhaje To Ho Nistara।।

Kir Padaavat Ganika Tari, Bheelni Ki Bhakti Balihari।
Sati Ahilya Gautam Naari, Bhai Shraap Vash Shila Dukhari।।

Shyam Charan Rach Nit Laai, Pahunchi Patilok Mein Jaai।
Ajamill Aru Sadan Kasai, Naam Pratap Param Gati Paai।।

Jake Shyam Naam Adhaara, Sukh Lahhi Dukh Door Ho Saara।।

Shyam Sulochan Hai Ati Sundar, Mor Mukut Sir Tan Pitambar।।

Gal Vaijayanti Maal Suhaai, Chhavi Anoop Bhaktan Man Bhaai।
Shyam Shyam Sumirhun Dinraati, Shaam Dupehri Aru Prabhaati।।

Shyam Sarathi Sike Rath Ke, Rode Door Hoy Us Path Ke।
Shyam Bhakt Na Kahin Par Haara, Bheer Pari Tab Shyam Pukara।।

Rasna Shyam Naam Pee Le, Jee Le Shyam Naam Ke Haale।
Sansari Sukh Bhog Milega, Ant Shyam Sukh Yog Milega।।

Shyam Prabhu Hain Tan Ke Kaale, Man Ke Gore Bhole Bhale।
Shyam Sant Bhaktan Hitkari, Rog Dosh Agh Naashe Bhaari।।

Prem Sahit Je Naam Pukara, Bhakt Lagat Shyam Ko Pyara।
Khatu Mein Hai Mathura Vaasi, Paar Brahm Poorn Avinaashi।।

Sudha Taan Bhari Murli Bajaai, Chauh Dish Nana Jahan Suni Paai।
Vridh Baal Jete Naari Nar, Mugdh Bhaye Suni Vanshi Ke Swar।।

Daud Daud Pahuche Sab Jaai, Khatu Mein Jahan Shyam Kanhai।
Jisne Shyam Swaroop Nihara, Bhav Bhay Se Paaya Chhutkaara।।

Doha
Shyam Salone Saanware, Barbarik Tanu Dhaara।
Ichchha Poorn Bhakt Ki, Karo Na Laao Baara।।

Religious Significance

Reciting Shri Shyam Chalisa is considered a powerful devotional act that connects devotees with the divine essence of Lord Shyam. It is said to fulfill the desires of devotees, remove obstacles, and bring peace and happiness. The Chalisa holds particular importance during the annual Khatu Shyam Ji Mela, Ekadashi, and other auspicious occasions when thousands of devotees come together to chant and celebrate their faith.

Shyam Baba is worshipped for granting boons, providing protection from evil, and guiding his devotees toward salvation. The repeated chanting of “Shyam Shyam” is believed to cleanse the mind and soul, creating a direct pathway to divine blessings.

Historical and Cultural Context

Shri Shyam Chalisa finds its roots in the devotion to Barbarik, the grandson of Bhima from the Mahabharata. Barbarik, an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna, is revered for his ultimate sacrifice and his unwavering faith. Legends say that Krishna blessed him, granting him eternal worship in the name of Shyam.

The Chalisa is said to have evolved as a means to praise Lord Shyam’s virtues and narrate his divine exploits. Over time, it has become a symbol of spiritual devotion and communal worship in the Khatu Shyam Ji temple in Rajasthan and beyond.

Key Themes and Messages

Core Themes

1. Devotion and Surrender: The Chalisa emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith and devotion.
2. Divine Compassion: Lord Shyam is portrayed as the protector of his devotees and the remover of sorrows.
3. Unity in Bhakti: The Chalisa highlights how devotion transcends social and cultural barriers.

Symbolism

• Mor Mukut (Peacock Crown): Represents Krishna’s divine playfulness.
• Murli (Flute): Symbolizes the call of the divine that attracts all beings.
• Pitambar (Yellow Robe): Signifies purity and detachment.

Cultural and Musical Influence

Shri Shyam Chalisa has inspired numerous bhajans and devotional songs, with renowned singers like Anuradha Paudwal and Lata Mangeshkar popularizing its verses. In Khatu Shyam Ji temple, the Chalisa is recited daily as part of worship, accompanied by traditional instruments like dhol, manjira, and harmonium.

Recitation Guidelines

Preparation

• Offer incense, flowers, and light a diya before Lord Shyam’s idol or picture.
• Sit in a peaceful place and focus on the deity.

Frequency

• Reciting the Chalisa every day or on Ekadashi is considered highly auspicious.
• Chanting it during festivals or in the Khatu Shyam Ji temple enhances its spiritual effects.

Intention

• Begin with a pure heart and set an intention for blessings, peace, or guidance.

Structure of the Chalisa

Format

• Consists of 40 verses (Chaupais), with a doha at the beginning and the end.

Key Sections

1. Invocation: Seeks blessings from Guru and Lord Shyam.
2. Main Verses: Descriptions of Lord Shyam’s divine attributes and leelas.
3. Conclusion: Expresses gratitude and seeks fulfillment of wishes.

Meaning and Interpretation

Verse-by-Verse Explanation

Each verse glorifies the virtues, attributes, and stories of Lord Shyam, teaching the values of devotion, humility, and faith.

Overall Message

Shri Shyam Chalisa is a testament to the power of devotion and the grace of Lord Shyam. It assures devotees of divine protection and fulfillment of their desires through sincere prayer.

Cultural and Religious Importance

Festivals and Rituals

• Khatu Shyam Ji Mela: A grand celebration where thousands recite the Chalisa.
• Ekadashi: Special days dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his incarnations.

Community Practices

• Group recitations and bhajan sessions are organized to spread the message of devotion and unity.

Conclusion

Shri Shyam Chalisa serves as a spiritual guide for devotees, offering hope, strength, and divine blessings. Understanding its meaning and chanting it with devotion can transform one’s life, bringing inner peace and a closer connection to Lord Shyam. Devotees are encouraged to incorporate its teachings into their daily lives to experience the boundless grace and love of their beloved