Annapurna Chalisa — Word-by-Word Meaning

Placing on my head the dust of the lotus feet of Vishweshvara, I describe, O Annapurna, your glorious fame with the poet's humble intellect. O ever-blissful Mother, renowned for the boon-giving and fear-dispelling gestures; victory to you, ocean of beauty, mother of the world, remover of all sins, fear and worldly bondage. The chalisa hails Annapurna as the white-bodied Goddess clad in white, served by sages, the sovereign of Kashi and protector of all worlds, riding the bull as Rudrani. It recounts her story as Sati who gave up her body in the fire of yoga at the grief of separation, and was reborn as Girija, daughter of the Himalaya; how Narada inspired her penance to win Shiva again; how Brahma came and granted her boon; and how she was united with Shankara as Girija, radiant with the light of a million moons and suns, bearing the rosary, book and goad. She is the ever-full Annapurna — unborn, infinite and complete — the ocean of compassion, who in heaven is Mahalakshmi and on earth is Lakshmi, present in all forms. Whoever reads this chalisa obtains auspicious fruits with Lord Shiva as witness; the devotee who recites it at dawn with love gains extraordinary prosperity together with spouse, family, friends and children, even royalty to one bereft of it. This recitation is a giver of great joy and auspiciousness, granting the devotee the treasure of their heart's desire — with Kashinath as witness, all their tasks are accomplished.