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Bhairav Chalisa Meaning — Line by Line

श्री भैरव चालीसा

Every verse and every word explained in English & Hindi

Meaning — Line by Line

Every verse of Bhairav Chalisa with its English meaning. Tap any word to hear it, or ▶ to recite the verse.

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  1. Doha 1. Shri ganapati guru gauri pada, prema sahita dhari matha
  2. Doha 2. Shri bhairava samkata harana, mamgala karana kripala
  3. Chaupai 1. Jaya jaya shri kali ke lala
  4. Chaupai 2. Jayati batuka bhairava bhayahari
  5. Chaupai 3. Jayati natha bhairava vikhyata
  6. Chaupai 4. Bhairava rupa kiyo shiva dharana
  7. Chaupai 5. Bhairava rava suni havai bhaya duri
  8. Chaupai 6. Shesha mahesha adi guna gayo
  9. Chaupai 7. Jatajuta shira chandra virajata
  10. Chaupai 8. Kati karadhani ghumgharu bajata
  11. Chaupai 9. Jivana dana dasa ko dinhyo
  12. Chaupai 10. Basi rasana bani sarada kali
  13. Chaupai 11. Dhanya dhanya bhairava bhayabhamjana
  14. Chaupai 12. Kara trishula damaru shuchi koda़a
  15. Chaupai 13. Jo bhairava nirbhaya guna gavata
  16. Chaupai 14. Rupa vishala kathina dukha mochana
  17. Chaupai 15. Aganita bhuta preta samga dolata
  18. Chaupai 16. Rudrakaya kali ke lala
  19. Chaupai 17. Batuka natha ho kala gambhira
  20. Chaupai 18. Karata tinahum rupa prakasha
  21. Chaupai 19. Ratna jada़ita kamchana simhasana
  22. Chaupai 20. Tumhahi jai kashihim jana dhyavahim
  23. Chaupai 21. Jaya prabhu samharaka sunanda jaya
  24. Chaupai 22. Bhima trilochana svana satha jaya
  25. Chaupai 23. Maha bhima bhishana sharira jaya
  26. Chaupai 24. Vananatha jaya pretanatha jaya
  27. Chaupai 25. Nimisha digambara chakranatha jaya
  28. Chaupai 26. Trishulesha bhutesha chandra jaya
  29. Chaupai 27. Shri vamana nakulesha chanda jaya
  30. Chaupai 28. Rudra batuka krodhesha kaladhara
  31. Chaupai 29. Kari mada pana shambhu gunagavata
  32. Chaupai 30. Karata kripa jana para bahu dhamga
  33. Chaupai 31. Deyam kala bhairava jaba sota
  34. Chaupai 32. Janakara nirmala hoya sharira
  35. Chaupai 33. Shri bhairava bhutom ke raja
  36. Chaupai 34. Ailadi ke dukha nivarayo
  37. Chaupai 35. Sundara dasa sahita anuraga
  38. Chaupai 36. Shri bhairava ji ki jaya lekhyo
  39. Closing Doha. Jaya jaya jaya bhairava batuka svami, samkata tara
Doha 1#

Shri ganapati guru gauri pada, prema sahita dhari matha

श्री गणपति गुरु गौरी पद, प्रेम सहित धरि माथ चालीसा वन्दन करों, श्री शिव भैरवनाथ

Shri ganapati guru gauri pada, prema sahita dhari matha Chalisa vandana karom, shri shiva bhairavanatha

MeaningPlacing on my head, with love, the feet of Shri Ganapati, the Guru and Gauri, I offer this Chalisa in salutation to Shri Shiva-Bhairavnath.

Doha 2#

Shri bhairava samkata harana, mamgala karana kripala

श्री भैरव संकट हरण, मंगल करण कृपाल श्याम वरण विकराल वपु, लोचन लाल विशाल

Shri bhairava samkata harana, mamgala karana kripala Shyama varana vikarala vapu, lochana lala vishala

MeaningShri Bhairav, remover of distress, doer of good, the compassionate; of dark complexion and fearsome body, with large red eyes.

Chaupai 1#

Jaya jaya shri kali ke lala

जय जय श्री काली के लाला जयति जयति काशी कुतवाला

Jaya jaya shri kali ke lala Jayati jayati kashi kutavala

MeaningVictory, victory to the darling of Kali; victory, victory to the Kotwal (guardian) of Kashi.

Chaupai 2#

Jayati batuka bhairava bhayahari

जयति बटुक भैरव भयहारी जयति काल भैरव बलकारी

Jayati batuka bhairava bhayahari Jayati kala bhairava balakari

MeaningVictory to Batuk Bhairav, remover of fear; victory to Kaal Bhairav, the mighty.

Chaupai 3#

Jayati natha bhairava vikhyata

जयति नाथ भैरव विख्याता जयति सर्व भैरव सुखदाता

Jayati natha bhairava vikhyata Jayati sarva bhairava sukhadata

MeaningVictory to the renowned Bhairavnath; victory to all the Bhairavas, the givers of joy.

Chaupai 4#

Bhairava rupa kiyo shiva dharana

भैरव रूप कियो शिव धारण भव के भार उतारण कारण

Bhairava rupa kiyo shiva dharana Bhava ke bhara utarana karana

MeaningShiva took on the form of Bhairav for the sake of lifting the burden of worldly existence.

Chaupai 5#

Bhairava rava suni havai bhaya duri

भैरव रव सुनि हवै भय दूरी सब विधि होय कामना पूरी

Bhairava rava suni havai bhaya duri Saba vidhi hoya kamana puri

MeaningHearing Bhairav's roar, fear flees; in every way one's wishes are fulfilled.

Chaupai 6#

Shesha mahesha adi guna gayo

शेष महेश आदि गुण गायो काशी कोतवाल कहलायो

Shesha mahesha adi guna gayo Kashi kotavala kahalayo

MeaningShesha, Mahesha and the rest have sung his virtues; he is called the Kotwal of Kashi.

Chaupai 7#

Jatajuta shira chandra virajata

जटाजूट शिर चन्द्र विराजत बाला मुकुट बिजायठ साजत

Jatajuta shira chandra virajata Bala mukuta bijayatha sajata

MeaningMatted locks upon his head with the moon shining there; a small crown and ornaments adorn him.

Chaupai 8#

Kati karadhani ghumgharu bajata

कटि करधनी घुंघरू बाजत दर्शन करत सकल भय भाजत

Kati karadhani ghumgharu bajata Darshana karata sakala bhaya bhajata

MeaningA girdle of bells rings at his waist; at his darshan all fear flees.

Chaupai 9#

Jivana dana dasa ko dinhyo

जीवन दान दास को दीन्ह्यो कीन्ह्यो कृपा नाथ तब चीन्ह्यो

Jivana dana dasa ko dinhyo Kinhyo kripa natha taba chinhyo

MeaningHe granted the gift of life to his servant; he showed his grace and then recognized (the devotee) as his own.

Chaupai 10#

Basi rasana bani sarada kali

बसि रसना बनि सारद काली दीन्ह्यो वर राख्यो मम लाली

Basi rasana bani sarada kali Dinhyo vara rakhyo mama lali

MeaningHe dwells upon the tongue as Sharada (Saraswati) and Kali; he gave a boon and kept my honour.

Chaupai 11#

Dhanya dhanya bhairava bhayabhamjana

धन्य धन्य भैरव भयभंजन जय मनरंजन खलदल भंजन

Dhanya dhanya bhairava bhayabhamjana Jaya manaramjana khaladala bhamjana

MeaningBlessed, blessed is Bhairav, destroyer of fear; victory, delighter of hearts, crusher of the wicked horde.

Chaupai 12#

Kara trishula damaru shuchi koda़a

कर त्रिशूल डमरू शुचि कोड़ा कृपा कटाक्ष सुयश नहिं थोड़ा

Kara trishula damaru shuchi koda़a Kripa kataksha suyasha nahim thoda़a

MeaningIn his hands the trident, the damaru and the sacred whip; not small is the glory of his gracious sidelong glance.

Chaupai 13#

Jo bhairava nirbhaya guna gavata

जो भैरव निर्भय गुण गावत अष्ट सिद्धि नव निधि फल पावत

Jo bhairava nirbhaya guna gavata Ashta siddhi nava nidhi phala pavata

MeaningWhoever fearlessly sings Bhairav's virtues gains the eight siddhis and the nine treasures.

Chaupai 14#

Rupa vishala kathina dukha mochana

रूप विशाल कठिन दुख मोचन क्रोध कराल लाल दुहुं लोचन

Rupa vishala kathina dukha mochana Krodha karala lala duhum lochana

MeaningOf vast form, reliever of hard sorrow; of fierce wrath, both his eyes red.

Chaupai 15#

Aganita bhuta preta samga dolata

अगणित भूत प्रेत संग डोलत बम बम बम शिव बम बम बोलत

Aganita bhuta preta samga dolata Bama bama bama shiva bama bama bolata

MeaningCountless ghosts and spirits roam at his side; 'Bam Bam Bam, Shiva, Bam Bam' he calls.

Chaupai 16#

Rudrakaya kali ke lala

रुद्रकाय काली के लाला महाकालहू के हो काला

Rudrakaya kali ke lala Mahakalahu ke ho kala

MeaningOf fierce (Rudra) body, the darling of Kali; he is the death even of Mahakala.

Chaupai 17#

Batuka natha ho kala gambhira

बटुक नाथ हो काल गंभीरा श्वेत रक्त अरु श्याम शरीरा

Batuka natha ho kala gambhira Shveta rakta aru shyama sharira

MeaningBatuk Nath, grave as Time itself; of white, red and dark body.

Chaupai 18#

Karata tinahum rupa prakasha

करत तीनहुं रूप प्रकाशा भरत सुभक्तन कहं शुभ आशा

Karata tinahum rupa prakasha Bharata subhaktana kaham shubha asha

MeaningManifesting his three forms, he fills his good devotees with auspicious hope.

Chaupai 19#

Ratna jada़ita kamchana simhasana

रत्न जड़ित कंचन सिंहासन व्याघ्र चर्म शुचि नर्म सुआसन

Ratna jada़ita kamchana simhasana Vyaghra charma shuchi narma suasana

MeaningOn a jewel-studded golden throne, a tiger-skin for his soft and sacred seat.

Chaupai 20#

Tumhahi jai kashihim jana dhyavahim

तुम्हहि जाइ काशिहिं जन ध्यावहिं विश्वनाथ कहं दर्शन पावहिं

Tumhahi jai kashihim jana dhyavahim Vishvanatha kaham darshana pavahim

MeaningWhoever goes to Kashi and meditates upon you gains the darshan of Vishwanath.

Chaupai 21#

Jaya prabhu samharaka sunanda jaya

जय प्रभु संहारक सुनन्द जय जय उन्नत हर उमानन्द जय

Jaya prabhu samharaka sunanda jaya Jaya unnata hara umananda jaya

MeaningVictory, O Lord, destroyer and giver of bliss; victory, exalted one, joy of Hara and Uma.

Chaupai 22#

Bhima trilochana svana satha jaya

भीम त्रिलोचन स्वान साथ जय वैजनाथ श्री जगतनाथ जय

Bhima trilochana svana satha jaya Vaijanatha shri jagatanatha jaya

MeaningBhima, three-eyed, with the dog at his side — victory; Vaijanath, Shri Jagatnath — victory.

Chaupai 23#

Maha bhima bhishana sharira jaya

महा भीम भीषण शरीर जय रुद्र त्र्यम्बक धीर वीर जय

Maha bhima bhishana sharira jaya Rudra tryambaka dhira vira jaya

MeaningOf mighty, terrible, dreadful body — victory; Rudra, three-eyed, steadfast and brave — victory.

Chaupai 24#

Vananatha jaya pretanatha jaya

वननाथ जय प्रेतनाथ जय श्वानारूढ़ शशिचन्द्रनाथ जय

Vananatha jaya pretanatha jaya Shvanarudha़ shashichandranatha jaya

MeaningLord of the forest — victory; lord of the ghosts — victory; dog-mounted, moon-crested lord — victory.

Chaupai 25#

Nimisha digambara chakranatha jaya

निमिष दिगम्बर चक्रनाथ जय गहत अनाथन नाथ हाथ जय

Nimisha digambara chakranatha jaya Gahata anathana natha hatha jaya

MeaningIn an instant, the sky-clad lord of the discus — victory; who takes the helpless by the hand, O lord of the orphaned — victory.

Chaupai 26#

Trishulesha bhutesha chandra jaya

त्रिशूलेश भूतेश चन्द्र जय क्रोध वत्स अमरेश नन्द जय

Trishulesha bhutesha chandra jaya Krodha vatsa amaresha nanda jaya

MeaningLord of the trident, lord of beings, moon-crested — victory; master of wrath, beloved one, lord of the immortals — victory.

Chaupai 27#

Shri vamana nakulesha chanda jaya

श्री वामन नकुलेश चण्ड जय कृत्याऊ कीरति प्रचण्ड जय

Shri vamana nakulesha chanda jaya Krityau kirati prachanda jaya

MeaningShri Vamana, lord of the mongoose, the fierce — victory; of mighty deeds and blazing fame — victory.

Chaupai 28#

Rudra batuka krodhesha kaladhara

रुद्र बटुक क्रोधेश कालधर चक्र तुण्ड दश पाणि व्याल धर

Rudra batuka krodhesha kaladhara Chakra tunda dasha pani vyala dhara

MeaningRudra Batuk, lord of wrath, bearer of Time; bearing the discus and club in his ten arms, and the serpent.

Chaupai 29#

Kari mada pana shambhu gunagavata

करि मद पान शम्भु गुणगावत चौंसठ योगिन संग नचावत

Kari mada pana shambhu gunagavata Chaumsatha yogina samga nachavata

MeaningDrinking the intoxicating draught, he sings Shambhu's praise; he makes the sixty-four yoginis dance with him.

Chaupai 30#

Karata kripa jana para bahu dhamga

करत कृपा जन पर बहु ढंगा काशी कोतवाल अड़बंगा

Karata kripa jana para bahu dhamga Kashi kotavala ada़bamga

MeaningHe shows grace to his devotees in countless ways — the unyielding Kotwal of Kashi.

Chaupai 31#

Deyam kala bhairava jaba sota

देयं काल भैरव जब सोटा नसै पाप मोटा सें मोटा

Deyam kala bhairava jaba sota Nasai papa mota sem mota

MeaningWhen Kaal Bhairav brings down his staff, the greatest of the great sins are destroyed.

Chaupai 32#

Janakara nirmala hoya sharira

जनकर निर्मल होय शरीरा मिटै सकल संकट भव पीरा

Janakara nirmala hoya sharira Mitai sakala samkata bhava pira

MeaningThe body of the devotee becomes pure, and every distress and the pain of existence is wiped away.

Chaupai 33#

Shri bhairava bhutom ke raja

श्री भैरव भूतों के राजा बाधा हरत करत शुभ काजा

Shri bhairava bhutom ke raja Badha harata karata shubha kaja

MeaningShri Bhairav, king of the spirits, removes obstacles and accomplishes auspicious works.

Chaupai 34#

Ailadi ke dukha nivarayo

ऐलादी के दुख निवारयो सदा कृपाकरि काज सम्हारयो

Ailadi ke dukha nivarayo Sada kripakari kaja samharayo

MeaningHe removed the sorrows of Ailadi; ever showing grace, he set her affairs in order.

Chaupai 35#

Sundara dasa sahita anuraga

सुन्दर दास सहित अनुरागा श्री दुर्वासा निकट प्रयागा

Sundara dasa sahita anuraga Shri durvasa nikata prayaga

MeaningSundardas, with deep devotion, near the hermitage of Shri Durvasa at Prayag —

Chaupai 36#

Shri bhairava ji ki jaya lekhyo

श्री भैरव जी की जय लेख्यो सकल कामना पूरण देख्यो

Shri bhairava ji ki jaya lekhyo Sakala kamana purana dekhyo

Meaning— has written this in praise of Shri Bhairav Ji; (whoever reads it) finds all his wishes fulfilled.

Closing Doha#

Jaya jaya jaya bhairava batuka svami, samkata tara

जय जय जय भैरव बटुक स्वामी, संकट टार कृपा दास पर कीजिए, शंकर के अवतार

Jaya jaya jaya bhairava batuka svami, samkata tara Kripa dasa para kijie, shamkara ke avatara

MeaningVictory, victory, victory to Bhairav, Lord Batuk, remover of distress; show your grace upon your servant, O incarnation of Shankara.

Word-by-Word Breakdown

भैरव
Bhairav
The fierce, protective form of Lord Shiva
काल भैरव
Kaal Bhairav
Bhairav as the lord of Time/death; the Kotwal of Kashi
बटुक भैरव
Batuk Bhairav
The gentle boy-form of Bhairav
काशी कोतवाल
Kashi Kotwal
The 'police-chief' / guardian of the holy city of Kashi (Varanasi)
श्वान
Shvan
The dog — the vahana (mount) of Bhairav

Origin & History

Source: Traditional Hindi devotional chalisa

Author: Sundardas

Period: Devotional era

When Brahma grew proud, Lord Shiva manifested as Kaal Bhairav — Time and death personified — and humbled him, then took up residence in Kashi as its eternal Kotwal, the fierce guardian who rides a dog and bears the trident. Fearsome in form yet tender to the devout (worshipped also as the boy Batuk Bhairav), he is the swift destroyer of fear, sin and evil. This Chalisa, composed by the poet Sundardas, praises him in forty verses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bhairav Chalisa?
The Bhairav Chalisa is a 40-verse Hindi hymn in praise of Lord Bhairav (Kaal Bhairav / Batuk Bhairav), the fierce protective form of Shiva and the guardian (Kotwal) of Kashi. It is recited for protection from fear, enemies and negativity, and for the fulfilment of wishes.
Who is Kaal Bhairav?
Kaal Bhairav is a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva — the lord of Time who rides a dog and bears a trident, and the Kotwal of Kashi (Varanasi) before whose permission none may claim the city's liberation. He is the swift remover of fear, enemies and negative forces.
When should the Bhairav Chalisa be recited?
Kalashtami (the eighth day of the waning moon), Bhairav Ashtami, and Sundays and Tuesdays are most auspicious. It is recited in the evening before a four-faced oil lamp, often with the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam and aarti.
What should be offered to Bhairav?
A four-faced (chaumukha) oil lamp, vermilion, and — most distinctively — food given to a dog, Bhairav's vahana. Mustard or sesame oil is used for the lamp.

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