Mantra.Tips

Shiv Chalisa Meaning — Line by Line

शिव चालीसा

Every verse and every word explained in English & Hindi

Meaning — Line by Line

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

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  1. Doha 1. || Doha ||
  2. Doha 2. || Chaupai ||
  3. Chaupai 1. Bhal Chandrama Sohat Neeke
  4. Chaupai 2. Ang Gaur Shir Gang Bahaye
  5. Chaupai 3. Vastra Khal Baghambr Sohe
  6. Chaupai 4. Maina Matu Ki Havai Dulari
  7. Chaupai 5. Kar Trishul Sohat Chhavi Bhari
  8. Chaupai 6. Nandi Ganesh Sohat Tahan Kaise
  9. Chaupai 7. Kartik Shyam Aur Ganrau
  10. Chaupai 8. Devan Jabahi Jaay Pukara
  11. Chaupai 9. Kiya Upadrav Tarak Bhari
  12. Chaupai 10. Turat Shadanan Aap Pathayau
  13. Chaupai 11. Aap Jalandhar Asur Samhara
  14. Chaupai 12. Tripurasur San Yuddh Machai
  15. Chaupai 13. Kiya Tapahi Bhagirath Bhari
  16. Chaupai 14. Danin Mahan Tum Sam Kou Nahin
  17. Chaupai 15. Ved Naam Mahima Tav Gayin
  18. Chaupai 16. Pragat Udadhi Manthan Mein Jwala
  19. Chaupai 17. Keenh Daya Tahan Kari Sahai
  20. Chaupai 18. Poojan Ramchandra Jab Keenha
  21. Chaupai 19. Sahas Kamal Mein Ho Rahe Dhari
  22. Chaupai 20. Ek Kamal Prabhu Rakheu Joi
  23. Chaupai 21. Kathin Bhakti Dekhi Prabhu Shankar
  24. Chaupai 22. Jai Jai Jai Anant Avinashi
  25. Chaupai 23. Dusht Sakal Mohi Nit Satavain
  26. Chaupai 24. Trahi Trahi Main Naath Pukaro
  27. Chaupai 25. Lai Trishul Shatrun Ko Maro
  28. Chaupai 26. Maat Pita Bhrata Sab Koi
  29. Chaupai 27. Swami Ek Hai Aas Tumhari
  30. Chaupai 28. Dham Tumharo Kailash Hai Bhari
  31. Chaupai 29. Nandi Bhringi Sada Sohari
  32. Chaupai 30. Kanchan Kundal Karnan Shobhe
  33. Chaupai 31. Prasanna Chit Hoi Shambhu Shoola
  34. Chaupai 32. Nagpash Lapet Sharira
  35. Chaupai 33. Karat Sada Shatrun Kshayakari
  36. Chaupai 34. Shiv Chalisa Jo Koi Gaave
  37. Chaupai 35. Kashi Mein Virajat Shambhu Shankar
  38. Chaupai 36. Vishwanath Darbar Hai Bhari
  39. Chaupai 37. Dashrath Ek Achambho Dekha
  40. Chaupai 38. Sundardas Gyan Nahin Payo
  41. Chaupai 39. Jo Yah Padhe Maheshwar Pooja
  42. Closing Doha. || Doha ||
Doha 1#

|| Doha ||

दोहा जय गणेश गिरिजा सुवन, मंगल मूल सुजान। कहत अयोध्यादास तुम, देहु अभय वरदान॥

|| Doha || Jai Ganesh Girija Suvan, Mangal Mool Sujaan Kahat Ayodhyadas Tum, Dehu Abhay Vardaan

MeaningOpening Doha: Victory to Ganesh, son of Girija (Parvati), the wise root of all auspiciousness. Ayodhyadas says — grant us the boon of fearlessness.

Doha 2#

|| Chaupai ||

चौपाई जय गिरिजा पति दीनदयाला। सदा करत सन्तन प्रतिपाला॥

|| Chaupai || Jai Girijapati Deendayala Sada Karat Santan Pratipala

MeaningVictory to the Lord of Parvati, compassionate to the humble. You always protect the saints.

Chaupai 1#

Bhal Chandrama Sohat Neeke

भाल चन्द्रमा सोहत नीके। कानन कुण्डल नागफनी के॥

Bhal Chandrama Sohat Neeke Kanan Kundal Nagphani Ke

MeaningThe crescent moon adorns your forehead beautifully. Your earrings are serpent hoods.

Chaupai 2#

Ang Gaur Shir Gang Bahaye

अंग गौर शिर गंग बहाये। मुण्डमाल तन छार लगाये॥

Ang Gaur Shir Gang Bahaye Mundmal Tan Chhar Lagaye

MeaningYour body is fair, the Ganga flows from your head. You wear a garland of skulls and smear ash on your body.

Chaupai 3#

Vastra Khal Baghambr Sohe

वस्त्र खाल बाघम्बर सोहे। छवि को देख नाग मुनि मोहे॥

Vastra Khal Baghambr Sohe Chhavi Ko Dekh Naag Muni Mohe

MeaningYou are adorned in tiger skin. Seeing your beauty, even serpents and sages are enchanted.

Chaupai 4#

Maina Matu Ki Havai Dulari

मैना मातु की हवै दुलारी। वाम अंग सोहत छवि न्यारी॥

Maina Matu Ki Havai Dulari Vam Ang Sohat Chhavi Nyari

MeaningParvati, the beloved daughter of Maina, sits at your left side in unique splendor.

Chaupai 5#

Kar Trishul Sohat Chhavi Bhari

कर त्रिशूल सोहत छवि भारी। करत सदा शत्रुन क्षयकारी॥

Kar Trishul Sohat Chhavi Bhari Karat Sada Shatrun Kshayakari

MeaningThe trident in your hand looks magnificent. You constantly destroy all enemies.

Chaupai 6#

Nandi Ganesh Sohat Tahan Kaise

नन्दि गणेश सोहत तहँ कैसे। सागर मध्य कमल हैं जैसे॥

Nandi Ganesh Sohat Tahan Kaise Sagar Madhya Kamal Hain Jaise

MeaningNandi and Ganesh sit beside you, like lotuses in the middle of an ocean.

Chaupai 7#

Kartik Shyam Aur Ganrau

कार्तिक श्याम और गणराऊ। या छवि को कहि जात काऊ॥

Kartik Shyam Aur Ganrau Ya Chhavi Ko Kahi Jaat Na Kau

MeaningKartikeya, the dark one, and lord Ganesha — no one can describe this divine vision.

Chaupai 8#

Devan Jabahi Jaay Pukara

देवन जबहीं जाय पुकारा। तबहीं दुख प्रभु आप निवारा॥

Devan Jabahi Jaay Pukara Tabahi Dukh Prabhu Aap Nivara

MeaningWhenever the gods come crying to you, you immediately remove their sorrows.

Chaupai 9#

Kiya Upadrav Tarak Bhari

किया उपद्रव तारक भारी। देवन सब मिलि तुमहिं जुहारी॥

Kiya Upadrav Tarak Bhari Devan Sab Mili Tumhi Juhari

MeaningWhen the demon Tarak caused great havoc, all the gods together came to pray to you.

Chaupai 10#

Turat Shadanan Aap Pathayau

तुरत षडानन आप पठायऊ। लवनिमेष महँ मारि गिरायऊ॥

Turat Shadanan Aap Pathayau Lav Nimesh Mahan Maari Girayau

MeaningYou immediately sent your six-faced son (Kartikeya). In the blink of an eye, he slew and felled the demon.

Chaupai 11#

Aap Jalandhar Asur Samhara

आप जलन्धर असुर संहारा। सुयश तुम्हार विदित संसारा॥

Aap Jalandhar Asur Samhara Suyash Tumhar Vidit Sansara

MeaningYou yourself destroyed the demon Jalandhar. Your glory is known throughout the world.

Chaupai 12#

Tripurasur San Yuddh Machai

त्रिपुरासुर सन युद्ध मचाई। सबहिं कृपा करि लीन बचाई॥

Tripurasur San Yuddh Machai Sabhi Kripa Kari Leen Bachai

MeaningYou waged war against the demon Tripurasur. With your grace, you saved everyone.

Chaupai 13#

Kiya Tapahi Bhagirath Bhari

किया तपहिं भागीरथ भारी। पुरब प्रतिज्ञा तासु पुरारी॥

Kiya Tapahi Bhagirath Bhari Purab Pratigya Tasu Purari

MeaningBhagirath performed great penance. You fulfilled his ancient vow, O Lord.

Chaupai 14#

Danin Mahan Tum Sam Kou Nahin

दानिन महँ तुम सम कोउ नाहीं। सेवक स्तुति करत सदाहीं॥

Danin Mahan Tum Sam Kou Nahin Sevak Stuti Karat Sadahin

MeaningAmong the generous, none equals you. Your devotees always sing your praises.

Chaupai 15#

Ved Naam Mahima Tav Gayin

वेद नाम महिमा तव गाईं। अकथ अनादि भेद नहिं पाईं॥

Ved Naam Mahima Tav Gayin Akath Anadi Bhed Nahin Payin

MeaningThe Vedas sing the glory of your name. Indescribable, beginningless — they cannot fathom your mystery.

Chaupai 16#

Pragat Udadhi Manthan Mein Jwala

प्रगट उदधि मंथन में ज्वाला। जरत सुरासुर भए बिहाला॥

Pragat Udadhi Manthan Mein Jwala Jarat Surasur Bhaye Bihala

MeaningDuring the churning of the ocean, terrible poison emerged. Both gods and demons were distraught as it burned.

Chaupai 17#

Keenh Daya Tahan Kari Sahai

कीन्ह दया तहँ करी सहाई। नीलकंठ तब नाम कहाई॥

Keenh Daya Tahan Kari Sahai Neelkanth Tab Naam Kahai

MeaningYou showed mercy and came to their aid. Then you were called Neelkanth (the blue-throated one).

Chaupai 18#

Poojan Ramchandra Jab Keenha

पूजन रामचन्द्र जब कीन्हा। जीत के लंक विभीषण दीन्हा॥

Poojan Ramchandra Jab Keenha Jeet Ke Lanka Vibheeshan Deenha

MeaningWhen Lord Ramchandra performed your worship, he conquered Lanka and gave it to Vibhishana.

Chaupai 19#

Sahas Kamal Mein Ho Rahe Dhari

सहस कमल में हो रहे धारी। कीन्ह परीक्षा तबहिं पुरारी॥

Sahas Kamal Mein Ho Rahe Dhari Keenh Pariksha Tabahi Purari

MeaningRam was offering a thousand lotuses to you. Then you, O Lord, tested his devotion.

Chaupai 20#

Ek Kamal Prabhu Rakheu Joi

एक कमल प्रभु राखेउ जोई। कमल नयन पूजन चहँ सोई॥

Ek Kamal Prabhu Rakheu Joi Kamal Nayan Poojan Chaha Soi

MeaningYou hid one lotus. Ram offered his own lotus-like eye in its place.

Chaupai 21#

Kathin Bhakti Dekhi Prabhu Shankar

कठिन भक्ति देखी प्रभु शंकर। भए प्रसन्न दिए इच्छित वर॥

Kathin Bhakti Dekhi Prabhu Shankar Bhaye Prasanna Diye Ichchhit Var

MeaningSeeing such intense devotion, Lord Shankar was pleased and granted him the desired boon.

Chaupai 22#

Jai Jai Jai Anant Avinashi

जय जय जय अनन्त अविनाशी। करत कृपा सबके घटवासी॥

Jai Jai Jai Anant Avinashi Karat Kripa Sabke Ghatvasi

MeaningVictory, victory, victory to the infinite and imperishable! You dwell in all hearts and shower grace upon everyone.

Chaupai 23#

Dusht Sakal Mohi Nit Satavain

दुष्ट सकल मोहिं नित सतावैं। भ्रमत रहउँ मोहिं चैन आवै॥

Dusht Sakal Mohi Nit Satavain Bhramat Rahau Mohi Chain Na Aavai

MeaningWicked people torment me constantly. I wander restlessly with no peace.

Chaupai 24#

Trahi Trahi Main Naath Pukaro

त्राहि त्राहि मैं नाथ पुकारो। यहि अवसर मोहिं आन उबारो॥

Trahi Trahi Main Naath Pukaro Yahi Avasar Mohi Aan Ubaro

MeaningI cry out — save me, save me, O Lord! At this moment, come and rescue me.

Chaupai 25#

Lai Trishul Shatrun Ko Maro

लै त्रिशूल शत्रुन को मारो। संकट से मोहिं आन उबारो॥

Lai Trishul Shatrun Ko Maro Sankat Se Mohi Aan Ubaro

MeaningTake up your trident and destroy my enemies. Rescue me from this crisis.

Chaupai 26#

Maat Pita Bhrata Sab Koi

मात पिता भ्राता सब कोई। संकट में पूछत नहिं कोई॥

Maat Pita Bhrata Sab Koi Sankat Mein Poochhat Nahin Koi

MeaningMother, father, brothers — everyone — in times of trouble, no one asks about me.

Chaupai 27#

Swami Ek Hai Aas Tumhari

स्वामी एक है आस तुम्हारी। आय हरहु अब संकट भारी॥

Swami Ek Hai Aas Tumhari Aay Harahu Ab Sankat Bhari

MeaningO Lord, my only hope is in you. Come now and remove this great difficulty.

Chaupai 28#

Dham Tumharo Kailash Hai Bhari

धाम तुम्हारो कैलाश है भारी। सब जग जानत सुन्दर न्यारी॥

Dham Tumharo Kailash Hai Bhari Sab Jag Janat Sundar Nyari

MeaningYour abode is the mighty Kailash. The whole world knows its incomparable beauty.

Chaupai 29#

Nandi Bhringi Sada Sohari

नन्दी भृंगी सदा सोहारी। करत भजन ब्रह्म सुकुमारी॥

Nandi Bhringi Sada Sohari Karat Bhajan Brahm Sukumari

MeaningNandi and Bhringi are always delighted there. Brahma and other gods perform worship.

Chaupai 30#

Kanchan Kundal Karnan Shobhe

कंचन कुण्डल कर्णन शोभे। देवता दर्शन को अति लोभे॥

Kanchan Kundal Karnan Shobhe Devta Darshan Ko Ati Lobhe

MeaningGolden earrings adorn your ears beautifully. The gods are eager to behold you.

Chaupai 31#

Prasanna Chit Hoi Shambhu Shoola

प्रसन्न चित होइ शम्भु शूला। बाँट दे सबको अमर फला॥

Prasanna Chit Hoi Shambhu Shoola Bant De Sabko Amar Phala

MeaningWhen Lord Shambhu is pleased in his heart, he distributes the immortal fruit to all.

Chaupai 32#

Nagpash Lapet Sharira

नागपाश लपेट शरीरा। ऐसे शोभित त्रिपुरारी वीरा॥

Nagpash Lapet Sharira Aise Shobhit Tripurari Veera

MeaningSerpents are wrapped around your body. Thus adorned, O brave Tripurari, you shine.

Chaupai 33#

Karat Sada Shatrun Kshayakari

करत सदा शत्रुन क्षयकारी। देवताओं के सदा सुखकारी॥

Karat Sada Shatrun Kshayakari Devtaon Ke Sada Sukhkari

MeaningYou always destroy enemies. You always bring happiness to the gods.

Chaupai 34#

Shiv Chalisa Jo Koi Gaave

शिव चालीसा जो कोई गावे। सब सुख सम्पत्ति घर आवे॥

Shiv Chalisa Jo Koi Gaave Sab Sukh Sampatti Ghar Aave

MeaningWhoever sings this Shiv Chalisa, all happiness and prosperity comes to their home.

Chaupai 35#

Kashi Mein Virajat Shambhu Shankar

काशी में विराजत शम्भु शंकर। आरती होत सदा जय कर॥

Kashi Mein Virajat Shambhu Shankar Aarti Hot Sada Jai Kar

MeaningIn Kashi, Lord Shambhu Shankar resides. His aarti is performed with triumphant celebration always.

Chaupai 36#

Vishwanath Darbar Hai Bhari

विश्वनाथ दरबार है भारी। जहाँ बसत तीनों त्रिपुरारी॥

Vishwanath Darbar Hai Bhari Jahan Basat Teeno Tripurari

MeaningThe court of Vishwanath is magnificent. There the Lord of the three worlds dwells.

Chaupai 37#

Dashrath Ek Achambho Dekha

दशरथ एक अचम्भो देखा। शम्भु विवाह मनोहर पेखा॥

Dashrath Ek Achambho Dekha Shambhu Vivah Manohar Pekha

MeaningDashrath witnessed a wondrous sight — the beautiful and enchanting wedding of Lord Shambhu.

Chaupai 38#

Sundardas Gyan Nahin Payo

सुन्दरदास ज्ञान नहिं पायो। शिव चालीसा अल्प बनायो॥

Sundardas Gyan Nahin Payo Shiv Chalisa Alp Banayo

MeaningSundardas says he has not attained full knowledge, and has composed this humble Shiv Chalisa.

Chaupai 39#

Jo Yah Padhe Maheshwar Pooja

जो यह पढ़े महेश्वर पूजा। उसकी कठिन कभी नहिं दूजा॥

Jo Yah Padhe Maheshwar Pooja Uski Kathin Kabhi Nahin Dooja

MeaningWhoever reads this worship of Maheshwar, no difficulty can ever touch them.

Closing Doha#

|| Doha ||

दोहा मंत्र तंत्र विज्ञान के जो कुछ होवे सार। शिव शिव शिव सत्य है शिव का नाम अपार॥

|| Doha || Mantra Tantra Vigyan Ke Jo Kuchh Hove Saar Shiv Shiv Shiv Satya Hai Shiv Ka Naam Apaar

MeaningClosing Doha: Of all mantras, tantras and sciences — whatever essence exists — Shiva, Shiva, Shiva is the truth. The name of Shiva is infinite.

Word-by-Word Breakdown

गिरिजापति
Girijapati
Lord of Girija (Parvati) — Shiva
दीनदयाला
Deendayala
Compassionate to the humble
चन्द्रमा
Chandrama
Crescent moon (on forehead)
नागफनी
Nagphani
Serpent hood (earrings)
गंग
Gang
River Ganga (flowing from hair)
मुण्डमाल
Mundmal
Garland of skulls
छार
Chhar
Ash (smeared on body)
बाघम्बर
Baghambr
Tiger skin
त्रिशूल
Trishul
Trident
नन्दि
Nandi
Shiva's sacred bull
कार्तिक
Kartik
Kartikeya (Shiva's son)
तारक
Tarak
The demon Tarakasur
क्षयकारी
Kshayakari
Destroyer (of enemies)
षडानन
Shadanan
Six-faced (Kartikeya/Murugan)
जलन्धर
Jalandhar
The demon Jalandhar
त्रिपुरासुर
Tripurasur
Demon of the three cities
भागीरथ
Bhagirath
King who brought Ganga to earth
नीलकंठ
Neelkanth
Blue-throated — Shiva after drinking poison
अनन्त
Anant
Infinite, endless
अविनाशी
Avinashi
Imperishable, indestructible
कैलाश
Kailash
Mount Kailash — Shiva's abode
भृंगी
Bhringi
A devoted sage-attendant of Shiva
त्रिपुरारी
Tripurari
Destroyer of the three cities (Shiva)
महेश्वर
Maheshwar
The Great Lord (Shiva)
तंत्र
Tantra
Sacred techniques, esoteric practices
सम्पत्ति
Sampatti
Wealth, prosperity
अयोध्यादास
Ayodhyadas
The poet Ayodhyadas (author of the chalisa)
अभय
Abhay
Fearlessness
वरदान
Vardaan
Boon, divine blessing
उदधि
Udadhi
Ocean (referring to the cosmic ocean)
सुरासुर
Surasur
Gods (Sura) and demons (Asura)
आशुतोष
Ashutosh
Easily pleased — a name of Shiva
शम्भु
Shambhu
Source of happiness — a name of Shiva
पुरारी
Purari
Destroyer of cities (Tripura) — Shiva
घटवासी
Ghatvasi
Dweller in all hearts
विश्वनाथ
Vishwanath
Lord of the universe — Shiva at Kashi
विभीषण
Vibhishan
Brother of Ravana, devotee of Rama
संकट
Sankat
Crisis, difficulty, trouble

Origin & History

Source: Hindu devotional tradition

Author: Unknown (attributed to devotional folk tradition)

Period: Medieval period

The Shiv Chalisa follows the Chalisa tradition popularized by Tulsidas, but its specific authorship is debated. It describes Lord Shiva in his complete form — the ascetic who is also the householder, the destroyer who is also the creator, the fierce one who is also compassionate. The narrative draws from the Shiva Purana, referencing his destruction of Tripurasur, his role in the Samudra Manthan (ocean churning), and his eternal dance of creation and dissolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Shiv Chalisa?
A 40-verse devotional hymn praising Lord Shiva, describing his divine form, his family (Parvati, Ganesh, Kartikeya), his attributes (trident, crescent moon, Ganga, snake), and his acts of protection for devotees and gods.
When should I chant Shiv Chalisa?
On Mondays (Shiva's day), during Maha Shivaratri, throughout Shravan month (most auspicious for Shiva worship), and during Pradosh Kaal (evening twilight).
What is the difference between Shiv Chalisa and Om Namah Shivaya?
Om Namah Shivaya is a 5-syllable mantra for continuous japa. The Shiv Chalisa is a 40-verse hymn that tells a narrative — describing Shiva's form, his deeds, and his protective nature. Both are Shiva worship but serve different devotional purposes.

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