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Vishnu Chalisa Meaning — Line by Line

विष्णु चालीसा

Every verse and every word explained in English & Hindi

Meaning — Line by Line

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

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  1. Doha 1. Vishnu sunie vinaya, sevaka ki chitalaya
  2. Doha 2. Namo vishnu bhagavana kharari
  3. Chaupai 1. Prabala jagata mem shakti tumhari
  4. Chaupai 2. Sundara rupa manohara surata
  5. Chaupai 3. Tana para pitambara ati sohata
  6. Chaupai 4. Shamkha chakra kara gada biraje
  7. Chaupai 5. Satya dharma mada lobha na gaje
  8. Chaupai 6. Santabhakta sajjana manaramjana
  9. Chaupai 7. Sukha upajaya kashta saba bhamjana
  10. Chaupai 8. Papa kata bhava sindhu utarana
  11. Chaupai 9. Karata aneka rupa prabhu dharana
  12. Chaupai 10. Dharani dhenu bana tumahim pukara
  13. Chaupai 11. Bhara utara asura dala mara
  14. Chaupai 12. Apa varaha rupa banaya
  15. Chaupai 13. Dhara matsya tana sindhu banaya
  16. Chaupai 14. Amilakha asurana dvanda machaya
  17. Chaupai 15. Devana ko amrita pana karaya
  18. Chaupai 16. Kurma rupa dhara sindhu majhaya
  19. Chaupai 17. Shamkara ka tuma phanda chhuda़aya
  20. Chaupai 18. Vedana ko jaba asura dubaya
  21. Chaupai 19. Mohita banakara khalahi nachaya
  22. Chaupai 20. Asura jalamdhara ati baladai
  23. Chaupai 21. Hara para shiva sakala banai
  24. Chaupai 22. Sumirana kina tumhem shivarani
  25. Chaupai 23. Taba tuma bane munishvara jnani
  26. Chaupai 24. Dekhata tina danuja shaitani
  27. Chaupai 25. Ho sparsha dharma kshati mani
  28. Chaupai 26. Tumane dhuru prahalada ubare
  29. Chaupai 27. Ganika aura ajamila tare
  30. Chaupai 28. Harahu sakala samtapa hamare
  31. Chaupai 29. Dekhahun maim nija darasha tumhare
  32. Chaupai 30. Chahata apaka sevaka darshana
  33. Chaupai 31. Janum nahim yogya japa pujana
  34. Chaupai 32. Shiladaya santosha sulakshana
  35. Chaupai 33. Karahun apaka kisa vidhi pujana
  36. Chaupai 34. Karahun pranama kauna vidhisumirana
  37. Chaupai 35. Sura muni karata sada sivakai
  38. Chaupai 36. Dina dukhina para sada sahai
  39. Chaupai 37. Papa dosha samtapa nashao
  40. Chaupai 38. Suta sampati de sukha upajao
  41. Closing Doha. Nigama sada ye vinaya sunavai
Doha 1#

Vishnu sunie vinaya, sevaka ki chitalaya

विष्णु सुनिए विनय, सेवक की चितलाय। कीरत कुछ वर्णन करूँ, दीजै ज्ञान बताय॥

Vishnu sunie vinaya, sevaka ki chitalaya Kirata kuchha varnana karun, dijai jnana bataya

MeaningHear my prayer, O Vishnu, and turn your mind to your servant; I shall sing a little of your glory — grant me, I pray, the wisdom to do so.

Doha 2#

Namo vishnu bhagavana kharari

नमो विष्णु भगवान खरारी। कष्ट नशावन अखिल बिहारी॥

Namo vishnu bhagavana kharari Kashta nashavana akhila bihari

MeaningSalutations to Lord Vishnu, the slayer of Khara (the foe of demons), remover of suffering, who pervades and sports through all the worlds.

Chaupai 1#

Prabala jagata mem shakti tumhari

प्रबल जगत में शक्ति तुम्हारी। त्रिभुवन फैल रही उजियारी॥

Prabala jagata mem shakti tumhari Tribhuvana phaila rahi ujiyari

MeaningMighty is your power throughout the world; your radiance has spread across the three realms.

Chaupai 2#

Sundara rupa manohara surata

सुन्दर रूप मनोहर सूरत। सरल स्वभाव मोहनी मूरत॥

Sundara rupa manohara surata Sarala svabhava mohani murata

MeaningBeautiful is your form and enchanting your face; gentle your nature and captivating your image.

Chaupai 3#

Tana para pitambara ati sohata

तन पर पीताम्बर अति सोहत। बैजन्ती माला मन मोहत॥

Tana para pitambara ati sohata Baijanti mala mana mohata

MeaningYellow silk (pitambara) shines splendidly upon your body, and the Vaijayanti garland steals the heart.

Chaupai 4#

Shamkha chakra kara gada biraje

शंख चक्र कर गदा बिराजे। देखत दैत्य असुर दल भाजे॥

Shamkha chakra kara gada biraje Dekhata daitya asura dala bhaje

MeaningConch, discus and mace gleam in your hands; at the very sight the hosts of demons flee.

Chaupai 5#

Satya dharma mada lobha na gaje

सत्य धर्म मद लोभ गाजे। काम क्रोध मद लोभ छाजे॥

Satya dharma mada lobha na gaje Kama krodha mada lobha na chhaje

MeaningWhere there is truth and dharma, pride and greed cannot roar; lust, anger, arrogance and greed find no place.

Chaupai 6#

Santabhakta sajjana manaramjana

सन्तभक्त सज्जन मनरंजन। दनुज असुर दुष्टन दल गंजन॥

Santabhakta sajjana manaramjana Danuja asura dushtana dala gamjana

MeaningYou delight the hearts of saints, devotees and the good, and crush the ranks of demons, asuras and the wicked.

Chaupai 7#

Sukha upajaya kashta saba bhamjana

सुख उपजाय कष्ट सब भंजन। दोष मिटाय करत जन सज्जन॥

Sukha upajaya kashta saba bhamjana Dosha mitaya karata jana sajjana

MeaningYou give rise to joy and shatter every sorrow; you wipe away faults and make people virtuous.

Chaupai 8#

Papa kata bhava sindhu utarana

पाप काट भव सिन्धु उतारण। कष्ट नाशकर भक्त उबारण॥

Papa kata bhava sindhu utarana Kashta nashakara bhakta ubarana

MeaningYou cut away sin and ferry souls across the ocean of existence; destroying distress, you save your devotees.

Chaupai 9#

Karata aneka rupa prabhu dharana

करत अनेक रूप प्रभु धारण। केवल आप भक्ति के कारण॥

Karata aneka rupa prabhu dharana Kevala apa bhakti ke karana

MeaningThe Lord assumes many and various forms — solely for the sake of his devotees' love.

Chaupai 10#

Dharani dhenu bana tumahim pukara

धरणि धेनु बन तुमहिं पुकारा। तब तुम रूप राम का धारा॥

Dharani dhenu bana tumahim pukara Taba tuma rupa rama ka dhara

MeaningWhen the Earth, as a cow, cried out to you, you took the form of Rama;

Chaupai 11#

Bhara utara asura dala mara

भार उतार असुर दल मारा। रावण आदिक को संहारा॥

Bhara utara asura dala mara Ravana adika ko samhara

Meaning— and lightening her burden, you destroyed the demon hordes and slew Ravana and the rest.

Chaupai 12#

Apa varaha rupa banaya

आप वाराह रूप बनाया। हिरण्याक्ष को मार गिराया॥

Apa varaha rupa banaya Hiranyaksha ko mara giraya

MeaningYou took the form of the Boar (Varaha) and struck down the demon Hiranyaksha.

Chaupai 13#

Dhara matsya tana sindhu banaya

धर मत्स्य तन सिन्धु बनाया। चौदह रतनन को निकलाया॥

Dhara matsya tana sindhu banaya Chaudaha ratanana ko nikalaya

MeaningAssuming the Fish (Matsya) form you moved through the ocean, and drew out the fourteen jewels.

Chaupai 14#

Amilakha asurana dvanda machaya

अमिलख असुरन द्वन्द मचाया। रूप मोहनी आप दिखाया॥

Amilakha asurana dvanda machaya Rupa mohani apa dikhaya

MeaningWhen the demons stirred up endless strife, you displayed the enchanting Mohini form;

Chaupai 15#

Devana ko amrita pana karaya

देवन को अमृत पान कराया। असुरन को छबि से बहलाया॥

Devana ko amrita pana karaya Asurana ko chhabi se bahalaya

Meaning— you made the gods drink the nectar (amrita), while diverting the demons with your beauty.

Chaupai 16#

Kurma rupa dhara sindhu majhaya

कूर्म रूप धर सिन्धु मझाया। मन्द्राचल गिरि तुरत उठाया॥

Kurma rupa dhara sindhu majhaya Mandrachala giri turata uthaya

MeaningTaking the Tortoise (Kurma) form you steadied the ocean, instantly bearing up Mount Mandara.

Chaupai 17#

Shamkara ka tuma phanda chhuda़aya

शंकर का तुम फन्द छुड़ाया। भस्मासुर को रूप दिखाया॥

Shamkara ka tuma phanda chhuda़aya Bhasmasura ko rupa dikhaya

MeaningYou freed Shankara from the snare and exposed the demon Bhasmasura;

Chaupai 18#

Vedana ko jaba asura dubaya

वेदन को जब असुर डुबाया। कर प्रबन्ध उन्हें ढुँढवाया॥

Vedana ko jaba asura dubaya Kara prabandha unhem dhundhavaya

Meaning— when the asura had hidden the Vedas in the deep, you contrived to have them found.

Chaupai 19#

Mohita banakara khalahi nachaya

मोहित बनकर खलहि नचाया। उसही कर से भस्म कराया॥

Mohita banakara khalahi nachaya Usahi kara se bhasma karaya

MeaningBecoming enchanting (Mohini), you set the wicked one dancing, and by his own hand reduced him to ashes.

Chaupai 20#

Asura jalamdhara ati baladai

असुर जलंधर अति बलदाई। शंकर से उन कीन्ह लड़ाई॥

Asura jalamdhara ati baladai Shamkara se una kinha lada़ai

MeaningThe demon Jalandhara, mighty in strength, waged war against Shankara;

Chaupai 21#

Hara para shiva sakala banai

हार पार शिव सकल बनाई। कीन सती से छल खल जाई॥

Hara para shiva sakala banai Kina sati se chhala khala jai

Meaning— Shiva was hard-pressed on every side, for the villain had deceived Sati through trickery.

Chaupai 22#

Sumirana kina tumhem shivarani

सुमिरन कीन तुम्हें शिवरानी। बतलाई सब विपत कहानी॥

Sumirana kina tumhem shivarani Batalai saba vipata kahani

MeaningShiva's queen (Parvati) remembered you and told you the whole tale of the calamity.

Chaupai 23#

Taba tuma bane munishvara jnani

तब तुम बने मुनीश्वर ज्ञानी। वृन्दा की सब सुरति भुलानी॥

Taba tuma bane munishvara jnani Vrinda ki saba surati bhulani

MeaningThen you became a wise sage and caused Vrinda (Jalandhara's wife) to forget her vigilance;

Chaupai 24#

Dekhata tina danuja shaitani

देखत तीन दनुज शैतानी। वृन्दा आय तुम्हें लपटानी॥

Dekhata tina danuja shaitani Vrinda aya tumhem lapatani

Meaning— seeing the demon's three-fold deceit, Vrinda came and clung to you.

Chaupai 25#

Ho sparsha dharma kshati mani

हो स्पर्श धर्म क्षति मानी। हना असुर उर शिव शैतानी॥

Ho sparsha dharma kshati mani Hana asura ura shiva shaitani

MeaningWhen she felt her chastity was touched, the demon's power was broken and the villain slain by Shiva.

Chaupai 26#

Tumane dhuru prahalada ubare

तुमने धुरू प्रहलाद उबारे। हिरणाकुश आदिक खल मारे॥

Tumane dhuru prahalada ubare Hiranakusha adika khala mare

MeaningYou delivered Dhruva and Prahlada, and slew the wicked Hiranyakashipu and his kind.

Chaupai 27#

Ganika aura ajamila tare

गणिका और अजामिल तारे। बहुत भक्त भव सिन्धु उतारे॥

Ganika aura ajamila tare Bahuta bhakta bhava sindhu utare

MeaningYou redeemed Ganika (the courtesan) and Ajamila, and ferried countless devotees across the sea of existence.

Chaupai 28#

Harahu sakala samtapa hamare

हरहु सकल संताप हमारे। कृपा करहु हरि सिरजन हारे॥

Harahu sakala samtapa hamare Kripa karahu hari sirajana hare

MeaningRemove all our afflictions; show your grace, O Hari, O creator of all.

Chaupai 29#

Dekhahun maim nija darasha tumhare

देखहुँ मैं निज दरश तुम्हारे। दीन बन्धु भक्तन हितकारे॥

Dekhahun maim nija darasha tumhare Dina bandhu bhaktana hitakare

MeaningLet me behold your own vision, O kinsman of the lowly, O benefactor of devotees.

Chaupai 30#

Chahata apaka sevaka darshana

चहत आपका सेवक दर्शन। करहु दया अपनी मधुसूदन॥

Chahata apaka sevaka darshana Karahu daya apani madhusudana

MeaningYour servant longs for your darshan; show your mercy, O Madhusudana.

Chaupai 31#

Janum nahim yogya japa pujana

जानूं नहीं योग्य जप पूजन। होय यज्ञ स्तुति अनुमोदन॥

Janum nahim yogya japa pujana Hoya yajna stuti anumodana

MeaningI know not the worthy way of chanting and worship; may my praise be accepted as if it were a sacrifice.

Chaupai 32#

Shiladaya santosha sulakshana

शीलदया सन्तोष सुलक्षण। विदित नहीं व्रतबोध विलक्षण॥

Shiladaya santosha sulakshana Vidita nahim vratabodha vilakshana

MeaningGood conduct, compassion, contentment and noble traits — the secret of vows and knowledge — I do not truly know.

Chaupai 33#

Karahun apaka kisa vidhi pujana

करहुँ आपका किस विधि पूजन। कुमति विलोक होत दुख भीषण॥

Karahun apaka kisa vidhi pujana Kumati viloka hota dukha bhishana

MeaningBy what method shall I worship you? Beholding my dull wit, dreadful sorrow arises.

Chaupai 34#

Karahun pranama kauna vidhisumirana

करहुँ प्रणाम कौन विधिसुमिरण। कौन भांति मैं करहुँ समर्पण॥

Karahun pranama kauna vidhisumirana Kauna bhamti maim karahun samarpana

MeaningHow shall I bow, by what means remember you, in what manner offer myself?

Chaupai 35#

Sura muni karata sada sivakai

सुर मुनि करत सदा सिवकाई। हर्षित रहत परम गति पाई॥

Sura muni karata sada sivakai Harshita rahata parama gati pai

MeaningGods and sages ever serve Shiva (and you), and remain joyful, having attained the supreme state.

Chaupai 36#

Dina dukhina para sada sahai

दीन दुखिन पर सदा सहाई। निज जन जान लेव अपनाई॥

Dina dukhina para sada sahai Nija jana jana leva apanai

MeaningYou are ever the helper of the poor and suffering; know us as your own and make us yours.

Chaupai 37#

Papa dosha samtapa nashao

पाप दोष संताप नशाओ। भव बन्धन से मुक्त कराओ॥

Papa dosha samtapa nashao Bhava bandhana se mukta karao

MeaningDestroy our sin, faults and affliction, and free us from the bondage of existence.

Chaupai 38#

Suta sampati de sukha upajao

सुत सम्पति दे सुख उपजाओ। निज चरनन का दास बनाओ॥

Suta sampati de sukha upajao Nija charanana ka dasa banao

MeaningGrant children and prosperity and give rise to happiness; make us the servants of your own feet.

Closing Doha#

Nigama sada ye vinaya sunavai

निगम सदा ये विनय सुनावै। पढ़ै सुनै सो जन सुख पावै॥

Nigama sada ye vinaya sunavai Padha़ai sunai so jana sukha pavai

MeaningThus does Nigam (the devotee/scripture) ever offer this prayer: whoever reads or hears it gains happiness.

Word-by-Word Breakdown

खरारी
Kharari
Foe of the demon Khara; Lord Vishnu/Rama
पीताम्बर
Pitambara
Wearer of yellow silk garments
बैजन्ती माला
Baijanti Mala
The Vaijayanti garland of Vishnu
शंख चक्र गदा
Shankh Chakra Gada
Conch, discus and mace — Vishnu's emblems
भव सिन्धु
Bhav Sindhu
The ocean of worldly existence
वाराह
Varaha
The Boar incarnation
कूर्म
Kurma
The Tortoise incarnation
मधुसूदन
Madhusudan
Slayer of the demon Madhu; Vishnu

Origin & History

Source: Traditional Hindi devotional hymn

Author: Traditional

Period: Medieval / modern devotional era

The Vishnu Chalisa belongs to the beloved 'chalisa' tradition of forty-verse Hindi hymns — the same tradition as the Hanuman Chalisa. It garlands Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the cosmos, recalling how in age after age he descends in many forms to lighten the Earth's burden, destroy evil and rescue his devotees, from Dhruva and Prahlada to Ajamila and the courtesan Ganika.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Vishnu Chalisa?
The Vishnu Chalisa is a 40-verse (chalisa) Hindi devotional hymn praising Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. It begins with the doha 'Vishnu suniye vinay' and recounts his many incarnations and his protection of devotees.
On which day should the Vishnu Chalisa be recited?
Thursday (Guruvar) is the most auspicious day for Vishnu, as is Ekadashi. Many devotees recite it every morning after bathing.
What incarnations are described in the Vishnu Chalisa?
It describes Vishnu's avatars including Matsya (fish), Kurma (tortoise), Varaha (boar), the Mohini form, Rama and his deliverance of Dhruva, Prahlada, Ajamila and other devotees.
What are the benefits of reciting the Vishnu Chalisa?
It is believed to bring peace, prosperity, health and protection, to relieve planetary afflictions, and to free the devotee from fear and the bondage of worldly existence.

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