कृष्ण चालीसा
Origin & Story
Hindu devotional tradition (from Bhagavata Purana narratives) · Unknown (folk devotional composition) · Medieval period
The Krishna Chalisa draws from the Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana, condensing Krishna's vast life story into verse form. It covers his miraculous birth in prison, childhood pranks in Gokul, the lifting of Govardhan, the Raas Leela in Vrindavan, the slaying of Kamsa, his kingship in Dwarka, and his supreme teaching — the Bhagavad Gita on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
✦ As told in scripture
The Bhagavata Purana describes that when Yashoda looked into baby Krishna's open mouth, she saw the entire universe — all planets, stars, oceans, mountains, and all of time itself contained within a small child. This moment reveals that Krishna, who appears as a playful child stealing butter, is simultaneously the infinite creator containing all of reality. The chalisa captures both aspects — the personal, lovable Krishna AND the cosmic, all-pervading God.
Complete Text with Meaning
जय श्री कृष्ण मुकुन्द मुरारी। जय गोपाल गोविन्द बिहारी॥
Jai Shri Krishna Mukund Murari Jai Gopal Govind Bihari
Meaning:Victory to Sri Krishna, Mukund, Murari! Victory to Gopal, Govind, the playful one!
जय राधापति जय गोपीनाथ। जय वृन्दावन राजे जगन्नाथ॥
Jai Radhapati Jai Gopinath Jai Vrindavan Raje Jagannath
Meaning:Victory to the Lord of Radha, lord of the gopis! Victory to the king of Vrindavan, lord of the universe!
श्याम सलोने सुन्दर श्रीमान। सब के प्रभु तुम अन्तरयामी॥
Shyam Salone Sundar Shriman Sab Ke Prabhu Tum Antaryami
Meaning:Dark, beautiful, handsome, glorious one. You are everyone's Lord, the dweller in all hearts.
वसुदेव देवकी के कुमारा। नन्द यशोदा का दुलारा॥
Vasudev Devki Ke Kumara Nand Yashoda Ka Dulara
Meaning:Son of Vasudeva and Devaki. The darling of Nanda and Yashoda.
गोकुल में तुम लीला करी। मैया को छवि अद्भुत दिखाई॥
Gokul Mein Tum Leela Kari Maiya Ko Chhavi Adbhut Dikhai
Meaning:In Gokul you performed divine play. You showed Mother Yashoda your wondrous cosmic form.
माखन चुराय गोपन को खाया। उँगली पर गोवर्धन उठाया॥
Makhan Churay Gopan Ko Khaya Ungli Par Govardhan Uthaya
Meaning:You stole butter and fed it to the cowherds. You lifted Mount Govardhan on one finger.
कालिया नाग को तुम मर्दा। गोपियन संग रास रचाया॥
Kaliya Naag Ko Tum Marda Gopiyan Sang Raas Rachaya
Meaning:You subdued the serpent Kaliya. You danced the divine Raas with the gopis.
मथुरा जाय कंस को मारा। उग्रसेन को राज दिलाया॥
Mathura Jaay Kans Ko Mara Ugrasen Ko Raj Dilaya
Meaning:Going to Mathura, you slew the tyrant Kamsa. You restored the throne to King Ugrasena.
द्वारकाधीश बने महाराजा। सोलह सहस रानी मन भाजा॥
Dwarkadhish Bane Maharaja Solah Sahas Rani Man Bhaja
Meaning:You became the great king of Dwarka. Sixteen thousand queens cherished you in their hearts.
पार्थ सखा बन गीता सुनाई। धर्म की रक्षा तुमने कराई॥
Parth Sakha Ban Geeta Sunayi Dharm Ki Raksha Tumne Karayi
Meaning:Becoming Arjuna's friend, you spoke the Bhagavad Gita. You ensured the protection of dharma.
दोहा: जय जय श्री कृष्ण कन्हैया जय जय गोपाल। चालीसा पढ़ जो कोई लहे परम सुख साल॥
Doha: Jai Jai Shri Krishna Kanhaiya Jai Jai Gopal Chalisa Padh Jo Koi Lahe Param Sukh Sal
Meaning:Closing: Victory to Sri Krishna Kanhaiya, victory to Gopal! Whoever reads this chalisa attains supreme happiness throughout the year.
Word-by-Word Meaning
Click any word to hear its pronunciation
Benefits of Chanting कृष्ण चालीसा
Covers Krishna's complete life — from Gokul to Dwarka to Kurukshetra
Invokes Krishna in all his forms — butter thief, flute player, warrior, teacher
Powerful for Janmashtami, Thursdays, and Ekadashi
The Govardhan and Kaliya episodes invoke protection from natural calamities
Krishna's friendship with Arjuna teaches the power of divine companionship
The Gita verse reminds that dharma always prevails
How to Chant कृष्ण चालीसा
Sit before Krishna's image or murti. Light a ghee diya. Offer tulsi, butter, and sweets. Chant with love and devotion — Krishna responds to bhakti (love) more than ritual. On Janmashtami (Krishna's birthday), chant at midnight for maximum grace.