CHALISA

Kali Chalisa

श्री काली चालीसा

🙏 Kali ✍️ Traditional 🗣️ Hindi 📜 42 verses 👁 25 reads Suggest a correction
Kali

The Kali Chalisa (श्री काली चालीसा) is a forty-verse devotional hymn in praise of Maa Kali — the most fierce and transformative manifestation of the Divine Mother. Her name derives from Kala, the Sanskrit word for time, marking her as the force that devours all things — ego, illusion, attachment, and ultimately death itself. She is simultaneously the most terrifying and the most merciful of the goddesses: she destroys without hesitation, but only what obstructs the devotee's liberation.

Her iconography reflects this duality — dark-skinned, wild-haired, standing on the prostrate form of Shiva, wearing a garland of skulls, her tongue extended. Each element carries meaning: the skulls represent the liberation of souls from the cycle of rebirth, Shiva beneath her feet represents the stillness of pure consciousness over which her dynamic energy moves, and her extended tongue is read in some traditions as an expression of her insatiable hunger for adharma — unrighteousness.

Devotees recite the Chalisa to overcome deep fear, seek protection from negative forces, and invoke her grace for spiritual liberation. It is recited with particular fervour during Navratri — especially the Shakta tradition's Kali-focused observance — and on Saturdays and Amavasya nights, the new moon, which is considered the most potent time for Kali worship.

Doha
अरि मद मान मिटावन हारी। मुण्डमाल गल सोहत प्यारी॥ जयति जयति जय काली माता। जनम मरण दुख मेटन दाता॥
Ari Mad Maan Mitavan Haari | Mundmaal Gal Sohat Pyaari || Jayati Jayati Jai Kali Mata | Janam Maran Dukh Metan Daata ||
Salutations to the Goddess who destroys the pride and ego of enemies, and who is adorned with a beautiful garland of skulls. Victory, victory to Mother Kali, the bestower of liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Chaupai 1
जय जय जय काली कपाली। जयति जयति जगदम्ब भवानी॥
Jai Jai Jai Kali Kapali | Jayati Jayati Jagadamb Bhavani ||
Victory, victory, victory to the fierce Kali who carries a skull. Victory to the Mother of the Universe, Bhavani.
Chaupai 2
नमो महा काली रूप कराली। जयति जयति जगदम्ब भवानी॥
Namo Maha Kali Roop Karaali | Jayati Jayati Jagadamb Bhavani ||
Salutations to the Great Kali in her formidable form. Victory to the Universal Mother, Bhavani.
Chaupai 3
जयति जयति जय काली माता। जनम मरण दुख मेटन दाता॥
Jayati Jayati Jai Kali Mata | Janam Maran Dukh Metan Daata ||
Victory to Mother Kali! You are the one who removes the pain of birth and death.
Chaupai 4
अरि मद मान मिटावन हारी। मुण्डमाल गल सोहत प्यारी॥
Ari Mad Maan Mitavan Haari | Mundmaal Gal Sohat Pyaari ||
Destroyer of the ego and pride of the wicked, You wear a beautiful garland of skulls.
Chaupai 5
खड्ग खप्पर कर सोहत सोहे। छवि देखि नाग मुनि मोहे॥
Khadga Khappar Kar Sohat Sohe | Chhavi Dekhi Naag Muni Mohe ||
In Your hands, the sword and the skull-cup look magnificent; seeing Your divine image, even serpents and sages are enchanted.
Chaupai 6
जीभ निकालत सोहत कैसी। विद्युत चमकत घन में जैसी॥
Jeebh Nikalat Sohat Kaisi | Vidyut Chamkat Ghan Mein Jaisi ||
Your protruding tongue looks like lightning flashing in dark rain-clouds.
Chaupai 7
अति कराल मुख छवि है न्यारी। देखि काल थर-थर काँपारी॥
Ati Karaal Mukh Chhavi Hai Nyari | Dekhi Kaal Thar-Thar Kaampaari ||
The grandeur of Your formidable face is unique; even Death (Kaal) trembles in fear upon seeing You.
Chaupai 8
शव अरूढ़ि कर सोहत सोहै। मुण्डमाल गल सोहत सोहै॥
Shav Aroodhi Kar Sohat Sohai | Mundmaal Gal Sohat Sohai ||
You look majestic seated upon a corpse, with the garland of skulls gracing Your neck.
Chaupai 9
त्रय नेत्र तन श्याम सोहावन। भक्तन के हित रूप सुहावन॥
Traya Netra Tan Shyam Sohavan | Bhaktan Ke Hit Roop Suhavan ||
With three eyes and a dark complexion, Your form is beautiful and pleasant for the sake of Your devotees.
Chaupai 10
जब-जब परै कष्ट भक्तन पर। तब-तब करौ सहाय मातु तुम॥
Jab-Jab Parai Kasht Bhaktan Par | Tab-Tab Karau Sahay Maatu Tum ||
Whenever Your devotees are in distress, You always come to their aid, O Mother.
Chaupai 11
शुम्भ निशुम्भ असुर तुम मारे। रक्तबीज के प्राण संहारे॥
Shumbh Nishumbh Asur Tum Mare | Raktabeej Ke Praan Sanhare ||
You slew the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha and ended the life of Raktabeeja.
Chaupai 12
महिषासुर को मारि गिराया। देवन को दुख दूर भगाया॥
Mahishasur Ko Maari Giraya | Devan Ko Dukh Door Bhagaya ||
You defeated the demon Mahishasura and drove away the sorrows of the gods.
Chaupai 13
मधु-कैटभ को मारि गिराया। ब्रह्मा को भय दूर भगाया॥
Madhu-Kaitabh Ko Maari Giraya | Brahma Ko Bhay Door Bhagaya ||
You slew the demons Madhu and Kaitabha, removing the fear from Lord Brahma's mind.
Chaupai 14
चण्ड मुण्ड को मारि गिराया। मुण्डमाल गल बीच लगाया॥
Chand Mund Ko Maari Giraya | Mundmaal Gal Beech Lagaya ||
You defeated the demons Chanda and Munda and wore their heads as a garland.
Chaupai 15
महिमा अमित न जाय बखानी। जय जय जय जगदम्ब भवानी॥
Mahima Amit Na Jaay Bakhani | Jai Jai Jai Jagadamb Bhavani ||
Your glory is infinite and beyond description; victory, victory, victory to the Mother of the Universe, Bhavani.
Chaupai 16
जो नर ध्यावै तुम्हीं मन लाई। ताके कष्ट सकल मिटि जाई॥
Jo Nar Dhyavai Tumheen Man Laayi | Taake Kasht Sakal Miti Jaayi ||
Whoever meditates upon You with a focused mind, all their troubles are erased.
Chaupai 17
धन्य धन्य तुम काली माता। भक्तन के दुख मेटन दाता॥
Dhanya Dhanya Tum Kali Mata | Bhaktan Ke Dukh Metan Daata ||
Blessed, blessed are You, Mother Kali, the bestower of relief from the sorrows of Your devotees.
Chaupai 18
तुम संसार शक्ति लय कीनी। पालन हेतु अन्न धन दीनी॥
Tum Sansar Shakti Laya Keeni | Paalan Hetu Ann Dhan Deeni ||
You absorb the cosmic energy and provide food and wealth for the sustenance of the world.
Chaupai 19
अन्नपूर्णा हुई जग पाला। तुम ही आदि सुन्दरी बाला॥
Annapurna Hui Jag Paala | Tum Hi Aadi Sundari Baala ||
As Goddess Annapurna, You nourish the world; You are the primordial, beautiful Maiden.
Chaupai 20
प्रलयकाल सब नाशन हारी। तुम गौरी शिव शंकर प्यारी॥
Pralayakal Sab Naashan Haari | Tum Gauri Shiv Shankar Pyaari ||
At the time of dissolution, You destroy everything; You are Gauri, the beloved of Lord Shiva.
Chaupai 21
शिव योगी तुम्हरे गुण गावैं। ब्रह्मा विष्णु तुम्हें नित ध्यावैं॥
Shiv Yogi Tumhre Gun Gaavain | Brahma Vishnu Tumhen Nit Dhyaavain ||
Lord Shiva and all yogis sing Your praises; Brahma and Vishnu constantly meditate upon You.
Chaupai 22
रूप सरस्वती को तुम धार्यो। दे सुबुद्धि ऋषि मुनिन उबार्यो॥
Roop Saraswati Ko Tum Dharyo | De Subuddhi Rishi Munin Ubaryo ||
You took the form of Saraswati and liberated the sages by granting them wisdom.
Chaupai 23
धर्यो रूप नरसिंह को अम्बा। परगट भईं फाड़ कर खम्बा॥
Dharyo Roop Narsimha Ko Amba | Paragat Bhain Phaad Kar Khamba ||
O Mother, You took the form of Narasimha and manifested by splitting the pillar.
Chaupai 24
रक्षा करि प्रहलाद बचायो। हिरणाकुश को स्वर्ग पठायो॥
Raksha Kari Prahlad Bachayo | Hiranakush Ko Swarg Pathayo ||
You protected and saved Prahlad and sent Hiranyakashipu to the celestial abode (after death).
Chaupai 25
लक्ष्मी रूप धरो जग माहीं। श्री नारायण मन माहिं समाहीं॥
Lakshmi Roop Dharo Jag Maahin | Shree Narayan Man Maahin Samahin ||
You took the form of Lakshmi in this world and dwell in the heart of Lord Narayana.
Chaupai 26
क्षीरसिन्धु में करत विलासा। दयासिन्धु दीजै मन आसा॥
Ksheersindhu Mein Karat Vilasa | Dayaasindhu Deeje Man Aasa ||
You delight in the Ocean of Milk; O Ocean of Mercy, please fulfill my heart's desires.
Chaupai 27
हिंगलाज में तुम्हीं भवानी। महिमा अमित न जात बखानी॥
Hinglaj Mein Tumheen Bhavani | Mahima Amit Na Jaat Bakhani ||
In Hinglaj, You are present as Bhavani; Your glory is infinite and cannot be described.
Chaupai 28
मातंगी अरु धूमावति माता। भुवनेश्वरी बगला सुखदाता॥
Matangi Aru Dhoomavati Mata | Bhuvneshwari Bagla Sukhdata ||
You are Mother Matangi and Dhoomavati; as भुवनेश्वरी and Baglamukhi, You are the giver of joy.
Chaupai 29
श्री भैरव तारा जग तारिणी। छिन्न भाल भव दुःख निवारिणी॥
Shree Bhairav Tara Jag Tarini | Chhinna Bhaal Bhav Dukh Nivarini ||
As Bhairavi and Tara, You are the liberator of the world; as Chhinnamasta, You remove the sorrows of existence.
Chaupai 30
केहरि वाहन सोह भवानी। लांगुर वीर चलत अगवानी॥
Kehari Vahan Soh Bhavani | Langur Veer Chalat Agvani ||
Your vehicle, the lion, looks grand, O Bhavani; the brave Hanuman leads Your way.
Chaupai 31
कर में खप्पर खड्ग विराजै। जाको देख काल डर भाजै॥
Kar Mein Khappar Khadga Viraje | Jaako Dekh Kaal Dar Bhaje ||
The skull-cup and sword shine in Your hands, seeing which even Death runs away in fear.
Chaupai 32
सोहै अस्त्र और त्रिशूला। जाते उठत शत्रु हिय शूला॥
Sohai Astra Aur Trishula | Jaate Uthat Shatru Hiya Shoola ||
Your weapons and trident look magnificent, causing pain to arise in the hearts of enemies.
Chaupai 33
नगरकोट में तुम्हीं विराजत। तिहुँ लोक में डंका बाजत॥
Nagarkot Mein Tumheen Virajat | Tihun Lok Mein Danka Baajat ||
You reside in Nagarkot, and Your fame resounds throughout the three worlds.
Chaupai 34
ज्वाला में है ज्योति तुम्हारी। तुम्हें सदा पूजें नर-नारी॥
Jwala Mein Hai Jyoti Tumhari | Tumhen Sada Poojen Nar-Nari ||
Your divine light burns in Jwalaji; men and women worship You there eternally.
Chaupai 35
प्रेम भक्ति से जो यश गावें। दुःख-दारिद्र निकट नहिं आवें॥
Prem Bhakti Se Jo Yash Gaavain | Dukh-Daridra Nikat Nahin Aavain ||
Whoever sings Your praises with love and devotion, sorrow and poverty shall never come near them.
Chaupai 36
ध्यावे तुम्हें जो नर मन लाई। जन्म मरण ताको छुटि जाई॥
Dhyave Tumhen Jo Nar Man Laayi | Janm Maran Taako Chhuti Jaayi ||
The person who meditates on You with total focus is released from the cycle of birth and death.
Chaupai 37
शरणागत हुई कीर्ति बखानी। जय जय जय जगदम्ब भवानी॥
Sharanagat Hui Keerti Bakhani | Jai Jai Jai Jagadamb Bhavani ||
Taking Your refuge, I sing Your praises; victory, victory, victory to the Mother of the Universe, Bhavani.
Chaupai 38
काली चालीसा जो गावै। सब सुख भोग परम पद पावै॥
Kali Chalisa Jo Gaavai | Sab Sukh Bhog Param Pad Paavai ||
Whoever recites this Kali Chalisa enjoys all worldly happiness and attains the supreme spiritual state.
Chaupai 39
बार बार कर जोरी मनाऊँ। चरण कमल में शीश नवाऊँ॥
Baar baar kar jori manaun | Charan kamal mein sheesh navaun ||
I repeatedly pray with folded hands and bow my head at Your lotus feet.
Chaupai 40
नित नेम कर प्रातः ही, पाठ करौं चालीसा। तुम मेरी मनोकामना, पूर्ण करो जगदीश॥
Nit nem kar praatah hi, paath karaun chalisa | Tum meri manokamana, poorn karo jagadisha ||
I recite this Chalisa every morning as a daily rule. O Ruler of the Universe, please fulfill all my desires.
Doha
शरणागत रक्षा करे, भक्त रहे निशंक। देवीदास शरण निज जानी, करहु कृपा जगदम्ब भवानी॥
Sharanagat Raksha Kare, Bhakt Rahe Nishank | Devidas Sharan Nij Jaani, Karahu Kripa Jagadamb Bhavani ||
The Mother protects those who seek refuge, keeping the devotee fearless. O Mother Bhavani, bless this devotee who is in Your protection.

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