SHIV CHALISA: REVERING THE DIVINE LORD SHIVA

SHIV CHALISA: REVERING THE DIVINE LORD SHIVA

The Shiv Chalisa is a sacred hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. Known as the "Destroyer" in the Holy Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva), Lord Shiva symbolizes transformation, destruction of evil, and the ultimate liberation of the soul. The Shiv Chalisa, composed in Awadhi language, is a 40-verse prayer that encapsulates the divine qualities, stories, and blessings of Lord Shiva. It is chanted by millions of devotees worldwide to seek his grace, protection, and spiritual enlightenment.

Lord Shiva, often depicted with a crescent moon on his head, a serpent around his neck, and the holy river Ganga flowing from his matted locks, represents the perfect balance of creation and destruction. He is both the ascetic yogi meditating in the Himalayas and the loving husband of Goddess Parvati. The Shiv Chalisa beautifully narrates his divine attributes, such as his third eye, which symbolizes wisdom and the power to destroy ignorance, and his trident (Trishul), representing the three aspects of existence—creation, preservation, and destruction.

The Chalisa begins with an invocation to Lord Shiva, praising his infinite glory and omnipresence. It highlights his role as the savior of the universe, who drank the poison (Halahala) during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) to protect the world. This selfless act earned him the name "Neelkanth," the one with a blue throat. The verses also recount his benevolence, such as granting boons to his devotees and blessing them with strength, wisdom, and prosperity.

Chanting the Shiv Chalisa is believed to bring peace, clarity, and spiritual upliftment. It helps devotees overcome obstacles, fears, and negative energies. The rhythmic recitation of the Chalisa creates a meditative atmosphere, allowing the mind to connect with the divine. Many devotees chant it during Maha Shivaratri, a significant festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, or on Mondays, which are considered auspicious for worshipping him.

The Shiv Chalisa also emphasizes the importance of devotion and surrender. It reminds us that Lord Shiva is easily pleased by sincere prayers and a pure heart. His abode, Mount Kailash, is not just a physical place but a symbol of inner peace and spiritual awakening. By chanting the Chalisa, devotees seek to attain his blessings for material and spiritual well-being.

One of the most profound aspects of Lord Shiva is his representation of the eternal cycle of life and death. He teaches us to embrace change, let go of attachments, and seek the ultimate truth. The Shiv Chalisa serves as a guide to understanding these deeper spiritual truths while fostering a personal connection with the divine.

In conclusion, the Shiv Chalisa is more than just a prayer; it is a pathway to divine communion with Lord Shiva. It inspires devotees to cultivate virtues like humility, compassion, and devotion. By chanting the Chalisa with faith and reverence, one can experience the transformative power of Lord Shiva's blessings, leading to inner peace and spiritual growth. Whether you are seeking solace, strength, or enlightenment, the Shiv Chalisa is a timeless hymn that resonates with the eternal essence of Lord Shiva.

SHIV CHALISA: REVERING THE DIVINE LORD SHIVA

Shiv Chalisa is a sacred hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. The term "Chalisa" means forty, indicating the forty verses that comprise this devotional composition. Shiv Chalisa is recited to express reverence, seek blessings, and invoke the divine presence of Lord Shiva. In this article, we explore the significance of Shiv Chalisa, delve into its verses, and understand the spiritual essence it holds.

 

INTRODUCTION TO SHIV CHALISA

Shiv Chalisa holds immense importance in the worship and devotion of Lord Shiva. It serves as a medium to express love, gratitude, and devotion towards the divine Lord. Each verse of Shiv Chalisa praises the various aspects and qualities of Lord Shiva, narrating his divine attributes and depicting his cosmic form. Devotees recite Shiv Chalisa with utmost faith and devotion to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and experience his divine grace.

 

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SHIV CHALISA

Shiv Chalisa is not merely a collection of verses; it holds profound significance for devotees of Lord Shiva. The recitation of Shiv Chalisa is believed to bring numerous spiritual and worldly benefits. It is said to purify the mind, awaken devotion, and instill a sense of peace and harmony. The verses of Shiv Chalisa invoke the divine qualities of Lord Shiva, such as wisdom, compassion, and fearlessness, inspiring devotees to embody these virtues in their lives.

 

THE VERSES OF SHIV CHALISA

Shiv Chalisa consists of forty verses that glorify Lord Shiva. Each verse carries a profound meaning and highlights different aspects of his divine existence. The verses depict Lord Shiva as the destroyer of evil, the harbinger of transformation, and the embodiment of infinite power. Through the rhythmic and melodic recitation of these verses, devotees immerse themselves in the divine energy of Lord Shiva and experience a deep connection with the cosmic consciousness.

 

Shiva Chalisa (English)

Doha

!! Jai Ganesha Girija suvan mangal mul sujaan,

Kehat ayodhyadas tum deu abhae vardan,

Jai girijapati deendeyala sada karat santan pratipala,

Bhaal chandrama sohat niike kaanan kundal naagphani ke !!

 

!! Ang gaur shir gang bahaye mundmaal tan shaar lagaye,

Vastra khaal baghambar sohe chhavi ko dekh naag mann mohe,

Maina matu ki have dulari baam ang sohat chhavi nyari,

Kar trishul sohat chhavi bhari karat sada shatrun shayakari !!

 

!! Nandii ganesha sohain tahu kaise sagar madhya kamal hai jaise,

Kartik sham aur ganrau ya chhavi kau kahi jaat na kau,

Devan jabhi jai pukara tabhi dukh prabhu aap nivara,

Kiya updrv tarak bhari devan sab mili tumhi juhari !!

 

!! Turat shadenan aap pathau lava nimesh maha mari girau,

Aap jalandhar asur sahara suyesh tumhaar vidit sansara,

Tripurasur san yudh machai sabhi kripa kar leen bachai,

Kiya taphi bhagirath bhari purab pratigea tasu purari !!

 

!! Danin mahe tum sam kou nahi sevak stuti karat sadahi,

Ved mahi mahima tab gaai akath anadi bhed nahi paai,

Prakat udadhi manthan mein jvala jare surasur bhae vihala,

Kinhe daya tahe kari sahai nilakanth tab naam kahai !!

 

!! Pujan ramchandra jab kinha jeet ke lank vibhishan dinha,

Sahas kamal men ho rahe dhari kinhe pariksha tabhi purari,

Ek kamal prabhu rakheu joyi kamal neyan pujan chahe soi,

Kathin bhakti dekhi prabhu shankar bhae prasan die ichchita var !!

 

!! Jai jai jai anant avinashi karat kripa saba ke ghat vasi,

Dusht sakal nit mohi satave bhramat rahe mohi chain ni aave,

Trahi trahi main nath pukaro yeh avasar mohi aan ubaro,

Le trishul shatrun ko maro sankat se mohi aan ubaro !!

 

!! Mata pita bhrata sab koi sankat mein puchat nahi koi,

Swami ek hai aas tumhari aaye harhu abb sankat bhari,

Dhan nirdhan ko det sadahi jo koi janche so phal pahi,

Astuti kehi vidhi karo tumhari shamahu nath abb chuk hamari !!

 

!! Shankar ho sankat ke nashan mangal karan vigihn vinashan,

Yogi yati muni dhyan lagave sharad narad shish nivave,

Namo namo jai namo shivaye sur brahmadik paar na paye,

Jo yeh path kre mann lai ta par hot hain shambhu sahai !!

 

!! Raniyan jo koi ho adhikari path kare so pavan hari,

Putra heen ki ichcha koi nishchae shiv parsad tehi hoi,

Pandit trayodashi ko lave dhyan purvak hom karave,

Trayodashi vrat kare hamesha tann nahi take rahe kalesha !!

 

!! Dhup deep naivede chadhave shankar samukh path sunave

Janam janam ke paap nasave antvaas shivapur mein pave

Kahe ayodhya aas tumhari jani sakal dukh harhu hamari !!

 

IIDohaaII

!! Nitt neim pratahi path karo chalisa,

Tum meri manokamana purn karo jagdisha,

maggsar chathi hement rithu svat chosath jaan,

astut chalisa shive, puran keen kaleyan !!

 

 

 

Shiva Chalisa (Hindi)

।।दोहा।।

!! श्री गणेश गिरिजा सुवन, मंगल मूल सुजान,

कहत अयोध्यादास तुम, देहु अभय वरदान,

जय गिरिजा पति दीन दयाला। सदा करत सन्तन प्रतिपाला,

भाल चन्द्रमा सोहत नीके। कानन कुण्डल नागफनी के !!

 

!! अंग गौर शिर गंग बहाये। मुण्डमाल तन छार लगाये,

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

मैना मातु की ह्वै दुलारी। बाम अंग सोहत छवि न्यारी,

कर त्रिशूल सोहत छवि भारी। करत सदा शत्रुन क्षयकारी !!

 

!! नन्दि गणेश सोहै तहँ कैसे। सागर मध्य कमल हैं जैसे,

कार्तिक श्याम और गणराऊ। या छवि को कहि जात न काऊ,

देवन जबहीं जाय पुकारा। तब ही दुख प्रभु आप निवारा,

किया उपद्रव तारक भारी। देवन सब मिलि तुमहिं जुहारी !!

 

!! तुरत षडानन आप पठायउ। लवनिमेष महँ मारि गिरायउ,

आप जलंधर असुर संहारा। सुयश तुम्हार विदित संसारा,

त्रिपुरासुर सन युद्ध मचाई। सबहिं कृपा कर लीन बचाई,

किया तपहिं भागीरथ भारी। पुरब प्रतिज्ञा तसु पुरारी !!

 

!! दानिन महं तुम सम कोउ नाहीं। सेवक स्तुति करत सदाहीं,

वेद नाम महिमा तव गाई। अकथ अनादि भेद नहिं पाई,

प्रगट उदधि मंथन में ज्वाला। जरे सुरासुर भये विहाला,

कीन्ह दया तहँ करी सहाई। नीलकण्ठ तब नाम कहाई !!

 

!! पूजन रामचंद्र जब कीन्हा। जीत के लंक विभीषण दीन्हा,

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

एक कमल प्रभु राखेउ जोई। कमल नयन पूजन चहं सोई,

कठिन भक्ति देखी प्रभु शंकर। भये प्रसन्न दिए इच्छित वर !!

 

!! जय जय जय अनंत अविनाशी। करत कृपा सब के घटवासी,

दुष्ट सकल नित मोहि सतावै । भ्रमत रहे मोहि चैन न आवै,

त्राहि त्राहि मैं नाथ पुकारो। यहि अवसर मोहि आन उबारो,

लै त्रिशूल शत्रुन को मारो। संकट से मोहि आन उबारो !!

 

!! मातु पिता भ्राता सब कोई। संकट में पूछत नहिं कोई,

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

धन निर्धन को देत सदाहीं। जो कोई जांचे वो फल पाहीं,

अस्तुति केहि विधि करौं तुम्हारी। क्षमहु नाथ अब चूक हमारी !!

 

!! शंकर हो संकट के नाशन। मंगल कारण विघ्न विनाशन,

योगी यति मुनि ध्यान लगावैं। नारद शारद शीश नवावैं,

नमो नमो जय नमो शिवाय। सुर ब्रह्मादिक पार न पाय,

जो यह पाठ करे मन लाई। ता पार होत है शम्भु सहाई !!

 

!! ॠनिया जो कोई हो अधिकारी। पाठ करे सो पावन हारी,

पुत्र हीन कर इच्छा कोई। निश्चय शिव प्रसाद तेहि होई,

पण्डित त्रयोदशी को लावे। ध्यान पूर्वक होम करावे,

त्रयोदशी ब्रत करे हमेशा। तन नहीं ताके रहे कलेशा !!

 

!! धूप दीप नैवेद्य चढ़ावे। शंकर सम्मुख पाठ सुनावे,

जन्म जन्म के पाप नसावे। अन्तवास शिवपुर में पावे,

कहे अयोध्या आस तुम्हारी। जानि सकल दुःख हरहु हमारी !!

॥दोहा॥

!! नित्त नेम कर प्रातः ही, पाठ करौं चालीसा,

तुम मेरी मनोकामना, पूर्ण करो जगदीश,

मगसर छठि हेमन्त ॠतु, संवत चौसठ जान,

अस्तुति चालीसा शिवहि, पूर्ण कीन कल्याण !!

 

 

THE SPIRITUAL BENEFITS OF RECITING SHIV CHALISA

The recitation of Shiv Chalisa is said to bestow numerous spiritual benefits upon the devotees. Some of the significant benefits include:

 

Devotion and Surrender: Shiv Chalisa deepens the sense of devotion and surrender to Lord Shiva. It helps in establishing a profound connection with the divine, allowing devotees to experience the unconditional love and grace of the Lord.

 

Transformation and Liberation: The verses of Shiv Chalisa inspire devotees to overcome their limitations, transform their negative tendencies, and embrace higher spiritual realms. It guides them on the path of self-realization and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

 

Protection and Blessings: Reciting Shiv Chalisa with devotion is believed to invoke Lord Shiva's protection and blessings. It creates a shield of divine energy, warding off negative influences and obstacles in the spiritual and worldly realms.

 

Inner Peace and Contentment: The melodic recitation of Shiv Chalisa calms the mind, soothes the soul, and brings inner peace and contentment. It helps in transcending worldly concerns and attaining a state of bliss and equanimity.

 

CONCLUSION

Shiv Chalisa serves as a gateway to connect with the divine energy of Lord Shiva. By reciting this sacred hymn with devotion and understanding, devotees can experience the presence and grace of Lord Shiva in their lives. Shiv Chalisa holds the power to transform the devotee's consciousness, awaken their spiritual potential, and lead them on the path of self-realization and union with the divine.

 

FAQS (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)

Q1. Can anyone recite Shiv Chalisa?

Yes, anyone can recite Shiv Chalisa, irrespective of their gender, age, or religious background. The hymn is open to all individuals who have faith and devotion towards Lord Shiva. It is recommended to recite Shiv Chalisa with sincerity, reverence, and understanding of its significance.

 

Q2. When is the best time to recite Shiv Chalisa?

There is no specific time restriction for reciting Shiv Chalisa. However, many devotees prefer to recite it during the auspicious time of Maha Shivaratri or on Mondays, which are considered highly significant for Lord Shiva. One can also choose a time that is convenient and conducive to maintaining a calm and focused state of mind.

 

Q3. Are there any specific guidelines to follow while reciting Shiv Chalisa?

While there are no strict guidelines, it is recommended to recite Shiv Chalisa in a clean and peaceful environment. Observing purity of body and mind, along with deep concentration, enhances the spiritual experience. Some devotees also light incense, offer flowers or water to Lord Shiva's idol or image, and maintain a meditative posture while reciting the hymn.

 

Q4. Can I recite Shiv Chalisa for specific purposes or wishes?

Yes, Shiv Chalisa can be recited for specific purposes or wishes. Devotees often seek the blessings of Lord Shiva for spiritual growth, inner peace, health, and protection. By focusing on their intentions and reciting the chalisa with devotion, they believe that Lord Shiva's divine grace can fulfill their sincere prayers and aspirations.

 

Q5. Can I recite Shiv Chalisa in any language?

Yes, you can recite Shiv Chalisa in any language that you are comfortable with. While the original chalisa is in Hindi or Sanskrit, translations and transliterations in various languages, including English, are available. The key is to understand the meaning and significance of the verses and recite them with deep devotion and reverence.