Shri Bhairav Chalisa In English
The Shri Bhairav Chalisa is a revered devotional hymn in Hinduism, consisting of 40 verses (chalisa means “forty” in Hindi) dedicated to Lord Bhairav, a fierce and powerful manifestation of Lord Shiva. This sacred composition is chanted by devotees to seek protection, strength, and the removal of obstacles from their lives. Lord Bhairav, often referred to as the “Kotwal” (guardian) of Kashi (Varanasi), embodies both ferocity and benevolence, making him a deity of immense significance in Hindu spirituality, particularly in Tantric traditions. In this article, we will explore the origins, structure, meaning, significance, and benefits of chanting the Shri Bhairav Chalisa, along with its cultural and spiritual impact.
Who is Lord Bhairav?
Lord Bhairav is a formidable incarnation of Lord Shiva, known for his intense and awe-inspiring form. The name “Bhairav” derives from the Sanskrit word Bhairava, meaning “terrifying” or “frightful,” which reflects his role as a destroyer of fear, evil, and negativity. He is often depicted with a dark complexion, fiery red eyes, sharp teeth, and a garland of skulls, accompanied by a dog as his divine mount. In his hands, he holds weapons such as a trident, drum, noose, and skull, symbolizing his power over life, death, and time.
According to Hindu mythology, Bhairav emerged when Lord Shiva severed one of Lord Brahma’s five heads as a punishment for his arrogance. This act gave rise to Kala Bhairav (the “Black Bhairav”), who is worshipped as the guardian of time and the protector of sacred spaces, especially the city of Kashi. Bhairav is also associated with the planet Rahu in Vedic astrology, and his worship is believed to mitigate the malefic effects of this celestial body. His various forms, such as Batuk Bhairav (the child form), Kala Bhairav (the fierce form), and Nath Bhairav (the lordly form), highlight his multifaceted nature.
Shri Bhairav Chalisa
DOHA
SHRI GANAPATI, GURU, GAURI PADA ।
PREMA SAHITA DHARI MATHA ।।
CHALISA VANDAN KARAUN ।
SHRI SHIV BHAIRAVANATH ।।
SHRI BHAIRAV SANKAT HARAN ।
MANGAL KARAN KRIPAL ।।
SHYAM VARAN VIKARAL VAPU ।
LOCHAN LAL VISHALA ।।
CHAUPAI
JAYATI JAYATI SHRI KALI KE LALA ।
JAYATI JAYATI KASHI KUTAVALA ।।
JAYATI ‘BATUK BHAIRAV’ BHAYA HARI ।
JAYATI ‘KAL BHAIRAV’ BALKARI ।।
JAYATI ‘NATH BHAIRAV’ VIKHYATA ।
JAYATI ‘SARVA BHAIRAV’ SUKHADATA ।।
BHAIRAV RUUP KIYO SHIV DHARAN ।
BHAV KE BHAR UTARAN KARAN ।।
BHAIRAV RAV SUNI HVAI BHAY DUURI ।
SAB VIDHI HOYA KAMANA PURI ।।
SHESH MAHESH ADI GUNA GAYO ।
KASHI KOTAVAL KAHALAYO ।।
JATA JUT SIR CHANDRA VIRAJAT ।
BALA, MUKUT, BIJAYATH SAJAT ।।
KATI KARADHANI GHUUNGHARU BAJAT ।
DARSHAN KARAT SAKAL BHAY BHAJAT ।।
JIVAN DAN DAS KO DINHYO ।
KINHYO KRIPA NATH TAB CHINHYO ।।
VASI RASANA BANI SARAD KALI ।
DINHYO VAR RAKHYO MAM LALI ।।
DHANYA DHANYA BHAIRAV BHAY BHANJAN ।
JAI MANARANJAN KHAL DAL BHANJANA ।।
KAR TRISHUL DAMARU SHUCHI KODA ।
KRIPA KATAKSH SUYASH NAHIN THODA ।।
JO BHAIRAV NIRBHAY GUN GAVAT ।
ASHTASIDDHI NAV NIDHI PHAL PAVAT ।।
ROOP VISHAL KATHIN DUKH MOCHAN ।
KRODH KARAL LAL DUHUN LOCHAN ।।
AGINAT BHUT PRET SANG DOLAT ।
BAM BAM BAM SHIV BAM BAM BOLAT ।।
RUDRAKAYA KALI KE LALA ।
MAHA KALAHU KE HO KALA ।।
BATUK NATH HO KAL GANBHIRA ।
SHVET, RAKT ARU SHYAM SHARIRA ।।
KARAT TINHUN RUP PRAKASHA ।
BHARAT SUBHAKTAN KAHAN SHUBH ASHA ।।
RATAN JADIT KANCHAN SINHASAN ।
VYAGHR CHARM SHUCHI NARM SUANAN ।।
TUMAHI JAI KASHIHIN JAN DHYAVAHIN ।
VISHVNATH KAHAN DARSHAN PAVAHIN ।। ।।
JAYA PRABHU SANHARAK SUNAND JAYA ।
JAYA UNNAT HARA UMA NAND JAYA ।।
BHIM TRILOCHAN SVAN SATHA JAY ।
VAIJANATH SHRI JAGATANATH JAYA ।।
MAHA BHIM BHISHAN SHARIR JAYA ।
RUDR TRAYAMBAKA DHIR VIR JAYA ।।
ASHVANATH JAYA PRETANATH JAYA ।
SVANARUDH SRI CHANDRA NATH JAYA
NIMISH DIGAMBAR CHAKRANATH JAYA ।
GAHAT ANATHAN NATH HATH JAYA ।।
TRESHALESH BHUUTESH CHANDR JAYA ।
KRODH VATS AMARESH NAND JAYA ।।
SHRI VAMAN NAKULESH CHAND JAYA ।
KRITYAU KIRATI PRACHAND JAYA ।।
RUDR BATUK KRODHESH KAL DHAR ।
CHAKR TUND DASH PANIVYALA DHAR ।।
KARI MAD PAN SHAMBHU GUNAGAVAT ।
CHAUNSATH YOGIN SANG NACHAVAT ।।
KARAT KRIPA JAN PAR BAHU DHANGA ।
KASHI KOTAVAL ADABANGA ।।
DEY KAL BHAIRAVA JABA SOTA ।
NASAI PAP MOTA SE MOTA ।।
JANAKAR NIRMAL HOY SHARIRA ।
MITE SAKAL SANKAT BHAV PIRA ।।
SHRI BHAIRAV BHOOTON KE RAJA ।
BADHA HARAT KARAT SHUBH KAJA ।।
AILADI KE DUHKH NIVARAYO ।
SADA KRIPA KARI KAJ SAMHARAYO ।।
SUNDAR DAS SAHIT ANURAGA ।
SHRI DURVASA NIKAT PRAYAGA ।।
SHRI BHAIRAVA JI KI JAYA LEKHYO ।
SAKAL KAMANA PUURAN DEKHYO ।।
DOHA
JAI JAI JAI BHAIRAV BATUK SWAMI SANKAT TAR,
KRIPA DAS PAR KIJIYE SHANKAR KE AVATAR,
JO YEH CHALISA PARE PREM SAHIT SHAT BAR,
US GHAR SARVANAND HO, VAIBHAV BARE APAR ।।
JAI SRI BHAIRAVAYA NAMAH !!
।। ITI SRI BHAIRAV CHALISA ।।
Meaning and Significance
The Shri Bhairav Chalisa is a poetic encapsulation of Bhairav’s divine qualities and his role as a protector and benefactor. Each verse serves a purpose:
- Praise: The hymn glorifies Bhairav’s fearsome yet compassionate nature, emphasizing his ability to destroy negativity and grant boons.
- Protection: It invokes Bhairav’s power to shield devotees from enemies, evil spirits, and worldly sorrows.
- Spiritual Elevation: The recitation is believed to awaken inner strength, courage, and spiritual awareness, aligning the devotee with Shiva’s energy.
The repeated chants of “Jayati Jayati” (Victory, Victory) reflect a celebratory tone, reinforcing the belief that Bhairav’s presence ensures triumph over adversity. The mention of Kashi (Varanasi) underscores his role as its eternal guardian, a city where devotees believe liberation (moksha) is assured.
Benefits of Chanting Shri Bhairav Chalisa
Devotees chant the Shri Bhairav Chalisa for a variety of reasons, rooted in both spiritual and practical outcomes:
- Protection from Evil: Bhairav is revered as a deity who wards off negative energies, black magic, and malevolent forces.
- Removal of Obstacles: Like Lord Ganesha, Bhairav clears hurdles in personal and professional life.
- Courage and Confidence: His fierce energy instills fearlessness and determination in devotees.
- Material Prosperity: The Chalisa promises fulfillment of desires, including wealth and success.
- Spiritual Growth: Regular recitation is said to grant siddhis (spiritual powers) and deepen one’s connection to Shiva.
- Astrological Relief: As the lord of Rahu, Bhairav’s worship mitigates planetary afflictions.
The closing doha suggests that chanting the Chalisa 100 times with devotion amplifies its effects, bringing joy and abundance to the devotee’s household.
How to Chant Shri Bhairav Chalisa
To maximize the benefits, devotees follow these traditional practices:
- Offerings: After recitation, offer prayers with flowers, sindoor (vermilion), or sweets, and seek Bhairav’s blessings.
- Timing: The Chalisa is ideally recited on Tuesdays, Saturdays, or during Ashtami (the eighth day of the lunar cycle), days sacred to Bhairav.
- Preparation: A clean space, a lit lamp, and offerings like mustard oil, black sesame seeds, or coconut are recommended.
- Mindset: Chant with devotion, focus, and a pure heart, visualizing Bhairav’s form.
