Kali Chalisa — Lyrics with Meaning

Doha

Jai Kali jagdambike, Shakti roop sukhdan | Shyam roop ati manohar, karo bhakt kalyan ||

Victory to Kali, mother of the world, embodiment of Shakti and giver of happiness. With your most beautiful dark form, bless your devotees.

Doha

Karala-vadana danshtra, munda-malini namo | Shav par nachat Kali, charan mein sheesh dharo ||

Salutation to the fierce-faced one with long teeth, the skull-garlanded Devi. I bow my head at the feet of Kali who dances upon the corpse.

Chaupai 1

Jai jai Kali karal rupini | Dusht-daman dukh-shok harini || Mahakali mahamaya shakti | Tribhuvan mein teri jai-shakti ||

Victory, victory to terrible-formed Kali, destroyer of the wicked and remover of grief and sorrow. Mahakali, Mahamaya, Shakti — your victorious power pervades all three worlds.

Chaupai 2

Shyam rang tan, lal nayan | Mund maal gal, bhishan badan || Chaar bhuj mein khadga khappar | Shav par nache Kali nirbhar ||

Dark body, red eyes, skull-garland at the throat, terrifying face. With sword and skull-cup in four arms, Kali dances fearlessly upon the corpse.

Chaupai 3

Rakt-jihva bahar nikali | Singh-vahini mahashakti mili || Brahma Vishnu Shiv dhyate | Sabhi Dev pad par jhukaate ||

Red-stained tongue hangs out. Mahashakti riding the lion — even Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva meditate upon her, and all gods bow at her feet.

Chaupai 4

Raktabij ko mara maan ne | Shumbha-Nishumbha sanhara maan ne || Chanda-Munda bhi maare Kali | Dev-jagat ko mukti de daali ||

Mother slew Raktabija. She destroyed Shumbha and Nishumbha. Kali also killed Chanda and Munda and gave liberation to the world of gods.

Chaupai 5

Dhumralochana ko kiya naash | Shatruon ka kiya sarvanash || Sati sadhvi ko deti shakti | Dukhiyon ko deti bhakti-mukti ||

She destroyed Dhumralochana and annihilated all enemies. She gives power to chaste and devoted women, and to the sorrowful she gives devotion and liberation.

Chaupai 6

Kashi mein viraaje Mahakali | Kalakatta mein Shakti-Kali || Dakshina Kali roop anoota | Bhakt manorath karti poota ||

Mahakali resides in Kashi, Shakti-Kali in Kolkata. Dakshina Kali has a unique form and fulfils devotees' wishes.

Chaupai 7

Shamshan Kali bhay-harini | Raakshas-kul ki sanharini || Tara-Saraswati shakti-roopa | Tripur-Bhairavi maha-anoopa ||

Shamshan Kali removes fear and destroys the demon clan. In the form of Tara and Saraswati also she is the embodiment of power; Tripura Bhairavi is supremely matchless.

Chaupai 8

Navratri mein pooja hoti | Shatru-paksha sab kamzor hoti || Bhakt karen Kali ka jaap | Door ho jaate sabhi santaap ||

She is worshipped in Navratri and the enemy camp weakens. Devotees who chant Kali's name have all their suffering removed.

Chaupai 9

Kali naam japo har din | Mite jeevan ke sab dukh-deen || Shanivar aur amavasya par | Karo pooja, jao unke ghar ||

Chant Kali's name every day and all sorrows of life are erased. On Saturday and new moon day, worship her and visit her temple.

Chaupai 10

Laal hibiscus ka phool chadhaayen | Rakt chandan aur kaajal lagaayen || Neem ke patte bhi priya unhen | Bhakt paayen kripa unki unhen ||

Offer red hibiscus flowers, apply red sandalwood and kajal. Neem leaves are also dear to her; devotees receive her grace.

Chaupai 11

Bhay-bhit bhakt ko deti abhay | Rogi ko deti aarogya nirbhay || Kali ke charno mein jo aaye | Uske sabhi kasht door ho jaaye ||

She gives fearlessness to the frightened devotee, and fearless health to the sick. Whoever comes to Kali's feet has all their troubles removed.

Chaupai 12

Kali chalisa nit padhe jo | Use mile man-vanchit phal jo || Ghar mein hogi sukh-samriddhi | Shatru-paksha se milegi siddhi ||

Whoever recites Kali Chalisa daily gets their heart's desire. The home will have happiness and prosperity and victory over enemies will come.

Doha

Kali charan namo namo, dehu shakti apaar | Bhakt ki raksha karo maa, haro sabhi vikaar ||

I bow and bow at Kali's feet. Grant boundless power, protect your devotees and remove all impurities.