Shri Shiv Chalisa

Victory to the Lord of Girija, the merciful protector of the humble! You eternally shelter, nurture, and preserve the seekers of truth.

Upon your forehead the cool crescent moon gleams charmingly, while in your ears swing earrings shaped of serpents' hoods.

Your fair complexion shines like camphor, while the celestial river Ganga cascades from your matted locks. A garland of skulls rests upon your chest and your sacred body is smeared with holy ash.

You are dressed in an auspicious tiger-skin (Vyaghrambara); beholding your divine beauty, celestial serpents and ascetic sages are filled with wonder.

The beloved daughter of Queen Mena (Mother Parvati) sits gracefully upon your left side, presenting an incomparable vision of Shiva-Shakti union.

In your hand rests the pure, gleaming Trident (Trishula), which eternally annihilates demonic and negative forces.

Nandi the divine bull and Lord Ganesha shine beside you like resplendent lotus blossoms blooming in the midst of an ocean.

Beside you stand Lord Kartikeya and your attendant hosts (Ganas); words fail to capture the transcendent beauty of this celestial assembly.

Whenever the gods went to you in distress with prayers, at that very moment, O Lord, you took charge and resolved their crisis.

When the demon Tarakasura created intolerable oppression across the cosmos, all the gods gathered and bowed before you in prayer.

You immediately dispatched the six-faced Kartikeya (Shadanana), who in the twinkling of an eye vanquished Tarakasura.

You annihilated the tyrannical demon Jalandhara; your glorious renown is celebrated throughout the world.

Engaging in combat against Tripurasura, you destroyed his flying fortresses with a single arrow and graciously saved creation.

You humbled the arrogant thousand-armed Banasura, severed his excessive arms, and yet protected his life out of mercy.

When King Bhagiratha performed peerless austerities, you received the torrential descent of the Ganges in your locks to save the earth.

Releasing her waters in gentle streams, every drop of Mother Ganga purifies the sins of countless lifetimes.

Upon your forehead shines the crescent moon; gazing upon your sublime form, celestial beings and ascetics are humbled in reverence.

Directing the sacred Ganges through your matted locks, all three realms experienced immense peace and auspicious bliss.

Adorned with an imposing garland of skulls, the sight of your sovereign cosmic form causes even Yama, Lord of Death, to tremble.

Awakening the mystical Kundalini energy within seekers, you bestow the eight perfections upon pure, selfless devotees.