Devotional Hymns
Chalisa — Sacred 40-Verse Hymns
A Chalisa (from chalis, forty) is a devotional hymn of exactly 40 verses praising a Hindu deity. Each recitation is an act of bhakti — devotion — invoking the deity's qualities and seeking their blessing, protection, and grace.
Hanuman Chalisa
हनुमान चालीसा · Lord Hanuman
Hanuman Chalisa is a 40-verse devotional hymn composed by Tulsidas in the 16th century. It praises Lord Hanuman, the deity of strength, devotion, and protection. One of the most widely recited prayers in Hinduism, it is chanted to ward off evil, gain strength, and seek divine protection.
Durga Chalisa
दुर्गा चालीसा · Goddess Durga
Durga Chalisa is a 40-verse devotional prayer to Goddess Durga, the divine mother of power and protection. Recited especially during Navratri, it invokes Maa Durga's nine forms and her victory over the demon Mahishasura. It grants strength, removes fear, and fulfils the wishes of sincere devotees.
Ganesh Chalisa
गणेश चालीसा · Lord Ganesha
Ganesh Chalisa is a 40-verse hymn to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and lord of new beginnings. In Vedic tradition, no auspicious work begins without invoking Ganesha first. This Chalisa ensures success, removes hurdles, and brings wisdom and prosperity.
Shiv Chalisa
शिव चालीसा · Lord Shiva
Shiv Chalisa is a 40-verse devotional hymn to Lord Shiva, the destroyer and transformer. Chanted especially on Mondays, Mahashivratri, and Sawan month, it grants moksha, removes disease, and fulfils desires.
Lakshmi Chalisa
लक्ष्मी चालीसा · Goddess Lakshmi
Lakshmi Chalisa is a devotional hymn to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and fortune. Recited especially on Fridays and Diwali, it attracts wealth, removes financial obstacles, and brings domestic harmony.
Saraswati Chalisa
सरस्वती चालीसा · Goddess Saraswati
Saraswati Chalisa invokes Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, arts, music, and wisdom. It is the prayer of students, scholars, artists, and musicians seeking divine intelligence and creativity.
Ram Chalisa
राम चालीसा · Lord Rama
Ram Chalisa praises Lord Rama — the ideal king, devoted husband, and seventh avatar of Vishnu. It bestows righteousness, destroys enemies, and grants the fulfilment of sincere prayers.
Kali Chalisa
काली चालीसा · Goddess Kali
Kali Chalisa is a powerful invocation of Goddess Kali — the fierce mother who destroys evil at its root. It provides protection against black magic, removes deep-seated fears, and grants the power to overcome the most difficult life situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What is a Chalisa?
A Chalisa is a devotional hymn containing exactly 40 verses (Chalis = forty in Hindi). Each Chalisa is dedicated to a specific deity and praises their qualities, deeds, and powers.
Q.Which Chalisa should I start with?
Begin with Ganesh Chalisa as Ganesha is the lord of beginnings — invoking him first removes obstacles from all subsequent prayers. After Ganesh Chalisa, Hanuman Chalisa is the most universally recommended for daily recitation.