शिव चालीसा
Shiv Chalisa
Composed by Traditional · All Chalisas
The Shiv Chalisa is a forty-verse devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva — Mahadeva, the auspicious one, destroyer of ignorance, beloved of Parvati, source of yoga itself. It is recited on Mondays (Somvar), during the holy month of Shravan, and on Maha Shivratri.
Among the Hindu trimurti, Shiva is the principle of dissolution — but also of transformation. Devotees recite the Shiv Chalisa not just for worldly relief, but to dissolve the inner blocks that keep the seeker stuck: ahankāra (ego), moha (delusion), and the unconscious patterns inherited from past karmas.
Verses being verified
We are finalising the verse text from an authoritative edition (Gita Press, Gorakhpur) before publishing this Chalisa. The introduction, benefits, and recitation guide above are ready to read. The full verses and audio will appear here shortly.
In the meantime, the Hanuman Chalisa is fully available with verse-by-verse meaning and the practice reader.
Benefits of recitation
- •Recited for relief from prolonged illness and chronic difficulties.
- •Believed to ease the effects of Shani sade-sati and kaal sarp dosha.
- •Central to Maha Shivratri observance.
- •Cultivates vairagya (dispassion) and steadiness in meditation.
- •Traditionally chanted with abhishek of the Shiva lingam (water, milk, bilva leaves).
How to recite — traditional guidance
Best day
Monday (Somvar), every day of Shravan month, Maha Shivratri
Best time
Pradosh kaal (just after sunset) or pre-dawn
How many paaths
1, 5, or 11 paaths — Shravan Mondays warrant 11
- ·Offer bilva (bel) leaves, white flowers, and water (or milk) on the lingam.
- ·Wear white or rudraksha if you have one.
- ·Sit facing north or east.
- ·Begin with 'Om Namah Shivaya' three times.
- ·Avoid non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, and intoxicants on recitation days.
- ·Conclude with aarti and a moment of silent meditation.
Common questions
When should the Shiv Chalisa be recited?
Mondays are most auspicious, and every Monday of the Hindu month of Shravan (July–August) is especially powerful. Maha Shivratri — usually in February or March — is the single most important night for Shiva sadhana.
Is the Shiv Chalisa the same as the Rudrashtakam?
No. The Rudrashtakam is a Sanskrit hymn of eight verses by Tulsidas (from the Ramcharitmanas). The Shiv Chalisa is a separate 40-verse devotional poem in Hindi/Awadhi. Many devotees recite both.
Can the Shiv Chalisa help with Shani sade-sati?
Traditional belief is that Lord Shiva is the only deity who pacifies the rigour of Shani. Recitation of the Shiv Chalisa during sade-sati is one of the most common remedies suggested by Vedic astrologers.