# Shiv Chalisa

> Shiva mantra from Traditional Hindi devotional hymn (40 chaupais). Meaning, benefits and how to chant. Full Sanskrit lyrics at https://mahakatha.com/mantras/shiva/shiv-chalisa/

- **Deity:** Shiva
- **Language:** hindi
- **Source:** Traditional Hindi devotional hymn (40 chaupais)
- **Composer:** Ayodhyadas (named in the opening doha)
- **Also known as:** Shiv Chalisa, Shiva Chalisa, Shri Shiv Chalisa, शिव चालीसा, श्री शिव चालीसा
- **Full lyrics and transliteration:** https://mahakatha.com/mantras/shiva/shiv-chalisa/ (not in the Mahakatha recorded collection yet)

## Meaning

The Shiv Chalisa is a forty-verse Hindi hymn in praise of Shiva. Like other chalisas, it is written in short rhyming chaupai couplets framed by a doha at the start and the end, which makes it easy to learn by heart and recite at home.
The opening doha names its poet as Ayodhyadas, and the closing doha dates it to the sixth day of Margashirsha in "Samvat sixty-four". Little else is known about him. The verses retell well-known stories of Shiva, such as drinking the poison from the churning of the ocean, and end with a personal prayer for help.

## How to chant

1. **Sit somewhere quiet** — Many people recite it in the morning after bathing, or on Mondays and during Shravan, the months traditionally linked with Shiva. Any quiet time works.
2. **Start with the opening doha** — Recite the doha to Ganesha first, then the forty chaupais in order, then the closing doha.
3. **Read at an even pace** — Read from the lyrics on this page, aloud or softly. If you are new to it, read the English meaning of each verse first so the words make sense to you.
4. **Finish quietly** — Sit for a minute after the last doha before getting up.

## Frequently asked

**What is the Shiv Chalisa?**

It is a Hindi hymn of forty chaupai verses, with a doha at the beginning and the end, praising Shiva and retelling stories about him. "Chalisa" comes from "chalis", the Hindi word for forty.

**Who wrote the Shiv Chalisa?**

The opening doha names the poet as Ayodhyadas ("kahata ayodhyadasa"). The closing doha says it was completed in "Samvat sixty-four", but does not name the century, so its exact date is not known.

**When is the Shiv Chalisa recited?**

Devotees traditionally recite it on Mondays, on Maha Shivaratri, on Pradosh (Trayodashi) and through the month of Shravan. Many people also recite it as part of a daily morning prayer.

**Does Mahakatha have a recording of the Shiv Chalisa?**

Not yet. The Shiv Chalisa is not in the Mahakatha collection, and this page gives the lyrics and meaning only. You can listen to the Shiva chants we have recorded, such as Om Namah Shivaya and the Shiva Tandava Stotram.


## Related mantras

- [Om Namah Shivaya Mantra](https://mahakatha.com/mantras/shiva/om-namah-shivaya/)
- [Shiva Tandava Stotram](https://mahakatha.com/mantras/shiva/shiva-tandava-stotram/)
- [Rudrashtakam](https://mahakatha.com/mantras/shiva/rudrashtakam-mantra/)
- [Lingashtakam](https://mahakatha.com/mantras/shiva/lingashtakam-mantra/)
- [Shivashtakam](https://mahakatha.com/mantras/shiva/shivashtakam/)
- [Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra](https://mahakatha.com/mantras/shiva/mrityunjaya-mantra/)

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Source: https://mahakatha.com/mantras/shiva/shiv-chalisa/ — Mahakatha, https://mahakatha.com