Gayatri Chalisa
Significance & Importance
The Gayatri Chalisa is the devotional poetic expression of veneration for Maa Gayatri — the personification of the supreme Gayatri Mantra, the most sacred mantra of the Vedas. Often called 'Veda Mata' (Mother of the Vedas), Gayatri is regarded in Hindu thought as the source of all spiritual knowledge, the divine consciousness that gives birth to wisdom, intellect, and the very capacity for sacred learning.
The Gayatri Mantra itself — 'Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha, Tat Savitur Varenyam, Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi, Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat' — is composed of 24 syllables, each considered a fundamental seed of cosmic vibration. The Chalisa repeatedly invokes these qualities, describing Gayatri as 'akshar chovees param punita' (the twenty-four syllables of supreme purity). Each syllable represents a spiritual power, and the entire mantra is understood as a complete prayer for the illumination of intellect (dhi) and the guiding of consciousness toward dharma.
Devotees recite the Gayatri Chalisa especially at sunrise (the most auspicious time for Gayatri worship), during sandhya rituals performed at dawn, noon, and dusk, and on Gayatri Jayanti (Jyestha Shukla Ekadashi) which marks the descent of the Gayatri Mantra into human consciousness. The Chalisa is considered particularly valuable for students, scholars, spiritual seekers, and anyone wishing to purify their thought-stream and cultivate clarity, discrimination (viveka), and inner illumination. Gayatri worship transcends sectarian boundaries — she is honored across all Vedic and Hindu traditions as the universal Mother of wisdom.
English Transliteration
|| Doha ||
Hreem Shreem Kleem Medha Prabha, Jeevan Jyoti Prachand.
Shaanti Kraanti Jaagriti, Pragati Rachain Akhand.
Jagat Janani Mangal Karani, Gayatri Sukh Dhaam.
Pranavom Saavitri Swadha, Swaaha Pooran Kaam.
|| Chaupai ||
Bhoor Bhuvah Swah Om Yut Janani.
Gayatri Nit Kalimal Dahani.
Akshar Chovees Param Punita.
Inmein Base Shaastra Shruti Geeta.
Shaashvat Satogun Sat Vigyaana.
Maata Tum Adi Shakti Mahaana.
Deen Janon Par Karahu Sahaai.
Maata Buddhi Vivek De Maai.
Jagat Janani Maa Shubh Phal Daatri.
Akhilon Ko Sukhmay Bhav Yaatri.
Saarth Hai Tav Vandan Aaradhan.
Nishchit Hota Tum Karat Pradakshan.
Jaaki Kripa Hot Sab Par Tab.
Usko Sahi Marg Milat Sukhi Tab.
Tumhare Nij Sumire Anant Phal Pavai.
Man Vaanchhit Nij Manas Manaai.
Nigam Aagam Sab Tumhre Gun Gaaye.
Vidhi Hari Shankar Tumhare Bhaaye.
Vaani Aapki Sundar Madhuri.
Kahein Roop Ab Tumhri Kachhu Anuri.
Swet Varan Vastra Pahirana.
Swet Pushp Bhushan Sukh Daana.
Kar Mein Kamandalu Maala Bhoori.
Veenaakar Tum Vagdevi Roori.
Maheshwari Mahalakshmi Maa Tum.
Maha Saraswati Roopaa Tum.
Kaali Roop Dhar Asur Sanhaarat.
Dhanya Bhayee Mahi Tav Bali Dhaarat.
Devi Maa Sankat Sab Haran Karo.
Ghor Vipatti Mein Ham Saran Karo.
Karunamayi Gambheer Tav Maata.
Kaali Bhavaani Tum Param Pradhana.
Bhakti Bhaav Se Dhyaan Lagaata.
Aavaagaman Se Mukti Paata.
Doob Rahi Manuj Jaati Bhayaani.
Sheesh Dhar Tav Charanon Jaani.
Bhakti Karan Vidhi Vidhaan Bataao.
Raahi Mukti Ka Hamen Dikhaao.
Murti Tumhari Maa Maans Hriday Mein.
Dhyaan Karoon Nit Tumhra Man Mein.
Hey Maa Shakti Roop Avtaaro.
Deen Karoon Nit Vinati Hamaaro.
Jaal Mahaamoh Ke Phans Aaye.
Bhakti Bhaav Ham Bhool Sirhane.
Kaam Krodh Aur Lobh Bhi Heene.
Hari Bhool Naashvant Sukh Leene.
Ubharat Roopa Hari Bhool Bisaarat.
Narak Saagar Mein Aap Pachaarat.
Kripa Karahu Maa Vyaapak Daani.
Veda Maata Hum Tav Bhakt Janani.
Paap Naashe Ham Pavan Banaayo.
Bhakti Marg Mein Charan Lagaayo.
Sampatti Roop Subhah Sab Bhanti.
Bhakta Janon Ko Sukh Den Maa Pati.
Jo Dharma Aur Karm Nirat Hain.
Tumhri Kripa Te Sukh Maan Rat Hain.
Dhyaan Manas Mein Tav Saamaayo.
Jag Ke Sab Sukh Maa Phal Paayo.
Guru Sa Hari Krishan Hari Vaani.
Dheer Veer Kavi Sat Sant Gyaani.
Sabne Tav Mahima Bahu Gaai.
Gyaaniyon Ki Tum Param Sahaai.
Ghar Aangan Mein Aap Padhaaron.
Bhakti Bhaav Hum Nit Bistaaron.
Hey Maa Hum Par Daya Karahu Ab.
Sab Sankat Door Karau Tum Ab.
Gayatri Chalisa Jo Nit Gaavai.
Manvaanchhit Phal Saakshat Paavai.
|| Doha ||
Mantra Gayatri Param Mahima, Vedan Saar Saar.
Nit Paath Karain Bhakt Jan, Hot Bhav Sukh Paar.Verse-by-Verse Meaning
Tap “Show meaning” under any line to read its bhāvārth.
Hreem Shreem Kleem Medha Prabha, Jeevan Jyoti Prachand. Shaanti Kraanti Jaagriti, Pragati Rachain Akhand.
Show meaningHide meaning
O Goddess of intellect and radiance, invoked with the seed-syllables Hreem, Shreem and Kleem, you are the mighty, blazing light of life. It is you who forge peace, transformation, awakening, and unbroken progress.
Jagat Janani Mangal Karani, Gayatri Sukh Dhaam. Pranavom Saavitri Swadha, Swaaha Pooran Kaam.
Show meaningHide meaning
O Mother of the universe, bringer of auspiciousness, Gayatri is the very abode of joy. You are the Pranava (Om), Savitri, Swadha and Swaaha — in whose name every offering and every wish reaches fulfilment.
Bhoor Bhuvah Swah Om Yut Janani. Gayatri Nit Kalimal Dahani.
Show meaningHide meaning
Mother united with the sacred syllable Om and the three vyahritis — Bhuh, Bhuvah, Swah — Gayatri ever burns away the sins and impurities of this dark age.
Akshar Chovees Param Punita. Inmein Base Shaastra Shruti Geeta.
Show meaningHide meaning
The twenty-four syllables of your mantra are supremely sacred; within them dwell the essence of all scriptures, the Shrutis (Vedas), and the Gita.
Shaashvat Satogun Sat Vigyaana. Maata Tum Adi Shakti Mahaana.
Show meaningHide meaning
Eternal, embodying pure sattva and true wisdom — O Mother, you are the great primordial Shakti, the source of all power.
Deen Janon Par Karahu Sahaai. Maata Buddhi Vivek De Maai.
Show meaningHide meaning
Extend your help to the humble and the lowly; O Mother, grant us intellect and the discernment to know right from wrong.
Jagat Janani Maa Shubh Phal Daatri. Akhilon Ko Sukhmay Bhav Yaatri.
Show meaningHide meaning
Mother of the universe, giver of auspicious fruit, you make the worldly journey of every being a joyful one.
Saarth Hai Tav Vandan Aaradhan. Nishchit Hota Tum Karat Pradakshan.
Show meaningHide meaning
Your worship and adoration are truly fruitful; circling you in reverence (pradakshina) brings certain and lasting benefit.
Jaaki Kripa Hot Sab Par Tab. Usko Sahi Marg Milat Sukhi Tab.
Show meaningHide meaning
Whoever receives your grace finds the right and true path, and thereby attains happiness.
Tumhare Nij Sumire Anant Phal Pavai. Man Vaanchhit Nij Manas Manaai.
Show meaningHide meaning
One who remembers you attains infinite fruit; every heartfelt wish is fulfilled within the mind itself.
Nigam Aagam Sab Tumhre Gun Gaaye. Vidhi Hari Shankar Tumhare Bhaaye.
Show meaningHide meaning
All the Nigamas (Vedas) and Agamas sing of your glories; Brahma (Vidhi), Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Shankar) themselves delight in you.
Vaani Aapki Sundar Madhuri. Kahein Roop Ab Tumhri Kachhu Anuri.
Show meaningHide meaning
Your voice is beautiful and sweet; let me now attempt to describe, however inadequately, a little of your divine form.
Swet Varan Vastra Pahirana. Swet Pushp Bhushan Sukh Daana.
Show meaningHide meaning
You are clad in garments of pure white, adorned with white flowers as ornaments — the very giver of joy.
Kar Mein Kamandalu Maala Bhoori. Veenaakar Tum Vagdevi Roori.
Show meaningHide meaning
In your hands you hold a kamandalu (water pot) and a great rosary of beads; as Vagdevi, the beautiful goddess of speech, you also bear the veena.
Maheshwari Mahalakshmi Maa Tum. Maha Saraswati Roopaa Tum.
Show meaningHide meaning
O Mother, you are Maheshwari (the form of Parvati), you are Mahalakshmi, and you are also the form of Maha Saraswati — the threefold Divine Mother.
Kaali Roop Dhar Asur Sanhaarat. Dhanya Bhayee Mahi Tav Bali Dhaarat.
Show meaningHide meaning
Taking the fierce form of Kali, you destroy the demons; blessed indeed is this earth that bears the weight of your power.
Devi Maa Sankat Sab Haran Karo. Ghor Vipatti Mein Ham Saran Karo.
Show meaningHide meaning
O Mother Devi, take away all our troubles; in the direst calamity, grant us your refuge.
Karunamayi Gambheer Tav Maata. Kaali Bhavaani Tum Param Pradhana.
Show meaningHide meaning
O Mother, you are compassionate and profound in nature; as Kali Bhavani, you stand supreme above all.
Bhakti Bhaav Se Dhyaan Lagaata. Aavaagaman Se Mukti Paata.
Show meaningHide meaning
One who fixes their meditation on you with devotion attains liberation from the endless cycle of birth and death.
Doob Rahi Manuj Jaati Bhayaani. Sheesh Dhar Tav Charanon Jaani.
Show meaningHide meaning
Fearful humanity is drowning in the ocean of worldly existence; knowing this, I place my head at your feet.
Bhakti Karan Vidhi Vidhaan Bataao. Raahi Mukti Ka Hamen Dikhaao.
Show meaningHide meaning
Teach us the true method and discipline of devotion; show us the path that leads to liberation.
Murti Tumhari Maa Maans Hriday Mein. Dhyaan Karoon Nit Tumhra Man Mein.
Show meaningHide meaning
O Mother, your image is enshrined within the depths of my heart; I meditate upon you constantly in my mind.
Hey Maa Shakti Roop Avtaaro. Deen Karoon Nit Vinati Hamaaro.
Show meaningHide meaning
O Mother, manifest before us in your form of Shakti; humbly, I offer this prayer to you always.
Jaal Mahaamoh Ke Phans Aaye. Bhakti Bhaav Ham Bhool Sirhane.
Show meaningHide meaning
We have become entangled in the web of great delusion, forgetting devotion and bowing our heads in confusion.
Kaam Krodh Aur Lobh Bhi Heene. Hari Bhool Naashvant Sukh Leene.
Show meaningHide meaning
Lust, anger and greed have degraded us; forgetting the Divine, we chase after fleeting, perishable pleasures.
Ubharat Roopa Hari Bhool Bisaarat. Narak Saagar Mein Aap Pachaarat.
Show meaningHide meaning
Even as we try to rise, we forget the Divine again and again, and we are pulled into an ocean of suffering.
Kripa Karahu Maa Vyaapak Daani. Veda Maata Hum Tav Bhakt Janani.
Show meaningHide meaning
Show your grace, O all-pervading and generous Mother; O Veda Mata, mother of the Vedas, we are your own devoted children.
Paap Naashe Ham Pavan Banaayo. Bhakti Marg Mein Charan Lagaayo.
Show meaningHide meaning
Destroy our sins and make us pure; set our feet firmly upon the path of devotion.
Sampatti Roop Subhah Sab Bhanti. Bhakta Janon Ko Sukh Den Maa Pati.
Show meaningHide meaning
You are the very form of auspicious prosperity in every way; O protecting Mother, you are the one who grants happiness to your devotees.
Jo Dharma Aur Karm Nirat Hain. Tumhri Kripa Te Sukh Maan Rat Hain.
Show meaningHide meaning
Those devoted to righteous duty and right action remain, by your grace, ever established in happiness and honour.
Dhyaan Manas Mein Tav Saamaayo. Jag Ke Sab Sukh Maa Phal Paayo.
Show meaningHide meaning
When your meditation settles within the mind, O Mother, one attains the fruit of every joy this world holds.
Guru Sa Hari Krishan Hari Vaani. Dheer Veer Kavi Sat Sant Gyaani.
Show meaningHide meaning
Like a guru, you are the very voice of Lord Hari Krishna; you inspire the steadfast, the brave, the poets, the truthful, the saints and the wise.
Sabne Tav Mahima Bahu Gaai. Gyaaniyon Ki Tum Param Sahaai.
Show meaningHide meaning
Everyone has sung your glory abundantly; you remain the supreme helper of those who possess true knowledge.
Ghar Aangan Mein Aap Padhaaron. Bhakti Bhaav Hum Nit Bistaaron.
Show meaningHide meaning
O Mother, grace our home and courtyard with your presence; may our devotion to you keep growing every day.
Hey Maa Hum Par Daya Karahu Ab. Sab Sankat Door Karau Tum Ab.
Show meaningHide meaning
O Mother, show us your mercy now; remove every one of our troubles this very moment.
Gayatri Chalisa Jo Nit Gaavai. Manvaanchhit Phal Saakshat Paavai.
Show meaningHide meaning
Whoever recites this Gayatri Chalisa daily attains their heart's desire directly and visibly.
Mantra Gayatri Param Mahima, Vedan Saar Saar. Nit Paath Karain Bhakt Jan, Hot Bhav Sukh Paar.
Show meaningHide meaning
The Gayatri Mantra holds supreme glory, the very essence of the essence of all the Vedas. Devotees who recite it daily cross the ocean of worldly existence and reach the shore of true happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should the Gayatri Chalisa be recited?
The Gayatri Chalisa is traditionally recited during the morning or evening worship of Maa Gayatri, and especially on the deity's sacred days. Reciting it daily — or for forty days — is a common devotional practice.
How many verses are there in a Chalisa?
A chalisa is a devotional hymn of forty (chālīs) chaupai verses, usually framed by opening and closing doha couplets, composed here in praise of Maa Gayatri.
What are the benefits of reciting the Gayatri Chalisa?
Reciting the Gayatri Chalisa with faith is traditionally believed to invoke the grace of Maa Gayatri, steady the mind, and bring courage and inner peace. It is offered as an act of bhakti (devotion), not as a guarantee of any specific material result.