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.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.
