Vishnu Chalisa
Significance & Importance
The Vishnu Chalisa is the foundational hymn dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the cosmic preserver and sustainer of dharma in Hindu cosmology. As the second deity of the Trimurti (alongside Brahma the creator and Shiva the dissolver), Vishnu is invoked across South Asia and the Hindu diaspora as the protector of devotees, restorer of cosmic balance, and source of all divine incarnations.
This Chalisa systematically narrates the ten principal avatars (Dashavatara) of Vishnu — Matsya (fish), Kurma (tortoise), Varaha (boar), Narasimha (man-lion), Vamana (dwarf), Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and the prophesied Kalki. Each avatar represents the divine descent to restore righteousness when adharma overwhelms the world. The hymn also celebrates Vishnu's iconic form: reclining on the cosmic serpent Shesha in the Ksheer Sagar, holding the conch (Shankh), discus (Chakra), mace (Gada), and lotus (Padma), with Lakshmi at his side and Garuda as his celestial mount.
Devotees traditionally recite the Vishnu Chalisa on Thursdays (Vishnu's day), during Ekadashi vrats, and during major Vaishnava festivals like Janmashtami, Ram Navami, and Vaikuntha Ekadashi. The text promises that sincere recitation brings prosperity, harmony in family life, protection from sorrow, success in righteous endeavors, and ultimately liberation to Vaikuntha — Vishnu's eternal abode. Its appeal cuts across all Vaishnava sampradayas (Sri, Brahma, Rudra, Sanaka), making it one of the most universally accepted prayers in mainstream Hindu practice.
English Transliteration
|| Doha ||
Vishnu Sindhu Karuna Nidhi, Sundar Aasrit Mool.
Deenan Ke Dukh Door Kar, Sumiran Ko Anukool.
|| Chaupai ||
Namo Vishnu Bhagvaan Khararee.
Kasht Nashaavan Akhil Bihaaree.
Pralay Payodhi Jal Sundar Saaje.
Bahut Sahaay Karat Tum Raaje.
Matsya Roop Dhar Asur Sanhaaryo.
Kurma Pith Mandar Ghirvaaryo.
Vaaraah Roop Hiranyaksh Naashyo.
Narsingh Hiranyakashipu Vinaashyo.
Vaaman Bali Ko Chhal Se Saadhyo.
Parshuraam Avtaar Su Saadhyo.
Ram Roop Dasrath Sut Aaye.
Lanka Patti Raavan Sang Laaye.
Shri Krishna Avataar Bhayo Tum.
Gopi Sang Raas Rachayo Tum.
Buddha Roop Lokahin Sukh Deeno.
Kalki Roop Lai Adharam Neeno.
Sheshnaag Par Shayan Tumhaaro.
Naabhi Kamal Brahma Vistaaro.
Lakshmi Sang Vaikunth Viraaje.
Sur Muni Sant Sakal Tumhi Saaje.
Shankh Chakra Gada Padma Viraaje.
Peetambar Tan Sundar Saaje.
Garud Vaahan Atulit Bal Dhaari.
Kaali Naag Mada Khandit Kaari.
Dhruv Prahlaad Ko Tum Hi Taaro.
Gaj Graha Se Gajraj Ubaaro.
Vibheeshan Ko Lanka Daino.
Sudaama Ko Rajpath Deeno.
Draupadi Cheer Badhayo Tum Hee.
Sankat Mein Pukaar Suni Hum Hee.
Narad Sharad Tumhi Yash Gaavain.
Ved Puraan Mahima Bakhaanain.
Shiv Sankar Brahma Aur Indra.
Karat Sada Tav Yash Te Vandan.
Tumhi Vidhata Tumhi Pitaa Ho.
Tumhi Maatu Sab Ke Hitkaari Ho.
Kaaran Tum Hi Kaarya Tumhi Ho.
Srishti Pralay Sab Mein Tum Hi Ho.
Naam Tumhaaro Anant Apaara.
Vishnu Sahasranaam Pukaara.
Keshav Maadhav Govind Naama.
Naaraayan Vaasudev Sukhdhaama.
Hari Hari Janpat Janpat Dukh Naashai.
Bhakt Sankat Sab Door Hatashai.
Ekadashi Vrat Jo Nar Karai.
Vishnu Lok So Avashya Charai.
Tulsi Daam Tumhein Ati Pyaari.
Tumhre Charanan Tulsi Dhaari.
Apnaaye Jin Bhakti Tumhaaree.
Unki Sab Sankat Tum Niwaree.
Alpa Buddhi Stuti Kaa Karu.
Kripa Karo Bhav-Sindhu Tarun.
Jo Nit Paath Karai Yah Chaalisa.
Taa Par Kripa Karahi Jagdeesa.
Dhan Dhaanya Sukh Sampatti Paavai.
Gruh Kalesh Sab Door Bhagaavai.
Putra-Putri Sukh Ki Vridhi Hoy.
Kaarya Sakal Mein Vighn Na Koy.
Rog Shok Sab Door Bhagaavai.
Ayu Aarogya Sukha Ati Paavai.
Ant Samay Vaikunth Sidhaarai.
Vishnu Charan Mein Jaai Bisaarai.
Naam Tumhaaro Sumir Sumir Ke.
Bhakt Janon Ne Bhav Taran Kar Ke.
Hey Trilokpati Daya Karahu.
Deen Bandhu Sankat Sab Harahu.
Naarayan Naarayan Naama.
Sumirat Hot Sakal Mun Kaama.
Gopaaldas Sharan Nij Aaya.
Kripa Karo Prabhu Vishnu Raaya.
|| Doha ||
Vishnu Chaalisa Jo Padhai, Praatah Kaal Uthi Nit.
Kaarya Sakal Mein Siddhi Hoy, Pavan Hoy Tan-Chit.Verse-by-Verse Meaning
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Vishnu Sindhu Karuna Nidhi, Sundar Aasrit Mool. Deenan Ke Dukh Door Kar, Sumiran Ko Anukool.
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O Vishnu, you are an ocean of compassion and the beautiful refuge of all who take shelter in you. You remove the sorrows of the humble and lowly, and ever shower favorable grace upon those who remember you.
Namo Vishnu Bhagvaan Khararee. Kasht Nashaavan Akhil Bihaaree.
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Salutations to Lord Vishnu, destroyer of the wicked! O Lord who pervades and dwells throughout all creation, you are the remover of every affliction.
Pralay Payodhi Jal Sundar Saaje. Bahut Sahaay Karat Tum Raaje.
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You rest gloriously upon the waters of the ocean of cosmic dissolution; you reign supreme, ever ready to extend your help to all.
Matsya Roop Dhar Asur Sanhaaryo. Kurma Pith Mandar Ghirvaaryo.
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Taking the form of Matsya the fish, you destroyed the demon who had stolen the sacred Vedas; as Kurma the tortoise, you bore Mount Mandara upon your back to make the churning of the cosmic ocean possible.
Vaaraah Roop Hiranyaksh Naashyo. Narsingh Hiranyakashipu Vinaashyo.
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As Varaha the boar, you slew the demon Hiranyaksha; as Narasimha the man-lion, you destroyed his tyrannical brother Hiranyakashipu.
Vaaman Bali Ko Chhal Se Saadhyo. Parshuraam Avtaar Su Saadhyo.
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As Vamana the dwarf, you subdued the generous King Bali through a divine ruse of three paces of land; as Parashurama, you fulfilled your avataric mission with perfection.
Ram Roop Dasrath Sut Aaye. Lanka Patti Raavan Sang Laaye.
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As Rama, you were born as the son of King Dasharatha; you engaged Ravana, the lord of Lanka, in battle and brought about his defeat.
Shri Krishna Avataar Bhayo Tum. Gopi Sang Raas Rachayo Tum.
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You incarnated as Shri Krishna; you performed the divine rasa dance with the gopis of Vrindavan, establishing the ideal of loving devotion.
Buddha Roop Lokahin Sukh Deeno. Kalki Roop Lai Adharam Neeno.
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As Buddha, you bestowed peace and happiness upon the world; in your future form as Kalki, you will banish unrighteousness from the earth.
Sheshnaag Par Shayan Tumhaaro. Naabhi Kamal Brahma Vistaaro.
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You recline upon the great serpent Sheshanaga; from the lotus that blossoms from your navel, Lord Brahma manifests to extend the work of creation.
Lakshmi Sang Vaikunth Viraaje. Sur Muni Sant Sakal Tumhi Saaje.
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With Goddess Lakshmi at your side, you reside gloriously in Vaikuntha; gods, sages, and saints all adorn your divine court with their reverence.
Shankh Chakra Gada Padma Viraaje. Peetambar Tan Sundar Saaje.
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The conch, discus, mace, and lotus shine resplendent in your hands; your form is beautifully adorned in yellow garments.
Garud Vaahan Atulit Bal Dhaari. Kaali Naag Mada Khandit Kaari.
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Garuda is your celestial mount, and you bear incomparable strength; you shattered the venomous pride of the serpent Kaliya.
Dhruv Prahlaad Ko Tum Hi Taaro. Gaj Graha Se Gajraj Ubaaro.
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You alone delivered the devotees Dhruva and Prahlada; you rescued Gajendra, the king of elephants, from the jaws of the crocodile.
Vibheeshan Ko Lanka Daino. Sudaama Ko Rajpath Deeno.
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You bestowed the kingdom of Lanka upon Vibhishana; you granted your poor devotee Sudama the path to royal prosperity.
Draupadi Cheer Badhayo Tum Hee. Sankat Mein Pukaar Suni Hum Hee.
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You alone lengthened Draupadi's garment infinitely to protect her honor; you alone hear the cries of your devotees in their hour of distress.
Narad Sharad Tumhi Yash Gaavain. Ved Puraan Mahima Bakhaanain.
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The sage Narada and Goddess Sharada (Saraswati) ever sing your glory; the Vedas and Puranas extol your boundless greatness.
Shiv Sankar Brahma Aur Indra. Karat Sada Tav Yash Te Vandan.
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Lord Shiva, Brahma, and Indra, the lord of the gods, forever bow in reverence, singing hymns to your glory.
Tumhi Vidhata Tumhi Pitaa Ho. Tumhi Maatu Sab Ke Hitkaari Ho.
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You alone are the supreme ordainer of destiny, you alone are the father of all; you alone are the mother, ever working for everyone's welfare.
Kaaran Tum Hi Kaarya Tumhi Ho. Srishti Pralay Sab Mein Tum Hi Ho.
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You alone are the cause of all existence, and you alone are its effect; in both creation and dissolution, you alone pervade everything.
Naam Tumhaaro Anant Apaara. Vishnu Sahasranaam Pukaara.
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Your names are endless and boundless; through the Vishnu Sahasranama, devotees invoke your thousand sacred names.
Keshav Maadhav Govind Naama. Naaraayan Vaasudev Sukhdhaama.
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Keshava, Madhava, and Govinda are among your sacred names; as Narayana and Vasudeva, you are the abode of supreme bliss.
Hari Hari Janpat Janpat Dukh Naashai. Bhakt Sankat Sab Door Hatashai.
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Chanting "Hari, Hari" again and again destroys every sorrow; all the troubles of your devotees are swept far away.
Ekadashi Vrat Jo Nar Karai. Vishnu Lok So Avashya Charai.
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Whoever observes the sacred Ekadashi fast is assured of reaching Vishnu Loka, your divine abode.
Tulsi Daam Tumhein Ati Pyaari. Tumhre Charanan Tulsi Dhaari.
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The garland of Tulsi leaves is exceedingly dear to you; the sacred Tulsi is ever offered at your holy feet.
Apnaaye Jin Bhakti Tumhaaree. Unki Sab Sankat Tum Niwaree.
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Whoever embraces devotion to you finds every difficulty in life removed by your grace.
Alpa Buddhi Stuti Kaa Karu. Kripa Karo Bhav-Sindhu Tarun.
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With my limited intellect, what worthy praise can I offer you? Grant me your grace, that I may cross this ocean of worldly existence.
Jo Nit Paath Karai Yah Chaalisa. Taa Par Kripa Karahi Jagdeesa.
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Whoever recites this Chalisa daily receives the abiding grace of the Lord of the universe.
Dhan Dhaanya Sukh Sampatti Paavai. Gruh Kalesh Sab Door Bhagaavai.
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Such a one attains wealth, grain, happiness, and prosperity; every strife within their household is driven far away.
Putra-Putri Sukh Ki Vridhi Hoy. Kaarya Sakal Mein Vighn Na Koy.
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Their joy in their sons and daughters grows ever greater, and no obstacle stands in the way of any undertaking.
Rog Shok Sab Door Bhagaavai. Ayu Aarogya Sukha Ati Paavai.
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All disease and grief are driven far away; they attain long life, sound health, and abundant happiness.
Ant Samay Vaikunth Sidhaarai. Vishnu Charan Mein Jaai Bisaarai.
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At life's final hour, such a devotee departs for Vaikuntha, finding eternal repose at the feet of Lord Vishnu.
Naam Tumhaaro Sumir Sumir Ke. Bhakt Janon Ne Bhav Taran Kar Ke.
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By repeatedly remembering your holy name, countless devotees have crossed over the ocean of worldly existence.
Hey Trilokpati Daya Karahu. Deen Bandhu Sankat Sab Harahu.
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O Lord of the three worlds, show your mercy upon me; O friend of the helpless, remove all my afflictions.
Naarayan Naarayan Naama. Sumirat Hot Sakal Mun Kaama.
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By chanting the name "Narayana, Narayana," every wish of the heart is fulfilled.
Gopaaldas Sharan Nij Aaya. Kripa Karo Prabhu Vishnu Raaya.
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This devotee Gopaldas has come seeking refuge in you; O Lord Vishnu, sovereign of all, bestow your grace upon him.
Vishnu Chaalisa Jo Padhai, Praatah Kaal Uthi Nit. Kaarya Sakal Mein Siddhi Hoy, Pavan Hoy Tan-Chit.
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Whoever recites this Vishnu Chalisa daily upon rising at dawn attains success in every endeavor, and their body and mind become pure and sanctified.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should the Vishnu Chalisa be recited?
The Vishnu Chalisa is traditionally recited during the morning or evening worship of Lord Vishnu, 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 Lord Vishnu.
What are the benefits of reciting the Vishnu Chalisa?
Reciting the Vishnu Chalisa with faith is traditionally believed to invoke the grace of Lord Vishnu, 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.