Saraswati Chalisa in English – Lyrics, Meaning and Explanation

Chalisa Meaning

Victory to Saraswati, treasury of every kind of intelligence and strength, all-knowing, immortal, and imperishable.

Victory to the bearer of the veena, who forever rides the graceful white swan.

The four-armed Mother’s form is celebrated throughout the entire world.

When sinful thinking grows in the world and the light of dharma begins to fade, divine help is needed.

At such times the Mother takes a form of her own and guides the earth away from wrongdoing.

Valmiki was once unaware of higher knowledge, but through the Mother’s grace his transformation became known to the world.

He composed the Ramayana beautifully and received the honored place of the first poet.

Kalidasa likewise became renowned through the compassionate glance of the Mother.

Tulsidas, Surdas, learned masters, and many other wise people flourished through sacred inspiration.

They had no other support; their true refuge was the Mother’s grace alone.

The suffering and humble servant asks Bhavani to extend that same compassion now.

A loving mother does not hold even her child’s many mistakes permanently in her heart.

The devotee pleads with the Mother to protect his honor and offers repeated, earnest requests.

Having no other support, he depends on her and cries victory to Jagadamba while asking for mercy.

The powerful demons Madhu and Kaitabha entered a long and formidable battle with Vishnu.

Even after a fierce struggle lasting five thousand years, Vishnu did not turn away from them.

At that moment the Mother helped by reversing the demons’ judgment and drawing them into destructive confusion.

That confusion brought the wicked beings to their end; the devotee asks the Mother likewise to fulfill his sincere purpose.

The famous demons Chanda and Munda were destroyed by the Mother in a single moment.

Raktabija was so formidable that gods and sages trembled within their hearts.

The Mother cut down his heads as easily as banana stalks, and the devotee repeatedly bows before Jagadamba.

The world-renowned Shumbha and Nishumbha were also bound and defeated by Amba in an instant.

The hymn says the Mother turned Kaikeyi’s understanding, which led to Rama’s exile in the forest.

Through that unfolding story Ravana was destroyed and gods, people, and sages received relief.

No one is capable of fully singing her fame; even the timeless scriptures call her glory endless.

Neither Vishnu, Rudra, nor Brahma can overcome those whom the Mother herself protects.

She bears countless names, including Raktadantika and Shatakshi, and consumes demonic evil.

After accomplishing the difficult work of defeating Durgama, she became known throughout the world as Durga.

Mother removes every difficulty; whenever compassion is needed, the giver of happiness is asked to respond.

Whether a furious king threatens death or wild animals surround someone in a forest, her refuge remains available.

Even when a boat breaks in the middle of the sea and a violent storm leaves one completely alone, the prayer turns to her.

The same refuge is sought amid spirits, haunting fear, poverty, pain, or any severe crisis.

The hymn assures that remembrance of her name makes the way auspicious and leaves no room for doubt.

One distressed by childlessness is advised to set aside other anxieties and worship the Mother with trust.

A person who reads this Chalisa daily prays to receive a virtuous and beautiful child through divine grace.

Offering incense and food with devotion, the worshipper seeks certain freedom from distress.

Whoever remains devoted to the Mother is protected from affliction drawing near.

A prisoner who reads the hymn a hundred times prays for every bond of captivity to be removed.

The final main prayer asks Bhavani for liberation from worldly bondage and to accept the speaker forever as her servant.