Sri Saraswati Chalisa (श्री सरस्वती चालीसा) is a compilation of hymns in praise of and prayer to Goddess Saraswati Devi, the Goddess of education, profession and arts.
From the verses of the text, it may be ascertained that the hymns were composed by Sri Ramsaagar. However, no other material is available to validate the same.
The uses and possible benefits of chanting the Chalisa are given in the text itself.
The following narrative contains the Devanagari/Hindi script, English transliteration and a simple English translation of Sri Saraswati Chalisa.
Sri Sarasati Chalisa Song/PDF
॥दोहा॥ Preliminary prayer
जनक जननि पद कमल रज, निज मस्तक पर धारि।
बन्दौं मातु सरस्वती, बुद्धि बल दे दातारि॥
पूर्ण जगत में व्याप्त तव, महिमा अमित अनंतु।
रामसागर के पाप को, मातु तुही अब हन्तु॥
बन्दौं मातु सरस्वती, बुद्धि बल दे दातारि॥
पूर्ण जगत में व्याप्त तव, महिमा अमित अनंतु।
रामसागर के पाप को, मातु तुही अब हन्तु॥
Janak Janani Pad Kamal Raj, Nij Mastak Par Dhaari,
Bandau Maatu Saraswati, Buddhi Bal De Daataari.
Purn Jagat Mein Vyaapt Tav, Mahima Amit Anantu,
Ramsaagar Ke Paap Ko, Maatu Tuhi Ab Hantu.
Bandau Maatu Saraswati, Buddhi Bal De Daataari.
Purn Jagat Mein Vyaapt Tav, Mahima Amit Anantu,
Ramsaagar Ke Paap Ko, Maatu Tuhi Ab Hantu.
Meaning: I reverently hold the dust beneath the feet (I consider them as holy lotus) of my mother and father on my head; I devoutly salute Mother Saraswathi, the benevolent provider of the strength of wisdom.
Your supremacy is prevalent throughout the universe, your reputation is immeasurable and endless; Holy mother, only you can alleviate the sins committed by me, Ramsaagar.
Your supremacy is prevalent throughout the universe, your reputation is immeasurable and endless; Holy mother, only you can alleviate the sins committed by me, Ramsaagar.
॥चौपाई 1॥
जय श्री सकल बुद्धि बलरासी।
जय सर्वज्ञ अमर अविनासी॥
जय जय जय वीणाकर धारी।
करती सदा सुहंस सवारी॥
जय सर्वज्ञ अमर अविनासी॥
जय जय जय वीणाकर धारी।
करती सदा सुहंस सवारी॥
Jay Shri Sakal Buddhi Balaraasi,
Jay Sarvagya Amar Avinaasi.
Jay Jay Jay Veenaakar Dhaari,
Karati Sadaa Suhans Savaari.
Jay Sarvagya Amar Avinaasi.
Jay Jay Jay Veenaakar Dhaari,
Karati Sadaa Suhans Savaari.
Meaning: Triumph to Sri Saraswathi, the strength of all wisdom, Triumph to Sri Saraswathi, the omniscient, divine and indestructible. Triumph to Sri Saraswathi, the bearer of Veena (the string instrument); She at all times travels on the holy swan
॥चौपाई 2॥
रूप चतुर्भुजधारी माता।
सकल विश्व अन्दर विख्याता॥
जग में पाप बुद्धि जब होती।
जबहि धर्म की फीकी ज्योती॥
सकल विश्व अन्दर विख्याता॥
जग में पाप बुद्धि जब होती।
जबहि धर्म की फीकी ज्योती॥
Roop Chaturbhujadhaari Maata,
Sakal Vishv Andar Vikhyaata.
Jag Mein Paap Buddhi Jab Hoti,
Jabahi Dharm Ki Phiki Jyoti.
Sakal Vishv Andar Vikhyaata.
Jag Mein Paap Buddhi Jab Hoti,
Jabahi Dharm Ki Phiki Jyoti.
Meaning: Sri Saraswathi appears with four arms; She is famed and celebrated in all the worlds in the universe. Whenever sinful thoughts emerge in this world, the light of dharma (devout duty) flickers and fades.
॥चौपाई 3॥
तबहि मातु ले निज अवतारा।
पाप हीन करती महि तारा॥
बाल्मीकि जी थे बहम ग्यानी
तव प्रसाद जानै संसारा॥
पाप हीन करती महि तारा॥
बाल्मीकि जी थे बहम ग्यानी
तव प्रसाद जानै संसारा॥
Tabahi Maatu Le Nij Avataara,
Paap Heen Karati Mahi Taara.
Baalmiki Ji The Baham Gyaani,
Tav Prasaad Janie Sansaara
Paap Heen Karati Mahi Taara.
Baalmiki Ji The Baham Gyaani,
Tav Prasaad Janie Sansaara
Meaning: At such time the holy mother Sri Saraswathi will be born as an incarnation; She will lessen and nullify the sins and shall be a woman star. On account of the blessings of Goddess Saraswathi, the people came to know about the great wise sage named Valmiki (the author of Ramayana).
॥चौपाई 4॥
रामायण जो रचे बनाई।
आदि कवी की पदवी पाई॥
कालिदास जो भये विख्याता।
तेरी कृपा दृष्टि से माता॥
आदि कवी की पदवी पाई॥
कालिदास जो भये विख्याता।
तेरी कृपा दृष्टि से माता॥
Raamaayan Jo Rache Banaai,
Aadi Kavi Ki Padavi Paai.
Kalidaas Jo Bhaye Vikhyaata,
Teri Kripaa Drishti Se Maata.
Aadi Kavi Ki Padavi Paai.
Kalidaas Jo Bhaye Vikhyaata,
Teri Kripaa Drishti Se Maata.
Meaning: The holy epic Sri Ramayan was written by him (Valmiki); He was considered as the prime poet (scholar). Holy mother Sri Saraswathi, through your benevolent sight on him, Kalidas had become very prominent.
॥चौपाई 5॥
तुलसी सूर आदि विद्धाना।
भये और जो ज्ञानी नाना॥
तिन्हहिं न और रहेउ अवलम्बा।
केवल कृपा आपकी अम्बा॥
भये और जो ज्ञानी नाना॥
तिन्हहिं न और रहेउ अवलम्बा।
केवल कृपा आपकी अम्बा॥
Tulasi Sur Aadi Vidvaana,
Bhaye Aur Jo Gyaani Nana.
Tinhahi Na Aur Raheu Avalamba,
Keval Kripa Aapaki Amba.
Bhaye Aur Jo Gyaani Nana.
Tinhahi Na Aur Raheu Avalamba,
Keval Kripa Aapaki Amba.
Meaning: Tulsi Das, Sur Das, and other poets had become scholars only due to the blessings of Sri Saraswathi. They did not have anyone else except Sri Saraswathi for support. This happened only due to the merciful blessings of Sri Saraswathi.
॥चौपाई 6॥
करहु कृपा सोइ मातु भवानी।
दुखित दीन निज दासहि जानी॥
पुत्र करै अपराध बहूता।
तेहि न धरइ चित सुन्दर माता॥
दुखित दीन निज दासहि जानी॥
पुत्र करै अपराध बहूता।
तेहि न धरइ चित सुन्दर माता॥
Karahu Kripa Soi Maatu Bhavaani,
Dukhit Din Nij Daasahi Jaani.
Putra Karai Aparaadh Bahuta,
Tehi Na dharai Chitt Sundar Maata.
Dukhit Din Nij Daasahi Jaani.
Putra Karai Aparaadh Bahuta,
Tehi Na dharai Chitt Sundar Maata.
Meaning: Goddess Saraswati, who is the mother Bhavani showers lots of mercy; Her ardent devotees become aware of this during saddened days. This your son has done lots of misdeeds; You have a beautiful and benevolent mind to forgive me.
॥चौपाई 7॥
राखु लाज जननी अब मेरी।
विनय करूं बहु भांति घनेरी॥
मैं अनाथ तेरी अवलंबा।
कृपा करउ जय जय जगदंबा॥
विनय करूं बहु भांति घनेरी॥
मैं अनाथ तेरी अवलंबा।
कृपा करउ जय जय जगदंबा॥
Raakhu Laaj Janani Ab Meri,
Vinay Karu Bahu Bhaanti Ghaneri.
Mein Anaath Teri Avalamba,
Kripa Karau Jay Jay Jagadamba.
Vinay Karu Bahu Bhaanti Ghaneri.
Mein Anaath Teri Avalamba,
Kripa Karau Jay Jay Jagadamba.
Meaning: Mother Sri Saraswati, I am full of shame due to my misdeeds; I humbly bow and salute to you in numerous ways. I am eternally dependent on you forever; Please show mercy on me, the mother of the universe.
॥चौपाई 8॥
मधु कैटभ जो अति बलवाना।
बाहुयुद्ध विष्णू ते ठाना॥
समर हजार पांच में घोरा।
फिर भी मुख उनसे नहिं मोरा॥
बाहुयुद्ध विष्णू ते ठाना॥
समर हजार पांच में घोरा।
फिर भी मुख उनसे नहिं मोरा॥
Madhu Kaitabh Jo Ati Balavaana,
Baahuyuddh Vishnu Te Thaana.
Samar Hajaar Paanch Mein Ghora,
Phir Bhi Mukh Unase Nahi Mora.
Baahuyuddh Vishnu Te Thaana.
Samar Hajaar Paanch Mein Ghora,
Phir Bhi Mukh Unase Nahi Mora.
Meaning: Madhu and Kaitabh were the ferocious demons. They were wrestling with Sri Maha Vishnu till endurance. This war was going on for thousands of years. Even then Lord Vishnu could not defeat them.
॥चौपाई 9॥
मातु सहाय भई तेहि काला।
बुद्धि विपरीत करी खलहाला॥
तेहि ते मृत्यु भई खल केरी।
पुरवहु मातु मनोरथ मेरी॥
बुद्धि विपरीत करी खलहाला॥
तेहि ते मृत्यु भई खल केरी।
पुरवहु मातु मनोरथ मेरी॥
Maatu Sahaay Bhai Tehi Kaala,
Buddhi Viparit Kari Khalahaala.
Tehi Mrityu Bhai Khal Keri,
Purvahu Maatu Manorath Meri.
Buddhi Viparit Kari Khalahaala.
Tehi Mrityu Bhai Khal Keri,
Purvahu Maatu Manorath Meri.
Meaning: Mother Sri Saraswathi, Sri Vishnu had at last sought your help. He told you that he did not ask for your support so far because he did not have the required wisdom to do so. He also said that he had wished for the demise of the demon brothers Madhu and Kaitabh and even lamented that he should have expressed this wish to Goddess Saraswati earlier.
॥चौपाई 10॥
चंड मुण्ड जो थे विख्याता।
छण महुं संहारेउ तेहि माता॥
रक्तबीज से समरथ पापी।
सुर-मुनि हृदय धरा सब कांपी॥
छण महुं संहारेउ तेहि माता॥
रक्तबीज से समरथ पापी।
सुर-मुनि हृदय धरा सब कांपी॥
Chand Mund Jo The Vikhyaata,
Chhan Mahu Sanhaareu Tehi Maata.
Raktabij Se Samarath Paapi,
Sur-Muni Hriday Dhara Sab Kampi.
Chhan Mahu Sanhaareu Tehi Maata.
Raktabij Se Samarath Paapi,
Sur-Muni Hriday Dhara Sab Kampi.
Meaning: Mother Sri Saraswathi, you have destroyed the demons called Chanda and Munda in a war within seconds. There was a sinner named ‘Raktha Bheeja’ at the mention of whose name, the Devas and Sages trembled with fear.
॥चौपाई 11॥
काटेउ सिर जिम कदली खम्बा।
बार बार बिनवउं जगदंबा॥
जग प्रसिद्ध जो शुंभ निशुंभा।
छिन में बधे ताहि तू अम्बा॥
बार बार बिनवउं जगदंबा॥
जग प्रसिद्ध जो शुंभ निशुंभा।
छिन में बधे ताहि तू अम्बा॥
Kaateu Sir Jim Kadali Khamba,
Baar Baar Binavau Jagadamba.
Jag Prasidhdh Jo Shumbh Nishumbha,
Chhin Me Badhe Taahi Tu Amba.
Baar Baar Binavau Jagadamba.
Jag Prasidhdh Jo Shumbh Nishumbha,
Chhin Me Badhe Taahi Tu Amba.
Meaning: Mother Sri Saraswati, you have beheaded Raktha Bheeja with ease. You kept doing this destruction of demons again and again. You are the mother of the universe. There were world-renowned demons named Shumbha and Nishumbha. You have exterminated them also within no time.
॥चौपाई 12॥
भरत-मातु बुधि फेरेउ जाई।
रामचंद्र बनवास कराई॥
एहि विधि रावन वध तुम कीन्हा।
सुर नर मुनि सब कहुं सुख दीन्हा॥
रामचंद्र बनवास कराई॥
एहि विधि रावन वध तुम कीन्हा।
सुर नर मुनि सब कहुं सुख दीन्हा॥
Bharat-Maatu Budhi Phereu Jaai,
Ramachandra Banvaas Karaai.
Ehi Vidhi Raavan Vadh Tum Kinha,
Sur Nar Muni Sab Kahu Sukh Dinha.
Ramachandra Banvaas Karaai.
Ehi Vidhi Raavan Vadh Tum Kinha,
Sur Nar Muni Sab Kahu Sukh Dinha.
Meaning: Sri Saraswati Goddess, the mind of the mother of Bharath (Kaikeyi) was poisoned. Because of the poisoning of her mind, Lord Rama had to go and live in the forest. Due to this, it was ordained by you that Ravana’s death should happen because of this. Such is the narration made by the devas, sages, and human beings.
॥चौपाई 13॥
को समरथ तव यश गुन गाना।
निगम अनादि अनंत बखाना॥
विष्णु रूद्र अज सकहिं न मारी।
जिनकी हो तुम रक्षाकारी॥
निगम अनादि अनंत बखाना॥
विष्णु रूद्र अज सकहिं न मारी।
जिनकी हो तुम रक्षाकारी॥
Ko Samarath Tav Yash Gun Gaana,
Nigam Anaadi Anant Bakhaana.
Vishnu Rudra Aj Sakahi Na Maari,
Jinaki Ho Tum Rakshaakaari.
Nigam Anaadi Anant Bakhaana.
Vishnu Rudra Aj Sakahi Na Maari,
Jinaki Ho Tum Rakshaakaari.
Meaning: Mother Sri Saraswathi, unless your deeds are sung with praise, nothing exists, and this is the ultimate conclusion from the time immemorial. Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva stand testimony to this. You are the protector of them as well.
॥चौपाई 14॥
रक्त दन्तिका और शताक्षी।
नाम अपार है दानव भक्षी॥
दुर्गम काज धरा पर कीन्हा।
दुर्गा नाम सकल जग लीन्हा॥
नाम अपार है दानव भक्षी॥
दुर्गम काज धरा पर कीन्हा।
दुर्गा नाम सकल जग लीन्हा॥
Rakt Dantika Aur Shataakshi,
Naam Apaar Hai Daanav Bhakshi.
Durgam Kaaj Dhara Par Kinha,
Durga Naam Sakal Jag Linha.
Naam Apaar Hai Daanav Bhakshi.
Durgam Kaaj Dhara Par Kinha,
Durga Naam Sakal Jag Linha.
Meaning: Mother Sri Saraswathi, you are being cited as red teethed, and hundred-eyed because you have destroyed (consumed) demons from everywhere. You are also Goddess Durga and whoever embraces you will never have any problems in this world.
॥चौपाई 15॥
दुर्ग आदि हरनी तू माता।
कृपा करहु जब जब सुखदाता॥
नृप कोपित जो मारन चाहै।
कानन में घेरे मृग नाहै॥
कृपा करहु जब जब सुखदाता॥
नृप कोपित जो मारन चाहै।
कानन में घेरे मृग नाहै॥
Durg Aadi Harani Tu Maata,
Kripa Karahu Jab Jab Sukhadaata.
Nrip Kopit Jo Maaran Chaahei,
Kaanan Mein Ghere Mrig Naahei.
Kripa Karahu Jab Jab Sukhadaata.
Nrip Kopit Jo Maaran Chaahei,
Kaanan Mein Ghere Mrig Naahei.
Meaning: Mother Sri Saraswathi, you are the mitigator of all the troubles and problems in the world. As the benevolent granter of goodness, please shower mercy on us. We request for your protection when the king gets angry and wishes to kill and when we are in the forest surrounded by cruel animals.
॥चौपाई 16॥
सागर मध्य पोत के भंगे।
अति तूफान नहिं कोऊ संगे॥
भूत प्रेत बाधा या दुःख में।
हो दरिद्र अथवा संकट में॥
अति तूफान नहिं कोऊ संगे॥
भूत प्रेत बाधा या दुःख में।
हो दरिद्र अथवा संकट में॥
Saagar Madhy Poat Ke Bhange,
Ati Toofaan Nahi Kou Sange.
Bhoot Pret Baadha Yaa Dukh Mein,
Ho Daridra Athava Sankat Mein.
Ati Toofaan Nahi Kou Sange.
Bhoot Pret Baadha Yaa Dukh Mein,
Ho Daridra Athava Sankat Mein.
Meaning: Mother Sri Saraswati, please protect us when one is left bereft in the middle of the ocean without support at the instance of a raging typhoon. Please protect us when we are tormented and tortured by the ghosts and devils and when we suffer from poverty or when we are afflicted with sadness.
॥चौपाई 17॥
नाम जपे मंगल सब होई।
संशय इसमें करइ न कोई॥
पुत्रहीन जो आतुर भाई।
सबै छांड़ि पूजें एहि माई॥
संशय इसमें करइ न कोई॥
पुत्रहीन जो आतुर भाई।
सबै छांड़ि पूजें एहि माई॥
Naam Jape Mangal Sab Hohi,
Sanshay Isame Karai Na Koi.
Putrahin Jo Aatur Bhaai,
Sabei Chhaandi Puje Ehi Maai.
Sanshay Isame Karai Na Koi.
Putrahin Jo Aatur Bhaai,
Sabei Chhaandi Puje Ehi Maai.
Meaning: Chanting of the name of Mother Sri Saraswati brings all auspiciousness. There is no inkling of doubt on this. For those with no children to protect, praying to and worshipping Sri Chandi is the only solace.
॥चौपाई 18॥
करै पाठ नित यह चालीसा।
होय पुत्र सुन्दर गुण ईसा॥
धूपादिक नैवेद्य चढावै।
संकट रहित अवश्य हो जावै॥
होय पुत्र सुन्दर गुण ईसा॥
धूपादिक नैवेद्य चढावै।
संकट रहित अवश्य हो जावै॥
Karai Path Nit Yah Chaalisa,
Hoy Putra Sundar Gun Isa.
Dhupaadik Naivedy Chadhavei,
Sankat Rahit Avashy Ho Jaavei.
Hoy Putra Sundar Gun Isa.
Dhupaadik Naivedy Chadhavei,
Sankat Rahit Avashy Ho Jaavei.
Meaning: Reading of these forty verses daily shall result in one’s children being blessed with good character and wisdom. At the time of reading this, incense sticks should be lighted, and a holy food (prasad) should be offered to the deity for the removal of all sorrows.
॥चौपाई 19॥
भक्ति मातु की करै हमेशा।
निकट न आवै ताहि कलेशा॥
बंदी पाठ करें शत बारा।
बंदी पाश दूर हो सारा॥
निकट न आवै ताहि कलेशा॥
बंदी पाठ करें शत बारा।
बंदी पाश दूर हो सारा॥
Bhakti Maatu Ki Karei Hamesha,
Nikat Na Aavei Taahi Kalesha.
Bandi Path Kare Shat Baara,
Bandi Paash Door Ho Saara.
Nikat Na Aavei Taahi Kalesha.
Bandi Path Kare Shat Baara,
Bandi Paash Door Ho Saara.
Meaning: Always worship and surrender with devotion to Mother Sri Saraswati. The troubles and problems will not come near you. If the person tied up with the worldly predicaments reads the sloka seven times, the shackles shall go away distantly.
॥चौपाई 20॥
करहु कृपा भवमुक्ति भवानी।
मो कहं दास सदा निज जानी॥
मो कहं दास सदा निज जानी॥
Karahu Kripa Bhavamukti Bhavaani,
Mo Kahn Daas Sadaa Nij Jaani.
Mo Kahn Daas Sadaa Nij Jaani.
Meaning: Mother Sri Saraswati who is the goddess Bhavani is as generous as the ocean. She will always grant boons and blessings to the devotees.
॥दोहा॥ Concluding prayer
माता सूरज कान्ति तव, अंधकार मम रूप।
डूबन ते रक्षा करहु, परूं न मैं भव-कूप॥
बल बुद्धि विद्या देहुं मोहि, सुनहु सरस्वति मातु।
अधम रामसागरहिं तुम, आश्रय देउ पुनातु॥
डूबन ते रक्षा करहु, परूं न मैं भव-कूप॥
बल बुद्धि विद्या देहुं मोहि, सुनहु सरस्वति मातु।
अधम रामसागरहिं तुम, आश्रय देउ पुनातु॥
Maata Sooraj Kaanti Tav, Andhakaar Mam Roop,
Dooban Te Raksha Karahu, Paru Na Mein Bhav-Koop.
Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Sunahu Sarasvati Maatu,
Adham Ramasaagarahi Tum, Aashray Deu Punaatu.
Dooban Te Raksha Karahu, Paru Na Mein Bhav-Koop.
Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Sunahu Sarasvati Maatu,
Adham Ramasaagarahi Tum, Aashray Deu Punaatu.
Meaning: Mother Sri Saraswati, you glitter as the sun, and my appearance is a darkness which is dispelled by your brightness. Please protect me from getting drowned to enable me to cross this well of misfortunes and miseries.
Please bless and grant me strength, wisdom, and knowledge. Mother Sri Saraswati, please hear to my ardent prayers. Please provide sanctuary to this Ramsagar so that I come out of all struggles.
Please bless and grant me strength, wisdom, and knowledge. Mother Sri Saraswati, please hear to my ardent prayers. Please provide sanctuary to this Ramsagar so that I come out of all struggles.
