Shri Bhairava Chalisa
श्री भैरव चालीसा
Sanskrit
दोहा: जय भैरव देव प्रभु, काशी विश्वनाथ। दुःख दारिद्र्य संकट, हरो कृपानिधान॥
Transliteration
Dohā: Jaya bhairava deva prabhu, kāśī viśvanātha | Duḥkha dāridrya saṅkaṭa, haro kṛpānidhāna ||
Translation
Opening Doha: Victory to Lord Bhairava, the Lord of Kashi Vishwanath! O ocean of compassion, remove all sorrows, poverty, and calamities.
Deep Meaning
This opening invocation establishes Bhairava as the Lord of Varanasi (Kashi), the most sacred city. "Kripanidhana" (ocean of compassion) reveals that beneath the fierce exterior is infinite mercy. The Chalisa begins by requesting removal of the three primary obstacles to spiritual life: suffering (dukha), poverty (daridra), and dangers (sankata).
Sanskrit
चौपाई १: जय जय महाभय भयहारी। त्राहि त्राहि भक्तहितकारी॥ बिघ्न विनाशन मंगल मूरति। सुर नर मुनि जन करहिं तुम्हारी पूजा रीति॥१॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 1: Jaya jaya mahābhaya bhayahārī | trāhi trāhi bhaktahita kārī || Bighna vināśana maṅgala mūrati | sura nara muni jana karahiṃ tumhārī pūjā rīti ||1||
Translation
Victory, victory to the remover of great fear! Save us, save us, O benefactor of devotees! You are the destroyer of obstacles, the embodiment of auspiciousness. Gods, humans, and sages all worship you according to proper rites.
Deep Meaning
Though Bhairava appears terrifying (mahabhaya), he removes all fear (bhayahari) - the supreme paradox. "Trahi trahi" (save us, save us) is the urgent cry of a devotee in distress. Being worshipped by all three categories (gods/humans/sages) establishes his universal appeal across all levels of spiritual evolution.
Sanskrit
चौपाई २: काल भैरव तुम्ह जगतपति। भक्तन के पालक दुःख भंजन समर्थ अति॥ मुक्ति प्रदाता सुख दाता। मन वांछित फल दीजै दाता॥२॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 2: Kāla bhairava tumha jagatapati | bhaktana ke pālaka duḥkha bhaṅjana samartha ati || Mukti pradātā sukha dātā | mana vāṃchita phala dījai dātā ||2||
Translation
O Kala Bhairava, you are the Lord of the universe, the protector of devotees, supremely capable of destroying sorrows. You are the giver of liberation, the bestower of happiness. O giver, grant the desired fruits of our minds!
Deep Meaning
As "Jagatpati" (lord of the world), Bhairava is not just a protector deity but the supreme consciousness governing all existence. The verse beautifully balances material (sukha-data: giver of worldly happiness) and spiritual (mukti-pradata: giver of liberation) blessings - the tantric teaching that dharma, artha, kama, and moksha are all legitimate pursuits.
Sanskrit
चौपाई ३: तुम्हरी महिमा अपार अमित। वेद पुराण न पावहिं उर अंतर गुण वर्णन परिमित॥ जो कोइ तुमको ध्यावै। सो जीवन मुक्ति सुख पावै॥३॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 3: Tumharī mahimā apāra amita | veda purāṇa na pāvahiṃ ura antara guṇa varṇana parimita || Jo koi tumako dhyāvai | so jīvana mukti sukha pāvai ||3||
Translation
Your glory is boundless and infinite. Even the Vedas and Puranas cannot fully describe your qualities in their hearts' depths. Whoever meditates upon you attains liberation and happiness in this life (jivanmukti).
Deep Meaning
This establishes Bhairava as beyond all scriptural description - the Vedas and Puranas can only hint at his essence. The promise of "jivanmukti" (liberation while living) is the highest tantric goal - not waiting for death to experience freedom, but realizing it here and now through Bhairava consciousness.
Sanskrit
चौपाई ४: नाम तुम्हार अनेका। सब में भैरव नाम अनूपा एका॥ बटुक भैरव रूप तुम्हारा। छोटे बच्चे का रूप धारा॥४॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 4: Nāma tumhāra anekā | saba meṃ bhairava nāma anūpā ekā || Baṭuka bhairava rūpa tumhārā | choṭe bacce kā rūpa dhārā ||4||
Translation
Your names are many, but among all, the name "Bhairava" is uniquely incomparable. Your form as Batuk Bhairava assumes the appearance of a small child.
Deep Meaning
This verse acknowledges the sixty-four forms and countless names of Bhairava, while asserting "Bhairava" itself as the supreme name. The child form (Batuk) teaches that divine consciousness is innocent, playful, and unconditioned - like a child before socialization imposes limitations. The child-Bhairava paradox shows that ultimate power wears the mask of vulnerability.
Sanskrit
चौपाई ५: श्वान वाहन सोहत सुंदर। डमरू त्रिशूल अति मनहर॥ कपाल धारण करत विराजत। भूत प्रेत के मध्य विराजित॥५॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 5: Śvāna vāhana sohata sundara | ḍamarū triśūla ati manahara || Kapāla dhāraṇa karata virājata | bhūta preta ke madhya virājita ||5||
Translation
Your dog vehicle appears beautiful. The damaru and trident are exceedingly enchanting. You shine majestically holding the skull, seated in the midst of ghosts and spirits.
Deep Meaning
The dog (shvana) as vehicle represents loyalty, vigilance, and the ability to digest anything - Bhairava consumes all experiences without attachment. Damaru (cosmic drum) and trishula (trident) represent creation-preservation-destruction. Being surrounded by bhūtas and pretas shows his mastery over subtle realms and fearlessness in the face of death. What terrifies others is his natural abode.
Sanskrit
चौपाई ६: मुंडमाल गले में धारत। भस्म रमाए अंग उजारत॥ तन में सर्प लपेटे सुहावन। देखत रूप मोह हरि लावन॥६॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 6: Muṇḍamāla gale meṃ dhārata | bhasma ramāe aṅga ujārata || Tana meṃ sarpa lapeṭe suhāvana | dekhata rūpa moha hari lāvana ||6||
Translation
You wear a garland of skulls around your neck, your body shines radiant with sacred ash. Serpents are wrapped beautifully around your body. Seeing your form captivates and enchants the mind.
Deep Meaning
The skull-garland (mundamala) represents the transience of all identities - each skull was once someone who thought "I am this body." Sacred ash (bhasma) is the final residue of all material existence, reminding us of impermanence. Serpents represent kundalini shakti coiled and awakened. The paradox: this terrifying imagery is described as "suhavana" (beautiful) and "moha-harana" (enchanting) - beauty is in the eye of the awakened consciousness.
Sanskrit
चौपाई ७: त्रिपुण्ड तिलक ललाट सुहाये। तीन नयन छवि अति मनभाये॥ कुंडल कर्ण बिराजहिं भारी। भयंकर रूप देखन में प्यारी॥७॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 7: Tripuṇḍa tilaka lalāṭa suhāye | tīna nayana chavi ati manabhāye || Kuṇḍala karṇa birājahiṃ bhārī | bhayaṅkara rūpa dekhana meṃ pyārī ||7||
Translation
The tripundra tilak adorns your forehead beautifully. Your three-eyed splendor is extremely pleasing to the mind. Large earrings grace your ears magnificently. Your terrifying form is beloved to behold!
Deep Meaning
Tripundra (three horizontal ash lines) represents the three gunas, three debts, three states of consciousness - all transcended. The third eye (ajo chakra) is the eye of wisdom that burned Kama (desire) to ash. The final line captures the devotional transformation - what would terrify the worldly person becomes "pyari" (beloved) to the devotee. Fear transforms into love through devotion.
Sanskrit
चौपाई ८: चरण कमल में नूपुर बाजै। चाल देख मन मोहित राजै॥ वर अभय मुद्रा धरैं। संकट काल भक्त निस्तारैं॥८॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 8: Caraṇa kamala meṃ nūpura bājai | cāla dekha mana mohita rājai || Vara abhaya mudrā dharaiṃ | saṅkaṭa kāla bhakta nistāraiṃ ||8||
Translation
Anklets jingle at your lotus feet. Watching your gait, the mind becomes enchanted. You hold the gestures of blessing (varada mudra) and fearlessness (abhaya mudra). In times of calamity, you deliver your devotees.
Deep Meaning
The lotus feet (charana kamala) with jingling anklets shows the divine play (lila) - even fierce Bhairava dances. Varada mudra (boon-giving hand gesture) and abhaya mudra (fear-removing gesture) are the two primary mudras showing Bhairava's dual gift: granting wishes and removing all fear. "Sankata kala bhakta nistarein" promises deliverance specifically during crisis - Bhairava is the emergency deity who responds instantly to genuine distress.
Sanskrit
चौपाई ९: काशी पुरी में करत निवासा। भक्तन हेतु सदा उर बासा॥ बिंध्यांचल तुम्ह बिराजत भारी। उज्जैनी में महाकाल भयहारी॥९॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 9: Kāśī purī meṃ karata nivāsā | bhaktana hetu sadā ura bāsā || Bindhyāṃcala tumha birājata bhārī | ujjainī meṃ mahākāla bhayahārī ||9||
Translation
You dwell in the city of Kashi (Varanasi). For devotees, you always reside in their hearts. You shine majestically in the Vindhya mountains. In Ujjain, you are Mahakala, the remover of fear.
Deep Meaning
This verse maps Bhairava's sacred geography. Kashi is his primary abode - dying here grants instant liberation. But the key teaching: "bhaktana hetu sada ura basa" - for devotees, he dwells in the heart always, making pilgrimage internal. Vindhyachal and Ujjain are other major Bhairava sites. Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar is one of the twelve jyotirlingas, where Bhairava manifests as the lord of time.
Sanskrit
चौपाई १०: अष्ट भैरव तुम्ह अवतारा। असित रूरु चण्ड संहारा॥ क्रोध उन्मत्त कपाल महान। संपूर्ण भीषण एक समान॥१०॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 10: Aṣṭa bhairava tumha avatārā | asita rūru caṇḍa saṃhārā || Krodha unmatta kapāla mahāna | sampūrṇa bhīṣaṇa eka samāna ||10||
Translation
You manifest as the eight Bhairavas: Asitanga, Ruru, Chanda, and Samhara. Krodha, Unmatta, Kapala the great. All complete, all equally terrifying, all one and the same.
Deep Meaning
This verse lists the Ashta (eight) Bhairavas guarding the eight directions. Though appearing as eight distinct forms, the verse emphasizes "eka samana" (all one) - they are different manifestations of the same consciousness. Each name represents a quality: Asitanga (dark-bodied), Ruru (howler), Chanda (fierce), Samhara (dissolver), Krodha (wrathful), Unmatta (mad/ecstatic), Kapala (skull-bearer), Bhishana (terrifying). Together they guard all directions and all aspects of spiritual practice.
Sanskrit
चौपाई ११: बटुक भैरव छोटे लाला। काल भैरव महाप्रतापी काला॥ रूरु भैरव अति भयंकर। चंडा भैरव अति विकरार॥११॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 11: Baṭuka bhairava choṭe lālā | kāla bhairava mahā pratāpī kālā || Rūru bhairava ati bhayaṅkara | caṇḍā bhairava ati vikarāla ||11||
Translation
Batuk Bhairava, the little beloved child. Kala Bhairava, the mighty and dark one. Ruru Bhairava, extremely terrifying. Chanda Bhairava, exceedingly fierce.
Deep Meaning
This verse provides brief characterizations of individual Bhairava forms. Batuk as "chhote lala" (little darling) shows the tender aspect. Kala Bhairava is "maha-pratapi" (supremely glorious) and dark like time itself. Ruru's howling inspires terror. Chanda's fierceness (vikarala - terrible-jawed) destroys obstacles. Each devotee may have affinity with different forms based on temperament and spiritual needs.
Sanskrit
चौपाई १२: अघोर भैरव अति सुंदर। भीषण भैरव महा शौर्य युत गंभीर॥ संहार भैरव करत प्रलय। अनाथ नाथ तुम सबके उदय॥१२॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 12: Aghora bhairava ati sundara | bhīṣaṇa bhairava mahā śaurya yuta gaṃbhīra || Saṃhāra bhairava karata pralaya | anātha nātha tuma sabake udaya ||12||
Translation
Aghora Bhairava is extremely beautiful. Bhishana Bhairava is endowed with great valor and depth. Samhara Bhairava performs cosmic dissolution. You are the Lord of the lordless, the source of all upliftment.
Deep Meaning
Aghora ("not terrible") paradoxically is "extremely beautiful" - the non-dual form beyond duality of beauty/ugliness. Bhishana embodies profound warrior courage (shaurya). Samhara performs the cosmic dissolution (pralaya) at the end of each age. "Anatha natha" (lord of the lordless) is a effective epithet - Bhairava specifically protects those without worldly protection: orphans, widows, outcasts, the marginalized. This makes Bhairava worship the path of the powerless who have nothing but faith.
Sanskrit
चौपाई १३: सर्व सिद्धि तुम ही प्रदाता। इष्ट देव तुम सुख दाता॥ नवनाथ चौरासी सिद्ध। तुमको नित नित करहिं प्रणाम सिद्ध॥१३॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 13: Sarva siddhi tuma hī pradātā | iṣṭa deva tuma sukha dātā || Navanātha caurāsī siddha | tumako nita nita karahiṃ praṇāma siddha ||13||
Translation
You alone are the bestower of all siddhis (spiritual powers). You are the chosen deity, the giver of happiness. The nine Naths and eighty-four Siddhas daily bow in salutation to you.
Deep Meaning
This verse establishes Bhairava's supremacy in the tantric hierarchy. The Navnath (nine masters) and Chaurasi Siddhas (eighty-four perfected ones) represent the lineage of tantric adepts who attained supernatural powers. That they bow to Bhairava shows he is the source of all siddhis - not just a effective deity, but the power behind all powers. The eight classical siddhis (anima, mahima, laghima, garima, prapti, prakamya, ishitva, vashitva) all flow from Bhairava consciousness.
Sanskrit
चौपाई १४: तुम बिन और न कोई सहाई। जो सुमिरै सो सुख पाई॥ धन धान्य पूर्ण घर होई। भक्ति करे सो कभी न रोई॥१४॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 14: Tuma bina aura na koī sahāī | jo sumirai so sukha pāī || Dhana dhānya pūrṇa ghara hoī | bhakti kare so kabhī na roī ||14||
Translation
Without you, there is no other helper. Whoever remembers you attains happiness. Their home becomes filled with wealth and grains. One who performs devotion never cries (never suffers).
Deep Meaning
This verse emphasizes Bhairava as the ultimate refuge when all worldly support fails. "Tum bin aur na koi sahai" is the cry of exclusive devotion (ananya bhakti). The promise is both material (dhana-dhanya: wealth and food grains fill the home) and emotional (bhakti kare so kabhi na roi: the devotee never weeps). This doesn't mean absence of challenges, but the inner strength and divine support that prevents breakdown. Bhairava devotion transforms suffering into tapas (spiritual heat).
Sanskrit
चौपाई १५: संकट में जो ध्यावै नाम। तुरंत छुड़ावहु करत कल्याण॥ भूत प्रेत पिशाच डरावै। तुम बिन और न कोई बचावै॥१५॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 15: Saṅkaṭa meṃ jo dhyāvai nāma | turaṃta chuṛāvahu karata kalyāṇa || Bhūta preta piśāca ḍarāvai | tuma bina aura na koī bacāvai ||15||
Translation
Whoever meditates on your name in times of crisis, you immediately liberate them and grant welfare. When ghosts, spirits, and demons frighten, none but you can protect.
Deep Meaning
This verse promises instant intervention - "turant chudavahu" (immediately you free them). Bhairava is the emergency deity for extreme situations. The specific mention of protection from bhūtas (ghosts), pretas (hungry ghosts), and pishachas (flesh-eating demons) shows his mastery over the subtle realms. In psychological terms, these entities represent unresolved traumas, obsessive thoughts, and destructive patterns. Only Bhairava consciousness - the witness awareness beyond fear - can truly protect from these internal demons.
Sanskrit
चौपाई १६: जो कोइ तेरा ध्यान करावै। तास पर तुम अति दया लगावै॥ काल मृत्यु सब दूर भगावै। सुख संपत्ति निधान पावै॥१६॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 16: Jo koi terā dhyāna karāvai | tāsa para tuma ati dayā lagāvai || Kāla mṛtyu saba dūra bhagāvai | sukha sampatti nidhāna pāvai ||16||
Translation
Upon whomever meditates on you, you shower extreme compassion. You drive away time (kala), death, and all dangers. They attain treasures of happiness and prosperity.
Deep Meaning
The verse emphasizes divine response to meditation (dhyana). Bhairava's "ati daya" (extreme compassion) reveals that fierce appearance conceals infinite tenderness. "Kala mrityu saba dura bhagavai" - driving away kala (time) and mrityu (death) doesn't mean physical immortality, but transcendence of time-bound existence and death-anxiety. The enlightened devotee lives in the eternal now, beyond chronological time. Happiness (sukha) and prosperity (sampatti) are both inner and outer - contentment of the soul and abundance in the world.
Sanskrit
चौपाई १७: रोग शोक दुःख दारिद्र्य नाशै। भय दूर हो मन हरषै॥ शत्रु बुद्धि सब नाश करावै। भक्त जन को विपत्ति बचावै॥१७॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 17: Roga śoka duḥkha dāridrya nāśai | bhaya dūra ho mana haraṣai || Śatru buddhi saba nāśa karāvai | bhakta jana ko vipatti bacāvai ||17||
Translation
Disease, grief, sorrow, and poverty are destroyed. Fear departs and the mind rejoices. The mentality of enmity is completely destroyed. The devotee is saved from all calamities.
Deep Meaning
This verse lists the four primary afflictions: roga (disease), shoka (grief), dukha (suffering), daridra (poverty) - all destroyed by Bhairava's grace. When fear (bhaya) departs, the mind naturally rejoices (harashei) - joy is our true nature revealed when fear's clouds disperse. "Shatru buddhi nasha" (destruction of enemy-consciousness) is profound - it's not about destroying external enemies, but the internal tendency to perceive others as enemies. Bhairava removes the dualistic mindset that creates conflict.
Sanskrit
चौपाई १८: जो कोइ नाम तुम्हार जपावै। दुःख दारिद्र्य कभी नहिं पावै॥ पुत्र हीन घर संतति होई। मनवांछित फल पावै कोई॥१८॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 18: Jo koi nāma tumhāra japāvai | duḥkha dāridrya kabhī nahiṃ pāvai || Putra hīna ghara santati hoī | manavāṃchita phala pāvai koī ||18||
Translation
Whoever chants your name never experiences sorrow or poverty. A childless home receives progeny. One obtains the desired fruits of the mind.
Deep Meaning
Nama-japa (chanting the name) is the simplest yet most sacred practice. The promise is freedom from dukha and daridra through mere repetition with devotion. The blessing of children to the childless (putra-hina) addresses a deep traditional concern, but can also be understood symbolically - Bhairava grants spiritual progeny (disciples, creative projects, dharmic works). "Manavanchit phal" (mind-desired fruit) shows he fulfills both material desires and spiritual aspirations - the tantric teaching that desire itself is not the problem, but attachment to outcomes.
Sanskrit
चौपाई १९: दुश्मन का नाश करैं तत्काला। भूत भविष्य वर्तमान काला॥ त्रिकाल ज्ञाता सब बिधि जानै। भक्त जन के मन की पहिचानै॥१९॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 19: Duśmana kā nāśa karaiṃ tatkālā | bhūta bhaviṣya vartamāna kālā || Trikāla jñātā saba bidhi jānai | bhakta jana ke mana kī pahicānai ||19||
Translation
You destroy enemies instantly. You are the past, present, and future time. You are the knower of the three times, you know all ways and means. You recognize the devotee's heart.
Deep Meaning
Bhairava's omniscience is emphasized - as trikala-jnata (knower of three times), he transcends temporal limitations. He doesn't just know about past, present, future - he IS these times. "Sab vidhi janai" means he knows all methods, all techniques, all paths - there is no spiritual practice outside his knowledge. Most beautiful: "bhakta jana ke mana ki pahichanai" - he recognizes the devotee's heart. This intimate knowing means you don't need to explain your suffering. Bhairava already understands your deepest pain and highest aspiration.
Sanskrit
चौपाई २०: अष्ट सिद्धि नव निधि दाता। भैरव भक्त सबै सुखदाता॥ भूत भविष्य वर्तमान बखाना। महिमा अपार कौन कर जाना॥२०॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 20: Aṣṭa siddhi nava nidhi dātā | bhairava bhakta sabai sukhadātā || Bhūta bhaviṣya vartamāna bakhānā | mahimā apāra kauna kara jānā ||20||
Translation
You are the giver of the eight siddhis and nine treasures. To all Bhairava devotees, you give happiness. Who can fully describe the past, present, and future? Who can comprehend your infinite glory?
Deep Meaning
The ashta-siddhi (eight supernatural powers) and nava-nidhi (nine treasures of Kubera) represent complete mastery over both spiritual and material realms. The rhetorical questions "kaun kar jana?" (who can know?) establish Bhairava's transcendence - his glory (mahima) exceeds all description. Even this Chalisa of 40 verses can only hint at his essence. The devotee's approach should be humble acknowledgment that Bhairava is ultimately beyond conceptual understanding.
Sanskrit
चौपाई २१: प्रेम भक्ति जो करे तुम्हारी। तिस पर तुम हो कृपा भारी॥ भवसागर से पार लगावै। अंत समय निज धाम पठावै॥२१॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 21: Prema bhakti jo kare tumhārī | tisa para tuma ho kṛpā bhārī || Bhavasāgara se pāra lagāvai | aṃta samaya nija dhāma paṭhāvai ||21||
Translation
Upon whoever performs loving devotion to you, you shower abundant grace. You help them cross the ocean of worldly existence. At the final moment, you send them to your own supreme abode.
Deep Meaning
The key to Bhairava's grace is "prema bhakti" (loving devotion) - not ritualistic worship but heartfelt love. The metaphor of crossing the ocean of samsara (bhavasagara) represents liberation from the cycle of birth-death. "Anta samaya" (at the final moment/time of death) promises that Bhairava appears at death to guide the devotee. "Nija dhama" (own abode) is Kashi - dying in Kashi or with Bhairava consciousness grants instant moksha without further births.
Sanskrit
चौपाई २२: श्वान वाहन त्रिशूलधारी। जगत पालन कर्ता संहारी॥ कपाल हाथ डमरू सुहाये। देख रूप मन मोहि जाए॥२२॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 22: Śvāna vāhana triśūla dhārī | jagata pālana kartā saṃhārī || Kapāla hātha ḍamarū suhāye | dekha rūpa mana mohi jāe ||22||
Translation
Riding the dog, bearing the trident, the sustainer and destroyer of the world. Skull in hand, damaru looking beautiful. Seeing your form, the mind becomes enchanted.
Deep Meaning
This verse returns to Bhairava's iconography. The dog vehicle, trident, skull, and damaru are repeated to create a visual meditation (dhyana). The phrase "jagat palana karta samhari" (world-sustainer and world-destroyer) reveals Bhairava performs both Vishnu's and Shiva's functions - preservation and dissolution. This is the tantric teaching that creation-preservation-destruction are one continuous process, not separate activities of different gods. The mind becomes "enchanted" (mohi jaye) not despite the fierce appearance, but because of it - true devotion finds beauty in the terrible.
Sanskrit
चौपाई २३: नग्न वपु अति रूप विशाला। तन में भस्म रमाय विशाला॥ कंठ नाग की माल विराजै। देख रूप मन अति हरषै॥२३॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 23: Nagna vapu ati rūpa viśālā | tana meṃ bhasma ramāya viśālā || Kaṃṭha nāga kī māla virājai | dekha rūpa mana ati haraṣai ||23||
Translation
Your naked body has an immense form. Sacred ash is abundantly smeared on your body. A serpent garland adorns your neck. Seeing your form, the mind greatly rejoices.
Deep Meaning
Nakedness (nagna vapu) represents complete freedom from social conditioning and shame - the natural state before culture imposed clothes and complexes. "Ati roop vishala" (extremely vast form) shows Bhairava as cosmic, all-pervading. Abundant ash (bhasma) covering the body is the reminder: all bodies eventually become ash - why be attached? The serpent garland (naga ki mala) represents coiled kundalini awakened and worn as ornament. Again, "man ati harshai" (mind greatly rejoices) - the mature devotee finds joy in contemplating impermanence and the dissolution of ego.
Sanskrit
चौपाई २४: तुम्हरी शरण जो जन आवै। तास के सब कष्ट मिटावै॥ भाग्य हीन को भाग्य बढ़ावै। दीन दुःखी को सुख पहुंचावै॥२४॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 24: Tumharī śaraṇa jo jana āvai | tāsa ke saba kaṣṭa miṭāvai || Bhāgya hīna ko bhāgya baṛhāvai | dīna duḥkhī ko sukha pahuṃcāvai ||24||
Translation
Whoever comes to your refuge, you remove all their afflictions. To the unfortunate, you increase fortune. To the poor and suffering, you bring happiness.
Deep Meaning
Sharana-gati (taking refuge) is the core devotional practice - complete surrender to Bhairava. "Bhagya hina" (fortuneless) receiving "bhagya" (fortune) shows Bhairava can change destiny itself. The traditional belief in karma and fate is transcended by divine grace - Bhairava intervenes in the karmic chain. "Deena dukhee" (poor and suffering) are specifically mentioned - Bhairava is not the god of the effective, but the refuge of the powerless. This makes his worship especially potent for the marginalized.
Sanskrit
चौपाई २५: घोर संकट में जो पुकारे। ताको तुम तत्काल उबारै॥ भक्त की पीर मिटावनहारा। संकट मोचन नाम तुम्हारा॥२५॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 25: Ghora saṅkaṭa meṃ jo pukāre | tāko tuma tatkāla ubāre || Bhakta kī pīra miṭāvanahārā | saṅkaṭa mocana nāma tumhārā ||25||
Translation
Whoever calls out in terrible crisis, you immediately rescue them. You are the remover of devotees' pain. "Sankata Mochana" (Liberator from Calamities) is your name.
Deep Meaning
The emphasis on immediate response (tatkal ubarei - immediately you save) makes Bhairava the deity for emergencies and extreme situations. "Bhakta ki pir mitavanehara" (remover of devotee's pain) shows his specific care for those who have surrendered to him. "Sankata Mochana" is an epithet shared with Hanuman, suggesting Bhairava's role as the ultimate problem-solver. When you've exhausted all worldly solutions, Bhairava's name called with desperate faith brings miraculous intervention.
Sanskrit
चौपाई २६: जो कोई काशी में करे वासा। ताको मिले मुक्ति की आसा॥ काशी के हर मरघट राजा। भैरव देव तुम्हारी छाजा॥२६॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 26: Jo koī kāśī meṃ kare vāsā | tāko mile mukti kī āsā || Kāśī ke hara marghaṭa rājā | bhairava deva tumhārī chājā ||26||
Translation
Whoever resides in Kashi obtains the hope of liberation. In Kashi, every cremation ground is your domain, O Bhairava. It is under your shade/protection.
Deep Meaning
This verse emphasizes Kashi's (Varanasi's) unique status as the city where liberation is guaranteed. "Mukti ki asa" (hope of liberation) becomes certainty in Kashi. Bhairava as "marghat raja" (king of cremation grounds) guards every burning ghat. Under his "chhaja" (protective shade/umbrella), death becomes the doorway to freedom. The traditional belief: Shiva whispers the Taraka mantra in the dying person's ear at Kashi ghats, ensuring moksha. Bhairava ensures no soul leaves Kashi without liberation.
Sanskrit
चौपाई २७: चोर डाकू तस्कर भागै। जहां बसै भैरव भक्त लागै॥ ग्रह कष्ट निवारण कर्ता। भव बंधन से मुक्त करैं तत्काला॥२७॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 27: Cora ḍākū taskara bhāgai | jahāṃ basai bhairava bhakta lāgai || Graha kaṣṭa nivāraṇa kartā | bhava baṃdhana se mukta karaiṃ tatkālā ||27||
Translation
Thieves, dacoits, and smugglers flee from where Bhairava devotees dwell. You are the remover of planetary afflictions. You liberate from the bonds of worldly existence immediately.
Deep Meaning
This verse promises both worldly protection and spiritual liberation. Criminals (chora, daku, taskara) represent external threats. Planetary afflictions (graha kashta) represent astrological difficulties - both flee from Bhairava's presence. The home of a Bhairava devotee becomes a protective zone. "Bhava bandhana se mukta" (liberation from existential bondage) is the ultimate gift - freedom from samsara granted "tatkal" (immediately), not after many births.
Sanskrit
चौपाई २८: मंत्र तंत्र यंत्र सब जानै। भूत प्रेत बाधा दूर भगानै॥ जादू टोना सब हरै। भैरव कृपा ते सब विघ्न टरै॥२८॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 28: Mantra tantra yantra saba jānai | bhūta preta bādhā dūra bhagānai || Jādū ṭonā saba harai | bhairava kṛpā te saba vighna ṭarai ||28||
Translation
You know all mantras, tantras, and yantras. You drive away the obstructions of ghosts and spirits. You remove all black magic and sorcery. By Bhairava's grace, all obstacles are averted.
Deep Meaning
This verse establishes Bhairava as the master of all occult sciences: mantra (sacred sound formulas), tantra (ritualistic practices), yantra (sacred diagrams). As the source of these powers, he also protects from their misuse. "Jadu tona" (black magic and witchcreate) cannot affect a Bhairava devotee. This is important in traditional Indian context where fear of negative magical attacks is real. Bhairava's grace creates an impenetrable shield against all such forces.
Sanskrit
चौपाई २९: स्मृति मात्र से काज संवारै। दुख दारिद्र सकल निवारै॥ भैरव देव सदा सुखदाता। मोर पर्म गुरु पिता माता॥२९॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 29: Smṛti mātra se kāja saṃvārai | dukha dāridrya sakala nivārai || Bhairava deva sadā sukhadātā | mora parma guru pitā mātā ||29||
Translation
By mere remembrance, you accomplish our work. You remove all sorrow and poverty. Bhairava, you are the constant giver of happiness, my supreme guru, father, and mother.
Deep Meaning
The power of "smriti matra" (mere remembrance) shows the highest form of devotion - no elaborate ritual needed, just remembering Bhairava accomplishes everything. The intimate declaration "mora param guru pita mata" (my supreme guru, father, mother) reveals the complete relationship a devotee can have with Bhairava: teacher (guru), protector (father), nurturer (mother) - all spiritual needs met in one deity. This personal relationship transforms worship from duty to love.
Sanskrit
चौपाई ३०: तुम सम नाहिं कोई और सहाई। जो तुम छोड़ो फिर कौन बचाई॥ दीन बंधु दयालु कृपाला। हरो सकल के बिपत विशाला॥३०॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 30: Tuma sama nāhiṃ koī aura sahāī | jo tuma choṛo phira kauna bacāī || Dīna baṃdhu dayālu kṛpālā | haro sakala ke bipata viśālā ||30||
Translation
There is no other helper like you. If you abandon someone, who else can save them? O friend of the poor, compassionate and merciful one, remove the great calamities of all!
Deep Meaning
The rhetorical question "jo tum chhodo phir kaun bachai?" (if you abandon, who can save?) expresses utter dependence - Bhairava is the last refuge when all else fails. "Deena bandhu" (friend of the poor/helpless) is a effective epithet showing Bhairava's special bond with those society has rejected. The verse expresses both the devotee's vulnerability ("we have only you") and Bhairava's unique capacity to help when all human means are exhausted.
Sanskrit
चौपाई ३१: भय निवारण भक्त हितकारी। सुमिरन करत विपत्ति टरे भारी॥ अकाल मृत्यु हरो भगवान। अष्ट भैरव करै कल्याण॥३१॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 31: Bhaya nivāraṇa bhakta hitakārī | sumirana karata vipatti ṭare bhārī || Akāla mṛtyu haro bhagavāna | aṣṭa bhairava karai kalyāṇa ||31||
Translation
Remover of fear, benefactor of devotees! By remembering you, great calamities are averted. O Lord, remove untimely death. The eight Bhairavas grant welfare.
Deep Meaning
Protection from "akal mrityu" (untimely/premature death) is a traditional concern - death before one's karmic lifespan or before spiritual preparation. Bhairava extends life when there's spiritual work yet undone. The eight Bhairavas performing "kalyana" (welfare/auspiciousness) shows that approaching any one of the eight forms brings the grace of all - they are one consciousness manifesting eight ways.
Sanskrit
चौपाई ३२: नाम जपत मन पावै चैना। सुमिरन करत मिटे सब बैना॥ तुम बिन और न दूजा सहाई। भैरव देव शरण में आई॥३२॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 32: Nāma japata mana pāvai cainā | sumirana karata miṭe saba bainā || Tuma bina aura na dūjā sahāī | bhairava deva śaraṇa meṃ āī ||32||
Translation
Chanting your name, the mind attains peace. Remembering you, all conflicts/disputes are resolved. Without you, there is no other helper. I have come to Bhairava's refuge.
Deep Meaning
Nama-japa brings "chaina" (peace/rest) to the agitated mind - the mantra acts as an anchor in the storm of thoughts. "Baana" (conflicts, both internal mental arguments and external disputes) dissolve through remembrance. The final declaration "sharana mein aai" (I have come to refuge) is the climactic surrender - the devotee's complete reliance on Bhairava alone. This is sharanagati (surrender), the culmination of bhakti.
Sanskrit
चौपाई ३३: लाज राखो देव दयाला। हरो सकल संकट तत्काला॥ तुम्हरी शरण पर्यो तिहारे। और न कोई साथी हमारे॥३३॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 33: Lāja rākho deva dayālā | haro sakala saṅkaṭa tatkālā || Tumharī śaraṇa paryo tihāre | aura na koī sāthī hamāre ||33||
Translation
Protect my honor, O compassionate Lord! Remove all crises immediately. I have fallen at your refuge. There is no other companion for me.
Deep Meaning
"Laaj rakho" (protect my honor/dignity) is a effective petition - the devotee asks Bhairava to uphold their dignity by responding to their prayer. If Bhairava doesn't protect, the devotee's faith will be shamed before the world. This puts moral pressure on the deity (a traditional bhakti technique). "Aur na koi sathi hamare" (no other companion) expresses divine intimacy - Bhairava is not just deity but friend, companion on the life journey. This verse captures the essence of prapatti (total self-surrender).
Sanskrit
चौपाई ३४: बार बार बिनती करौं। चरण शरण दे दया करौं॥ भवसागर से पार लगाओ। अपनी भक्ति रस में नहाओ॥३४॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 34: Bāra bāra binatī karauṃ | caraṇa śaraṇa de dayā karauṃ || Bhavasāgara se pāra lagāo | apanī bhakti rasa meṃ nahāo ||34||
Translation
Again and again I make this petition: grant me refuge at your feet, have mercy! Ferry me across the ocean of worldly existence. Bathe me in the nectar of your devotion.
Deep Meaning
The repetition "bara bara" (again and again) shows the persistence of true devotion - not asking once but repeatedly until heard. "Charana sharana" (refuge at feet) is the ultimate safe space - the lotus feet of the guru/deity. Crossing samsara is the spiritual goal. But the method is beautiful: "apni bhakti ras mein nahao" (bathe me in the nectar of your devotion). The devotee doesn't ask for power or knowledge, but for the capacity to love Bhairava - devotion itself becomes the goal.
Sanskrit
चौपाई ३५: नाम तुम्हार जपत सब कोई। जगत पालन करत हो सोई॥ जहां तहां तुम व्यापक स्वामी। सब घट वासी अंतरयामी॥३५॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 35: Nāma tumhāra japata saba koī | jagata pālana karata ho soī || Jahāṃ tahāṃ tuma vyāpaka svāmī | saba ghaṭa vāsī aṃtarayāmī ||35||
Translation
Everyone chants your name. You are the one who sustains the world. You are all-pervading everywhere, O Lord. You dwell in all bodies as the inner witness.
Deep Meaning
This verse reveals Bhairava's non-dual nature. "Jahan tahan tum vyapak" (everywhere you are pervading) shows him as the omnipresent consciousness. "Sab ghat vasi" (dwelling in all bodies) and "antaryami" (inner witness/controller) are Upanishadic terms - Bhairava is the atman (self) witnessing all experiences in all beings. This is the highest teaching: Bhairava is not outside but your own innermost consciousness. When you call Bhairava, you're calling your own true nature to awaken.
Sanskrit
चौपाई ३६: ब्रह्मा विष्णु महेश कहावै। तुम तीनों की शक्ति बनावै॥ जो तुम बिन कुछ नहीं बनावै। सृष्टि स्थिति संहार चलावै॥३६॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 36: Brahmā viṣṇu maheśa kahāvai | tuma tīnoṃ kī śakti banāvai || Jo tuma bina kucha nahīṃ banāvai | sṛṣṭi sthiti saṃhāra calāvai ||36||
Translation
Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva) - you are the power that creates all three. Without you, nothing can be created. You operate creation, preservation, and dissolution.
Deep Meaning
This verse establishes Bhairava as supreme over the Trimurti (Hindu trinity). Brahma creates, Vishnu preserves, Shiva destroys - but Bhairava is the shakti (power) enabling all three. This is a radical claim placing Bhairava above even the great gods. From the tantric perspective, Bhairava is the consciousness (Shiva-tattva) while Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh are his functional aspects. The verse asserts: without Bhairava-consciousness, even the gods are powerless. He is the source, not just a manifestation.
Sanskrit
चौपाई ३७: वेद पुराण सबै बखानै। तुम बिन मुक्ति कोय नहिं जानै॥ संकट हारिणी श्री तुम देवी। मातु पिता गुरु सखा सुहावै सेवी॥३७॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 37: Veda purāṇa sabai bakhānai | tuma bina mukti koya nahīṃ jānai || Saṅkaṭa hāriṇī śrī tuma devī | mātu pitā guru sakhā suhāvai sevī ||37||
Translation
All Vedas and Puranas proclaim: without you, no one knows liberation. You are the goddess who removes calamities. You are mother, father, guru, friend - beautiful servant of all!
Deep Meaning
This verse addresses Bhairava's shakti (feminine power) - "Sankat Harini Shri Tum Devi" can refer to Bhairava's consort or to Bhairava's own feminine aspect. In Kashmir Shaivism, Shiva and Shakti are inseparable - consciousness and energy as one. The list "matu pita guru sakha" (mother-father-guru-friend) shows Bhairava fulfills all relationship roles. Beautifully, he's called "suhavai sevi" (beautiful servant) - though supreme lord, he serves his devotees like a servant serves a master. This is divine humility.
Sanskrit
चौपाई ३८: महाप्रलय के समय तुम्हारा। सब कुछ तुम में समाय हमारा॥ तुम हो जगत पिता विधाता। पालन पोषण हरण कर्ता॥३८॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 38: Mahāpralaya ke samaya tumhārā | saba kucha tuma meṃ samāya hamārā || Tuma ho jagata pitā vidhātā | pālana poṣaṇa haraṇa kartā ||38||
Translation
At the time of great dissolution, everything merges back into you. You are the father of the world, the creator, the sustainer, nourisher, and destroyer.
Deep Meaning
At mahapralaya (cosmic dissolution at the end of each kalpa/age), all creation dissolves back into Bhairava-consciousness. "Sab kuch tum mein samay" (everything merges in you) is the teaching of involution - the universe emerges from consciousness and returns to it. Bhairava performs all functions: vidhata (ordainer/creator), palana-poshana (sustaining-nourishing), harana (taking away/destroying). He is the alpha and omega, the source and destination of all existence.
Sanskrit
चौपाई ३९: सुंदरदास प्रभु शरण तुम्हारा। और नहिं कोई सहारा हमारा॥ भक्ति भाव से गुन गाऊं। चरण कमल की शरण पाऊं॥३९॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 39: Sundaradāsa prabhu śaraṇa tumhārā | aura nahiṃ koī sahārā hamārā || Bhakti bhāva se guna gāūṃ | caraṇa kamala kī śaraṇa pāūṃ ||39||
Translation
Sundaradasa says: Lord, I am in your refuge. There is no other support for me. With devotional feeling I sing your virtues. May I attain refuge at your lotus feet.
Deep Meaning
This verse reveals the author, Sant Sundaradasa, who composed this Chalisa. His personal testimony "aur nahin koi sahara hamara" (we have no other support) makes the Chalisa authentic - not theoretical theology but lived devotional experience. "Bhakti bhav se gun gaun" (with devotional feeling I sing your virtues) shows the Chalisa itself is an act of devotion, not just a text to be recited. The ultimate prayer: refuge at the lotus feet, the source of all grace.
Sanskrit
चौपाई ४०: जो यह चालीसा नित गावै। दुःख दारिद्र्य निकट नहिं आवै॥ पाठ करै जो भक्ति भाव से। ताके सब दुःख टलत सुहाव से॥४०॥
Transliteration
Caupāī 40: Jo yaha cālīsā nita gāvai | duḥkha dāridrya nikaṭa nahīṃ āvai || Pāṭha karai jo bhakti bhāva se | tāke saba duḥkha ṭalata suhāva se ||40||
Translation
Whoever daily sings this Chalisa, sorrow and poverty do not come near. Whoever recites with devotional feeling, all their sorrows are beautifully removed.
Deep Meaning
This final chaupai is the phala shruti (fruit/benefit verse). Daily recitation creates a protective shield - dukha and daridra cannot even approach. The key is "bhakti bhav se" (with devotional feeling) - mechanical recitation without heart won't work. When recited with genuine feeling, sorrows are removed "suhav se" (beautifully, gracefully) - not through struggle but through divine grace. This Chalisa becomes a daily spiritual practice (nityakarma) for Bhairava devotees.
Sanskrit
दोहा: भैरव देव की आरती, जो कोई नित गावे। कभी न दुःख संकट, ताके पास न आवे॥
Transliteration
Dohā: Bhairava deva kī āratī, jo koī nita gāve | Kabhī na duḥkha saṅkaṭa, tāke pāsa na āve ||
Translation
Closing Doha: Whoever daily sings the arati (worship) of Bhairava, sorrow and crisis never come near them.
Deep Meaning
The closing doha seals the promises of the Chalisa. Regular practice (nit gave - daily singing) creates lasting transformation. The double negative "kabhi na. Na ave" (never. Not come) emphasizes absolute protection. The Chalisa concludes with the assurance that sincere Bhairava devotion creates an impenetrable shield against all suffering - not through escape, but through the inner strength that meets all challenges with Bhairava-consciousness.
Benefits of Recitation
- ✦Complete protection from all forms of suffering and poverty
- ✦Removal of fear, especially fear of death and the unknown
- ✦Fulfillment of righteous desires and material needs
- ✦Protection from enemies, black magic, and negative entities
- ✦Crossing the ocean of samsara (worldly existence)
- ✦Attainment of jivanmukti (liberation while living)
- ✦Grace and darshan of Bhairava at the time of death
- ✦Immediate intervention in times of crisis and emergency
- ✦Increase in fortune and reversal of bad luck
- ✦Establishment of Bhairava consciousness in daily life
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