Annapurna Mata Chalisa

Mother, maker of eternal bliss, famed for boon-and-fearlessness moods.

Hail! Ocean of beauty, world-mother, ending all sins and worldly fears.

Fair-faced in fair garments again; saints and sages serve your feet.

Mother, queen of Kashi city; Maheshwari, saviour of the whole world.

Bull-mounted Rudrani by name; universe-wanderer, hail, blissful one!

Crown of devoted wives; the mountain’s daughter earned her rank.

Unable to bear her lord’s loss, she burnt her body in yoga-fire.

Quitting her body in love of Shiva’s feet, she kept her aim on Himalaya’s home.

She appeared named Girija; great joy filled the house.

Then Narada guided you, teaching the lesson for marriage.

Brahma, Varuna, Kubera counted; Indra and the rest sang your praise.

Singing all gods’ fair fame, she resolved to turn their minds.

Unmoved you stayed on your vow, blessed one; Himachal’s daughter proved it true.

Narada grew anxious for you, then taught the vow-fulfilling mantra.

To perform penance he counselled you; you proved the saint’s word true.

Hearing the sky-voice, irrevocable, Brahma then came to you.

“Ask, daughter, a peerless boon; today I’ll grant to match your mind.”

You performed wondrous great penance, enduring pain, most delicate one.

“Now drop all doubt of me; I swear, no deceit toward you.”

“Know Brahma versed in the Vedas; take my word as true.”

“Shedding shyness, speak your wish; I’ll grant heart-desired alms.”

Hearing Brahma’s sweet speech, Bhavani smiled faintly.

“What shall I tell you, Ordainer? You are the world’s maker-sustainer.”

“My desire is no secret from you; what would you have me say?”

“Dying at Daksha’s sacrifice, may Shambhunath be mine again.”

“May I now win my heart’s desire.” Saying “so be it,” Brahma left for his abode.

Then Girija won Shankar; fruition ended doubt.

Crores of moons and suns dwell radiant on your face.

Garland, book, goad shine; in another hand a noose enchants the heart.

O Annapurna, ever-full, unborn, flawless, endless, full!

Ocean of mercy, welfare-maker, Mother, filled with worldly splendour and bliss.

Lotus-eyed, shining-browed goddess; Kalika, dread Chandi.

On Kailash you are Girija, sporting in bliss with the ocean-born.

In heaven called Mahalakshmi, on mortal earth holding Lakshmi’s rank.

Sporting in all as every form; heaven’s kings serve you.

Whoever reads this Chalisa of yours gains fruit, with the Lord as blessed witness.

Whoever reads with heart at dawn, with loving devotion and relish.

With wife, family, friends, sons, they gain wondrous supreme glory.

It grants kingship to the kingless; your devotees’ fame spreads fair.

Reciting grants great joy and blessing; devotees gain wished-for treasures.

Whoever bows the head reading this blessed Chalisa sees all works accomplished, with Kashinath as witness.