Kali Mata Chalisa

Hail Kali, remover of Kali-age stains, of fathomless boundless glory.

Slayer of Mahisha, O Kalika, grant boundless fearlessness.

Eraser of foes’ pride and arrogance; lovely skull-garland graces your neck.

Eight-armed joy-giving Mother, famed through the world as crusher of the wicked.

With your eighth hand granting devotees’ boons; O Mother of world-enchanting form.

Bhavani, loving toward devotees; sages and seers repeat your name night and day.

Great power, most mighty, pure; you are Kali and you are Sita.

Saviour of the fallen, guardian of the world; blissful destroyer of sinful clans.

Remover of Kali-age pains and quarrels; freer from worldly fear, maker of blessing.

The Vedas sing your fathomless glory; Narada and Sharada cannot fathom it.

Whenever earth’s burden grew heavy, you appeared, O Mother.

Primal, beginningless giver of fearlessness; world-renowned saviour from worldly peril.

Whoever took your name in hard times ever received your fearless boon.

Vedas, Shesha and Indra meditate, beholding your death-like form.

Kalua Bhairav attends you, dread-formed for foes’ sake.

Servant Langur stays ahead; sixty-four yoginis obey your command.

In Treta you came for Raghuvar’s sake and destroyed ten-necked Ravan’s army.

You played battle’s wondrous game, filling cups with flesh and marrow.

Seeing your wrathful form demons fled, abandoning homes.

Then such darkness rose that friend and stranger blurred.

Seeing this child-like fury, Shankar came and lay across your path.

Then your tongue lolled from your mouth — famed ever since, O Mother.

Mahishasura’s pride swelled huge, tormenting all men and women.

You heard devotees’ piteous cry, to end every person’s pain.

Then you appeared with your army, named Mother-conqueror of Mahisha.

Shumbha-Nishumbha you slew in a moment; none in the world equals you.

Churner of villains’ pride, ever helper of distressed devotees.

The humble lowly who serve daily gain wished-for fruits.

Whoever remembers you in peril — Mother, you end their woes.

Whoever sings your glory with love is freed from worldly bondage.

Whoever reads the Kali Chalisa rises to heaven unbound.

Cast your gracious glance, Jagadamba; why delay, Mother?

Guard your devotees, Mother; hail, hail, skeletal Kali!

Your servants, lowly, orphaned, helpless, shelter in devotion to you.

Whoever recites the Kali Chalisa with love sees every wish fulfilled in all worldly splendour.