Shri Vishnu Chalisa

O Vishnu, heed your servant’s plea with attentive mind.

I would describe some of your glory — grant me wisdom to tell it.

Salutations to Lord Vishnu, foe of Khar, destroyer of suffering, sporting through all.

Mighty in the world is your power; your radiance spreads through the three worlds.

Beautiful form, enchanting face, simple nature, captivating image.

Yellow garment graces your body; the Vaijayanti garland enchants the heart.

Conch, discus, mace shine in your hands; seeing them, demon hordes flee.

Where truth and duty resound, pride and greed hold no sway; lust, anger, arrogance, greed beseem not.

Delighter of saints, devotees and the virtuous; crusher of demon hosts.

Creating joy, shattering all suffering, washing faults, you make men virtuous.

Cutting sins, ferrying across the ocean of existence, ending suffering, uplifting devotees.

The Lord takes many forms for devotion’s sake alone.

When Earth-as-cow called to you, you took Ram’s form.

Lightening her burden, you slew demon hosts, destroying Ravan and the rest.

You took Varaha’s form and struck down Hiranyaksha.

Taking Matsya’s body, you churned the sea and brought forth the fourteen jewels.

When countless demons quarrelled, you showed your Mohini form.

You gave the gods nectar to drink, beguiling the demons with your beauty.

Taking Kurma’s form, you churned the sea, swiftly lifting Mount Mandara.

You freed Shankar from the snare, showing your form to Bhasmasura.

When demons drowned the Vedas, you arranged their recovery.

Enchanting, you made the villain dance, and had him burnt by his own hand.

The demon Jalandhar, hugely strong, warred even with Shankar.

Shiva’s defeat seemed entire; the villain then deceived Sati.

Shivrani remembered you and told the whole tale of woe.

Then you became a wise sage and made Vrinda forget all devotion.

Beholding the demons’ mischief, Vrinda came and clung to you.

Deeming the touch a breach of duty, Shiva struck the demon down.

You saved Dhruva and Prahlad, slaying Hiranyakashipu and other villains.

You ferried Ganika and Ajamila, bearing many devotees across existence.

Take away all our afflictions; be gracious, Hari, Lord of creation.

May I behold your own vision, friend of the lowly, doer of devotees’ good.

Your servant longs for your vision; show mercy, O Madhusudan.

I know no fit chant or worship, nor sacrifice, praise or rite.

Of modesty, mercy, contentment and conduct I know nothing rare; of vows and wisdom nothing special.

How then shall I worship you? Seeing my folly, dreadful grief arises.

How shall I bow, how remember, how surrender myself?

Gods and sages ever serve you, rejoicing, attaining the supreme state.

Ever helpful to the humble afflicted, you claim your own as yours.

Destroy my sins, faults and afflictions; free me from worldly bondage.

Grant joy and wealth, and make me your feet’s servant.

The Vedas ever proclaim this plea; whoever reads or hears it finds joy.