Giriraj Chalisa - गिरिराज चालीसा Lyrics, Meaning & Benefits
Giriraj Chalisa Lyrics (हिंदी में)
दोहा
बन्दहुँ वीणा वादिनी धरि गणपति को ध्यान।
महाशक्ति राधा सहित, कृष्ण करौ कल्याण।
सुमिरन करि सब देवगण, गुरु पितु बारम्बार।
बरनौ श्रीगिरिराज यश, निज मति के अनुसार।
चौपाई
जय हो जय बंदित गिरिराजा। ब्रज मण्डल के श्री महाराजा॥
विष्णु रूप तुम हो अवतारी। सुन्दरता पै जग बलिहारी॥
स्वर्ण शिखर अति शोभा पावें। सुर मुनि गण दरशन कूं आवें॥
शांत कंदरा स्वर्ग समाना। जहाँ तपस्वी धरते ध्याना॥
द्रोणगिरि के तुम युवराजा। भक्तन के साधौ हौ काजा॥
मुनि पुलस्त्य जी के मन भाये। जोर विनय कर तुम कूं लाये॥
मुनिवर संघ जब ब्रज में आये। लखि ब्रजभूमि यहाँ ठहराये॥
विष्णु धाम गौलोक सुहावन। यमुना गोवर्धन वृन्दावन॥
देख देव मन में ललचाये। बास करन बहुत रूप बनाये॥
कोउ बानर कोउ मृग के रूपा। कोउ वृक्ष कोउ लता स्वरूपा॥
आनन्द लें गोलोक धाम के। परम उपासक रूप नाम के॥
द्वापर अंत भये अवतारी। कृष्णचन्द्र आनन्द मुरारी॥
महिमा तुम्हरी कृष्ण बखानी। पूजा करिबे की मन में ठानी॥
ब्रजवासी सब के लिये बुलाई। गोवर्धन पूजा करवाई॥
पूजन कूं व्यंजन बनवाये। ब्रजवासी घर घर ते लाये॥
ग्वाल बाल मिलि पूजा कीनी। सहस भुजा तुमने कर लीनी॥
स्वयं प्रकट हो कृष्ण पूजा में। मांग मांग के भोजन पावें॥
लखि नर नारि मन हरषावें। जै जै जै गिरिवर गुण गावें॥
देवराज मन में रिसियाए। नष्ट करन ब्रज मेघ बुलाए॥
छाया कर ब्रज लियौ बचाई। एकउ बूंद न नीचे आई॥
सात दिवस भई बरसा भारी। थके मेघ भारी जल धारी॥
कृष्णचन्द्र ने नख पै धारे। नमो नमो ब्रज के रखवारे॥
करि अभिमान थके सुरसाई। क्षमा मांग पुनि अस्तुति गाई॥
त्राहि माम मैं शरण तिहारी। क्षमा करो प्रभु चूक हमारी॥
बार बार बिनती अति कीनी। सात कोस परिकम्मा दीनी॥
संग सुरभि ऐरावत लाये। हाथ जोड़ कर भेंट गहाए॥
अभय दान पा इन्द्र सिहाये। करि प्रणाम निज लोक सिधाये॥
जो यह कथा सुनैं चित लावें। अन्त समय सुरपति पद पावैं॥
गोवर्धन है नाम तिहारौ। करते भक्तन कौ निस्तारौ॥
जो नर तुम्हरे दर्शन पावें। तिनके दुख दूर ह्वै जावे॥
कुण्डन में जो करें आचमन। धन्य धन्य वह मानव जीवन॥
मानसी गंगा में जो नहावे। सीधे स्वर्ग लोक कूं जावें॥
दूध चढ़ा जो भोग लगावें। आधि व्याधि तेहि पास न आवें॥
जल फल तुलसी पत्र चढ़ावें। मन वांछित फल निश्चय पावें॥
जो नर देत दूध की धारा। भरौ रहे ताकौ भण्डारा॥
करें जागरण जो नर कोई। दुख दरिद्र भय ताहि न होई॥
श्याम शिलामय निज जन त्राता। भक्ति मुक्ति सरबस के दाता॥
पुत्रहीन जो तुम कूं ध्यावें। ताकूं पुत्र प्राप्ति ह्वै जावें॥
दण्डौती परिकम्मा करहीं। ते सहजहिं भवसागर तरहीं॥
कलि में तुम सक देव न दूजा। सुर नर मुनि सब करते पूजा॥
दोहा
जो यह चालीसा पढ़ै, सुनै शुद्ध चित्त लाय।
सत्य सत्य यह सत्य है, गिरिवर करै सहाय।
क्षमा करहुँ अपराध मम, त्राहि माम् गिरिराज।
श्याम बिहारी शरण में, गोवर्धन महाराज।
Giriraj Chalisa - Transliteration (English)
Doha
Bandahun Veena Vaadini Dhari Ganapati Ko Dhyaan.
Mahaashakti Radha Sahit, Krishna Karou Kalyaan.
Sumiran Kari Sab Devgan, Guru Pitu Barambaar.
Barnau Shri Giriraj Yash, Nij Mati Ke Anusaar.
Chaupai
Jai Ho Jai Bandit Giriraaja. Braj Mandal Ke Shri Maharaaja.
Vishnu Roop Tum Ho Avtaari. Sundarata Pai Jag Balihaaari.
Swarna Shikhar Ati Shobha Paaven. Sur Muni Gan Darshan Koon Aaven.
Shaant Kandara Swarg Samaana. Jahan Tapasvi Dharte Dhyaana.
Drongiri Ke Tum Yuvraaja. Bhaktan Ke Saadho Ho Kaaja.
Muni Pulastya Ji Ke Man Bhaaye. Jor Vinay Kar Tum Koon Laaye.
Munivar Sangh Jab Braj Mein Aaye. Lakhi Brajbhoomi Yahan Tharaaye.
Vishnu Dhaam Gaulok Suhaavan. Yamuna Govardhan Vrindaavan.
Dekh Dev Man Mein Lalacaaye. Baas Karan Bahut Roop Banaaye.
Kou Banar Kou Mrig Ke Roopa. Kou Vriksh Kou Lata Svaroopa.
Aanand Len Golok Dhaam Ke. Param Upaasak Roop Naam Ke.
Dvapar Ant Bhaye Avtaari. Krishnachandra Aanand Muraari.
Mahima Tumhri Krishna Bakhaani. Pooja Karibe Ki Man Mein Thaani.
Brajvaasi Sab Ke Liye Bulaai. Govardhan Pooja Karvaai.
Poojan Koon Vyanjan Banvaaye. Brajvaasi Ghar Ghar Te Laaye.
Gwaal Baal Mili Pooja Keeni. Sahas Bhuja Tumne Kar Leeni.
Svayam Prakat Ho Krishna Pooja Mein. Maang Maang Ke Bhojan Paaven.
Lakhi Nar Naari Man Harshaawen. Jai Jai Jai Girivar Gun Gaaven.
Devraaj Man Mein Risiyaae. Nasht Karan Braj Megh Bulaae.
Chhaaya Kar Braj Liyau Bachaai. Ekau Boond Na Neeche Aayi.
Saat Divas Bhai Barsa Bhaari. Thake Megh Bhaari Jal Dhaari.
Krishnachandra Ne Nakh Pai Dhaare. Namo Namo Braj Ke Rakhwaare.
Kari Abhimaan Thake Sursaai. Kshama Maang Puni Astuti Gaai.
Traahi Maam Main Sharan Tihaari. Kshama Karo Prabhu Chook Hamaari.
Baar Baar Binti Ati Keeni. Saat Kos Parikamma Deeni.
Sang Surabhi Airavat Laaye. Haath Jod Kar Bhent Gahaae.
Abhay Daan Pa Indra Sihaaye. Kari Pranaam Nij Lok Sidhaaye.
Jo Yah Katha Sunain Chit Laawen. Ant Samay Surpati Pad Paawen.
Govardhan Hai Naam Tiharou. Karte Bhaktan Kau Nistarou.
Jo Nar Tumhre Darshan Paaven. Tinke Dukh Door Hvai Jaave.
Kundan Mein Jo Karen Aachaman. Dhanya Dhanya Vah Manav Jeevan.
Maanasi Ganga Mein Jo Nahaave. Seedhe Swarg Lok Koon Jaaven.
Doodh Chadha Jo Bhog Lagaawen. Aadhi Vyadhi Tehi Paas Na Aawen.
Jal Phal Tulsi Patra Chadhaawen. Man Vaanchhit Phal Nishchay Paawen.
Jo Nar Det Doodh Ki Dhaara. Bharou Rahe Taakau Bhandaara.
Karen Jaagaran Jo Nar Koi. Dukh Daridra Bhay Taahi Na Hoi.
Shyaam Shilamay Nij Jan Traata. Bhakti Mukti Sarbas Ke Daata.
Putraheen Jo Tum Koon Dhyaawen. Taakoon Putra Praapti Hvai Jaaven.
Dandauti Parikamma Karahin. Te Sahajhin Bhavsaagar Tarahin.
Kali Mein Tum Sak Dev Na Dooja. Sur Nar Muni Sab Karte Pooja.
Doha
Jo Yah Chalisa Padhai, Sunai Shuddh Chitt Laay.
Satya Satya Yah Satya Hai, Girivar Karai Sahaay.
Kshama Karahun Aparadh Mam, Traahi Maam Giriraj.
Shyaam Bihari Sharan Mein, Govardhan Maharaaj.
Meaning & Significance
The Giriraj Chalisa is a forty-verse hymn addressed to Shri Giriraj Govardhan, the sacred hill of Braj Mandal in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, venerated as a direct form of Lord Krishna himself. The opening doha invokes Saraswati, Ganesha, and the divine pair of Radha and Krishna before the poet begins his narration of the hill's glory. The verses recount the ancient legend of how the hill, originally a son of the Drona mountain, was brought to Braj by the sage Pulastya, and how the celestial beings secretly took residence on its slopes in various forms - as monkeys, deer, trees, and creepers - to enjoy the bliss of Goloka manifest on earth. The central episode is the famous Govardhan Puja: Krishna convinces the Braj folk to worship the hill instead of Indra, lifts the entire hill on his little finger to shelter the community from Indra's retaliatory deluge, and finally receives Indra's humble submission. The chalisa concludes with a series of blessings linked to specific acts of worship: offering milk, water, fruits, and tulasi leaves; performing the parikrama; bathing in Manasi Ganga - each action carrying specific spiritual fruit.
About Giriraj Govardhan
Giriraj Govardhan is a sacred hill located near Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, approximately 25 kilometres from Vrindavan. In Vaishnava tradition, especially the Pushti Marg founded by Vallabhacharya, Govardhan is considered identical with Krishna himself - not merely a site associated with his lila but his very physical form. The hill is addressed as Giriraj (king of mountains) and Giridhara (the one who lifted the mountain, i.e., Krishna). The sacred Govardhan Parikrama - a circumambulatory walk around the hill covering approximately 21 kilometres - is one of the most beloved daily and annual rituals of Braj devotees. The hill is dotted with natural depressions called kunds (sacred pools), the most famous being Manasi Ganga and Radha Kund. Govardhan Puja is celebrated annually on the day after Diwali (Kartik Shukla Pratipada) across India, with the most elaborate celebrations in Braj itself.
Benefits of Reciting the Giriraj Chalisa
- The chalisa states that recitation with a pure heart (shuddh chitt) will bring the direct help and blessing of Giriraj, resolving difficulties and fulfilling sincere desires.
- Devotees seeking children (santan prapti) are specifically mentioned in the chalisa - those who meditate on Giriraj are promised the boon of progeny.
- Performing the Govardhan Parikrama while reciting the chalisa is believed to help one cross the ocean of worldly existence (bhavsagar).
- Offering milk to the hill and reciting the chalisa is traditionally associated with protection from disease and material prosperity - the verse promises that those who pour a stream of milk will never face want in their storehouses.
- Nightly jaagarans (vigils) conducted with recitation of the chalisa are believed to eliminate poverty, fear, and sorrow.
How to Recite (Vidhi)
- Bathe early in the morning, wear clean clothes, and preferably face north-east toward Vrindavan while seated for recitation.
- Place an image or a stone from Govardhan hill on the altar; if unavailable, a picture of Lord Krishna with Govardhan suffices. Light a lamp and offer tulasi leaves.
- Begin with the opening doha invoking Saraswati, Ganesha, and Radha-Krishna, then proceed through the forty chaupai verses.
- If possible, offer milk, water, or a small fruit to the image while reciting the relevant verses about these offerings.
- Conclude with the closing dohas and prostrate in danda pranam (full-body prostration) as the chalisa recommends for those doing the parikrama.
- On Govardhan Puja day (Kartik Shukla Pratipada), recite the chalisa as part of the Annakoot celebration, which marks the traditional Govardhan Puja instituted by Krishna.
Best Day & Time to Recite
The most auspicious occasion for reciting the Giriraj Chalisa is Govardhan Puja, celebrated the day after Diwali on Kartik Shukla Pratipada. Monday (Somvar) and Saturday are considered favourable days in the Braj devotional tradition. Ekadashi (eleventh lunar day) and Purnima (full moon) are also special occasions. Early morning during Brahma Muhurta is the ideal time for recitation, particularly when performing or mentally visualising the Govardhan Parikrama. In Braj, many pilgrims recite devotional hymns including the chalisa at each of the sacred kunds along the parikrama path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Govardhan hill considered equal to Krishna himself?
In the Vaishnava theology of the Pushti Marg and Gaudiya traditions, Govardhan hill is not merely a location of Krishna's lila but is considered his actual form - Shri Krishna himself manifested as the hill to receive direct worship from his devotees. This is based on the Bhagavata Purana account in which Krishna tells the Brajvasis that he and the hill are identical. Hence Govardhan is addressed as Giriraj and worshipped with food, milk, and parikrama exactly as one would worship the deity in a temple.
What is the Govardhan Parikrama and how long does it take?
The Govardhan Parikrama is a sacred circumambulation of the Govardhan hill, covering approximately 21 kilometres. Devotees walk or perform danda pranam (full-body prostrations at every step) around the hill. The walk takes approximately four to six hours on foot, while the full danda pranam parikrama takes several days. The chalisa specifically mentions that those who perform danda parikrama will easily cross the ocean of worldly existence. The parikrama passes through several sacred kunds including Manasi Ganga, Radha Kund, and Shyam Kund.
What is Annakoot and how is it related to Govardhan?
Annakoot (literally mountain of food) is the festival celebrated on Kartik Shukla Pratipada, the day after Diwali, commemorating the original Govardhan Puja instituted by Krishna. On this day, enormous quantities of cooked food, sweets, and delicacies are prepared and piled in a symbolic mountain before the image of Govardhan or Krishna, recalling how Krishna manifested with a thousand arms and consumed all the offerings made by the Brajvasis. The chalisa describes this episode directly. Annakoot celebrations at Nathdwara, Mathura, Vrindavan, and other Vaishnava centres attract hundreds of thousands of devotees.
Govardhan Puja in verse: devotion to the hill that is Krishna himself
The Giriraj Chalisa is a distinctive and spiritually rich hymn in the Vaishnava devotional canon because its subject - Shri Giriraj Govardhan - is itself an expression of the theology of divine immanence in Braj. Govardhan hill in Vrindavan is not merely a sacred site associated with Krishna's legendary lifting of the mountain; in the Pushti Marg tradition founded by Shri Vallabhacharya, Govardhan is understood to be non-different from Shri Krishna himself - a form the Lord took to be perpetually accessible to his Braj devotees. This makes the Giriraj Chalisa unique: it is a Chalisa addressed not to a deity in a temple but to a living hill, to a landscape that is itself divine. The devotional mood is deeply intimate, the mood of seva and nearness rather than awe at distance.
The most sacred occasion for the Giriraj Chalisa is Govardhan Puja, celebrated the day after Diwali on Kartik Shukla Pratipada, when devotees build representations of Govardhan from cow dung and worship them with flowers, lamps, and food - enacting in miniature the great adoration the Brajwasis offered the hill. A parikrama (circumambulation) of Govardhan itself, a route of approximately twenty-one kilometres, is considered a supreme act of Braj pilgrimage, and the Chalisa accompanies devotees on this sacred walk. Devotees believe the recitation of these forty verses cultivates the same quality of joyful, uncomplicated love that characterises the bhakti of the Brajwasis - a devotion as natural and continuous as the land itself.