Narmada Chalisa - नर्मदा चालीसा Lyrics, Meaning & Benefits
Narmada Chalisa Lyrics (हिंदी में)
॥ दोहा ॥
देवि पूजित, नर्मदा, महिमा बड़ी अपार।
चालीसा वर्णन करत, कवि अरु भक्त उदार॥
इनकी सेवा से सदा, मिटते पाप महान।
तट पर कर जप दान नर, पाते हैं नित ज्ञान॥
॥ चौपाई ॥
जय-जय-जय नर्मदा भवानी, तुम्हरी महिमा सब जग जानी।
अमरकण्ठ से निकली माता, सर्व सिद्धि नव निधि की दाता॥
कन्या रूप सकल गुण खानी, जब प्रकटीं नर्मदा भवानी।
सप्तमी सुर्य मकर रविवारा, अश्वनि माघ मास अवतारा॥
वाहन मकर आपको साजैं, कमल पुष्प पर आप विराजैं।
ब्रह्मा हरि हर तुमको ध्यावैं, तब ही मनवांछित फल पावैं॥
दर्शन करत पाप कटि जाते, कोटि भक्त गण नित्य नहाते।
जो नर तुमको नित ही ध्यावै, वह नर रुद्र लोक को जावैं॥
मगरमच्छा तुम में सुख पावैं, अंतिम समय परमपद पावैं।
मस्तक मुकुट सदा ही साजैं, पांव पैंजनी नित ही राजैं॥
कल-कल ध्वनि करती हो माता, पाप ताप हरती हो माता।
पूरब से पश्चिम की ओरा, बहतीं माता नाचत मोरा॥
शौनक ऋषि तुम्हरौ गुण गावैं, सूत आदि तुम्हरौं यश गावैं।
शिव गणेश भी तेरे गुण गवैं, सकल देव गण तुमको ध्यावैं॥
कोटि तीर्थ नर्मदा किनारे, ये सब कहलाते दु:ख हारे।
मनोकमना पूरण करती, सर्व दु:ख माँ नित ही हरतीं॥
कनखल में गंगा की महिमा, कुरुक्षेत्र में सरस्वती महिमा।
पर नर्मदा ग्राम जंगल में, नित रहती माता मंगल में॥
एक बार कर के स्नाना, तरत पिढ़ी है नर नारा।
मेकल कन्या तुम ही रेवा, तुम्हरी भजन करें नित देवा॥
जटा शंकरी नाम तुम्हारा, तुमने कोटि जनों को है तारा।
समोद्भवा नर्मदा तुम हो, पाप मोचनी रेवा तुम हो॥
तुम्हरी महिमा कहि नहीं जाई, करत न बनती मातु बड़ाई।
जल प्रताप तुममें अति माता, जो रमणीय तथा सुख दाता॥
चाल सर्पिणी सम है तुम्हारी, महिमा अति अपार है तुम्हारी।
तुम में पड़ी अस्थि भी भारी, छुवत पाषाण होत वर वारि॥
यमुना मे जो मनुज नहाता, सात दिनों में वह फल पाता।
सरस्वती तीन दीनों में देती, गंगा तुरत बाद हीं देती॥
पर रेवा का दर्शन करके, मानव फल पाता मन भर के।
तुम्हरी महिमा है अति भारी, जिसको गाते हैं नर-नारी॥
जो नर तुम में नित्य नहाता, रुद्र लोक मे पूजा जाता।
जड़ी बूटियां तट पर राजें, मोहक दृश्य सदा हीं साजें॥
वायु सुगंधित चलती तीरा, जो हरती नर तन की पीरा।
घाट-घाट की महिमा भारी, कवि भी गा नहिं सकते सारी॥
नहिं जानूँ मैं तुम्हरी पूजा, और सहारा नहीं मम दूजा।
हो प्रसन्न ऊपर मम माता, तुम ही मातु मोक्ष की दाता॥
जो मानव यह नित है पढ़ता, उसका मान सदा ही बढ़ता।
जो शत बार इसे है गाता, वह विद्या धन दौलत पाता॥
अगणित बार पढ़ै जो कोई, पूरण मनोकामना होई।
सबके उर में बसत नर्मदा, यहां वहां सर्वत्र नर्मदा॥
॥ दोहा ॥
भक्ति भाव उर आनि के, जो करता है जाप।
माता जी की कृपा से, दूर होत संताप॥
॥ इति श्री नर्मदा चालीसा ॥
Narmada Chalisa - Transliteration (English)
|| Doha ||
Devi Poojit, Narmada, Mahima Badi Apar.
Chalisa Varnan Karat, Kavi Aru Bhakt Udar.
Inaki Seva Se Sada, Mitate Pap Mahan.
Tat Par Kar Jap Dan Nar, Pate Hain Nit Gyan.
|| Chaupai ||
Jai-Jai-Jai Narmada Bhavani, Tumhari Mahima Sab Jag Jani.
Amarakanth Se Nikali Mata, Sarv Siddhi Nav Nidhi Ki Data.
Kanya Roop Sakal Gun Khani, Jab Prakaatin Narmada Bhavani.
Saptami Sury Makar Ravivara, Ashvani Magh Mas Avatara.
Vahan Makar Apako Sajain, Kamal Pushp Par Ap Virajain.
Brahma Hari Har Tumako Dhyavain, Tab Hi Manavanchhit Phal Pavain.
Darshan Karat Pap Kati Jate, Koti Bhakt Gan Nity Nahate.
Jo Nar Tumako Nit Hi Dhyavai, Vah Nar Rudr Lok Ko Javain.
Magaramachchha Tum Mein Sukh Pavain, Antim Samay Paramapad Pavain.
Mastak Mukut Sada Hi Sajain, Panv Painjani Nit Hi Rajain.
Kal-Kal Dhvani Karati Ho Mata, Pap Tap Harati Ho Mata.
Poorab Se Pashchim Ki Ora, Bahatin Mata Nachat Mora.
Shaunak Rshi Tumharau Gun Gavain, Soot Adi Tumharaun Yash Gavain.
Shiv Ganesh Bhi Tere Gun Gavain, Sakal Dev Gan Tumako Dhyavain.
Koti Tirth Narmada Kinare, Ye Sab Kahalate Dukh Hare.
Manokamana Pooran Karati, Sarv Dukh Man Nit Hi Haratin.
Kanakhal Mein Ganga Ki Mahima, Kurukshetr Mein Sarasvati Mahima.
Par Narmada Gram Jangal Mein, Nit Rahati Mata Mangal Mein.
Ek Bar Kar Ke Snana, Tarat Pidhi Hai Nar Nara.
Mekal Kanya Tum Hi Reva, Tumhari Bhajan Karen Nit Deva.
Jata Shankari Nam Tumhara, Tumane Koti Janon Ko Hai Tara.
Samodbhava Narmada Tum Ho, Pap Mochani Reva Tum Ho.
Tumhari Mahima Kahi Nahin Jai, Karat Na Banati Matu Badai.
Jal Pratap Tumamen Ati Mata, Jo Ramaniy Tatha Sukh Data.
Chal Sarpini Sam Hai Tumhari, Mahima Ati Apar Hai Tumhari.
Tum Mein Padi Asthi Bhi Bhari, Chhuvat Pashan Hot Var Vari.
Yamuna Me Jo Manuj Nahata, Sat Dinon Mein Vah Phal Pata.
Sarasvati Tin Dinon Mein Deti, Ganga Turat Bad Hin Deti.
Par Reva Ka Darshan Karake, Manav Phal Pata Man Bhar Ke.
Tumhari Mahima Hai Ati Bhari, Jisako Gate Hain Nar-Nari.
Jo Nar Tum Mein Nity Nahata, Rudr Lok Me Pooja Jata.
Jadi Bootiyan Tat Par Rajen, Mohak Drshy Sada Hin Sajen.
Vayu Sugandhit Chalati Tira, Jo Harati Nar Tan Ki Pira.
Ghat-Ghat Ki Mahima Bhari, Kavi Bhi Ga Nahin Sakate Sari.
Nahin Janoon Main Tumhari Pooja, Aur Sahara Nahin Mam Dooja.
Ho Prasann Oopar Mam Mata, Tum Hi Matu Moksh Ki Data.
Jo Manav Yah Nit Hai Padhata, Usaka Man Sada Hi Badhata.
Jo Shat Bar Ise Hai Gata, Vah Vidya Dhan Daulat Pata.
Aganit Bar Padhai Jo Koi, Pooran Manokamana Hoi.
Sabake Ur Mein Basat Narmada, Yahan Vahan Sarvatr Narmada.
|| Doha ||
Bhakti Bhav Ur Ani Ke, Jo Karata Hai Jap.
Mata Ji Ki Krpa Se, Door Hot Santap.
|| Iti Shree Narmada Chalisa ||
Meaning & Significance
The Narmada Chalisa is a forty-verse hymn glorifying Maa Narmada, the sacred river of central India revered as a living goddess. The opening doha acknowledges the limitless greatness of the deity and the devotion with which the chalisa is composed. The main verses narrate Narmada's divine origin: she emerged from Amarkantak in the Maikal hills of Madhya Pradesh and flows westward to the Arabian Sea, unique among India's major sacred rivers in flowing from east to west. The chalisa attributes to her divine form a crocodile (makar) vehicle, lotus seat, and golden crown, while describing how Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva all meditate upon her. A key theological distinction in the chalisa is the comparison with other holy rivers: bathing in the Yamuna yields fruit in seven days, Saraswati in three, and Ganga immediately - yet a single darshan of Narmada grants fruit instantly and completely. The text also asserts the unique power of Narmada's stones (the smooth black Narmadeshvara Shivalingas found in her riverbed), which are considered self-manifested Shivalingas sanctified by her contact.
About Maa Narmada
The Narmada (also called Rewa and Mekala Kanya, daughter of the Maikal mountain) is one of India's seven sacred rivers and the longest west-flowing river on the subcontinent, rising at Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh and meeting the Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat. Unlike the Ganga, which must be visited at specific pilgrimage sites, the Narmada is considered holy along her entire length - the very sight of the river is believed to bestow merit. She is described in the Puranas as the eldest daughter of Shiva (Jatashankari), born from his meditation. The Narmada Parikrama, a circumambulatory pilgrimage covering her entire length of approximately 2,600 kilometres, is one of the most demanding and revered pilgrimages in Hinduism, typically taking three years to complete. Smooth black stones from the Narmada riverbed, known as Narmadeshvara, are worshipped as naturally formed Shivalingas in homes and temples across India.
Benefits of Reciting the Narmada Chalisa
- The chalisa promises that one hundred readings bestow knowledge, wealth, and prosperity, while innumerable readings lead to complete fulfilment of all desires.
- Regular recitation is a means of seeking the Narmada's grace for purification of sins (paap naash) and liberation from the cycle of birth and death, as the river is described as the bestower of moksha.
- Devotees undergoing the Narmada Parikrama recite the chalisa at dawn and dusk as part of their daily practice during the pilgrimage.
- Recitation alongside the worship of a Narmadeshvara Shivalinga at home is believed to carry the spiritual merit equivalent to bathing in the river.
- The chalisa cultivates reverence for the natural environment and the sacred geography of India, reinforcing the Hindu understanding of rivers as divine mothers.
How to Recite (Vidhi)
- Bathe in the morning and offer water (achamana) before sitting for recitation, ideally on the banks of the Narmada or before a Narmadeshvara Shivalinga.
- Light a lamp and incense, and place a small vessel of water (symbolising the river) on the altar if bathing in the actual river is not possible.
- Recite the opening dohas with mindful attention to the goddess's glory, then proceed through the forty chaupai verses.
- Conclude with the closing doha and a prayer: Narmade Har - the traditional salutation to the river, meaning Victory to Narmada who destroys sin.
- Sprinkle the altar water on yourself as a symbolic bath in the river after completing the recitation.
- For the hundred-reading vow, maintain a consistent daily practice; Monday (Shiva's day) is especially auspicious given Narmada's identity as Shiva's daughter.
Best Day & Time to Recite
Monday (Somvar) is the most favourable day for Narmada worship, since she is regarded as the daughter of Shiva and intimately connected with his grace. The chalisa specifies that she manifested on a Saptami tithi (seventh lunar day) in the month of Magh on a Sunday when the sun was in Capricorn - hence both Sunday and the month of Magh (January-February) are significant occasions. Narmada Jayanti, celebrated on Magh Shukla Saptami, is the principal festival in her honour. Early morning, after bathing and before sunrise, is the traditional time for river deity worship, though any devotional hour is appropriate for daily recitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Narmada considered more powerful than Ganga in the chalisa?
The chalisa states that while the Yamuna yields spiritual fruit after seven days' bathing, the Saraswati after three, and the Ganga immediately, even a single darshan (sight) of the Narmada grants the devotee complete fulfilment instantly. This reflects the Puranic tradition that Narmada's sanctity permeates her entire course and even her sight, not just bathing in her waters, is liberating. This unique attribute is attributed to her identity as Shiva's own daughter, born of his divine tapas at Amarkantak.
What is Narmada Parikrama and why is it significant?
Narmada Parikrama is the circumambulatory pilgrimage around the entire Narmada river - from her source at Amarkantak, following her southern bank to the sea at Bharuch in Gujarat, crossing the estuary, and returning along the northern bank to Amarkantak. Covering approximately 2,600 kilometres on foot, the parikrama traditionally takes between three and three-and-a-half years to complete. It is considered one of the most spiritually potent pilgrimages in Hinduism, believed to bestow moksha upon the pilgrim and dissolve the accumulated karmas of countless lifetimes.
What is special about Narmadeshvara Shivalingas?
Narmadeshvara Shivalingas are smooth, oval stones found naturally in the bed of the Narmada river. Unlike carved Shivalingas, they are considered svayambhu - self-manifested - and are believed to be sanctified by their constant contact with the sacred waters of the river. These stones are widely regarded as among the most powerful forms of the Shivalinga for home worship; no consecration ritual (prana pratishttha) is required before they are installed, as the river herself is considered to have already consecrated them.
Maa Narmada and the grace that flows from Amarkantak
The Narmada Chalisa exalts one of India's most sacred rivers in her fullest spiritual identity: not a waterway but a conscious goddess, a shakti who bestows liberation simply through sight or touch. Maa Narmada is unique among India's great rivers for her westward flow, a geographical fact that the devotional tradition reads as a mark of her special spiritual nature. She originates at Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh, where the Vindhya and Satpura ranges meet, and her banks are lined with shrines spanning the entire span of the river's journey to the Arabian Sea. The Chalisa hymns her in this grand sweep, celebrating the liberation she grants and the mercy she extends to all who come to her shores.
A beloved traditional practice is the Narmada Parikrama - a circumambulation of the entire river, traditionally completed on foot - and the Narmada Chalisa is one of the chants that accompanies pilgrims on this months-long journey. Beyond the Parikrama, devotees recite the Chalisa during Narmada Jayanti, celebrated on Makar Saptami in the month of Magha, when the river goddess is said to be especially accessible. The hymn is also recited at the time of any Narmada snan (bath), turning the act of river bathing into a complete puja of gratitude and surrender. In this way the Chalisa threads together landscape, ritual, and inner devotion into a single living practice.