Ravidas Chalisa - श्री रविदास चालीसा Lyrics, Meaning & Benefits
Ravidas Chalisa Lyrics (हिंदी में)
॥ दोहा ॥
बन्दौ वीणा पाणि को, देहु आय मोहिं ज्ञान।
पाय बुद्धि रविदास को, करौं चरित्र बखान॥
मातु की महिमा अमित है, लिखि न सकत है दास।
ताते आयों शरण में, पुरवहुं जन की आस॥
॥ चौपाई ॥
जै होवै रविदास तुम्हारी, कृपा करहु हरिजन हितकारी।
राहू भक्त तुम्हारे ताता, कर्मा नाम तुम्हारी माता॥
काशी ढिंग माडुर स्थाना, वर्ण अछुत करत गुजराना।
द्वादश वर्ष उम्र जब आई, तुम्हरे मन हरि भक्ति समाई॥
रामानन्द के शिष्य कहाये, पाय ज्ञान निज नाम बढ़ाये।
शास्त्र तर्क काशी में कीन्हों, ज्ञानिन को उपदेश है दीन्हों॥
गंग मातु के भक्त अपारा, कौड़ी दीन्ह उनहिं उपहारा।
पंडित जन ताको लै जाई, गंग मातु को दीन्ह चढ़ाई॥
हाथ पसारि लीन्ह चैगानी, भक्त की महिमा अमित बखानी।
चकित भये पंडित काशी के, देखि चरित भव भयनाशी के॥
रत्न जटित कंगन तब दीन्हां, रविदास अधिकारी कीन्हां।
पंडित दीजौ भक्त को मेरे, आदि जन्म के जो हैं चेरे॥
पहुंचे पंडित ढिग रविदासा, दै कंगन पुरइ अभिलाषा।
तब रविदास कही यह बाता, दूसर कंगन लावहु ताता॥
पंडित ज तब कसम उठाई, दूसर दीन्ह न गंगा माई।
तब रविदास ने वचन उचारे, पंडित जन सब भये सुखारे॥
जो सर्वदा रहै मन चंगा, तौ घर बसति मातु है गंगा।
हाथ कठौती में तब डारा, दूसर कंगन एक निकारा॥
चित संकोचित पंडित कीन्हें, अपने अपने मारग लीन्हें।
तब से प्रचलित एक प्रसंगा, मन चंगा तो कठौती में गंगा॥
एक बार फिरि परयो झमेला, मिलि पंडितजन कीन्हो खेला।
सालिगराम गंग उतरावै, सोई प्रबल भक्त कहलावै॥
सब जन गये गंग के तीरा, मूरति तैरावन बिच नीरा।
डूब गई सबकी मझधारा, सबके मन भयो दुख अपारा॥
पत्थर की मूर्ति रही उतराई, सुर नर मिलि जयकार मचाई।
रहयो नाम रविदास तुम्हारा, मच्यो नगर महं हाहाकारा॥
चीरि देह तुम दुग्ध बहायो, जन्म जनेउ आप दिखाओ।
देखि चकित भये सब नर नारी, विद्वानन सुधि बिसरी सारी॥
ज्ञान तर्क कबिरा संग कीन्हों, चकित उनहुं का तुक करि दीन्हों।
गुरु गोरखहिं दीन्ह उपदेशा, उन मान्यो तकि संत विशेषा॥
सदना पीर तर्क बहु कीन्हां, तुम ताको उपदेश है दीन्हां।
मन मह हारयो सदन कसाई, जो दिल्ली में खबरि सुनाई॥
मुस्लिम धर्म की सुनि कुबड़ाई, लोधि सिकन्दर गयो गुस्साई।
अपने गृह तब तुमहिं बुलावा, मुस्लिम होन हेतु समुझावा॥
मानी नहिं तुम उसकी बानी, बंदीगृह काटी है रानी।
कृष्ण दरश पाये रविदासा, सफल भई तुम्हरी सब आशा॥
ताले टूटि खुल्यो है कारा, नाम सिकन्दर के तुम मारा।
काशी पुर तुम कहं पहुंचाई, दै प्रभुता अरुमान बड़ाई॥
मीरा योगावति गुरु कीन्हों, जिनको क्षत्रिय वंश प्रवीनो।
तिनको दै उपदेश अपारा, कीन्हों भव से तुम निस्तारा॥
॥ दोहा ॥
ऐसे ही रविदास ने, कीन्हें चरित अपार।
कोई कवि गावै कितै, तहूं न पावै पार॥
नियम सहित हरिजन अगर, ध्यान धरै चालीसा।
ताकी रक्षा करेंगे, जगतपति जगदीशा॥
Ravidas Chalisa - Transliteration (English)
|| Doha ||
Bandau Veena Paani Ko, Dehu Aay Mohin Gyaan.
Paay Buddhi Ravidas Ko, Karaun Charitra Bakhaan.
Maatu Ki Mahima Amit Hai, Likhi Na Sakat Hai Daas.
Taate Aayoon Sharan Mein, Puravahun Jan Ki Aas.
|| Chaupai ||
Jai Hovai Ravidas Tumhari, Kripa Karahu Harijan Hitkari.
Raahu Bhakt Tumhare Tata, Karma Naam Tumhari Mata.
Kashi Dhing Madur Sthana, Varn Achut Karat Guzrana.
Dwadash Varsh Umra Jab Aayi, Tumhare Man Hari Bhakti Samayi.
Ramanand Ke Shishya Kahaye, Pay Gyaan Nij Naam Badhaye.
Shastra Tark Kashi Mein Keenho, Gyaanin Ko Upadesh Hai Deenho.
Gang Maatu Ke Bhakt Apara, Kaudi Deenh Unhein Upahara.
Pandit Jan Tako Lai Jaai, Gang Maatu Ko Deenh Chadhai.
Haath Pasari Leenh Chaigani, Bhakt Ki Mahima Amit Bakhani.
Chakit Bhaye Pandit Kashi Ke, Dekhi Charit Bhav Bhaynashi Ke.
Ratan Jatit Kangan Tab Deenha, Ravidas Adhikari Keenha.
Pandit Deejau Bhakt Ko Mere, Aadi Janm Ke Jo Hain Chere.
Pahunche Pandit Dhig Ravidasa, Dai Kangan Purai Abhilasha.
Tab Ravidas Kahi Yah Bata, Doosar Kangan Lavahu Tata.
Pandit Jan Tab Kasam Uthai, Doosar Deenh Na Ganga Maai.
Tab Ravidas Ne Vachan Uchare, Pandit Jan Sab Bhaye Sukhare.
Jo Sarvada Rahai Man Changa, Tau Ghar Basati Maatu Hai Ganga.
Haath Kathauti Mein Tab Dara, Doosar Kangan Ek Nikara.
Chit Sankochit Pandit Keenhen, Apne Apne Marag Leenhen.
Tab Se Prachalit Ek Prasanga, Man Changa To Kathauti Mein Ganga.
Ek Baar Phiri Parayo Jhamela, Mili Panditjan Keenho Khela.
Saligram Gang Utravai, Soi Prabal Bhakt Kahlavai.
Sab Jan Gaye Gang Ke Tira, Moorati Tairaavan Bich Neera.
Doob Gayi Sabki Majhdhaara, Sabke Man Bhayo Dukh Apara.
Patthar Ki Moorati Rahi Utrai, Sur Nar Mili Jaikaar Machai.
Rahayo Naam Ravidas Tumhara, Machyo Nagar Mahan Hahakaara.
Cheeri Deh Tum Dugdh Bahayo, Janm Janeu Aap Dikhaao.
Dekhi Chakit Bhaye Sab Nar Nari, Vidwaanan Sudhi Bisari Saari.
Gyaan Tark Kabira Sang Keenho, Chakit Unhahu Ka Tuk Kari Deenho.
Guru Gorakhahi Deenh Upadesa, Un Manyo Taki Sant Vishesa.
Sadna Pir Tark Bahu Keenha, Tum Tako Upadesh Hai Deenha.
Man Mah Harayo Sadan Kasai, Jo Dilli Mein Khabri Sunai.
Muslim Dharm Ki Suni Kubadai, Lodhi Sikandar Gayo Gussaai.
Apne Grih Tab Tumhein Bulava, Muslim Hon Hetu Samujhava.
Maani Nahin Tum Uski Bani, Bandigrih Kati Hai Rani.
Krisha Darash Paye Ravidasa, Safal Bhai Tumhri Sab Aasha.
Tale Tooti Khulyo Hai Kaara, Naam Sikandar Ke Tum Mara.
Kashi Pur Tum Kahan Pahunchai, Dai Prabhuta Aruman Badai.
Mira Yogavati Guru Keenho, Jinko Kshatriya Vansh Praveeno.
Tinko Dai Upadesh Apara, Keenho Bhav Se Tum Nistaara.
|| Doha ||
Aise Hi Ravidas Ne, Keenhen Charit Apaar.
Koi Kavi Gavai Kitai, Tahoon Na Pavai Paar.
Niyam Sahit Harijan Agar, Dhyaan Dharai Chalisa.
Taaki Raksha Karenge, Jagatpati Jagadisha.
Meaning & Significance
The Ravidas Chalisa is a forty-verse devotional composition that chronicles the spiritual life and miracles of Sant Guru Ravidas, one of the most celebrated poet-saints of the Bhakti movement. The chalisa opens with an invocation to Goddess Saraswati, seeking the wisdom to narrate the saint's extraordinary deeds. Each chaupai moves through episodes from Ravidas's life: his birth in Varanasi into a cobbler family, his discipleship under the Vaishnava saint Ramananda, and the numerous miracles that affirmed his direct connection with the divine. The most celebrated episode is the floating stone Shaligram and the famous epigram: man changa to kathauti mein Ganga, meaning if the heart is pure, the Ganga dwells even in a water basin. The chalisa also narrates how the saint guided Mirabai on her devotional path and stood firm before Sultan Sikandar Lodhi without renouncing his faith. The closing doha promises that sincere and disciplined recitation will bring divine protection from Jagadisha, the Lord of the universe.
About Sant Ravidas
Sant Guru Ravidas (c. 1450-1520 CE) was born in Seer Govardhanpur village near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. He belonged to the Chamar community and through his uncompromising devotion and sharp intellect rose to become one of the foremost saints of the Bhakti movement. A disciple of Ramananda, Ravidas taught that caste and social origin are irrelevant in the eyes of the divine; only sincere devotion and a pure heart matter. Forty of his hymns are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of Sikhism, where he is honoured as Bhagat Ravidas. He is also credited with spiritually guiding the Rajput queen Mirabai. His birthplace, Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan Mandir in Varanasi, is a major pilgrimage site, and Guru Ravidas Jayanti, celebrated on Magh Purnima, draws millions of devotees.
Benefits of Reciting the Ravidas Chalisa
- Regular recitation cultivates humility, equanimity, and devotion, reflecting the saint's teaching that inner purity is the highest form of worship.
- Chanting the chalisa on Guru Ravidas Jayanti and Magh Purnima is considered especially auspicious and is believed to attract the saint's blessings.
- The verses serve as a reminder of the social-reform ideals of the Bhakti movement, inspiring devotees to transcend caste prejudice and ego.
- Devotees recite the chalisa to seek the saint's grace for overcoming obstacles, finding spiritual clarity, and progressing on the path of righteous conduct.
- Listening to or reading the chalisa deepens familiarity with the life of Ravidas, strengthening faith and understanding of his teachings.
How to Recite (Vidhi)
- Rise early, bathe, and wear clean clothing before beginning the recitation.
- Place a picture or idol of Sant Guru Ravidas Ji on a clean altar and light a lamp and incense.
- Begin with a brief invocation or mental bow to Guru Ravidas, followed by the opening doha.
- Read or chant the forty chaupai verses steadily, maintaining attention on the meaning and the saint's life events described therein.
- Conclude with the closing doha and offer flowers or a garland to the saint's image as a mark of reverence.
- Distribute prasad to family or community members as a gesture of the saint's teaching of equality and sharing.
Best Day & Time to Recite
The Ravidas Chalisa can be recited on any day of the week, but Sunday is traditionally considered especially favourable. The most auspicious occasion is Guru Ravidas Jayanti, observed on the full-moon night (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Magh (January-February). Early morning hours, ideally at sunrise or during Brahma Muhurta (approximately ninety minutes before sunrise), are preferred as the mind is calm and receptive. Evening sandhya (twilight) recitation is also widely practised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Sant Ravidas and why is he revered?
Sant Ravidas was a fifteenth-century mystic poet and social reformer born near Varanasi. He taught that devotion to God transcends caste, creed, and social status. Forty of his hymns appear in the Guru Granth Sahib, and he is venerated as a Guru by millions of followers, particularly in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. His life exemplified the ideal that spiritual realisation is accessible to every human being regardless of birth.
What is the meaning of Man Changa To Kathauti Mein Ganga?
This celebrated saying attributed to Ravidas means that if one's heart and mind are pure, the sacred Ganga resides even in a small water basin. It encapsulates the saint's core teaching that outward rituals and pilgrimage hold less value than inner purity and sincere devotion. The episode recounted in the chalisa describes a bracelet appearing miraculously from Ravidas's water basin, confirming this principle before astonished Brahmin pandits.
Can the Ravidas Chalisa be recited by people of any caste or community?
Yes. Sant Ravidas's entire philosophy was founded on the rejection of caste-based discrimination. The chalisa itself addresses devotees as Harijan, meaning people of God, without distinction of birth. Devotees from all backgrounds, including non-Hindu communities who revere the saint's universal humanist message, recite the chalisa as an expression of devotion and solidarity with his egalitarian teachings.
The bhakti flame that dissolved every boundary
Sant Ravidas - also revered as Guru Raidas - was a fifteenth-century poet-saint of Varanasi whose verses of radical devotion and social equality remain among the most luminous contributions to the Nirguna bhakti tradition. Born into a family of cobblers in a deeply stratified society, he taught by his own life that the divine dwells equally in every heart regardless of birth, and his compositions entered the Guru Granth Sahib alongside the verses of other great sants. The Ravidas Chalisa honours this beloved master, moving through the miraculous episodes and the teachings that have kept his memory vibrant among millions of devotees, particularly in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and among Ravidassia communities worldwide.
The chalisa is recited with special fervour on Ravidas Jayanti, celebrated on the full moon of Magh (typically January or February), when gatherings called jagrans and nagar kirtans fill cities with the saint's name. Devotees believe that meditating on Ravidas's life and chanting this chalisa cultivates humility, strengthens inner faith, and loosens the grip of social pride and prejudice. His message - that true devotion is the only credential that matters before the divine - continues to offer solace and inspiration to all who feel marginalised or unseen.