Khatu Shyam Chalisa in English — Lyrics with Meaning
Full chalisa in English letters with line-by-line English meaning.
Khatu Shyam Chalisa in English — this page gives the complete Shri Khatu Shyam Chalisa in English letters (Roman transliteration) with a simple English meaning of every line, so devotees who cannot read Devanagari can recite it correctly. The original Hindi text is shown under each line. Full Hindi page: खाटू श्याम चालीसा · Hindi meaning: चालीसा अर्थ सहित.
📿 श्याम चालीसा हब: सम्पूर्ण चालीसा · अर्थ सहित · English · PDF · लाभ · कब व कैसे पढ़ें · नियम · 40 दिन संकल्प · महिलाएँ व मासिक धर्म
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How to read the transliteration
- aa, ee, oo = long vowels (आ, ई, ऊ) — e.g. baarambaara, peetaambar.
- Shyam is said “Shyaam”, with a long “aa”.
- The short “a” at the end of most words is not spoken (naam, not “naama”).
- Read slowly the first few times, then follow the rhythm of the chaupai.
Opening Doha
Shri Guru charanan dhyaan dhar, sumeer Sachchidaanand.
Shyam Chaalisa banat hai, rach chaupaai chhand.
श्री गुरु चरणन ध्यान धर, सुमीर सच्चिदानंद। श्याम चालीसा बणत है, रच चौपाई छंद॥
Meaning: Meditating on the feet of the Guru and remembering the Supreme (Sat-Chit-Anand), this Shyam Chalisa is composed in the chaupai metre.
Khatu Shyam Chalisa — Chaupai with English Meaning
| # | Chaupai (English / हिंदी) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shyam-Shyam bhaji baarambaara, sahaj hi ho bhavsaagar paara. श्याम-श्याम भजि बारंबारा। सहज ही हो भवसागर पारा॥ |
Chanting “Shyam, Shyam” again and again, one easily crosses the ocean of worldly life. |
| 2 | In sam dev na dooja koi, din dayaalu na daata hoi. इन सम देव न दूजा कोई। दिन दयालु न दाता होई॥ |
There is no other god like him — none so kind to the humble, and no giver like him. |
| 3 | Bheem suputra Ahilaavati jaaya, kahi Bheem ka pautra kahlaaya. भीम सुपुत्र अहिलावाती जाया। कही भीम का पौत्र कहलाया॥ |
Born to Bheem’s son (Ghatotkach) and Ahilavati, he is known as Bheem’s grandson. |
| 4 | Yah sab katha kahi kalpaantar, tanik na maano ismein antar. यह सब कथा कही कल्पांतर। तनिक न मानो इसमें अंतर॥ |
This story is told across different cosmic ages; do not see the slightest difference in it. |
| 5 | Barbarik Vishnu avataara, bhaktan hetu manuj tan dhaara. बर्बरीक विष्णु अवतारा। भक्तन हेतु मनुज तन धारा॥ |
Barbarik is a form of Lord Vishnu, who took a human body for the sake of his devotees. |
| 6 | Baasudev Devaki pyaare, Jasumati maiya Nand dulaare. बासुदेव देवकी प्यारे। जसुमति मैया नंद दुलारे॥ |
He is the beloved of Vasudev and Devaki, the darling of mother Yashoda and Nand. |
| 7 | Madhusoodan Gopaal Muraari, Vrijkishor Govardhan dhaari. मधुसूदन गोपाल मुरारी। वृजकिशोर गोवर्धन धारी॥ |
Madhusudan, Gopal, Murari, the youth of Vraj, the lifter of Mount Govardhan. |
| 8 | Siyaaraam Shri Hari Gobinda, dinpaal Shri Baal Mukunda. सियाराम श्री हरि गोबिंदा। दिनपाल श्री बाल मुकुंदा॥ |
He is Sita-Ram, Shri Hari, Govind; protector of the humble, and child Mukund. |
| 9 | Daamodar Ranchhod Bihaari, Naath Dwaarikaadheesh Kharaari. दामोदर रण छोड़ बिहारी। नाथ द्वारिकाधीश खरारी॥ |
Damodar, Ranchhod, Bihari, Lord of Dwarka, and Kharari (slayer of the demon Khar). |
| 10 | Raadhaballabh Rukmani kanta, Gopi ballabh Kans hananta. राधाबल्लभ रुक्मणि कंता। गोपी बल्लभ कंस हनंता॥ |
Beloved of Radha, husband of Rukmini, dear to the gopis, slayer of Kansa. |
| 11 | Manmohan chit chor kahaaye, maakhan chori-chaari kar khaaye. मनमोहन चित चोर कहाए। माखन चोरि-चारि कर खाए॥ |
Called the enchanter of minds and stealer of hearts, who stole butter and ate it. |
| 12 | Murleedhar Yadupati Ghanshyaama, Krishna patit paavan abhiraama. मुरलीधर यदुपति घनश्यामा। कृष्ण पतित पावन अभिरामा॥ |
Holder of the flute, lord of the Yadus, dark as a rain cloud; charming Krishna who purifies the fallen. |
| 13 | Maayaapati Lakshmeepati Eesha, Purushottam Keshav Jagdeesha. मायापति लक्ष्मीपति ईशा। पुरुषोत्तम केशव जगदीशा॥ |
Lord of Maya, husband of Lakshmi, the Supreme Lord — Purushottam, Keshav, Jagdish. |
| 14 | Vishwapati jay bhuvan pasaara, Deenbandhu bhaktan rakhvaara. विश्वपति जय भुवन पसारा। दीनबंधु भक्तन रखवारा॥ |
Victory to the lord of the universe who pervades all worlds — friend of the poor, protector of devotees. |
| 15 | Prabhu ka bhed na koi paaya, Shesh Mahesh thake muniraaya. प्रभु का भेद न कोई पाया। शेष महेश थके मुनिराया॥ |
No one has fathomed the Lord’s mystery; even Sheshnag, Mahesh (Shiva) and the great sages grew weary. |
| 16 | Naarad Shaarad rishi yogindarar, Shyam-Shyam sab ratat nirantar. नारद शारद ऋषि योगिंदरर। श्याम-श्याम सब रटत निरंतर॥ |
Narad, Sharada (Saraswati), sages and yogis all chant “Shyam, Shyam” without end. |
| 17 | Kavi kodi kari kanan gininta, naam apaar athaah ananta. कवि कोदी करी कनन गिनंता। नाम अपार अथाह अनंता॥ |
Countless poets cannot count his names — they are boundless, fathomless, infinite. |
| 18 | Har srishti har sug mein bhaai, ye avataar bhakt sukhdaai. हर सृष्टी हर सुग में भाई। ये अवतार भक्त सुखदाई॥ |
O brother, in every creation and every age, this form brings joy to devotees. |
| 19 | Hriday maahi kari dekhu vichaara, Shyam bhaje to ho nistaara. ह्रदय माहि करि देखु विचारा। श्याम भजे तो हो निस्तारा॥ |
Reflect in your heart and see — by worshipping Shyam one is liberated. |
| 20 | Kaur padhaavat ganika taari, Bheelani ki bhakti balihaari. कौर पढ़ावत गणिका तारी। भीलनी की भक्ति बलिहारी॥ |
The courtesan was saved while teaching (her parrot) the holy name; the Lord was won over by the devotion of Bhilni (Shabari). |
| 21 | Sati Ahilya Gautam naari, bhai shraapvash shila dulaari. सती अहिल्या गौतम नारी। भई श्रापवश शिला दुलारी॥ |
Pious Ahilya, wife of sage Gautam, had turned to stone because of a curse. |
| 22 | Shyam charan raj chit laai, pahunchi pati lok mein jaahi. श्याम चरण रज चित लाई। पहुंची पति लोक में जाही॥ |
Embracing the dust of the Lord’s feet, she was freed and reached her husband’s realm. |
| 23 | Ajaamil aru Sadan Kasaai, naam prataap param gati paai. अजामिल अरु सदन कसाई। नाम प्रताप परम गति पाई॥ |
Ajamil and Sadan the butcher attained the highest state through the power of the Name. |
| 24 | Jaake Shyam naam adhaara, sukh lahahi dukh door ho saara. जाके श्याम नाम अधारा। सुख लहहि दुःख दूर हो सारा॥ |
One whose support is Shyam’s name finds happiness, and all sorrow goes away. |
| 25 | Shyam salovan hai ati sundar, mor mukut sir tan peetaambar. श्याम सलोवन है अति सुंदर। मोर मुकुट सिर तन पीतांबर॥ |
Lovely Shyam is exceedingly beautiful — a peacock crown on his head and yellow silk on his body. |
| 26 | Gale baijanti maal suhaai, chhavi anoop bhaktan maan bhaai. गले बैजंती माल सुहाई। छवि अनूप भक्तन मान भाई॥ |
The Vaijayanti garland adorns his neck; his matchless form delights the devotees’ hearts. |
| 27 | Shyam-Shyam sumirahu din-raati, Shyam dupahari kar parbhaati. श्याम-श्याम सुमिरहु दिन-राती। श्याम दुपहरि कर परभाती॥ |
Remember “Shyam, Shyam” day and night — at noon and at dawn. |
| 28 | Shyam saarathi jis rath ke, rode door hoye us path ke. श्याम सारथी जिस रथ के। रोड़े दूर होए उस पथ के॥ |
Whose chariot has Shyam as charioteer, every obstacle on that path is removed. |
| 29 | Shyam bhakt na kahi par haara, bheer pari tab Shyam pukaara. श्याम भक्त न कही पर हारा। भीर परि तब श्याम पुकारा॥ |
A devotee of Shyam never loses anywhere; whenever trouble came, he called out to Shyam. |
| 30 | Rasna Shyam naam ras pee le, jee le Shyam naam ke hi le. रसना श्याम नाम रस पी ले। जी ले श्याम नाम के ही ले॥ |
O tongue, drink the nectar of Shyam’s name; live by Shyam’s name alone. |
| 31 | Sansaari sukh bhog milega, ant Shyam sukh yog milega. संसारी सुख भोग मिलेगा। अंत श्याम सुख योग मिलेगा॥ |
You will enjoy the comforts of the world, and in the end the bliss of union with Shyam. |
| 32 | Shyam prabhu hain tan ke kaale, man ke gore bhole-bhaale. श्याम प्रभु हैं तन के काले। मन के गोरे भोले-भाले॥ |
Lord Shyam is dark in body, but pure and innocent at heart. |
| 33 | Shyam sant bhaktan hitkaari, rog-dosh adh naashe bhaari. श्याम संत भक्तन हितकारी। रोग-दोष अध नाशे भारी॥ |
Shyam is the well-wisher of saints and devotees; he destroys disease, faults and heavy sins. |
| 34 | Prem sahit jab naam pukaara, bhakt lagat Shyam ko pyaara. प्रेम सहित जब नाम पुकारा। भक्त लगत श्याम को प्यारा॥ |
When the Name is called with love, the devotee becomes dear to Shyam. |
| 35 | Khaatu mein hain Mathuraavaasi, Paarbrahm poorn avinaashi. खाटू में हैं मथुरावासी। पारब्रह्म पूर्ण अविनाशी॥ |
The dweller of Mathura resides in Khatu — the complete, imperishable Supreme Brahman. |
| 36 | Sudha taan bhari murli bajaai, chahu dishi jahaan suni paai. सुधा तान भरि मुरली बजाई। चहु दिशि जहां सुनी पाई॥ |
He played the flute filled with nectar-like melody, heard in all four directions. |
| 37 | Vriddh-baal jete naari nar, mugdh bhaye suni banshi swar. वृद्ध-बाल जेते नारि नर। मुग्ध भये सुनि बंशी स्वर॥ |
Old and young, women and men — all were enchanted hearing the sound of the flute. |
| 38 | Hadbad kar sab pahunche jaai, Khaatu mein jahaan Shyam Kanhaai. हड़बड़ कर सब पहुंचे जाई। खाटू में जहां श्याम कन्हाई॥ |
Everyone hurried there, to Khatu where Shyam Kanhai resides. |
| 39 | Jisne Shyam swaroop nihaara, bhav bhay se paaya chhutkaara. जिसने श्याम स्वरूप निहारा। भव भय से पाया छुटकारा॥ |
Whoever beheld Shyam’s form was freed from the fear of worldly existence. |
Closing Doha
Shyam salone sanvaare, Barbarik tanudhaar.
Ichchha poorn bhakt ki, karo na laao baar.
श्याम सलोने संवारे, बर्बरीक तनुधार। इच्छा पूर्ण भक्त की, करो न लाओ बार॥
Meaning: O lovely dark Shyam, who took the form of Barbarik — fulfil your devotee’s wish, without delay.
Who is Khatu Shyam Ji?
Khatu Shyam Ji is Barbarik, grandson of Bheem from the Mahabharata, who offered his head to Lord Krishna before the war. Devotees believe Krishna blessed him to be worshipped as “Shyam” in Kali Yuga. His main temple is in Khatu, Sikar district, Rajasthan. Read the story: Khatu Shyam Ji Ki Katha.
How to recite the Chalisa
- Bathe, sit on a clean mat facing Baba Shyam’s picture, and light a ghee lamp.
- Recite the opening doha, all chaupais, and the closing doha.
- End with the aarti “Om Jai Shri Shyam Hare” and “Jai Shri Shyam”.
- Rules and timing: reading rules · when and how to read · 40-day sankalp
FAQ — Khatu Shyam Chalisa in English
Can I read Khatu Shyam Chalisa in English letters?
Yes. What matters is devotion and correct pronunciation; the Roman transliteration above lets you recite the original words.
How many lines are in the Khatu Shyam Chalisa?
The popular text has one opening doha, 39 chaupai lines and one closing doha.
Why does the Chalisa mention Krishna’s names?
Devotees worship Khatu Shyam Ji as a form of Krishna — the chalisa itself says “Khaatu mein hain Mathuraavaasi” (the dweller of Mathura resides in Khatu).
What is the best time to recite it?
Morning after bathing or evening at lamp-lighting are most common; Shukla Ekadashi is considered special. See the Ekadashi calendar.
Transliteration and translation by KhatuWaleBaba.in | Updated September 2026
खाटू श्याम जी के दर्शन की योजना बनाएं
होटल, धर्मशाला, टैक्सी और प्रसाद — सब एक जगह।