Ketu Chalisa

Victory and praise to Lord Ketu, who carries away sorrow; you keep watch over the path that leads to release.

Known across the world in your flag-like form, you are the one who reveals the hidden workings of karma.

As the shadow planet of deep and secret thought, cut away our illusion and awaken true understanding in us.

You are spoken of as the body set apart from Rahu, and you turn the mind toward the road of liberation.

Your smoke-coloured form is unlike any other; it slices through the tangle of ignorance and darkness.

Your fish mount carries blessings and good outcomes, and your kindness pours over those who are devoted to you.

When the season ruled by Ketu turns harsh, simply calling your name lights up the way ahead.

Whoever feeds dogs out of genuine compassion finds their own pain quietly lifted away.

By giving sesame and blankets in charity, the faults carried over from past actions are calmed and settled.

Your dear bond with Lord Ganesha clears obstacles and lets a gentle, fortunate light shine through.

You point out the route of meditation and deep absorption, emptying and stilling a mind that will not stay quiet.

Pull out the very root of pride and let the awareness of the real Self dawn.

Cut the ties brought from earlier lives and swiftly loosen every knot that karma has tied.

Through you, hidden wisdom comes alive; the inner lamp glows and ignorance runs from it.

When loss strikes without warning, the grace of Ketu steadies the heart and gives patience.

Kindle the welcome lamp of detachment and chase greed and clinging far away.

The enemy inside us is doubt; it is through you that we are freed from it.

Anyone who sings the Ketu mantra each day drives off fear, confusion and the things that hold them captive.

One who offers a flag to you with love takes on a favourable course in life.

You take away illnesses that defy explanation, for you know their subtle, unseen causes.

Bring peace to serpent-related afflictions and remove the distress that runs through a family line.

Smooth the spiritual road and stir up heartfelt devotion at the feet of the teacher.

Untangle the knots of the mind, O Lord, and walk beside me showing the way to freedom.

Your silence itself teaches; without a single word, the mind arrives at truth.

When Ketu sits heavily in the birth chart, extend your grace and lift away the troubles it brings.

Grant protection that cannot be seen and keep your devotee held within your attention.

Seekers on the tantric path who meditate on you reach their goal by the sanction of their guru.

Take away fame that only misleads and fix the mind on the truth of the Self.

Light a flame of hope in a mind sunk in despair and give life a fresh sense of purpose.

Like a falling meteor you show how karma can strike, and you teach the lesson of sudden change.

You are the deity who brings liberation; repeating your name dissolves the bonds of worldly life.

Whatever disturbance arises during meditation, Lord Ketu pushes it aside.

Where reasoning grows tired and falters, inner knowing steps in to point the way.

Even within separation a hidden grace is at work; even in letting go, liberation is already written.

Only when the seeker is able to give up everything can they truly be joined with truth.

Whoever reads this Chalisa with love finds every Ketu-related affliction growing quiet.

At life's close, grant the gift of detachment and carry us over through remembrance of the Lord.

For the devotees who keep their gaze on your feet, Lord Ketu clears away every trouble.

Glory to Ketu, who throws light on knowledge and breaks apart the chains of illusion.

Be gracious, O giver of liberation; protect us, O shadow-formed one who removes obstacles.