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Meenakshi Chalisa
श्री मीनाक्षी चालीसा
The Meenakshi Chalisa is a devotional hymn dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (also known as Angayarkanni or Minakshi), the fish-eyed queen of Madurai and form of Adi Shakti. This Chalisa sings of her miraculous birth from the sacrificial fire, her marriage to Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva), and her role as protector of the Pandya kingdom. Below is the complete Meenakshi Chalisa in English transliteration, with the meaning of every verse.
Meenakshi Chalisa Lyrics in English (Transliteration)
Roman transliteration for easy chanting. Tap “Meaning” under any verse for the English translation.
Jai Ganesh Girija Suvan, Mangal Mul Sujan;
Sumirahu Maan Meenakshi ko, dehu abhay vardan.
Meaning
Victory to Lord Ganesha, the son of Parvati, the root of all auspiciousness. I meditate upon Mother Meenakshi; please grant me the boon of fearlessness.
Madurapuri ki Swamini, Meen-nayan Kalyani;
Kripa karahu Jagdambika, dehu gyan ki vaani.
Meaning
O Empress of Madurai, the fish-eyed bestower of welfare! Show your grace, O Mother of the universe, and grant me the voice of wisdom.
Jai Meenakshi Maat Bhavani, Madura nagari ki Kalyani.
Meaning
Victory to Mother Meenakshi, the source of existence, who brings auspiciousness to the city of Madurai.
Pandya bhup ke grih tum aai, yajna kund se pragati Maai.
Meaning
You came to the palace of the Pandya King, manifesting from the sacred fire of the yajna.
Malayadhwaja ki pyari lali, Kanchanamala god suhali.
Meaning
You were the beloved daughter of King Malayadhwaja, adorning the lap of Queen Kanchanamala.
Teen stan dhari pragati Mata, sab jag dekhi bhayo vismata.
Meaning
You manifested with three breasts, which filled the entire world with wonder.
Daiv vaani ne dheeraj deenha, var dekhat lop stan keenha.
Meaning
A divine voice gave solace, stating the third breast would disappear upon seeing your groom.
Astra shastra mein tum nipunai, digvijay hit van tum dhai.
Meaning
You were highly skilled in all weapons, marching forth in all directions to conquer the worlds.
Sab devon ko jeetan haari, Kailashahin pahunchi Tripurari.
Meaning
Conquering all the gods, you finally reached Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva.
Sundareswar ko jab tum dekha, miti gai tan ki vighatit rekha.
Meaning
When you beheld Lord Sundareswarar, the physical divergence of your form vanished.
Teesra stan tab lop bhayo hai, Shiv son neh hiye umagyo hai.
Meaning
Your third breast disappeared instantly as divine love for Shiva arose in your heart.
Madurapur mein byah rachaya, Hari Vishnu ne kanyadaan karaya.
Meaning
The grand marriage was celebrated in Madurai, where Lord Vishnu himself performed the kanyadaan.
Shiv-Shiva ki jori nyari, Sundareswar-Meenakshi pyari.
Meaning
Matchless is the union of Shiva and Shivaa, the beloved Sundareswarar and Meenakshi.
Meen nayan ati sundar sohe, bhaktan ke man ko ati mohe.
Meaning
Your fish-shaped eyes are exceedingly beautiful, enchanting the minds of all devotees.
Kar mein tota ati chhavi pave, madhur bol son man harshave.
Meaning
The parrot in your hand looks extremely charming, pleasing the heart with its sweet speech.
Ratna mukut mastak par saje, mand muskaan adhar par raje.
Meaning
A gem-studded crown adorns your forehead, and a gentle smile graces your lips.
Harit varan tan aabha nyari, singh peeth par sohe pyari.
Meaning
Your green-complexioned form shines with matchless light, riding gracefully upon a lion.
Chaturbhuji Maan kaanti apara, sankat taran varanvara.
Meaning
O four-armed Mother of infinite radiance, you remove all dangers again and again.
Kanchan varan vastra suhave, dev muni sab sheesh nawave.
Meaning
Clad in golden garments, you are worshipped by all gods and sages bowing their heads.
Vidya buddhi ki data tum ho, riddhi siddhi ki data tum ho.
Meaning
You are the bestower of wisdom and intellect, and the giver of spiritual and material wealth.
Jo bhi Madurapur mein aave, dukh daridra sab door bahave.
Meaning
Whoever visits the holy city of Madurai gets all their sorrows and poverty washed away.
Swarn kamal talaab suhaya, jahan snaan kar paatak nasaya.
Meaning
The golden lotus pond is beautiful, where a holy bath destroys all sins.
Chithra utsav dhoom machave, rath yatra sab man harshave.
Meaning
The grand Chithirai festival is celebrated with joy, and the chariot festival delights every heart.
Kartikeya Ganaraj tumhare, putra roop mein jag se pyare.
Meaning
Kartikeya and Lord Ganesha are your sons, beloved by the entire world.
Shankaracharya ne stuti gai, Pancharatna ki mahima chhai.
Meaning
Adi Shankaracharya sang your praises, spreading the glory of the Meenakshi Pancharatnam.
Jo bhi Pancharatna nit gave, sukh sampatti aur moksh so pave.
Meaning
Whoever recites the Pancharatnam daily obtains wealth, happiness, and liberation.
Tum hi Lakshmi tum hi Gauri, Brahmani Radha ki jori.
Meaning
You are Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Gauri, and the companion form of Brahmani and Radha.
Dusht dalan hit khadg uthave, bhakt janon ko abhay karave.
Meaning
You raise your sword to destroy the wicked, granting fearlessness to your devotees.
Chintaman mandir ati nyara, bhaktan ka jo sankat tara.
Meaning
The Chintamani temple is unique, where you relieve the worries of all devotees.
Rog shok sab tarahin tumhare, jo man se tumko pukare.
Meaning
All diseases and griefs vanish for those who call upon you sincerely.
Bhay badha sab nasht karati, andhakar mein jyoti jalati.
Meaning
You destroy all fears and obstacles, lighting the lamp of wisdom in darkness.
Mangala Gauri tum kehlati, suhag ki raksha nit karti.
Meaning
You are called Mangala Gauri, ever protecting the marital bliss of your devotees.
Kanya roop mein jo jan dhyave, manwanchhit phal so jan pave.
Meaning
Whoever meditates on you in your youthful form obtains their heart’s desires.
Dakshini bhumi ki rakshak Mata, akhil jagat ki tum ho dhata.
Meaning
You are the guardian of the southern lands, and the sustainer of the entire universe.
Ved puranan mahima gai, paar na pave Brahma rai.
Meaning
The Vedas and Puranas sing your glory, yet even Brahma cannot find your limits.
Daya drishti ham par bhi keejo, bhakti gyan ka var hamko deejo.
Meaning
Shower your compassionate glance upon us, and grant us the boon of devotion and knowledge.
Ham balak hain sharan tihari, raksha karahu Meenakshi pyari.
Meaning
We are children under your refuge; please protect us, beloved Meenakshi.
Janm maran ke traas mitao, bhav sagar se paar lagao.
Meaning
Erase the fears of birth and death, and carry us safely across the ocean of worldly existence.
Jo yah paath kare chalisa, prasann hoyan Umapati Isha.
Meaning
Whoever recites this Chalisa pleases Lord Shiva, the consort of Uma.
Shukravar jo vrat nit rakhe, prem sudha ka ras so chakhe.
Meaning
Whoever fasts on Fridays and prays to you tastes the nectar of divine love.
Kasht anek mitahin kshan mahi, sanshay koi ismein nahi.
Meaning
Their countless troubles disappear in an instant; there is no doubt about this.
Sacche man jo dhyan lagave, Meenakshi ka aashish so pave.
Meaning
Whoever meditates with a pure mind receives the abundant blessings of Mother Meenakshi.
Meenakshi Amman charan, vandan karahun barambar;
Kripa drishti nit rakhiyo, karahu bhav nistara.
Meaning
I bow down to the feet of Mother Meenakshi again and again. Keep your merciful glance upon me always and deliver me.
Sukh sampati kirti badhe, mite sakal santap;
Jo dhyave Jagdambika, kate janam ke paap.
Meaning
Their happiness, wealth, and glory increase, and all miseries are destroyed; whoever meditates on the Mother of the Universe gets the sins of lifetimes erased.
Benefits of Reciting the Meenakshi Chalisa
Reciting the Meenakshi Chalisa brings the devotee closer to the Goddess, attracting peace, protection, and prosperity:
- Marital Bliss: traditionally chanted by devotees for a happy married life and the protection of their spouse.
- Removes Obstacles: clears fears, doubts, and obstacles in career and personal life.
- Spiritual and Material Abundance: grants both worldly prosperity (bhoga) and spiritual liberation (moksha).
- Wisdom & Knowledge: associated with the energy of Saraswati to grant intellect and fine speech.
When and How to Chant the Meenakshi Chalisa
Chant the Meenakshi Chalisa on Fridays, which is the day dedicated to the Goddess. It is especially auspicious to chant during the Chithirai festival or Navratri. Sit facing east, light a lamp and incense, offer fresh flowers and a sweet offering (naivedya), and recite the verses with absolute devotion.
Who Wrote the Meenakshi Chalisa?
The Meenakshi Chalisa is compiled from traditional Puranic accounts and the Meenakshi Pancharatnam attributed to Adi Shankaracharya. It captures the essential legends of the Madurai Shaktipeeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Goddess Meenakshi?
Goddess Meenakshi is a form of Goddess Parvati/Adi Shakti, who manifested from a sacrificial fire to Pandya King Malayadhwaja. She is the presiding deity of the famous Madurai Meenakshi Temple.
Why is she called Meenakshi?
The name “Meenakshi” comes from the Sanskrit words “meena” (fish) and “akshi” (eyes), meaning “one with fish-shaped eyes.” In spiritual terms, it signifies that just as a fish feeds or protects its young ones with its gaze, the Goddess protects her devotees with her glance.
What are the benefits of chanting Meenakshi Chalisa?
Chanting it brings peace, prosperity, happy marital life, health, and destroys the sins of lifetimes by invoking the compassionate grace of the Queen of Madurai.
॥ जय माता दी ॥ • ॥ जय माँ आदि शक्ति ॥