Ashta Lakshmi Chalisa

Daughter of the ocean, beloved of Vishnu, I bow my head to you again and again. Giver of prosperity, spiritual attainment and every good fortune, again and again I bow.

Ocean-born goddess, I hold you in memory. Grant me knowledge, sound intellect and learning.

No one does good like you do. In every way, complete the hopes I carry.

Victory, victory to you, mother of the world, Jagadamba. You are the support on whom everyone rests.

You live within every heart. This is the special prayer we place before you.

Mother of the world, victory to you, daughter of the sea. You are the well-wisher of the humble and the helpless.

Great queen, I pray to you every day. Show your grace, mother of the world, Bhavani.

In what manner can I possibly praise you? Take notice of me and let my faults be forgotten.

Turn your merciful gaze in my direction. Mother of the world, listen to this prayer of mine.

You are the giver of knowledge, wisdom and all happiness. Remove our difficulties, O our Mother.

When Vishnu churned the ocean of milk, fourteen precious treasures rose from the sea.

Among those fourteen treasures you were the very store of joy. You served the Lord as his devoted attendant.

In whatever birth the Lord took, wherever he went, you changed your form and served him there.

When Vishnu himself took a human body and was born in the city of Ayodhya.

You then appeared in Janakpur as Sita and served him with a heart full of joy.

The inner-knower, Lord of the three worlds known throughout the universe, accepted you as his own.

There is no power as mighty as you. How far can I describe and recount your glory?

Those who serve you in thought, action and speech obtain the very fruits their heart longs for.

Setting aside trickery, deceit and clever scheming, one should worship you wholeheartedly in many ways.

And now I say this plainly and with certainty: whoever recites this text with a focused mind.

No trouble will come to that person, and they will receive the fruit their heart desires.

Save me, save me, victory to you, remover of sorrow. You break the bonds of worldly suffering and torment.

Whoever reads this or has it read, who listens or has it recited with full attention.

No illness will torment them; they gain children, wealth and prosperity.

The childless and the poor, the blind, the deaf, those afflicted with disease and the utterly wretched.

Should invite a learned Brahmin to recite it for them, and never let doubt enter the heart.

If the recitation is carried out for forty days, the Goddess pours her grace upon that devotee.

They gain abundant comfort and wealth; no shortage or want ever reaches them.

Whoever performs this worship for twelve months is blessed; there is no one else as fortunate.

One who recites it daily with a settled mind has no equal anywhere in the world.

In how many ways can I sing your praise? Your greatness has no end that I could reach.

To those who keep vows and observances with faith, know that you extend your grace.

Victory, victory, victory to you, Queen Lakshmi, giver of every happiness, mother of the world, Bhavani.

Your radiance is powerful throughout the world. Protect us always and in every way.

Take notice now of me, one with no other refuge. Cast your merciful glance upon me.

Forgive my slips and mistakes; pardon every one of my offences.

Without a sight of you your devotee grows restless. Grant me your vision now.

I have neither knowledge nor wisdom within me; you alone are the giver of everything.

Taking on your four-armed form, show me your vision now.

In what way can I offer your praise? Ramdas, the poet, sings this hymn of adoration to you.