Chitragupta Chalisa
श्री चित्रगुप्त चालीसा
Forty-verse hymn to Chitragupta Maharaj, the divine scribe born from Brahma's body who records every karma of every being and reports to Yamaraja at the time of death. Revered as the kuladevata of the Kayastha community, he is the patron of writing, accountancy, justice, and dharmic record-keeping.
Significance
Chanting the Chalisa is believed to absolve unintentional sins recorded in the karmic ledger, grant clarity of speech and pen, protect children studying for examinations, and ensure a peaceful passage at the hour of death by softening the judgment of Yama's court.
When recited: Yama Dwitiya (Bhai Dooj), Chitragupta Puja day, Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, and on every Sunday by Kayastha households before opening account books
Benefits
- Removes fear of Yamaraja and grants moksha at the time of death
- Blesses students, writers, accountants, and civil servants with success
- Purifies past karma recorded in the divine ledger
- Brings harmony between siblings when read on Bhai Dooj
- Protects family wealth and the sanctity of written contracts
- Bestows the gift of truthful speech and clear handwriting
Opening verses
First 6 verses of the Chitragupta Chalisa — the most-recited opening section.
जय चित्रगुप्त यम के अधिकारी, मानव के सब कर्म विचारी।
जय चित्रगुप्त कृपा कीजै, रिद्धि सिद्धि सब मोहि दीजै।
श्री चित्रगुप्त शुभ नाम तुम्हारा, पाप ताप हर सुख दातारा।
हाथ लिए लेखनी विशाला, दूजे कर मसि पात्र विशाला।
शीश मुकुट अति सुन्दर सोहै, कुण्डल झलक कपोलन मोहै।
ब्रह्मा के तुम मानस पुत्रा, धर्मराज के परम सुमित्रा।
Meaning
Glory to Chitragupta, the authority appointed by Yama, who weighs every deed of every human. O Chitragupta, shower grace and grant me riddhi and siddhi. Your auspicious name burns away sin and sorrow. You hold a mighty pen in one hand and an inkpot in the other; the crown on your head and earrings on your cheeks captivate all. You are the mind-born son of Brahma and the dearest friend of Dharmaraja Yama.
For complete authoritative text
Refer to printed editions from these sources for the full 40-verse chalisa with traditional pronunciation guides: