Radha Chalisa
श्री राधा चालीसा
Forty-verse hymn to Srimati Radharani, daughter of King Vrishabhanu and Queen Kirti of Barsana, the hladini-shakti or bliss-potency of Lord Krishna himself. Without her grace, the Gaudiyas say, even Krishna remains unreachable; she is the supreme gopi whose name precedes his own in the call 'Radhe Krishna'.
Significance
Recitation is the sweetest gateway to madhurya-bhakti, the mood of conjugal love. The Chalisa awakens prema-bhakti, dissolves pride, and unlocks the rasa lila pastimes of Vrindavan within the heart. Devotees of Barsana, Nandgaon, and the entire Braj-mandal regard daily recitation as more potent than a thousand mantras of any other deity for entering Krishna's intimate realm.
When recited: Radhashtami (Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami), every Ekadashi, full moon nights of Kartik and Sharad, daily morning aarti at Barsana and Vrindavan temples, and before chanting the Hare Krishna mahamantra
Benefits
- Awakens prema-bhakti and the madhurya rasa of Vrindavan
- Removes obstacles in marriage and grants an ideal life-partner
- Brings reconciliation in estranged relationships
- Multiplies the fruit of Hare Krishna mahamantra chanting
- Grants residence in Goloka Vrindavan after death
- Bestows the humility and surrender exemplified by the gopis
Opening verses
First 6 verses of the Radha Chalisa — the most-recited opening section.
जय जय राधा रमण रमणी, कृष्ण प्राण अधिका सुख खानी।
वृषभानु सुता शुभ कीरति जाई, बरसाने में जन्म दिखाई।
गौर वरण तन पीत वसन धारी, मोर मुकुट सिर शोभा न्यारी।
नित्य निकुंज विहारिणि स्वामिनी, रास रसेश्वरि ब्रज की रानी।
श्याम संग जब रास रचावो, मुरली धुन सुन सुधि बिसरावो।
जो नर तुम्हरे चरण लौ लावे, सो वैकुण्ठ सहज पद पावे।
Meaning
Victory, victory to Radha, beloved of the lover of all hearts, dearer to Krishna than his own life, treasury of bliss. Daughter of Vrishabhanu and the noble Kirti, you took birth at Barsana. Your golden form is draped in yellow silk, the peacock-feather crown upon your head is matchless in beauty. Eternal mistress of the nikunja groves, queen of the rasa, sovereign of Braj. When you dance the rasa with Shyam, the notes of his flute make all worldly memory vanish. Whoever fixes love upon your feet attains the supreme abode of Vaikuntha with ease.
For complete authoritative text
Refer to printed editions from these sources for the full 40-verse chalisa with traditional pronunciation guides: