Saraswati Chalisa (Shri Saraswati Chalisa)
श्री सरस्वती चालीसा
40-verse hymn invoking the goddess of learning, music and speech. Universal among Indian students preparing for board exams, JEE, NEET, UPSC and other competitive tests. Recited daily at music gurukuls before a riyaaz session begins.
Significance
Saraswati is the only one of the Tridevi (Lakshmi, Parvati, Saraswati) whose worship is uniquely tied to education and the arts. The Chalisa is given to children at the Vidyarambham (initiation into letters) ceremony, traditionally on Vijayadashami in Kerala, and recited every day thereafter through their student years.
When recited: Basant Panchami, Vidyarambham, daily by students before study, before exams
Benefits
- Sharpens memory and concentration
- Removes speech impediments and stage fear
- Grants success in examinations and academic pursuits
- Develops aptitude for music, dance and the fine arts
- Believed to clear vak-dosha (impediments caused by harsh speech in past karma)
Opening verses
First 6 verses of the Saraswati Chalisa (Shri Saraswati Chalisa) — the most-recited opening section.
जनक जननि पद कमल रज, निज मस्तक पर धरि।
बंदहु मातु सरस्वती, बुद्धि बल दे करि॥
पूर्ण जगत में व्याप्त तव, महिमा अमित अनन्तु।
राम सरस मम कीजिए, हे शारदे भगवन्तु॥
जय श्री सकल बुद्धि बलराशी। जय सर्वज्ञ अमर अविनाशी॥
जय जय जय वीणाकर धारी। करती सदा सुहंस सवारी॥
Meaning
Placing on my own head the dust of the lotus-feet of my father and mother, I salute Mother Saraswati — grant me intelligence and strength. Your boundless and infinite glory pervades the whole universe. Make my speech sweet as Rama’s, O divine Sharada. Glory to the embodiment of all wisdom and strength, glory to the omniscient, immortal and imperishable. Glory, glory, glory to the holder of the veena who ever rides the noble swan.
For complete authoritative text
Refer to printed editions from these sources for the full 40-verse chalisa with traditional pronunciation guides: