Vindhyavasini Chalisa
विंध्यवासिनी चालीसा
40-verse hymn to Vindhyavasini Devi of Mirzapur — the goddess of the Vindhya mountains who, per the Devi Bhagavatam, was the eighth daughter exchanged for Krishna in the prison of Kamsa. When Kamsa attempted to dash her against the stone, she flew into the sky as Yogamaya and prophesied his doom from her seat in the Vindhya forests. Her temple at Vindhyachal forms one apex of the unique Trikon Yatra (triangular pilgrimage) with Maha Kali and Ashtabhuja temples.
Significance
Vindhyavasini is the supreme tantric Shakti of the eastern Gangetic plain — invoked for victory in seemingly impossible situations, since she herself escaped certain death in Kamsa's grip. Her chalisa is the principal text of the Vindhya Parikrama performed by tantric sadhakas, who walk the 9-km triangle linking the three Vindhya goddesses overnight on Ashtami of Sharad Navaratri.
When recited: Navaratri (both Chaitra and Sharad — Kajali Teej night especially), Krishna Janmashtami midnight, during Vindhya Parikrama (Trikon Yatra of Vindhyavasini-Kali-Ashtabhuja)
Benefits
- Miraculous escape from certain doom and life-threatening situations
- Victory in cases where every visible avenue has closed
- Removal of black magic and abhichara from rival tantric practitioners
- Tantric siddhi accessible to householders (without sannyasa)
- Blessings for childless couples (per Krishna-Yogamaya exchange tradition)
- Successful completion of Vindhya Parikrama Trikon Yatra
Opening verses
First 6 verses of the Vindhyavasini Chalisa — the most-recited opening section.
जय जय विंध्यवासिनी माता। मिर्जापुर में तुम विख्याता॥
कंस के कारागार में जन्मी। आठवीं कन्या योगमाया धन्मी॥
शिला पर पटकन से उड़ आई। आकाश में जा वाणी सुनाई॥
कंस तेरा अंत निकट है। कृष्ण गोकुल में सुरक्षित है॥
विंध्य पर्वत पर वास तुम्हारा। त्रिकोण यात्रा का धाम सारा॥
महाकाली अष्टभुजा के संग। तीन शक्ति का अद्भुत रंग॥
Meaning
Victory, victory to Mother Vindhyavasini, renowned in the city of Mirzapur. Born in the prison-cell of Kamsa as the eighth daughter — blessed Yogamaya. When he attempted to dash you against the stone, you flew up into the sky and proclaimed your voice: "Kamsa, your end is near; Krishna is safe in Gokula." Your abode is upon the Vindhya mountains, the entire dham of the Trikon Yatra. With Maha Kali and Ashtabhuja goddesses, you display the wondrous interplay of the three Shaktis. Devotees who recite this chalisa during the Ashtami midnight Trikon Parikrama — walking the 9-km triangle barefoot through the Vindhya forests — invoke the goddess who herself escaped certain death in tyrant's hand, securing miraculous deliverance for the devotee from situations that every visible counsel has declared hopeless.
For complete authoritative text
Refer to printed editions from these sources for the full 40-verse chalisa with traditional pronunciation guides: