Aarti & Chalisa
Devotional Hymns — Lyrics & Meaning
An aarti is a short devotional hymn sung with a lit lamp at the close of worship, while a chalisa is a longer hymn of forty verses composed in praise of a specific deity, traditionally recited daily or on that deity's designated day of the week. Below you'll find complete lyrics for popular aartis and chalisas, each with a transliteration and an English explanation of its meaning, significance, and how it's traditionally performed. If you're not sure how an aarti, a chalisa, and a mantra actually differ — or how they fit together in a single puja — ourexplainer on the difference is a good place to start before diving into the full texts below.
Choose an aarti when you want to close a puja with light, song, and gratitude. Choose a chalisa when you want a longer devotional reading focused on one deity. A mantra is usually shorter and repeated with attention to sound and breath. These forms can be practised together, but each has its own rhythm and purpose.
Our collection includes festival prayers as well as hymns for regular worship. Read the lyrics slowly, use the transliteration when learning pronunciation, and study the explanation before deciding how to include a text in your routine. For Lakshmi worship, begin with the Om Jai Lakshmi Mata Aarti and its meaning guide.
Durga Chalisa
The Durga Chalisa is one of the most widely recited hymns to the Divine Mother, chanted daily by many devotees and especially throughout Navratri, the nine-night festival dedicated to Durga's nine forms. It is traditionally recited on Tuesdays and Fridays as well.
Read more →Hanuman · chalisaHanuman Chalisa
The Hanuman Chalisa is one of the most widely recited hymns in Hinduism, believed to invoke Hanuman's protection, remove obstacles, and instill courage and devotion. It is traditionally recited on Tuesdays and Saturdays, Hanuman's designated days, though many devotees recite it daily as part of their morning routine.
Read more →Ganesha · aartiJai Ganesh Deva Aarti
This is the most widely sung aarti for Lord Ganesha, performed at the close of daily Ganesha puja and especially during Ganesh Chaturthi, when it is sung by families and communities gathered around the Ganesha idol each evening throughout the festival.
Read more →Vishnu · aartiOm Jai Jagdish Hare Aarti
Composed by Pandit Shraddha Ram Phillauri in the 19th century, this is arguably the most universally recognized aarti in Hinduism, sung at the close of puja in temples and homes across virtually every regional and sectarian tradition, regardless of which deity is being worshipped.
Read more →Lakshmi · aartiOm Jai Lakshmi Mata Aarti
This aarti is sung during Lakshmi Puja, especially during Diwali and other Friday or prosperity- focused observances. Its central teaching is that prosperity is most auspicious when it supports family, generosity, ethical work, and spiritual steadiness.
Read more →Shiva · aartiOm Jai Shiv Omkara Aarti
This aarti is sung at the conclusion of Shiva puja in temples and homes across India, especially on Mondays, during Shravan month, and on Maha Shivratri. It is one of the most recognizable and widely sung aartis in Hindu worship.
Read more →Rama · aartiShri Ram Aarti
Rama Aarti is sung during Rama puja, Ram Navami, Diwali traditions connected with Rama's return to Ayodhya, and regular family worship. Regional versions and melodies may differ.
Read more →Saraswati · aartiSaraswati Mata Aarti
Saraswati Aarti is especially associated with Vasant Panchami, schools, music practice, examinations, and artistic work. Families and communities may use different versions and melodies.
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