Mahavir Chalisa (Vira Chalisa)

I bow my head to the Arhats and offer salutations to the Siddhas. Taking the bliss-bestowing names of the Upadhyayas and Acharyas, I hold in the temple of my mind all saints, the goddess of wisdom, the Jina temples, and Lord Mahavira, the source of happiness.

Victory to Lord Mahavira, the ocean of compassion; victory to the Jina, the treasure-house of virtues.

The beloved prince of Kundalpur, dear to mother Trishala and father Siddhartha.

O Lord, you are supremely virtuous; you are the master of the three worlds.

When you, O Lord, entered the womb, fifty-six crore gods rejoiced.

The lord of wealth showered a rain of treasure, filling the entire world with the essence of joy.

On the blissful thirteenth day of the bright half of Chaitra, the savior of the world, the incarnation, was born.

All the Indra deities assembled and performed your bathing ceremony on Mount Sumeru.

Your infant form was exceedingly beautiful; seeing it, gods, humans, and sages were captivated.

The serpent deity Sangama tested you; taking the form of a serpent, he enacted a play.

In childhood you did not fear old age; the celestial gods gave you the name Mahavira.

Know that for thirty years you lived the householder life, regarding all royal splendor as mere straw.

When you performed the auspicious rite of penance, you plucked out your hair with your own hands.

For twelve years you performed intense austerity and endured all afflictions.

The venomous serpent Chandakaushika hissed; with your nectar-like gaze you saved him.

The serpent deity inflicted immense suffering, but you, O patient Lord, did not lose your fortitude.

When the great omniscience arose, the divine assembly hall was expanded.

The Lord graced the twelve assemblies; from his lotus-like mouth emanated divine speech.

He taught that non-violence is the supreme religion and declared the principle of 'live and let live'.

The doctrine of conditional predication and non-absolutism is delightful; the Lord's speech is supremely holy.

The wise person who sings the praises of Lord Mahavira attains the four goals of life.

Gautama was called the chief disciple; he spread the Lord's teachings throughout the world.

In Pavapuri the Lord withdrew all activity; on the dark moon night of Kartika he attained liberation.

Lord Vira proceeded to liberation; shouts of victory resounded in the three worlds.

The gods then lit lamps and celebrated the festival of Diwali.

That person who sings this Vira Chalisa attains freedom from all dangers.

It destroys disease, grief, and all ailments; the devotee gains a golden body and great fame in the world.

The childless obtain a son; the poor attain wealth, riches, and happiness.

The blind regain sight and the leper is healed if one constantly remembers the Lord.

Whoever recites this for forty days is carried across the ocean of worldly existence.

The glory of the Jina's teaching is immense; victory to Lord Mahavira, the bestower of bliss.

You are the fulfiller of all desires; you are the father and mother of the three worlds.

I have come to your refuge, O Lord; protect me, O knower of all hearts.

Cut my karmas, O Lord, and grant me liberation; make me worthy of your own abode.

Victory, victory, victory to Lord Mahavira; remove my troubles, O ocean of compassion, renowned one.

Salutations, salutations to the Lord, son of Trishala; again and again I bow to you.

Victory to the Jina, victory to the passionless one; you are the pure destiny of every living being.

Your glory is spread throughout the world; victory to Mahavira, the storehouse of compassion.

Keep me at the shelter of your feet; free me from the bonds of worldly existence.

Victory, victory to merciful Mahavira; protect my honor and grant me refuge.

Whoever meditates on this Chalisa daily will certainly attain liberation.

Whoever reads this Vira Chalisa with devotion in the mind, all inauspiciousness is removed, and he attains boundless happiness.

O Lord Vira, grant your grace and protect my honor. With folded hands I bow to you; fulfill my desires.