Kali Chalisa — licensed alternative reading

Victory to Kali, Mother of the world; dispel wrongdoing and dwell in the devotee's heart. The hymn gathers divine names in praise of Kali. These poetic identifications do not make the associated traditions or ritual practices interchangeable. Praise to skull-bearing Kalika, giver of joy; regard this servant with kindness. The hymn gathers divine names in praise of Kali. These poetic identifications do not make the associated traditions or ritual practices interchangeable. Praise to Kali in her fierce skull-adorned forms. The hymn gathers divine names in praise of Kali. These poetic identifications do not make the associated traditions or ritual practices interchangeable. You are beloved of Shankara, Aparna, Mother and Jagadamba. The hymn gathers divine names in praise of Kali. These poetic identifications do not make the associated traditions or ritual practices interchangeable. The hymn praises you as Arya, Hala, Ambika, Maya, Katyayani and Uma. The hymn gathers divine names in praise of Kali. These poetic identifications do not make the associated traditions or ritual practices interchangeable. You are Girija, Gauri, Durga, Chandi, Dakshayani and Shambhavi. The hymn gathers divine names in praise of Kali. These poetic identifications do not make the associated traditions or ritual practices interchangeable. You are Parvati, Mangala, Bhavani, Sati and Mridani, sustaining the world. The hymn gathers divine names in praise of Kali. These poetic identifications do not make the associated traditions or ritual practices interchangeable. You are auspicious Shailanandini and Haimavati, revered throughout the world. The hymn gathers divine names in praise of Kali. These poetic identifications do not make the associated traditions or ritual practices interchangeable. Praise to Brahmacharini, Kalaratri, Maharatri and Moharatri. The hymn gathers divine names in praise of Kali. These poetic identifications do not make the associated traditions or ritual practices interchangeable. The hymn calls you Trimurti, Rohini, Kalika, Kushmanda, Kartika and Chandika. The hymn gathers divine names in praise of Kali. These poetic identifications do not make the associated traditions or ritual practices interchangeable. You are incomparable Tara and Bhuvaneshwari, and the radiant Chhinnamasta. The hymn gathers divine names in praise of Kali. These poetic identifications do not make the associated traditions or ritual practices interchangeable. You are Mother Dhumavati, Shodashi, Bagala and renowned Matangi. The hymn gathers divine names in praise of Kali. These poetic identifications do not make the associated traditions or ritual practices interchangeable. You are Bhairavi and Kamala, and the renowned Raktadantika. The hymn gathers divine names in praise of Kali. These poetic identifications do not make the associated traditions or ritual practices interchangeable. You are Shakambhari, Kaushiki and Bhima, beyond the limits of the moving and unmoving world. The hymn gathers divine names in praise of Kali. These poetic identifications do not make the associated traditions or ritual practices interchangeable. You are Chandraghantika, Savitri, Brahmavadini and Mother Gayatri. The hymn gathers divine names in praise of Kali. These poetic identifications do not make the associated traditions or ritual practices interchangeable. You are Rudrani, dark and tawny in form, fiery and wholly auspicious. The hymn gathers divine names in praise of Kali. These poetic identifications do not make the associated traditions or ritual practices interchangeable. You are thunder-voiced, ascetic, yogini and thousand-eyed, present throughout the world. The hymn gathers divine names in praise of Kali. These poetic identifications do not make the associated traditions or ritual practices interchangeable. The hymn invokes Jalodari, Saraswati, Dakini, Tridasheshwari and unconquered Lakini. The hymn gathers divine names in praise of Kali. These poetic identifications do not make the associated traditions or ritual practices interchangeable. You are nourishment, contentment, resolve, memory, Shivaduti, Kamakshi, modesty and offering. The hymn gathers divine names in praise of Kali. These poetic identifications do not make the associated traditions or ritual practices interchangeable. The hymn addresses Mahodari, Kamakshi, Vinayaki and Mahashakini among your names. The hymn gathers divine names in praise of Kali. These poetic identifications do not make the associated traditions or ritual practices interchangeable. You are unborn, Brahmani, the sustaining mother, Varahi and Sharvani. The hymn gathers divine names in praise of Kali. These poetic identifications do not make the associated traditions or ritual practices interchangeable. You are Skandamata and the lion-riding mother; remain gracious as Subhadra. The hymn gathers divine names in praise of Kali. These poetic identifications do not make the associated traditions or ritual practices interchangeable. Your names, forms and qualities are boundless; even Shesha and Sharada cannot describe them fully. The hymn gathers divine names in praise of Kali. These poetic identifications do not make the associated traditions or ritual practices interchangeable. Your form is dark-hued, Mother, and you are renowned as Kalika. The imagery belongs to devotional iconography and goddess narratives. It is presented as religious poetry, not advice to enact violence, intoxication or restricted rites. The hymn describes eighteen lovely arms bearing splendid weapons. The imagery belongs to devotional iconography and goddess narratives. It is presented as religious poetry, not advice to enact violence, intoxication or restricted rites. Conch, discus, mace, iron bar, bhushundi and sacred bell adorn your hands. The imagery belongs to devotional iconography and goddess narratives. It is presented as religious poetry, not advice to enact violence, intoxication or restricted rites. Bearing spear, thunderbolt, bow and arrows, you overcome the demonic hosts. The imagery belongs to devotional iconography and goddess narratives. It is presented as religious poetry, not advice to enact violence, intoxication or restricted rites. You defeat Shumbha, Nishumbha and Raktabija. The imagery belongs to devotional iconography and goddess narratives. It is presented as religious poetry, not advice to enact violence, intoxication or restricted rites. Sixty-four yoginis dance beside you in the tumult of battle; the verse mentions drinking wine. The imagery belongs to devotional iconography and goddess narratives. It is presented as religious poetry, not advice to enact violence, intoxication or restricted rites. The music of your waist-bells and anklets makes the demonic hosts tremble. The imagery belongs to devotional iconography and goddess narratives. It is presented as religious poetry, not advice to enact violence, intoxication or restricted rites. Your skull-bowl and trident are fearsome, yet your presence comforts the devoted. The imagery belongs to devotional iconography and goddess narratives. It is presented as religious poetry, not advice to enact violence, intoxication or restricted rites. You dance upon a corpse while drums and kettledrums resound. The imagery belongs to devotional iconography and goddess narratives. It is presented as religious poetry, not advice to enact violence, intoxication or restricted rites. In battle imagery you drink the enemy host's blood and overcome those opposing you. The imagery belongs to devotional iconography and goddess narratives. It is presented as religious poetry, not advice to enact violence, intoxication or restricted rites. Your tongue flashes; you bring comfort to devotees and confront wrongdoing. The imagery belongs to devotional iconography and goddess narratives. It is presented as religious poetry, not advice to enact violence, intoxication or restricted rites. Vermilion shines on your brow, and your loosened hair is striking. The imagery belongs to devotional iconography and goddess narratives. It is presented as religious poetry, not advice to enact violence, intoxication or restricted rites. A garland of heads, arm ornaments and bracelets adorn your form. The imagery belongs to devotional iconography and goddess narratives. It is presented as religious poetry, not advice to enact violence, intoxication or restricted rites. You dance at dissolution; the hymn praises you as the world's mother. The imagery belongs to devotional iconography and goddess narratives. It is presented as religious poetry, not advice to enact violence, intoxication or restricted rites. Fierce dweller in the cremation ground, the hymn seeks freedom from worldly entanglement through devotion. The imagery belongs to devotional iconography and goddess narratives. It is presented as religious poetry, not advice to enact violence, intoxication or restricted rites. The hymn speaks of fifty-two Shakti Peethas where you appear in diverse forms. The verse recalls a goddess name, sacred place or narrative. Traditions differ; the wording does not establish a universal list or a date for observance. In one place you are praised as Vindhyavasini, elsewhere as Kalika. The verse recalls a goddess name, sacred place or narrative. Traditions differ; the wording does not establish a universal list or a date for observance. You are also invoked as Shakambhari, Jwala and the fierce slayer of Mahishasura. The verse recalls a goddess name, sacred place or narrative. Traditions differ; the wording does not establish a universal list or a date for observance. Your name Kamakhya is cherished, and worshippers seek the fulfilment of their wishes. The verse recalls a goddess name, sacred place or narrative. Traditions differ; the wording does not establish a universal list or a date for observance. You swiftly overcome Chanda and Munda, bringing joy to the gods. The verse recalls a goddess name, sacred place or narrative. Traditions differ; the wording does not establish a universal list or a date for observance. All-pervading Mother Tara, the hymn asks you to manifest against the demonic hosts. The speaker expresses devotion and seeks grace. Statements of benefit belong to the hymn’s faith-language and are not guaranteed personal outcomes. Your resounding cry unsettles hostile forces; your presence pervades all existence. The speaker expresses devotion and seeks grace. Statements of benefit belong to the hymn’s faith-language and are not guaranteed personal outcomes. You are vast in form, a treasury of qualities and queen whose form is the universe. The speaker expresses devotion and seeks grace. Statements of benefit belong to the hymn’s faith-language and are not guaranteed personal outcomes. You are praised as the source of creation, continuance and dissolution; remove this servant's faults. The speaker expresses devotion and seeks grace. Statements of benefit belong to the hymn’s faith-language and are not guaranteed personal outcomes. Mother Amba, dwell in the heart as the unfailing support of those in need. The speaker expresses devotion and seeks grace. Statements of benefit belong to the hymn’s faith-language and are not guaranteed personal outcomes. The hymn praises meditation on you as a refuge from fear. The speaker expresses devotion and seeks grace. Statements of benefit belong to the hymn’s faith-language and are not guaranteed personal outcomes. Primordial Bhavani, your universal form is praised in sacred literature. The speaker expresses devotion and seeks grace. Statements of benefit belong to the hymn’s faith-language and are not guaranteed personal outcomes. Your name is praised as a support in suffering and distress. The speaker expresses devotion and seeks grace. Statements of benefit belong to the hymn’s faith-language and are not guaranteed personal outcomes. Praise to Mahakalika, auspicious mother who brings joy to her servants. The speaker expresses devotion and seeks grace. Statements of benefit belong to the hymn’s faith-language and are not guaranteed personal outcomes. You are adorned with boundless generosity; be gracious and forgive every fault. The speaker expresses devotion and seeks grace. Statements of benefit belong to the hymn’s faith-language and are not guaranteed personal outcomes. Regard me as your servant, show compassion, and accept me as your child. The speaker expresses devotion and seeks grace. Statements of benefit belong to the hymn’s faith-language and are not guaranteed personal outcomes. Mother, protect your servant and show kindness in every way. The speaker expresses devotion and seeks grace. Statements of benefit belong to the hymn’s faith-language and are not guaranteed personal outcomes. The closing verse expresses the devotee's hope that this recitation receives your grace. The speaker expresses devotion and seeks grace. Statements of benefit belong to the hymn’s faith-language and are not guaranteed personal outcomes. Praise to Tara, Dakshina and Kalavati; remain gracious to the devotee who takes refuge. The speaker expresses devotion and seeks grace. Statements of benefit belong to the hymn’s faith-language and are not guaranteed personal outcomes.