Santoshi Mata Chalisa
बन्दौं सन्तोषी चरण रिद्धि-सिद्धि दातार ।
ध्यान धरत ही होत नर दुःख सागर से पार ॥
भक्तन को सन्तोष दे सन्तोषी तव नाम ।
कृपा करहु जगदम्ब अब आया तेरे धाम ॥
जय सन्तोषी मात अनूपम। शान्ति दायिनी रूप मनोरम ॥१॥
सुन्दर वरण चतुर्भुज रूपा। वेश मनोहर ललित अनुपा ॥२॥
श्वेताम्बर रूप मनहारी। माँ तुम्हारी छवि जग से न्यारी ॥३॥
दिव्य स्वरूपा आयत लोचन। दर्शन से हो संकट मोचन ॥४॥
जय गणेश की सुता भवानी। रिद्धि- सिद्धि की पुत्री ज्ञानी ॥५॥
अगम अगोचर तुम्हरी माया। सब पर करो कृपा की छाया ॥६॥
नाम अनेक तुम्हारे माता। अखिल विश्व है तुमको ध्याता ॥७॥
तुमने रूप अनेकों धारे। को कहि सके चरित्र तुम्हारे ॥८॥
धाम अनेक कहाँ तक कहिये। सुमिरन तब करके सुख लहिये ॥९॥
विन्ध्याचल में विन्ध्यवासिनी। कोटेश्वर सरस्वती सुहासिनी ॥१०॥
कलकत्ते में तू ही काली। दुष्ट नाशिनी महाकराली ॥११॥
सम्बल पुर बहुचरा कहाती। भक्तजनों का दुःख मिटाती ॥१२॥
ज्वाला जी में ज्वाला देवी। पूजत नित्य भक्त जन सेवी ॥१३॥
नगर बम्बई की महारानी। महा लक्ष्मी तुम कल्याणी ॥१४॥
मदुरा में मीनाक्षी तुम हो। सुख दुख सबकी साक्षी तुम हो ॥१५॥
राजनगर में तुम जगदम्बे। बनी भद्रकाली तुम अम्बे ॥१६॥
पावागढ़ में दुर्गा माता। अखिल विश्व तेरा यश गाता ॥१७॥
काशी पुराधीश्वरी माता। अन्नपूर्णा नाम सुहाता ॥१८॥
सर्वानन्द करो कल्याणी। तुम्हीं शारदा अमृत वाणी ॥१९॥
तुम्हरी महिमा जल में थल में। दुःख दारिद्र सब मेटो पल में ॥२०॥
जेते ऋषि और मुनीशा। नारद देव और देवेशा ॥२१॥
इस जगती के नर और नारी। ध्यान धरत हैं मात तुम्हारी ॥२२॥
जापर कृपा तुम्हारी होती। वह पाता भक्ति का मोती ॥२3॥
दुःख दारिद्र संकट मिट जाता। ध्यान तुम्हारा जो जन ध्याता ॥२४॥
जो जन तुम्हरी महिमा गावै। ध्यान तुम्हारा कर सुख पावै ॥२५॥
जो मन राखे शुद्ध भावना। ताकी पूरण करो कामना ॥२६॥
कुमति निवारि सुमति की दात्री। जयति जयति माता जगधात्री ॥२७॥
शुक्रवार का दिवस सुहावन। जो व्रत करे तुम्हारा पावन ॥२८॥
गुड़ छोले का भोग लगावै। कथा तुम्हारी सुने सुनावै ॥२९॥
विधिवत पूजा करे तुम्हारी। फिर प्रसाद पावे शुभकारी ॥३०॥
शक्ति-सामरथ हो जो धनको। दान-दक्षिणा दे विप्रन को ॥३१॥
वे जगती के नर औ नारी। मनवांछित फल पावें भारी ॥३२॥
जो जन शरण तुम्हारी जावे। सो निश्चय भव से तर जावे ॥३३॥
तुम्हरो ध्यान कुमारी ध्यावे। निश्चय मनवांछित वर पावै ॥३४॥
सधवा पूजा करे तुम्हारी। अमर सुहागिन हो वह नारी ॥३५॥
विधवा धर के ध्यान तुम्हारा। भवसागर से उतरे पारा ॥३६॥
जयति जयति जय संकट हरणी। विघ्न विनाशन मंगल करनी ॥३७॥
हम पर संकट है अति भारी। वेगि खबर लो मात हमारी ॥३८॥
निशिदिन ध्यान तुम्हारो ध्याता। देह भक्ति वर हम को माता ॥३९॥
यह चालीसा जो नित गावे। सो भवसागर से तर जावे ॥४०॥
संतोषी माँ के सदा बंदहूँ पग निश वास ।
पूर्ण मनोरथ हो सकल मात हरौ भव त्रास ॥
॥ इति श्री संतोषी माता चालीसा ॥
In the Hindu mythology, Santoshi Mata is revered as the goddess of satisfaction, contentment, and fulfillment. Her name, derived from the Sanskrit word “santushti,” which means “contentment” or “satisfaction,” reflects the deepest aspirations of the human heart. We all desire to feel complete, to experience a sense of wholeness that transcends the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures. Santoshi Mata embodies this profound longing, offering us a glimpse into the mysteries of the universe and the human condition.
As we embark on this journey of exploration, it’s essential to recognize the significance of the Bhagavad Gita, that sublime scripture that has guided countless seekers on their path to self-discovery. In its verses, we find the eternal wisdom of the ages, a distillation of the essence of yoga, which is not merely a physical practice, but a way of life. The Gita reminds us that our true nature is not limited by the confines of the ego or the conditioned mind, but is, in fact, a spark of the divine, a droplet of the infinite ocean of consciousness. This realization is the foundation upon which we can build a life of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment.
The Puranas, those ancient repositories of myth and legend, offer us a rich tapestry of stories and symbolism, each one a thread in the intricate weave of human experience. They speak of the gods and goddesses, beings of immense power and wisdom, who embody the various aspects of the universe and the human psyche. Santoshi Mata, as a goddess, represents the feminine principle, the receptive, nurturing aspect of the divine that brings balance and harmony to our lives. Her presence in our lives can be a potent reminder of the importance of self-care, compassion, and empathy, qualities that are essential for navigating the complexities of modern relationships and careers.
The Alchemy of Devotion
The Santoshi Mata Chalisa, a beautiful expression of devotion, is a poignant reminder of the transformative power of love and surrender. This sacred poetry, born from the depths of the human heart, speaks to our deepest longing for connection, for a sense of belonging to something greater than ourselves. As we recite the Chalisa, we are, in essence, invoking the presence of the divine, calling forth the energies of love, compassion, and guidance that reside within us. This act of devotion is a form of alchemy, a process of transformation that awakens the dormant potential within us, allowing us to transcend the limitations of the ego and experience the world with fresh eyes.
The concept of “bhakti,” or devotion, is central to the Hindu tradition, and is beautifully expressed in the Bhagavad Gita. Bhakti is not merely a sentimental attachment or a fleeting emotional state, but a profound commitment to the path of love and self-surrender. It is a recognition that our true nature is not separate from the universe, but is, in fact, an integral part of it, a droplet of the ocean that contains the ocean within it. This realization is the foundation of true fulfillment, for it allows us to experience life in all its beauty and complexity, without the burdens of the ego or the conditioning of the mind.
As we navigate the demands of modern life, with its relentless pace and constant distractions, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly nourishes us. The Santoshi Mata Chalisa offers us a poignant reminder of the importance of cultivating inner peace, of creating a sanctuary of the soul that is impervious to the chaos of the external world. By embracing the principles of bhakti, we can transform our lives, infusing them with a sense of purpose, meaning, and direction. We can learn to navigate the complexities of relationships, careers, and daily life with greater ease, compassion, and wisdom.
The Whisperings of the Soul
As we listen to the whispers of the soul, we begin to recognize the subtle languages of the heart. We learn to discern the gentle nudges of intuition, the soft whispers of guidance that arise from the depths of our being. The Santoshi Mata Chalisa is a beautiful expression of this inner wisdom, a poetic rendering of the soul’s deepest longings and aspirations. As we recite the Chalisa, we are, in essence, conversing with our own heart, listening to the subtle whispers of our deepest nature.
The Sanskrit term “atman,” or the individual self, refers to the spark of consciousness that resides within each of us. This spark is a droplet of the infinite ocean of consciousness, a reflection of the divine that guides us on our journey through life. The atman is the source of our deepest wisdom, the wellspring of intuition and guidance that arises from the stillness of the mind. As we cultivate a deeper connection with our atman, we begin to experience life with greater clarity, purpose, and direction. We learn to navigate the complexities of the world with greater ease, compassion, and wisdom.
The concept of “dharma,” or righteous living, is central to the Hindu tradition, and is beautifully expressed in the Bhagavad Gita. Dharma refers to the natural order of the universe, the harmony that arises from living in accordance with the principles of nature. When we live in alignment with our dharma, we experience a sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment that transcends the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures. We learn to navigate the complexities of modern life with greater ease, compassion, and wisdom, recognizing that our actions have consequences that ripple out into the world.
A Final Thought for the Day
As we close this conversation, I offer you a final thought to ponder. May the Santoshi Mata Chalisa be a reminder to you of the beauty and wisdom that resides within your own heart. May its verses guide you on your journey, offering you a sense of comfort, solace, and guidance in times of need. And may you always remember that the sanctuary of the soul is not something that lies outside of you, but is, in fact, the very essence of your own being, a spark of the divine that guides you on your path to self-discovery and fulfillment. May you walk in peace, my friend, and may your heart be filled with the beauty and wonder of the universe.