Chant text
Kali Sahasranama Lyrics — 1,072-Name Chant Text
The "lyrics" of the Kali Sahasranama are the names of the Goddess recited in sequence. This page gives the chant order, the opening names, and links to the complete 1,072-name text in English, Devanagari, and transliteration — plus a free printable PDF for practice and offline recitation.
How the Kali Sahasranama is structured
The Adya Mahakali Sahasranama on this site contains 1,072 names in a fixed sequence. The names are not random epithets collected in a list; they are a continuous devotional stream, traditionally recited in order from beginning to end. Because the list is long, it is organized here into ranges of one hundred names so that a reader can start anywhere and still follow the same order.
For daily practice, many devotees use a shorter set such as the 108 names drawn from the opening of the Sahasranama. For full recitation, use the printable PDF or follow the range pages one by one.
Opening 27 names (chant sample)
The following names open the Sahasranama. Each is shown in common English spelling and Devanagari; the full page for each name includes the IAST transliteration and meaning. In recitation the names are usually spoken as one continuous stream rather than as a bulleted list.
Shmashana Kalika श्मशान कालिका · Kali काली · Bhadrakali भद्रकाली · Kapalini कपालिनी · Guhya Kali गुह्य काली · Mahakali महाकाली · Kurukulla-Virodhini कुरुकुल्ला-विरोधिनी · Kalika कालिका · Kalaratri Cha कालरात्रि च · Mahakala Nitambini महाकाल नितंबिनी · Kala Bhairava Bharya Cha काल भैरव भार्या च · Kula Vartma Prakashini कुल वर्त्म प्रकाशिनी · Kamada कामदा · Kamini कामिनी · Kamya काम्या · Kamaniya Svabhavini कमनीय स्वभाविनी · Kasturi Rasa Liptangi कस्तूरी रस लिप्तांगी · Kunjareshvara Gamini कुञ्जरेश्वर गामिनी · Kakara Varna Sarvangi ककरा वर्ण सर्वांगी · Kamini Kama Sundari कामिनी काम सुंदरी · Kamarta कमार्ता · Kamarupacha कामरूपाच · Kamadhenu कामधेनु · Kala-Vati कला-वती · Kanta कान्ता · Kama Svarupa Cha काम स्वरूपा च · Kamakhya कामाख्या
Continue with the complete list by range, or open the printable PDF for the full sequence with meanings.
Tips for chanting the names
- Take the sequence as it comes. Keep the given order rather than rearranging names into a personal list.
- Choose a realistic pace. A slow, steady recitation of a shorter set is a better daily practice than an irregular full recitation.
- Use the transliteration. If the Devanagari is unfamiliar, follow the IAST form on each name page; it is the most predictable pronunciation guide on this site.
- Keep a printed copy. The printable PDF is A4-sized and designed to be marked, folded, and carried.
- Follow your tradition. Lineage instruction and local custom take precedence over any general guide, including this page.
Questions about the lyrics
What are the Kali Sahasranama lyrics?
The Kali Sahasranama is a sequence of names of the Goddess, not a metrical song. Its "lyrics" are the names themselves, recited in order. This page explains the order and links to the complete 1,072-name text, the 108-name practice set, and a printable PDF.
Can I chant the full Kali Sahasranama?
Yes. The complete text is available online by range and as a printable PDF. Many devotees recite a shorter set such as 108 names for daily practice and the full Sahasranama on special occasions.
Where can I find the full lyrics with meanings?
Every one of the 1,072 names has its own page with Devanagari, transliteration, alternate spellings, and a full English meaning. The printable PDF contains the complete list with short meanings.
Is there an audio version?
This site does not host an official recording. The chant order and text here match the printable PDF, so you can follow the sequence with any recording of the Adya Mahakali Sahasranama your tradition uses.