In the vast tapestry of Hindu mythology, the figure of Lord Hanuman shines brightly as a symbol of unwavering devotion and faith. His legendary feats and boundless dedication to Lord Ram have inspired generations, and at the heart of this reverence lies the timeless hymn known as the Hanuman Chalisa.
Crafted by the revered Saint Goswami Tulsidas, the Hanuman Chalisa stands as a testament to the enduring bond between devotee and deity. Tulsidas, the illustrious author of the Tulsi Ramayana, is said to have penned this sacred hymn during a time of illness, seeking solace and healing through his fervent devotion to Lord Hanuman.
Comprising forty verses brimming with adoration for the divine Hanuman, the Chalisa is written in Avadhi, a dialect of Hindi spoken in Ayodhya, the sacred birthplace of Lord Ram. Each verse resonates with praises and invocations, extolling the virtues and magnificence of Hanuman.
As devotees chant the verses of the Hanuman Chalisa, they immerse themselves in a spiritual journey, drawing strength and inspiration from the boundless devotion exemplified by Lord Hanuman. It serves as a beacon of hope and faith, guiding countless souls towards enlightenment and inner peace.
In essence, the Hanuman Chalisa transcends time and space, offering solace, healing, and spiritual fulfillment to all who seek the divine grace of Lord Hanuman.
Hanuman Chalisa Explained
Shri Guru Charan Sarooja-raj
Nija manu Mukura Sudhaari
Baranau Rahubhara Bimala Yasha
Jo Dayaka Phala Chari
Having purified the mirror of my heart with the dust of my Guru’s lotus feet, I chant the divine glory of the greatest king of the Raghukul dynasty, which grants us the fruit of all four endeavors.
Budhee-Heen Thanu Jannikay Sumirow Pavana Kumara
Bala-Budhee Vidya Dehoo Mohee Harahu Kalesha Vikaara
Knowing that my intellect is inadequate, I meditate upon the ‘Son of Wind,’ who, granting me strength, wisdom, and all types of knowledge, removes all my sorrows and shortcomings.
Jai Hanuman gyan gun sagar
Jai Kapis tihun lok ujagar
Ram doot atulit bal dhama
Anjaani-putra Pavan sut nama
Victory to Lord Hanuman, the ocean of knowledge and virtue. Victory to the Lord who illuminates the three worlds as the foremost among monkeys. You are the messenger of Lord Rama, the incomparable abode of strength, the son of Mother Anjani, and renowned as the ‘Son of the Wind.’
Mahabir Bikram Bajrangi
Kumati nivar sumati Ke sangi
Kanchan varan viraj subesa
Kanan Kundal Kunchit Kesha
Great hero, You are as mighty as a thunderbolt. You dispel wicked intellect and accompany those with noble ones. Your golden skin gleams, adorned with splendid attire. Your ears bear decorative earrings, and your hair is curly and thick.
Hath Vajra Aur Dhuvaje Viraje
Kaandhe moonj janehu sajai
Sankar suvan kesri Nandan
Tej prataap maha jag vandan
In Your hands, a mace and the flag of righteousness shine. A sacred thread graces Your right shoulder. You embody Lord Shiva and are the son of the vanar king Kesari. Your glory and magnificence know no bounds; the entire universe venerates You.
Vidyavaan guni ati chatur
Ram kaj karibe ko aatur
Prabu charitra sunibe-ko rasiya
Ram Lakhan Sita man Basiya
You are exceedingly wise, virtuous, and astute. You are always eager to carry out Lord Rama’s tasks. You find immense joy in hearing about the deeds and character of Lord Rama; He, along with Mother Sita and Lord Laxmana, resides forever in Your heart.
Sukshma roop dhari Siyahi dikhava
Vikat roop dhari lank jarava
Bhima roop dhari asur sanghare
Ramachandra ke kaj sanvare
Assuming a subtle form, You appeared before Mother Sita. Taking on a formidable form, You incinerated the kingdom of Lanka. In a colossal form akin to Bheema’s, You vanquished the demons, thus fulfilling the missions of Lord Rama.
Laye Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyaye
Shri Raghuvir Harashi ur laye
Raghupati Kinhi bahut badai
Tum mam priye Bharat-hi-sam bhai
Bringing the life-restoring herb, You revived Lord Laxmana. Raghupati, Lord Rama, extolled You greatly and, overflowing with gratitude, declared You to be as dear to Him as Bharat. Sages like Sanaka, gods like Brahma, and sages like Narada, as well as the thousand-mouthed serpent, sing Your praises!
Sahas badan tumharo yash gaave
Asa-kahi Shripati kanth lagaave
Sankadhik Brahmaadi Muneesa
Narad-Sarad sahit Aheesa
Hearing this, Lord Rama pulled You close and embraced You. Sages like Sanaka, deities like Brahma, and sages like Narada, along with the thousand-mouthed serpent, sing Your praises! Sanak, Sanandan, other revered sages, and saints; Brahma, the divine creator, Narada, Saraswati, the Divine Mother, and the King of serpents, all extol Your glory.
Yam Kuber Digpaal Jahan te
Kavi kovid kahi sake kahan te
Tum upkar Sugreevahin keenha
Ram milaye rajpad deenha
Yama, Kubera, and the guardians of the four directions, as well as poets and scholars, fail to describe Your glory. You aided Sugriva by introducing Him to Lord Rama and assisting Him in regaining His throne. Thus, You bestowed upon Him kingship.
Tumharo mantra Vibheeshan maana
Lankeshwar Bhaye Sub jag jana
Yug sahastra jojan par Bhanu
Leelyo tahi madhur phal janu
Similarly, even Vibhishana became the King of Lanka by adhering to Your teachings. You mistook the distant sun for a sweet, red fruit and consumed it!
Prabhu mudrika meli mukh mahee
Jaladhi langhi gaye achraj nahee
Durgaam kaj jagath ke jete
Sugam anugraha tumhre tete
With the ring given by Lord Rama in Your mouth, You crossed the ocean effortlessly, to no one’s surprise. All daunting tasks in the world become manageable with Your grace.
Ram dwaare tum rakhvare
Hoat na agya binu paisare
Sub sukh lahae tumhari sar na
Tum rakshak kahu ko dar naa
You guard the door of Lord Rama. None can approach without Your consent; hence, the sight of Lord Rama is only possible with Your blessings. Those who seek refuge in You find all happiness and comfort. With You as their protector, they fear nothing.
Aapan tej samharo aapai
Teenhon lok hank te kanpai
Bhoot pisaach Nikat nahin aavai
Mahavir jab naam sunavae
You alone can contain Your own splendor. The mere sound of Your roar causes the three worlds to tremble. O Mahaveer! Those who remember Your name are untouched by ghosts or evil spirits. Simply remembering Your name accomplishes everything!
Nase rog harae sab peera
Japat nirantar Hanumant beera
Sankat se Hanuman chudavae
Man Karam Vachan dyan jo lavai
All diseases and pains are alleviated by chanting Your name incessantly. Hence, regular recitation of Your name is considered paramount. Those who meditate upon You with thought, word, and deed find relief from all crises and afflictions.
Sab par Ram tapasvee raja
Tin ke kaj sakal Tum saja
Aur manorath jo koi lavai
Sohi amit jeevan phal pavai
You carried out all the tasks of Lord Rama, who is the greatest ascetic among kings. One who approaches You with any desire or sincere longing obtains abundant and everlasting fruits.
Charon Yug partap tumhara
Hai persidh jagat ujiyara
Sadhu Sant ke tum Rakhware
Asur nikandan Ram dulhare
Your splendor spans all four ages, and Your renown illuminates the entire world. You protect saints and sages, destroy demons, and are beloved by Lord Rama.
Ashta-sidhi nav nidhi ke dhata
As-var deen Janki mata
Ram rasayan tumhare pasa
Sada raho Raghupati ke dasa
You have been empowered by Mother Janaki to bestow blessings upon deserving ones, granting them the siddhis and nidhis. You embody the essence of devotion to Lord Rama, forever remaining His humble servant.
Tumhare bhajan Ram ko pavai
Janam-janam ke dukh bisraavai
Anth-kaal Raghuvir pur jayee
Jahan janam Hari-Bakht Kahayee
Singing Your praise, one attains the presence of Lord Rama and casts aside the sorrows of countless lifetimes. By Your grace, one transcends to the immortal realm of Lord Rama after death, remaining devoted to Him.
Aur Devta Chit na dharehi
Hanumanth se hi sarve sukh karehi
Sankat kate-mite sab peera
Jo sumirai Hanumat Balbeera
Serving Lord Hanuman alone suffices; all comforts are attained through His service. For those who remember the mighty Lord Hanuman, all troubles vanish, and pains cease.
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosahin
Kripa Karahu Gurudev ki nyahin
Jo sat bar path kare kohi
Chutehi bandhi maha sukh hohi
Praises to Lord Hanuman, the son of the wind, the embodiment of auspiciousness. Reside in my heart eternally with Lord Rama, Laxmana, and Mother Sita.
Jo yah padhe Hanuman Chalisa
Hoye siddhi sakhi Gaureesa
Tulsidas sada hari chera
Keejai Nath Hridaye mein dera
Whoever chants the Hanuman Chalisa finds success in all endeavors. Even Lord Shiva bears witness to this. “May I forever be a humble servant and devotee of Lord Sri Ram,” prays Tulsidas to Lord Hanuman. “May Your presence always dwell in my heart.”
Pavan Tanay Sankat Harana
Mangala Murati Roop
Ram Lakhana Sita Sahita
Hriday Basahu Soor Bhoop
Oh, mighty Son of Wind, You alleviate all sorrows and embody abundance and prosperity.
May You, along with Lord Rama, Laxmana, and Mother Sita, eternally reside in my heart.
Benefits of Chanting Hanuman Chalisa
Chanting the Hanuman Chalisa brings forth a multitude of benefits. With each verse, the hymn unveils the numerous qualities of Lord Hanuman. Devotees recite this sacred hymn, believing that the supreme devotee of Lord Ram, Hanuman, will shower blessings upon them.
The Hanuman Chalisa is revered for its protective powers, shielding devotees from illnesses, adversaries, and adversities. Lord Hanuman is regarded as the deity of vitality, whose worship enhances the life force within us. This heightened life force empowers us to overcome obstacles, dispelling fear, mistrust, and doubt from our hearts.
