Table of Contents
The Hanuman Chalisa is a 40-verse hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. Composed in Awadhi, a dialect of Hindi, by the great poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century, this devotional hymn encapsulates the virtues, strength, and devotion of Lord Hanuman. As a profound expression of faith, the Hanuman Chalisa is recited by millions of devotees to seek blessings, protection, and spiritual guidance.
Lord Hanuman, a devoted disciple of Lord Rama, is worshipped for his unwavering devotion, boundless strength, and ability to overcome all obstacles. The Chalisa serves as a testament to his divine qualities, offering devotees spiritual solace and courage in their daily lives.
Hanuman Chalisa
Invocation:
Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Mana Mukura Sudhari।
Barnaun Raghubar Bimal Jasu, Jo Dayaku Phala Chari॥
Main Verses:
Budhiheen Tanu Jaanike, Sumirau Pavan-Kumar।
Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesh Bikaar॥
Jai Hanuman Gyaan Guna Saagar।
Jai Kapis Tihun Lok Ujaagar॥
Raamdoot Atulit Bal Dhaamaa।
Anjani-putra Pavanasut Naamaa॥
Mahabir Bikram Bajrangi।
Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangi॥
Kanchan Baran Biraj Subesaa।
Kanan Kundal Kunchit Kesha॥
Haath Vajra Aur Dhvajaa Biraajai।
Kandhe Moonj Janeu Saajai॥
Shankar Suvan Kesari Nandan।
Tej Pratap Maha Jag Bandan॥
Vidyavaan Guni Ati Chatur।
Raam Kaj Karibe Ko Aatur॥
Prabhu Charitra Sunibe Ko Rasiya।
Raam Lakhan Sita Mann Basia॥
Sukshma Roop Dhari Siyahin Dikhava।
Vikat Roop Dhari Lanka Jarava॥
Bhima Roop Dhari Asur Sanhare।
Raamchandra Ke Kaaj Savare॥
Laaye Sanjeevan Lakhan Jiyaye।
Shri Raghubir Harashi Ura Laye॥
Raghupati Keeni Bahut Badaai।
Tum Mama Priya Bharat-hi Sam Bhai॥
Sahas Badan Tumharo Yash Gaavai।
Asa Kahi Shripati Kanth Lagaavai॥
Sanakadik Brahmaadi Munisaa।
Narad-Sarad Sahit Aheesaa॥
Yam Kuber Digpaal Jahaan Te।
Kavi Kovid Kahin Sake Kahaan Te॥
Tum Upkar Sugreevahin Keenha।
Raam Milaaye Raajpad Deenha॥
Tumharo Mantra Vibheeshan Maanaa।
Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag Jaanaa॥
Jug Sahastra Jojan Par Bhaanu।
Leelyo Taahi Madhur Phal Jaanu॥
Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukha Maahi।
Jaladhi Langhi Gaye Achraj Naahi॥
Durgaam Kaaj Jagat Ke Jeete।
Sugam Anugrah Tumhare Te Te॥
Raam Duware Tum Rakhvaare।
Hot Na Aagya Bin Paisaare॥
Sab Sukh Lahen Tumhari Sharanaa।
Tum Rakshak Kaahu Ko Darnaa॥
Aapan Tej Samharo Aapai।
Teeno Lok Haank Te Kanpai॥
Bhoot Pisaach Nikat Nahin Aavai।
Mahabir Jab Naam Sunaavai॥
Naasai Rog Harai Sab Peeraa।
Japat Nirantar Hanumat Beeraa॥
Sankat Te Hanuman Chhudavai।
Man Karam Vachan Dhyan Jo Lavai॥
Sub Par Raam Tapasvee Raaja।
Tin Ke Kaaj Sakal Tum Saaja॥
Aur Manorath Jo Koi Laavai।
Sohi Amit Jeevan Phal Paavai॥
Chaaron Yug Partaap Tumhara।
Hai Prasiddh Jagat Ujiyara॥
Saadhu Sant Ke Tum Rakhvaare।
Asur Nikandan Raam Dulaare॥
Ashta Siddhi Nau Nidhi Ke Daata।
As Var Din Janki Maata॥
Raam Rasayan Tumhare Paasa।
Sadaa Raho Raghupati Ke Daasa॥
Tumhare Bhajan Raam Ko Paavai।
Janam Janam Ke Dukh Bisraavai॥
Antakaal Raghubar Pur Jaai।
Jahan Janma Hari-Bhakta Kahai॥
Aur Devta Chitt Na Dharai।
Hanumat Sei Sarva Sukh Karai॥
Sankat Kate Mite Sab Peeraa।
Jo Sumirai Hanumat Balbeeraa॥
Conclusion:
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosaai।
Kripa Karahu Gurudev Ki Naai॥
Jo Shat Baar Paath Kar Koi।
Chhootahin Bandhi Maha Sukh Hoi॥
Jo Yah Padhe Hanuman Chalisa।
Hoye Siddhi Saakhi Gaurisa॥
Tulsidas Sada Hari Chera।
Keejai Naath Hridaya Mah Dera॥
Doha:
Pavan Tanay Sankat Haran, Mangal Murti Roop।
Raam Lakhan Sita Sahit, Hriday Basahu Sur Bhoop॥
Religious Significance
Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa is believed to bring immense spiritual benefits, including:
- Protection: Shielding devotees from negative forces and removing obstacles.
- Strength and Courage: Infusing self-confidence and inner strength to face challenges.
- Peace of Mind: Reducing stress and anxiety while fostering spiritual calm.
- Divine Blessings: Attracting blessings for health, prosperity, and fulfillment of desires.
Special occasions, such as Tuesdays and Saturdays, are considered particularly auspicious for reciting the Chalisa, as these days are dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
Historical and Cultural Context
The Hanuman Chalisa was composed by Goswami Tulsidas, a saint deeply devoted to Lord Rama and his followers. Written during the 16th century in India, it aimed to make spiritual teachings accessible to the masses in a simple yet profound manner.
Anecdotes suggest that Tulsidas composed the Chalisa in gratitude to Lord Hanuman for helping him overcome spiritual and worldly challenges. The Chalisa has since been preserved through oral traditions, manuscripts, and modern-day recordings.
Key Themes and Messages
- Devotion: Demonstrating unwavering loyalty and service to Lord Rama.
- Strength and Valor: Showcasing Lord Hanuman’s boundless energy and fearlessness.
- Humility: Despite his immense power, Hanuman epitomizes humility and selflessness.
Symbolism:
- Sanjeevani herb: Represents hope and revival.
- Flying across the ocean: Symbolizes transcending obstacles through faith.
Recitation Guidelines
- Preparation: Begin with a clean mind and body. Light a lamp or incense and sit in a quiet space.
- Frequency: Recite daily or during challenging times, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
- Intention: Focus on seeking blessings, overcoming struggles, or strengthening your connection with Hanuman.
Structure of the Chalisa
- Invocation (Opening): Paying respect to the Guru and Lord Hanuman.
- Main Verses: Praises and descriptions of Hanuman’s divine attributes and deeds.
- Conclusion: Offering gratitude and seeking blessings.
Meaning and Interpretation
Each verse of the Hanuman Chalisa highlights a unique virtue of Lord Hanuman. For instance:
- Jai Hanuman Gyaan Guna Saagar signifies Hanuman as an ocean of wisdom and virtues.
- Raamdoot Atulit Bal Dhaamaa emphasizes his role as a messenger of Rama and a powerhouse of strength.
These verses inspire devotees to embody qualities like loyalty, courage, and selflessness in their lives.
Cultural and Religious Importance
During festivals like Hanuman Jayanti, the Chalisa is recited in temples and homes with devotion. It is also sung in kirtans and bhajans, fostering a sense of community and spiritual connection.
Conclusion
The Hanuman Chalisa is more than just a hymn; it is a spiritual tool that empowers, protects, and inspires devotees. Its teachings encourage humility, devotion, and courage, making it a timeless source of guidance. Reciting and understanding the Chalisa deepens one’s spiritual journey, bringing peace and divine blessings into their life.