The Hanuman Chalisa is one of the most revered devotional hymns dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the devoted follower of Lord Rama in the Hindu epic, Ramayana.
Written by the great poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century, this 40-verse hymn holds a special place in the hearts of millions of devotees across the world.
Its recitation is believed to bring strength, courage, and protection to those who chant it with faith and devotion.
Origins and Significance
The Hanuman Chalisa was composed by Tulsidas in the Awadhi language, a dialect of Hindi. Each verse, or “Chaupai,” of the Chalisa is filled with deep meaning and significance, extolling the virtues, strength, and unwavering devotion of Lord Hanuman. The word “Chalisa” itself comes from the Hindi word chalis, meaning forty, referring to the 40 verses of the hymn.
Lord Hanuman, also known as Anjaneya, Bajrang Bali, and Pavan Putra, is widely venerated as the epitome of strength, devotion, and loyalty. According to Hindu mythology, Hanuman is an incarnation of Lord Shiva, born to serve Lord Rama and help him in his mission to defeat evil forces, particularly the demon king Ravana.
Structure of Hanuman Chalisa
The Hanuman Chalisa begins with two introductory couplets, followed by the 40 verses, and concludes with the final doha or couplet. The hymn describes the greatness of Hanuman and his divine qualities:
- Verses 1-10 focus on Hanuman’s birth, his strength, knowledge, and service to Lord Rama.
- Verses 11-20 speak of Hanuman’s intelligence, bravery, and his role in locating Sita, Lord Rama’s consort.
- Verses 21-30 highlight his humility, devotion, and the blessings he received from Lord Rama.
- Verses 31-40 praise Hanuman’s ability to dispel difficulties, protect his devotees, and offer them divine protection.
The final verse reiterates the power of chanting the Hanuman Chalisa, stating that whoever does so will be granted protection from all dangers and achieve spiritual peace.
Benefits of Chanting Hanuman Chalisa
- Overcoming Obstacles: Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa is believed to help devotees overcome challenges, both in personal and professional life. Hanuman, known as the remover of obstacles, is often invoked for courage and strength in difficult times.
- Protection from Negativity: Hanuman is regarded as a protector from evil spirits, negative energies, and harmful influences. Regular recitation of the Chalisa is believed to create a protective shield around the devotee.
- Boosts Confidence and Strength: As Lord Hanuman is the symbol of physical and mental strength, chanting the Chalisa inspires confidence, courage, and resilience in the face of hardships.
- Spiritual Growth: The Hanuman Chalisa is not only a prayer for worldly gains but also a means for spiritual growth. It fosters a deep sense of devotion, humility, and surrender to the divine, leading to inner peace and contentment.
- Healing and Well-being: Many devotees believe that chanting the Chalisa brings healing to physical, mental, and emotional ailments. It is particularly helpful in times of stress, anxiety, or fear.
The Power of Devotion
At its core, the Hanuman Chalisa is a testament to the power of unwavering devotion and faith. Lord Hanuman’s life, as depicted in the Ramayana and praised in the Chalisa, exemplifies the virtues of selflessness, loyalty, and dedication to the divine.
By chanting the Hanuman Chalisa, devotees not only pay homage to Hanuman’s strength and devotion but also invoke these qualities within themselves.
When to Recite Hanuman Chalisa
There is no fixed time to chant the Hanuman Chalisa, but many devotees prefer to recite it early in the morning or at dusk, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays, which are considered auspicious days for worshipping Lord Hanuman. It is also common for people to chant it in times of need or before starting new ventures.
दोहा
श्रीगुरु चरन सरोज रज, निजमन मुकुरु सुधारि। बरनउं रघुबर बिमल जसु, जो दायक फल चारि।।
बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौं पवन-कुमार। बल बुधि बिद्या देहु मोहिं, हरहु कलेस बिकार।।
चौपाई
जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुन सागर।
जय कपीस तिहुं लोक उजागर।।
राम दूत अतुलित बल धामा।
अंजनि-पुत्र पवनसुत नामा।।
महाबीर बिक्रम बजरंगी।
कुमति निवार सुमति के संगी।।
कंचन बरन बिराज सुबेसा।
कानन कुण्डल कुँचित केसा।।
हाथ बज्र औ ध्वजा बिराजे।
कांधे मूंज जनेउ साजे।।
शंकर सुवन केसरी नंदन।
तेज प्रताप महा जग वंदन।।
बिद्यावान गुनी अति चातुर।
राम काज करिबे को आतुर।।
प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया।
राम लखन सीता मन बसिया।।
सूक्ष्म रूप धरि सियहिं दिखावा।
बिकट रूप धरि लंक जरावा।।
भीम रूप धरि असुर संहारे।
रामचन्द्र के काज संवारे।।
लाय सजीवन लखन जियाये।
श्री रघुबीर हरषि उर लाये।।
रघुपति कीन्ही बहुत बड़ाई।
तुम मम प्रिय भरतहि सम भाई।।
सहस बदन तुम्हरो जस गावैं।
अस कहि श्रीपति कण्ठ लगावैं।।
सनकादिक ब्रह्मादि मुनीसा।
नारद सारद सहित अहीसा।।
जम कुबेर दिगपाल जहां ते।
कबि कोबिद कहि सके कहां ते।।
तुम उपकार सुग्रीवहिं कीन्हा।
राम मिलाय राज पद दीन्हा।।
तुम्हरो मंत्र बिभीषन माना।
लंकेश्वर भए सब जग जाना।।
जुग सहस्र जोजन पर भानु।
लील्यो ताहि मधुर फल जानू।।
प्रभु मुद्रिका मेलि मुख माहीं।
जलधि लांघि गये अचरज नाहीं।।
दुर्गम काज जगत के जेते।
सुगम अनुग्रह तुम्हरे तेते।।
राम दुआरे तुम रखवारे।
होत न आज्ञा बिनु पैसारे।।
सब सुख लहै तुम्हारी सरना।
तुम रच्छक काहू को डर ना।।
आपन तेज सम्हारो आपै।
तीनों लोक हांक तें कांपै।।
भूत पिसाच निकट नहिं आवै।
महाबीर जब नाम सुनावै।।
नासै रोग हरे सब पीरा।
जपत निरन्तर हनुमत बीरा।।
संकट तें हनुमान छुड़ावै।
मन क्रम बचन ध्यान जो लावै।।
सब पर राम तपस्वी राजा।
तिन के काज सकल तुम साजा।।
और मनोरथ जो कोई लावै।
सोई अमित जीवन फल पावै।।
चारों जुग परताप तुम्हारा।
है परसिद्ध जगत उजियारा।।
साधु संत के तुम रखवारे।।
असुर निकन्दन राम दुलारे।।
अष्टसिद्धि नौ निधि के दाता।
अस बर दीन जानकी माता।।
राम रसायन तुम्हरे पासा।
सदा रहो रघुपति के दासा।।
तुह्मरे भजन राम को पावै।
जनम जनम के दुख बिसरावै।।
अंत काल रघुबर पुर जाई।
जहां जन्म हरिभक्त कहाई।।
और देवता चित्त न धरई।
हनुमत सेइ सर्ब सुख करई।।
सङ्कट कटै मिटै सब पीरा।
जो सुमिरै हनुमत बलबीरा।।
जय जय जय हनुमान गोसाईं।
कृपा करहु गुरुदेव की नाईं।।
जो सत बार पाठ कर कोई।
छूटहि बन्दि महा सुख होई।।
जो यह पढ़ै हनुमान चालीसा।
होय सिद्धि साखी गौरीसा।।
तुलसीदास सदा हरि चेरा।
कीजै नाथ हृदय महं डेरा।।
दोहा
पवनतनय संकट हरन, मंगल मूरति रूप।
राम लखन सीता सहित, हृदय बसहु सुर भूप।।
Conclusion
The Hanuman Chalisa continues to inspire and guide devotees, offering them hope, courage, and strength. Whether chanted for protection, spiritual growth, or peace of mind, this powerful hymn stands as a timeless reminder of the immense potential of devotion and faith.
By embracing the values extolled in the Hanuman Chalisa, we can strive to live lives of service, strength, and unwavering commitment to the higher ideals, just as Lord Hanuman devoted his life to Lord Rama.
