Hanuman Chalisa
Significance & Importance
The Hanuman Chalisa is the most widely recited devotional text in all of Hinduism, transcending regional, linguistic, and sectarian boundaries. Composed by the poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century in Awadhi (a dialect of Hindi), this forty-verse hymn (chalisa means 'forty') has become the quintessential expression of devotion to Lord Hanuman, the immortal devotee of Lord Rama.
Tulsidas wrote the Hanuman Chalisa during a period of personal crisis тАФ tradition holds that he composed it while imprisoned by the Mughal emperor Akbar for performing miracles. The text emerged from deep devotion and carries an extraordinary spiritual potency that millions of devotees have experienced over five centuries. It is said that sincere recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa removes fear, cures illness, and provides courage in the face of adversity.
The Chalisa's forty chaupais (quatrains) narrate Hanuman's divine qualities, his heroic deeds in the Ramayana, and the blessings he bestows upon devotees. Key episodes include his leap across the ocean to Lanka, his burning of Ravana's golden city, his carrying of the Sanjeevani mountain to save Lakshmana, and his receiving the ultimate boon from Sita herself тАФ the power to grant the eight siddhis (supernatural powers) and nine nidhis (divine treasures).
What makes the Hanuman Chalisa uniquely powerful in Hindu practice is its accessibility. Unlike complex Vedic mantras requiring precise pronunciation and initiation, the Chalisa can be recited by anyone тАФ regardless of caste, gender, education, or ritual purity. This democratic quality, combined with Hanuman's reputation as the deity who responds most readily to devotees in distress, has made it the go-to prayer in times of fear, illness, or uncertainty across the Indian subcontinent.
English Transliteration
Doha : Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Manu Mukuru Sudhari. Barnaun Raghubar Bimal Jasu, Jo Dayaku Phal Chari. Buddhiheen Tanu Jaanike, Sumirau Pavan-Kumar. Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kales Bikaar. Chaupai : Jai Hanuman Gyaan Gun Sagar. Jai Kapees Tihun Lok Ujagar. Ramdoot Atulit Bal Dhama. Anjani-Putra Pavansut Nama. Mahabeer Bikram Bajrangi. Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangi. Kanchan Baran Biraaj Subesa. Kanan Kundal Kunchit Kesa. Haath Bajra Au Dhvaja Biraaje. Kaandhe Moonj Janeu Saaje. Shankar Suvan Kesarinandan. Tej Prataap Maha Jag Bandan. Vidyavaan Guni Ati Chaatur. Ram Kaaj Karibe Ko Aatur. Prabhu Charitra Sunibe Ko Rasiya. Ram Lakhan Sita Man Basiya. Sukshma Roop Dhari Siyahin Dikhaava. Bikat Roop Dhari Lanka Jaraava. Bheem Roop Dhari Asur Sanhaare. Ramchandra Ke Kaaj Sanvaare. Laay Sajivan Lakhan Jiyaaye. Shri Raghubeer Harashi Ur Laaye. Raghupati Keenhi Bahut Badai. Tum Mam Priya Bharatahi Sam Bhai. Sahas Badan Tumharo Jas Gaavain. As Kahi Shripati Kanth Lagaavain. Sanakadik Brahmadi Muneesa. Narad Sarad Sahit Aheesa. Jam Kuber Digpal Jahan Te. Kabi Kobid Kahi Sake Kahan Te. Tum Upkaar Sugreevahin Keenha. Ram Milaay Rajpad Deenha. Tumharo Mantra Vibheeshan Maana. Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag Jaana. Jug Sahasra Yojan Par Bhanu. Leelyo Taahi Madhur Phal Janu. Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukh Maaheen. Jaladhi Langhi Gaye Achraj Naaheen. Durgam Kaaj Jagat Ke Jete. Sugam Anugraha Tumhare Tete. Ram Duaare Tum Rakhvaare. Hot Na Aagya Binu Paisaare. Sab Sukh Lahai Tumhari Sarna. Tum Rakshak Kaahu Ko Dar Na. Aapan Tej Samharo Aapai. Teenon Lok Haank Te Kaanpai. Bhoot Pisach Nikat Nahin Aavai. Mahabeer Jab Naam Sunaavai. Naase Rog Harai Sab Peera. Japat Nirantar Hanumat Beera. Sankat Te Hanuman Chudaavai. Man Kram Bachan Dhyaan Jo Laavai. Sab Par Ram Tapasvi Raja. Tin Ke Kaaj Sakal Tum Saaja. Aur Manorath Jo Koi Laavai. Soi Amit Jeevan Phal Paavai. Charon Jug Partap Tumhara. Hai Parsiddh Jagat Ujiyara. Sadhu-Sant Ke Tum Rakhvaare. Asur Nikandan Ram Dulaare. Asht Siddhi Nau Nidhi Ke Data. As Bar Deen Janaki Mata. Ram Rasayan Tumhare Paasa. Sada Raho Raghupati Ke Daasa. Tumhare Bhajan Ram Ko Paavai. Janam-Janam Ke Dukh Bisraavai. Antkaal Raghubar Pur Jaai. Jahan Janma Hari-Bhakt Kahaai. Aur Devta Chitt Na Dharai. Hanumat Sei Sarba Sukh Karai. Sankat Katai Mitai Sab Peera. Jo Sumirai Hanumat Balbeera. Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosain. Kripa Karahu Gurudev Ki Nain. Jo Sat Baar Paath Kar Koi. Chhootahi Bandi Maha Sukh Hoi. Jo Yah Padhai Hanuman Chaleesa. Hoy Siddhi Saakhi Gaureesa. Tulsidas Sada Hari Chera. Keejai Naath Hriday Manh Dera. Doha : Pavan Tanay Sankat Haran, Mangal Murti Roop. Ram Lakhan Sita Sahit, Hriday Basahu Sur Bhoop.