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 — 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 — 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 — 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.Verse-by-Verse Meaning
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Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Manu Mukuru Sudhari. Barnaun Raghubar Bimal Jasu, Jo Dayaku Phal Chari.
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Cleansing the mirror of my mind with the dust of my Guru's lotus feet, I sing the unblemished glory of Shri Raghubar (Rama) — the glory that bestows the four fruits of life: dharma, artha, kama and moksha.
Buddhiheen Tanu Jaanike, Sumirau Pavan-Kumar. Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kales Bikaar.
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Knowing myself to be devoid of wisdom, I remember Pavan-Kumar (Hanuman). O Lord, grant me strength, intellect and knowledge, and remove my afflictions and impurities.
Jai Hanuman Gyaan Gun Sagar. Jai Kapees Tihun Lok Ujagar.
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Victory to you, Hanuman, ocean of wisdom and virtue! Victory to the lord of the vanaras who illumines all three worlds!
Ramdoot Atulit Bal Dhama. Anjani-Putra Pavansut Nama.
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You are Rama's envoy and the abode of immeasurable strength; your names are Anjani-Putra (son of Anjana) and Pavansut (son of the Wind).
Mahabeer Bikram Bajrangi. Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangi.
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O mighty hero, valiant one, of limbs strong as a thunderbolt (Bajrangi)! You dispel wrong thinking and are the companion of right wisdom.
Kanchan Baran Biraaj Subesa. Kanan Kundal Kunchit Kesa.
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Golden-hued and adorned in beautiful attire, you shine with rings in your ears and curly locks of hair.
Haath Bajra Au Dhvaja Biraaje. Kaandhe Moonj Janeu Saaje.
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In your hands the mace (vajra) and banner shine forth, and the sacred thread of munja grass adorns your shoulder.
Shankar Suvan Kesarinandan. Tej Prataap Maha Jag Bandan.
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Portion of Shankar (a Rudra-avatar) and son of Kesari, your great radiance and majesty are revered throughout the world.
Vidyavaan Guni Ati Chaatur. Ram Kaaj Karibe Ko Aatur.
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Learned, virtuous and exceedingly clever, you are ever eager to carry out the work of Shri Rama.
Prabhu Charitra Sunibe Ko Rasiya. Ram Lakhan Sita Man Basiya.
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You delight in hearing the deeds of the Lord; Rama, Lakshmana and Sita dwell forever in your heart.
Sukshma Roop Dhari Siyahin Dikhaava. Bikat Roop Dhari Lanka Jaraava.
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Assuming a tiny form you appeared before Sita, and taking a fearsome form you burned Lanka.
Bheem Roop Dhari Asur Sanhaare. Ramchandra Ke Kaaj Sanvaare.
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Taking a colossal (Bhima) form you destroyed the demons and accomplished all the tasks of Shri Ramachandra.
Laay Sajivan Lakhan Jiyaaye. Shri Raghubeer Harashi Ur Laaye.
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Bringing the Sanjeevani herb you revived Lakshmana; overjoyed, Shri Raghubeer clasped you to his heart.
Raghupati Keenhi Bahut Badai. Tum Mam Priya Bharatahi Sam Bhai.
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Shri Raghupati praised you greatly, saying, "You are as dear to me as my brother Bharata."
Sahas Badan Tumharo Jas Gaavain. As Kahi Shripati Kanth Lagaavain.
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"The thousand-mouthed Shesha himself sings your glory" — so saying, Shripati (Rama) embraced you close.
Sanakadik Brahmadi Muneesa. Narad Sarad Sahit Aheesa.
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The sages such as Sanaka, gods such as Brahma and the great seers, along with Narada, Saraswati and Shesha — all sing your praise.
Jam Kuber Digpal Jahan Te. Kabi Kobid Kahi Sake Kahan Te.
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When even Yama, Kubera and the guardians of the directions cannot fully tell your glory, how can poets and scholars describe it?
Tum Upkaar Sugreevahin Keenha. Ram Milaay Rajpad Deenha.
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You did a great service to Sugriva, uniting him with Shri Rama and securing him his kingdom.
Tumharo Mantra Vibheeshan Maana. Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag Jaana.
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Vibhishana heeded your counsel and thereby became the lord of Lanka — the whole world knows this.
Jug Sahasra Yojan Par Bhanu. Leelyo Taahi Madhur Phal Janu.
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The sun, thousands of yojanas away, you swallowed, taking it to be a sweet fruit.
Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukh Maaheen. Jaladhi Langhi Gaye Achraj Naaheen.
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Holding the Lord's ring in your mouth you leapt across the ocean — no wonder in that.
Durgam Kaaj Jagat Ke Jete. Sugam Anugraha Tumhare Tete.
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However difficult the tasks of the world may be, all become easy by your grace.
Ram Duaare Tum Rakhvaare. Hot Na Aagya Binu Paisaare.
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You are the guardian at Rama's gate; without your leave none may enter there.
Sab Sukh Lahai Tumhari Sarna. Tum Rakshak Kaahu Ko Dar Na.
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Whoever takes refuge in you attains all happiness; when you are the protector, there is no fear of anyone.
Aapan Tej Samharo Aapai. Teenon Lok Haank Te Kaanpai.
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You alone can hold in check your own might; at your roar all three worlds tremble.
Bhoot Pisach Nikat Nahin Aavai. Mahabeer Jab Naam Sunaavai.
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Ghosts and evil spirits do not come near wherever the name of the mighty Hanuman is recited.
Naase Rog Harai Sab Peera. Japat Nirantar Hanumat Beera.
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O valiant Hanuman! By reciting your name constantly, diseases are destroyed and all suffering is removed.
Sankat Te Hanuman Chudaavai. Man Kram Bachan Dhyaan Jo Laavai.
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Hanuman delivers from every distress the one who meditates on him in thought, deed and word.
Sab Par Ram Tapasvi Raja. Tin Ke Kaaj Sakal Tum Saaja.
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Rama, the ascetic king, is supreme over all; you accomplished every one of his tasks.
Aur Manorath Jo Koi Laavai. Soi Amit Jeevan Phal Paavai.
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And whoever brings any heartfelt wish to you obtains boundless fruit in life.
Charon Jug Partap Tumhara. Hai Parsiddh Jagat Ujiyara.
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Your glory endures through all four ages; your renown shines forth, famed throughout the world.
Sadhu-Sant Ke Tum Rakhvaare. Asur Nikandan Ram Dulaare.
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You are the protector of saints and sages, destroyer of demons, and the beloved of Shri Rama.
Asht Siddhi Nau Nidhi Ke Data. As Bar Deen Janaki Mata.
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You are the bestower of the eight siddhis and nine nidhis — such a boon Mother Janaki (Sita) granted you.
Ram Rasayan Tumhare Paasa. Sada Raho Raghupati Ke Daasa.
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You hold the elixir of Rama's name; may you ever remain the servant of Shri Raghupati.
Tumhare Bhajan Ram Ko Paavai. Janam-Janam Ke Dukh Bisraavai.
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Through devotion to you one attains Shri Rama and forgets the sorrows of countless births.
Antkaal Raghubar Pur Jaai. Jahan Janma Hari-Bhakt Kahaai.
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At life's end such a one goes to the abode of Raghubar, and wherever reborn, is known as a devotee of Hari.
Aur Devta Chitt Na Dharai. Hanumat Sei Sarba Sukh Karai.
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One who holds no other deity in mind and serves Hanuman alone attains every happiness.
Sankat Katai Mitai Sab Peera. Jo Sumirai Hanumat Balbeera.
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For the one who remembers the mighty, valiant Hanuman, distress is cut away and all pain is dispelled.
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosain. Kripa Karahu Gurudev Ki Nain.
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Victory, victory, victory to Lord Hanuman! Show me grace as a Gurudev would.
Jo Sat Baar Paath Kar Koi. Chhootahi Bandi Maha Sukh Hoi.
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Whoever recites this a hundred times is freed from bondage and gains great happiness.
Jo Yah Padhai Hanuman Chaleesa. Hoy Siddhi Saakhi Gaureesa.
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Whoever reads this Hanuman Chalisa attains success (siddhi) — Gaureesa (Lord Shiva) himself is witness to this.
Tulsidas Sada Hari Chera. Keejai Naath Hriday Manh Dera.
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Tulsidas is ever the servant of Hari; O Lord, make your abode within my heart.
Pavan Tanay Sankat Haran, Mangal Murti Roop. Ram Lakhan Sita Sahit, Hriday Basahu Sur Bhoop.
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O son of the Wind, remover of distress, embodiment of auspiciousness! O king of the gods, dwell in my heart together with Rama, Lakshmana and Sita.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should the Hanuman Chalisa be recited?
The Hanuman Chalisa is traditionally recited during the morning or evening worship of Hanuman, and especially on the deity's sacred days. Reciting it daily — or for forty days — is a common devotional practice.
How many verses are there in a Chalisa?
A chalisa is a devotional hymn of forty (chālīs) chaupai verses, usually framed by opening and closing doha couplets, composed here in praise of Hanuman.
What are the benefits of reciting the Hanuman Chalisa?
Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa with faith is traditionally believed to invoke the grace of Hanuman, steady the mind, and bring courage and inner peace. It is offered as an act of bhakti (devotion), not as a guarantee of any specific material result.