An Ode to Devotion: The Hanuman Chalisa
The Hanuman Chalisa is a sacred hymn of forty verses, a poetic masterpiece composed by the revered 16th-century poet-saint Tulsidas in praise of Lord Hanuman. It is more than just a hymn; it is a spiritual guide, a source of immense strength, and a testament to the power of selfless devotion. For centuries, this sacred text has been a beacon of hope for millions of devotees, who chant it to find courage in the face of fear, overcome life's obstacles, and find peace and prosperity. The Hanuman Chalisa is a succinct yet profound encapsulation of Lord Hanuman's virtues, his divine exploits, and his unwavering loyalty to Lord Rama. Each verse is a jewel of spiritual wisdom, carrying a deep meaning that resonates with the human heart. This article delves into the Hanuman Chalisa, providing the full Hindi lyrics, their powerful meanings, and the profound significance of this timeless devotional masterpiece.
The Origin and Significance of the Hanuman Chalisa
The composition of the Hanuman Chalisa is a story of divine inspiration and immense humility. It is said that Tulsidas, a contemporary and great devotee of Lord Rama, composed the Chalisa while in a state of spiritual trance. Legend has it that Tulsidas was imprisoned by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. When the emperor demanded that he show him a miracle, Tulsidas, in his divine conviction, said he could not, as a true devotee does not perform miracles. Instead, he prayed to Lord Hanuman. In response to his prayers, an army of monkeys, led by Lord Hanuman himself, is said to have stormed the city. Fearing the wrath of the divine, Aurangzeb released Tulsidas, who then composed the Hanuman Chalisa as a humble offering of gratitude and reverence to his beloved deity.
The significance of the Chalisa goes far beyond its historical context. It is a tool for spiritual transformation. The hymn's structure, a "chalisa" of forty verses, is believed to be a powerful numerical representation of completeness and balance. Chanting it with unwavering faith is believed to purify the mind, body, and soul. Lord Hanuman is considered the embodiment of selfless service, loyalty, strength, and unwavering faith. By chanting the Chalisa, devotees align themselves with these divine qualities, seeking to imbibe them in their own lives. It is a form of spiritual discipline that helps one to conquer fear, overcome negative energies, and find a sense of inner peace and resilience.
The Divine Verses: A Journey Through the Hanuman Chalisa
The Hanuman Chalisa begins with an introductory couplet, a Doha, which sets the stage for the praise of Lord Hanuman and seeks the blessings of a Guru. It is followed by forty chaupais (quatrains) that narrate the greatness and divine qualities of Lord Hanuman, concluding with a final Doha.
The Opening Doha
श्रीगुरु चरण सरोज रज, निज मन मुकुर सुधारि। बरनऊं रघुबर बिमल जसु, जो दायक फल चारि॥ बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौं पवन कुमार। बल बुद्धि विद्या देहु मोहिं, हरहु कलेश विकार॥
Transliteration: Shree Guru Charan Saroja-raj, Nija Mana Mukuru Sudhaari. Baranaun Raghuvara Vimala Jasu, Jo Daayaku Phala Chaari. Buddhi-heen Tanu Jaanike, Sumiraun Pavana Kumaara. Bala Buddhi Vidyaa Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesha Vikaara.
Meaning: The hymn begins with a deep reverence for the Guru, whose lotus feet are like a mirror that purifies the mind. The poet, Tulsidas, vows to narrate the pure glory of Lord Rama, the bestower of the four great blessings of life: Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desires), and Moksha (salvation). Recognizing his own lack of wisdom, he bows down to Lord Hanuman, the son of the wind, and humbly asks for strength, intellect, and knowledge, praying that Lord Hanuman will remove all his sorrows and imperfections.
Verse 1-5: The Invocation of Greatness
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 कुंडल कुंचित केसा॥ हाथ बज्र औ ध्वजा बिराजै। कांधे मूंज जनेऊ साजै॥
Transliteration: Jai Hanumaan Gyaana Guna Saagara. Jai Kapeesa Tihun Loka Ujaagara. Raama Duta Atulita Bala Dhaamaa. Anjani-Putra Pavana-Suta Naamaa. Mahaa-Veera Vikrama Bajrangi. Kumati Nivaara Sumati Ke Sangee. Kanchana Barana Biraja Subesa. Kaanana Kundala Kunchita Kesa. Haatha Vajra Au Dhvaja Birajai. Kaandhe Munja Janeu Saajai.
Meaning: These verses praise Lord Hanuman as an ocean of wisdom and virtues. He is glorified as the Lord of the monkeys who illuminates the three worlds. He is the messenger of Lord Rama, possessing incomparable strength and power, known by the names Anjani Putra (son of Anjana) and Pavana Sut (son of the wind god). He is a mighty hero with a strong, diamond-like body, who removes all evil thoughts and brings good sense to his devotees. His appearance is described as golden-colored, adorned with ear-rings and curly hair, holding a divine mace (vajra) in one hand and a banner in the other, with the sacred thread (janeu) on his shoulder.
Verse 6-10: The Epitome of Humility and Devotion
शंकर सुवन केसरी नंदन। तेज प्रताप महा जग बंदन॥ विद्यावान गुनी अति चातुर। राम काज करिबे को आतुर॥ प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया। राम लखन सीता मन बसिया॥ सूक्ष्म रूप धरि सियहिं दिखावा। विकट रूप धरि लंक जरावा॥ भीम रूप धरि असुर संहारे। रामचंद्र के काज संवारे॥
Transliteration: Shankara Suvana Kesari Nandana. Teja Prataapa Mahaa Jaga Vandana. Vidyaavaan Gunee Ati Chaatura. Raama Kaaja Karibe Ko Aatura. Prabhu Charitra Sunibe Ko Rasiya. Raama Lakhana Seetaa Mana Basiyaa. Sookshma Roopa Dhari Siyahi Dikhaavaa. Vikata Roopa Dhari Lanka Jaraavaa. Bheema Roopa Dhari Asura Sanhaare. Raamachandra Ke Kaaja Sanvaare.
Meaning: Lord Hanuman is revered as an incarnation of Lord Shiva and the son of Kesari. His magnificent glory is worshiped throughout the world. He is the epitome of wisdom, virtue, and intelligence, always eager to fulfill Lord Rama's commands. He is delighted to hear the divine stories of Lord Rama and resides in the hearts of Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita. He is described as having taken a subtle form to present himself to Sita, and a terrifying, gigantic form to burn the city of Lanka. He took a mighty form to slay the demons, thereby successfully carrying out the mission of Lord Rama.
Verse 11-15: The Unstoppable Messenger
लाय सजीवन लखन जियाए। श्री रघुबीर हरषि उर लाए॥ रघुपति कीन्ही बहुत बड़ाई। तुम मम प्रिय भरतहि सम भाई॥ सहस बदन तुम्हरो जस गावैं। अस कहि श्रीपति कंठ लगावैं॥ सनकादिक ब्रह्मादि मुनीसा। नारद सारद सहित अहीसा॥ जम कुबेर दिगपाल जहां ते। कवि कोविद कहि सकैं कहां ते॥
Transliteration: Laaya Sanjeevana Lakhana Jiyaae. Shree Raghu-veera Harashi Ura Laae. Raghupati Keenhee Bahuta Badai. Tuma Mama Priya Bharatahi Sama Bhai. Sahasa Badana Tumharo Jasa Gaavein. Asa Kahi Shree-pati Kantha Lagaavein. Sanakaadika Brahmaadi Munee-saa. Naarada Saarada Sahita Ahee-saa. Jama Kubera Digpaala Jahaan Te. Kavi Kovida Kahi Saken Kahaan Te.
Meaning: These verses narrate one of Lord Hanuman's greatest heroic deeds. He brought the Sanjeevani herb from the Dronagiri mountain to revive Lakshmana, who was mortally wounded. Seeing this, Lord Rama was overjoyed and embraced him, saying that Hanuman was as dear to him as his own brother, Bharat. Even the thousand-headed serpent Sheshnaga sings his praises. Sages like Sanaka, Brahma, Narada, and Saraswati, along with the rulers of directions—Yama, Kubera, and others—cannot adequately describe his glory.
Verse 16-20: Giver of Blessings and Protector
तुम उपकार सुग्रीवहिं कीन्हा। राम मिलाय राज पद दीन्हा॥ तुम्हरो मंत्र बिभीषण माना। लंकेश्वर भए सब जग जाना॥ जुग सहस्र जोजन पर भानू। लील्यो ताहि मधुर फल जानू॥ प्रभु मुद्रिका मेलि मुख माहीं। जलधि लांघि गए अचरज नाहीं॥ दुर्गम काज जगत के जेते। सुगम अनुग्रह तुम्हरे तेते॥
Transliteration: Tuma Upakaara Sugreevahi Keenhaa. Raama Milaaya Raaja Pada Deenhaa. Tumharo Mantra Vibheeshana Maanaa. Lankeshvara Bhae Saba Jaga Jaanaa. Yuga Sahasra Yojane Para Bhaanu. Leelyo Taahi Madhura Phala Jaanu. Prabhu Mudrikaa Meli Mukha Maheen. Jaladhi Laanghi Gaye Acharaja Naheen. Durgama Kaaja Jagata Ke Jete. Sugama Anugraha Tumhare Tete.
Meaning: Lord Hanuman's benevolent nature is highlighted here. He helped Sugreeva by introducing him to Lord Rama, which led to Sugreeva regaining his kingdom. Similarly, Vibhishana, the brother of Ravana, followed his advice, which resulted in him becoming the ruler of Lanka. His incredible power is described with the tale of him swallowing the sun, which was thousands of miles away, mistaking it for a sweet fruit. With Lord Rama's ring in his mouth, he effortlessly crossed the ocean, an act that is not surprising given his immense power. The verses conclude by affirming that all the most difficult tasks in the world become easy through his grace and blessings.
Verse 21-25: Remover of Obstacles and Bestower of Happiness
राम दुआरे तुम रखवारे। होत न आज्ञा बिनु पैसारे॥ सब सुख लहै तुम्हारी सरना। तुम रक्षक काहू को डरना॥ आपन तेज सम्हारो आपै। तीनों लोक हांक तें कांपै॥ भूत पिशाच निकट नहिं आवै। महाबीर जब नाम सुनावै॥ नासै रोग हरै सब पीरा। जपत निरंतर हनुमत बीरा॥
Transliteration: Raama Duaare Tuma Rakhavaare. Hota Na Aagyaa Binu Paisaare. Saba Sukha Lahai Tumhaaree Saranaa. Tuma Rakshaka Kaahoo Ko Daranaa. Aapana Teja Samhaaro Aapae. Teenon Loka Haanka Ten Kaanpai. Bhoota Pishaacha Nikata Nahi Aavai. Mahaa-Veera Jaba Naama Sunaavai. Naasai Roga Harai Saba Peera. Japata Nirantara Hanumata Beera.
Meaning: Lord Hanuman is the vigilant guard at the door of Lord Rama's divine realm, and no one can enter without his permission. Whoever takes refuge in him finds all forms of happiness, and with him as a protector, there is no reason to fear anything. His mighty roar is so powerful that it makes the three worlds tremble. The chant of "Mahaveer" (the great hero) keeps all ghosts, spirits, and negative energies at bay. All diseases and sufferings are cured for those who continuously chant the name of the brave Lord Hanuman. This section highlights his role as a protector and a divine healer.
Verse 26-30: The Embodiment of Devotion and Blessings
संकट तें हनुमान छुड़ावै। मन क्रम बचन ध्यान जो लावै॥ सब पर राम तपस्वी राजा। तिनके 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 निकंदन राम दुलारे॥
Transliteration: Sankata Ten Hanumaana Chudaavai. Mana Krama Bachana Dhyaana Jo Laavai. Saba Para Raama Tapasvee Raajaa. Tinake Kaaja Sakala Tuma Saajaa. Aura Manoratha Jo Koi Laavai. Soee Amita Jeevana Phala Paavai. Chaaron Yuga Parataapa Tumhaaraa. Hai Prasiddha Jagata Ujiyaaraa. Saadhu Santa Ke Tuma Rakhavaare. Asura Nikandana Raama Dulaare.
Meaning: Lord Hanuman frees from all troubles those who remember him with their mind, actions, and words. Even though Lord Rama is a great ascetic king, Lord Hanuman performed all his tasks. Any person who comes to him with a wish finds the fruits of his devotion fulfilled for an infinite number of lifetimes. His glory is famous throughout all four ages (yugas) and illuminates the entire world. He is the guardian of all saints and sages, the destroyer of demons, and the dearest devotee of Lord Rama.
Verse 31-35: The Remover of Obstacles to Self-Realization
अष्ट सिद्धि नव निधि के दाता। अस बर दीन जानकी माता॥ राम रसायन तुम्हरे पासा। सदा रहो रघुपति के दासा॥ तुम्हरे भजन राम को पावै। जनम जनम के दुख बिसरावै॥ अंत काल रघुबर पुर जाई। जहां जन्म हरि भक्त कहाई॥ और देवता चित्त न धरई। हनुमत सेइ सर्ब सुख करई॥
Transliteration: Ashta Siddhi Nava Nidhi Ke Daataa. Asa Bara Deena Jaanakee Maataa. Raama Rasaayana Tumhare Paasaa. Sadaa Raho Raghupati Ke Daasaa. Tumhare Bhajana Raama Ko Paavai. Janama Janama Ke Dukha Bisaraavai. Anta Kaala Raghuvara Pura Jaai. Jahaan Janma Hari Bhakta Kahaai. Aura Devataa Chitta Na Dharai. Hanumata Sei Sarva Sukha Karai.
Meaning: These verses state that Lord Hanuman is the bestower of the eight spiritual powers (Ashta Siddhis) and nine types of wealth (Nav Nidhis), a boon he received from Goddess Sita. He possesses the divine essence of Lord Rama, and he is a constant and eternal servant of Lord Rama. By worshiping him, one attains Lord Rama and forgets the sorrows of many births. At the end of one's life, the soul goes to the divine abode of Lord Rama, where it is known as a devotee of God. The poet suggests that there is no need to worship any other deity, as serving Lord Hanuman alone brings all happiness.
Verse 36-40: The Path to Liberation
संकट 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 बंदि महा सुख होई॥ जो यह पढ़ै हनुमान चालीसा। होय सिद्धि साखी गौरीसा॥ तुलसीदास सदा हरि चेरा। कीजै नाथ हृदय मंह डेरा॥
Transliteration: Sankata Katai Mitai Saba Peeraa. Jo Sumirai Hanumata Balabeeraa. Jai Jai Jai Hanumaana Gosaeen. Kripaa Karahu Guru-deva Ki Naeen. Jo Sata Baara Paatha Kara Koee. Chootahi Bandi Mahaa Sukha Hoee. Jo Yaha Padhai Hanumaana Chaaleesaa. Hoya Siddhi Saakhee Gauree-saa. Tulasidaasa Sadaa Hari Cheraa. Keejai Naatha Hridaya Mahan Deraa.
Meaning: All troubles and sufferings are removed for those who remember the mighty and brave Lord Hanuman. The verses call for the victory of Lord Hanuman, begging him to shower his grace just like a Guru. The hymn promises that anyone who chants the Chalisa one hundred times will be freed from all bondage and attain great happiness. The one who recites this Hanuman Chalisa will achieve spiritual fulfillment, with Lord Shiva himself as the divine witness. Tulsidas, the eternal servant of Lord Hari, prays to Lord Hanuman to make his heart his permanent abode.
The Concluding Doha
पवन तनय संकट हरण, मंगल मूर्ति रूप। राम लखन सीता सहित, हृदय बसहु सुर भूप॥
Transliteration: Pavan Tanay Sankat Harana, Mangala Moorati Roopa. Raama Lakhana Seetaa Sahita, Hridaya Basahu Sura Bhoopa.
Meaning: The final couplet is a humble plea to Lord Hanuman, the son of the wind, the remover of all troubles, and the embodiment of all auspiciousness. The poet prays that Lord Hanuman, along with Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Goddess Sita, would eternally reside in his heart.
The Benefits and Practices of Chanting
The spiritual benefits of regularly chanting the Hanuman Chalisa are widely believed to be immense. Devotees claim that it brings protection from all forms of negative energy, including spirits, evil forces, and fear itself. The verses dedicated to his mighty form are said to ward off all supernatural fears. Chanting the Chalisa is also believed to bring a deep sense of inner peace and tranquility, removing mental anguish and stress. For those who are facing difficulties or obstacles in their professional or personal lives, the Chalisa is considered a powerful tool to gain strength and perseverance. The belief is that Lord Hanuman, the "Vighnaharta" (remover of obstacles), will clear the path to success.
The ideal time to chant the Hanuman Chalisa is during the Brahma Muhurta, the period approximately one and a half hours before sunrise. This is considered the most spiritually potent time of the day. The practice involves cleansing the body and mind before sitting down in a peaceful space, with a calm mind and unwavering faith. Many devotees also light a lamp and incense sticks as a part of their ritual. The devotion and faith with which the hymn is chanted are considered far more important than the number of recitations.
0 Comments