Hanuman Chalisa, a devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman, was written by the Indian poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century. Tulsidas was a great devotee of Lord Rama, and he composed Hanuman Chalisa in the Awadhi language. The hymn consists of 40 verses (hence the name “Chalisa,” which means “40” in Hindi) and praises Lord Hanuman’s strength, wisdom, and devotion to Lord Rama. You will get to know who wrote hanuman chalisa.
While the Hanuman Chalisa itself is not derived from any specific Purana, the stories and legends about Lord Hanuman can be found in various Hindu scriptures, such as the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and several Puranas. The Hanuman Chalisa is a reflection of Tulsidas’s devotion and his understanding of the stories and legends about Lord Hanuman.
One lesser-known story about Lord Hanuman is the tale of him acquiring the knowledge of the nine grammars (Nava Vyakarana) from Lord Surya, the Sun god. According to the legend, Hanuman approached Surya to learn the scriptures. Surya agreed to teach him but explained that Hanuman had to follow him as he moved across the sky. With his extraordinary powers and unwavering determination, Hanuman grew large enough to keep pace with the Sun god, all while facing him and absorbing the knowledge imparted. He learned the scriptures in just 60 hours, displaying his immense intelligence and devotion.
Another lesser-known story is about Hanuman’s role in the Mahabharata. During the great battle of Kurukshetra, Arjuna’s chariot was being protected by Lord Krishna. However, Bhima, Arjuna’s brother, was facing a problem. His chariot was being attacked by powerful celestial weapons from the enemy side, and he needed help to protect it. Lord Hanuman, disguised as an ordinary monkey, was sitting on the flag of Bhima’s chariot. Upon realizing that the monkey was none other than Hanuman, Bhima pleaded for his help. Hanuman agreed to protect Bhima’s chariot and, with his immense strength, shielded the chariot from the celestial weapons, ensuring that Bhima and his chariot remained unharmed.
These stories, along with many others, showcase the remarkable abilities and unwavering devotion of Lord Hanuman. The Hanuman Chalisa, composed by Tulsidas, encapsulates the essence of these legends and serves as a reminder of Hanuman’s greatness. By reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, devotees seek Lord Hanuman’s blessings, guidance, and protection in their lives. Read on to know more on hanuman chalisa lyrics.
Here is the Hanuman Chalisa in English transliteration
Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Man Mukur Sudhari, Barnau Raghuvar Bimal Jasu, Jo Dayaku Phal Chari.
(I declare the unblemished greatness of Shri Raghuvar, which brings the four essential fruits of life (Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha), after purifying the mirror of my mind with the sacred pollen dust from the Lotus feet of my revered Guru.)
Budhiheen Tanu Jaanike, Sumirau Pavan Kumar, Bal Budhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesh Vikar.
(I focus on Pavan Kumar and sincerely pray for strength, wisdom, and genuine knowledge to rid me of any impurities that are causing me anguish, fully cognizant of the insufficiency of my intelligence.)
Jai Hanuman Gyan Gun Sagar, Jai Kapisa Tihu Lok Ujagar.
(Success to you, O’Hanuman! Greetings from the Ocean of Wisdom, O’Kapisa! You are the fountainhead of strength, knowledge, and Shiva-Shakti, and you shine your brilliance throughout the three planets and the entire cosmos.)
Ramdoot Atulit Bal Dhama, Anjani Putra Pavansut Nama.
(As the Son of Pavan (Wind) and Anjani, you are known for your immeasurable strength and revered as the divine messenger of Shri Ram.)
Mahaveer Vikram Bajrangi, Kumati Nivar Sumati Ke Sangi.
(You are courageous and intrepid if you have limbs as strong as the Vajra (the god Indra’s mace). On you, good sense and wisdom are present. You drive out the gloomy notions of evil.)
Kanchan Varan Biraj Suresha, Kanan Kundal Kunchit Kesha.
(Your outfit is lovely, and your body is gorgeously golden in tone. You wear earrings and have long, curly hair.)
Haath Bajra Aur Dhvaja Viraje, Kandhe Moonj Janeu Saaje.
(You wear the sacred thread on your shoulder and hold a lightning bolt, a victory (Kesari) flag, and the sacred thread in your hands.)
Shankar Suvan Kesari Nandan, Tej Pratap Maha Jag Vandan.
(You give Shri Kesari comfort and dignity because you are a Lord Sankar’s descendent. You are revered throughout the cosmos due to the brilliance of your Vast Sway.)
Vidyavan Guni Ati Chatur, Ram Kaj Karibe Ko Aatur.
(You are a storehouse of knowledge, virtuous, and completely realised, and you are constantly eager to follow out Shri Ram’s instructions.)
Prabhu Charitra Sunibe Ko Rasiya, Ram Lakhan Sita Man Basiya.
(You are a devoted listener who is always eager to hear Shri Ram’s life stories told. What Shri Ram stands for has filled your heart. As a result, Sita, Lakshman, and Shri Ram constantly think of you.)
Sukshma Roop Dhari Siyahin Dikhwana, Bikat Roop Dhari Lanka Jarawa.
(In a little form, you appeared before Sita and addressed her with humility. You took on an enormous shape and terrorised Lanka by lighting it on fire.)
Bhim Roop Dhari Asur Sanghare, Ramachandra Ke Kaj Sanware.
(You accomplished all the duties entrusted to you by Shri Ram with great competence, and you annihilated the Asuras (demons) with enormous strength.)
Laay Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyaye, Shri Raghuvir Harashi Urlaye.
(Shri Raghuvir joyfully embraced you with his heart full of delight since you brought Sanjivan (A herb that revives life) and brought Lakshman back to life.)
Raghupati Kinhi Bahut Badai, Tum Mam Priye Bharat Sambhai.
(Your greatness was lauded lustily by Shri Raghupati (Shri Ram), who declared, “You are as dear to me as my own brother Bharat.”)
Sahas Badan Tumharo Jas Gaave, Asa Kahi Shripati Kanth Lagaave.
(In response, Shri Ram gave Shri Hanuman a passionate hug. “Thousands of living things are chanting hymns of your glories,” Shri Ram said.)
Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa, Narad Sharad Sahit Aheesa.
(Sages such as Lord Brahma, the eminent hermit Narad, Goddess Saraswati, and Ahisha, along with prophets like Sanka,)
Yam Kuber Digpal Jahan Te, Kavi Ko Vid Kahi Sake Kahan Te.
(Even the deities Kuber (the god of wealth), Yamraj (the god of death), and the Digpals (the guardians of the four corners of the universe) have been competing to pay homage to your greatness. So how can a simple poet adequately describe your super excellence?)
Tum Upkar Sugreevahi Keenha, Ram Milaye Rajpad Deenha.
(You did Sugriv a tremendous favour. He was seated on the Royal Throne after you linked him with Shri Ram. Vibhishan became the Lord of Lanka because he followed your advise. The Universe is aware of this.)
Tumharo Mantra Vibheeshan Mana, Lankeshwar Bhaye Sub Jag Jana.
(You sped towards the Sun, thinking it was a juicy, sweet fruit, despite the fact that it is thousands of kilometres away.)
Yug Sahasra Yojan Par Bhanu, Leelyo Tahi Madhur Phal Janu.
(It is scarcely surprising that you quickly leaped across the ocean with the Lord’s Signet Ring.)
Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukh Mahi, Jaladhi Langhi Gaye Achraj Nahi.
(With your generous grace, the weight of all the challenging duties in the world becomes lighter.)
Durga M Sajjan Ke Tum Rakhware, Asur Nikandan Ram Dulhare.
(You are the gatekeeper of Shri Ram’s heavenly abode. No one is allowed to enter without your consent.)
Ashta Siddhi Nav Nidhi Ke Data, As Var Deen Janaki Mata.
(Any yogic power from the Eight Siddhis (the ability to change one’s weight at whim) and Nine Nidhis (riches, comfort, power, status, fame, pleasant relationships, etc.) can be bestowed onto anyone. Mother Janki has bestowed this blessing onto you.)
Ram Rasayan Tumhare Pasa, Sada Raho Raghupati Ke Dasa.
(You have the ability to be devoted to Shri Ram. You shall always be Shri Raghupati’s most devoted follower in all rebirths.)
Tumhare Bhajan Ram Ko Paave, Janam Janam Ke Dukh Bisraave.
(You can find Shri Ram and be freed from the pain of many births through hymns chanted in devotion to you.)
Ant Kaal Raghuvir Pur Jayee, Jahan Janma Hari Bhakt Kahayee.
(If one reaches Shri Ram’s Divine Abode at the moment of death, he or she is then born as the Lord’s devotee in all subsequent births.)
Aur Devta Chitt Na Dharahi, Hanumat Sei Sarv Sukh Karahi.
(Since Shri Hanuman alone can bring happiness, one does not need to consider worshipping any other deities.)
Sankat Kate Mite Sab Peera, Jo Sumirai Hanumat Balbeera.
(One gets liberated from all the pain and unfortunate circumstances of rebirths in the earth. a person who loves and honours Shri Hanuman.)
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai, Kripa Karahu Guru Deva Ki Naai.
(Shri Hanuman, Lord of the Senses, be praised. Let your triumph over evil be sure and complete. Bless me in your capacity as my utmost guru.)
Jo Shat Bar Path Kar Koi, Chhootahi Bandi Maha Sukh Hoi.
(One who recites the Chalisa 100 times is finally released from the bonds of life and death and experiences the utmost bliss.)
Jo Yaha Padhe Hanuman Chalisa, Hoy Siddhi Sakhi Gaurisa.
(All those who regularly recite the Hanuman Chalisa (The forty Chaupais) are certain to be good. This is the testimony of none other than Bhagwan Sankar.)
Tulsidas Sada Hari Chera, Keejai Nath Hridaye Mah Dera.
(As a Divine Master’s bonded slave who remains at his feet constantly, Tulsidas prays, “Oh Lord! You are a part of my heart and soul.)
Doha: Pavantnai Sankat Haran, Mangal Murti Roop, Ram Lakhan Sita
(Oh God’s King, you embody good fortune, triumph over the Wind, and the eradicator of all sorrows. Shri Ram, along with Lakshman and Sita, resides in my heart.)
Hanuman Chalisa offers a valuable insight into the history and significance of one of the most revered Hindu prayers, the Hanuman Chalisa. Through the book, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the life and teachings of Lord Hanuman, as well as the timeless wisdom and devotion that the Chalisa embodies. The author’s research and storytelling skills make the book an engaging read for both devotees and those interested in the cultural and spiritual heritage of India. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to explore the mysteries and profound teachings of the Hanuman Chalisa.
Also Read: Dokra Kali – the Ancient Tribal Art Form Revived in the Indian Goddess