Hanuman Chalisa: A Forty-Verse Ode to Strength

Hanuman Chalisa (Selected Verses)

Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Manu Mukuru Sudhari | Barnau Raghuvar Bimal Jasu, Jo Dayaku Phal Chari ||

Buddhihin Tanu Janike, Sumirau Pavan Kumar | Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesh Vikaar ||

(Verse 13) Vidyavaan Guni Ati Chatur, Ram Kaaj Karibe Ko Aatur |

(Verse 20) Sankat Kate Mite Sab Pira, Jo Sumire Hanumat Balbira ||

Transliteration:

Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Manu Mukuru Sudhari | Barnau Raghuvar Bimal Jasu, Jo Dayaku Phal Chari ||

Buddhihin Tanu Janike, Sumirau Pavan Kumar | Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesh Vikaar ||

Vidyavaan Guni Ati Chatur, Ram Kaaj Karibe Ko Aatur |

Sankat Kate Mite Sab Pira, Jo Sumire Hanumat Balbira ||

Breakdown (Selected Verses)

Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj: The dust of the lotus feet of the revered Guru
Nij Manu Mukuru Sudhari: Cleansing the mirror of my own mind
Barnau Raghuvar Bimal Jasu: I narrate the spotless glory of Lord Rama
Jo Dayaku Phal Chari: Which grants the four fruits (Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha)
Buddhihin Tanu Janike: Knowing my body to be devoid of intelligence
Sumirau Pavan Kumar: I remember the son of the Wind God (Hanuman)
Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi: Grant me strength, wisdom, and knowledge
Harahu Kalesh Vikaar: Remove my sorrows and flaws
Vidyavaan Guni Ati Chatur: Learned, virtuous, and extremely clever
Ram Kaaj Karibe Ko Aatur: Always eager to accomplish Lord Rama's tasks
Sankat Kate Mite Sab Pira: All troubles and pains are removed
Jo Sumire Hanumat Balbira: By remembering the mighty and brave Hanuman

Meaning (Selected Verses)

Cleaning the mirror of my mind with the dust of my Guru's feet, I describe the pure glory of Rama, which grants the four fruits of life.

Knowing myself to be ignorant, I remember Hanuman, the son of the Wind God. Please grant me strength, wisdom, and knowledge, and remove my sorrows and faults.

Hanuman is learned, virtuous, extremely clever and always ready to serve Lord Rama.

By remembering the mighty and brave Hanuman, all troubles and pains are removed.

Associated Deity

Lord Hanuman

Origin Story

The Hanuman Chalisa was written by Tulsidas, a great devotee of Lord Rama, in the 16th century. It is a devotional hymn consisting of forty verses praising Lord Hanuman, highlighting his strength, devotion, and selfless service to Lord Rama. Tulsidas composed the Chalisa in Awadhi, a dialect of Hindi, making it accessible to the common people.

How and When to Chant

How: Recite with faith and devotion, focusing on Hanuman's qualities of strength, courage, and devotion. It is commonly chanted as a complete series of 40 verses. The full chalisa can be easily found online.
When: Can be chanted daily, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays, or during times of difficulty and challenges.

Benefits

Provides courage and strength.
Removes fear and obstacles.
Grants success in endeavors.
Protects from negative energies.
Enhances devotion and faith.