The Hanuman Chalisa

[Guest guest]

Dear All, Many argue that Hanuman Chalisa is the most read poem/text in India, than any other texts. The popularity of this poem among common flock exceeds the popularity of grand texts like Geeta, Bible, Ramayana or anything else. Therefore we should have a better idea about this 40 verse text named "The Hanuman Chalisa" in a better way. I used to wonder - "What is it that makes this poem this much popular?"; "What is that present in this poem that attracts this much people?"; "Why especially the common flock than the scholars get attracted to this poem?" and so on..! Let us share this wonder. I got the poem and its translation from the following URL: http://www.starteller.com/india-in-2002.html Love and regards,Sreenadh=====================================

The Hanuman Chalisa

By Dr. R.Thiagarajan

The Hanuman Chalisa is a devotional hymn to the Hindu god Hanuman, and is so called because it has 40 verses (In Hindi, "Chalisa" means "forty") It is attributed to the authorship of poet-saint Tulsidas(1532-1623), the author of the Ramcharitmanasa . The Hanuman Chalisa is one of the most popular texts for recitation, because it is believed to confer many benefits on those who recite it. The benefits guaranteed in the text include health, general protection, and spiritual attainments. Hanuman is one of the most popular Hindu deities, hailed for his courage, loyalty, humility, strength, fame, protective powers, knowledge, art of speech, easy accessibility and devotion. Lord Hanuman is always portrayed as a staunch devotee of Rama, and he stands as a model for a true devotee. The Chalisa is forty verses of prayer to Hanuman, with two invocatory verses and a concluding verse.Verses

 

 

 

 

Opening Invocation

 

 

Purifying my mind's mirror with the pollen dust of my guru's lotus feet, I will narrate Lord Rama's blemishless fame, which fulfills the four aspirations of life (viz. Dharma, Artha, kama and moksha).

Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj Nija man mukur sudhar Varnao Raghuvar Vimal yasu Jo dayaku phal char

 

Knowing I have no intelligence and little understanding I meditate on the Son of the Wind (Lord Vayu). Give me strength, intelligence, and wisdom, Take away my faults and shortcomings.

Buddhi Hin Tanu Janike Sumirau Pavan Kumar Bal buddhi Vidya dehu mohi Harahu Klesa Vikar

 

1. Victory to Lord Hanuman, the ocean of knowledge and virtues, Hail! Lord of Monkeys, famous through the three worlds.

Jai Hanuman gyan gun sagarJai Kapis tihun lok ujagar

 

2. Lord Rama's messenger, possessing immeasurable strength, Anjana's son, named the Son of the Wind.

Ram doot atulit bal dhamaAnjani-putra Pavan sut nama

 

3. A great warrior, heroic, tough like Diamond. Warding off the wicked, keeping company with the good.

Mahavir Bikram BajrangiKumati nivar sumati Ke sangi

 

4. Golden-faced, resplendent in fine clothing, Earrings in his ears, and curly hair.

Kanchan varan viraj subesaKanan Kundal Kunchit Kesa

 

5. Hands resplendent with mace and bannerOn your shoulder a sacred thread of munja grass.

Hath Bajra Aur Dhuvaja VirajeKandhe moonj janehu sajai

 

6. Shiva's son, and Kesari's delight, the whole world knows your brilliant power.

Sankar suvan kesari NandanTej pratap maha jag vandan

 

7. Wise, virtuous, exceedingly clever, Ever intent on doing Lord Rama's work,

Vidyavan guni ati chaturRam kaj karibe ko aatur

 

8. Delighted in hearing tales of Rama's deeds and dear to Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita.

Prabu charitra sunibe ko rasiyaRam Lakhan Sita man Basiya

 

9. In your subtle form, you revealed yourself to Sita, In your enormous form, you burned Lanka,

Sukshma roop dhari Siyahim dikhavaBikat roop dhari lanka jarava

 

10. In your horrific form, you slaughtered the demons, And completed Rama's work.

Bhima roop dhari asura samhareRamachandra ke kaj sanvare

 

11. You brought the life-giving herb to revive Lakshmana, and Lord Rama hugged you tightly with delight.

Laye Sanjivan Lakhan JiyayeShri Raghubir Harshi ur laye

 

12. Lord Rama praised you exceedingly, saying "you are as dear to me as my brother Bharata!"

Raghupati Kinhi bahut badaiTum mam priya Bharat-hi sam bhai

 

13. Embracing cheek to cheek, Lord Rama proclaimed, "The thousand-headed serpent will sing your praise",

Sahas badan tumharo jash gaaveUs kahi Shripati kanth lagaave

 

14. "Sanaka, Brahma, and all the other sages, Narada, Sarasvati, and the Serpent King will glorify you".

Sanakadik Brahmadi MuneesaNarad Sarad sahit Aheesa

 

15. "Yama, Kubera, and all the divine guardians will also praise you" Which poet has enough skill to do this justice?

Yam Kuber Digpal Jahan teKabi kovid kahi sake kahan te

 

16. You helped the monkey prince Sugriva, Introduced him to Lord Rama, and gave him a kingdom.

Tum upkar Sugreeva hin keenhaRam milaye rajpad deenha

 

17. Vibhishana paid great attention to your mantra, He became Lord of Lanka, the whole world knows this.

Tumharo mantra Vibheeshan manaLankeshwar Bhaye Sub jag jana

 

18. Although the Sun is at a thousand light-years distance, You leaped at it in play, mistaking it for a sweet fruit.

Yug sahasra jojan par BhanuLeelyo tahi madhur phal janu

 

19. Holding Rama's ring in your mouth, You crossed the ocean to Lanka, this is no surprise.

Prabhu mudrika meli mukh maheeJaladhi lantti gaye achraj nahee

 

20. Whatever is difficult to do in this world, Becomes easy through your grace

Durgam kaj jagat ke je tesugam anugraha tumhre tete

 

21. You are the gatekeeper at Lord Rama's divine abode, None can enter without your permission.

Ram dware tum rakhvareHoat na agnya binu paisare

 

22. Your sheltering care brings all happiness, With your protection, whom should one fear?

Sub sukh lahai tumhari sarnaTum rachchak kahu ko dar na

 

23. You alone can carry your splendid valourThe three worlds tremble at your battle-cry.

Aapan tej samharo aapaiTeenhon lok hank te kanpai

 

24. When your name is uttered, Great Hero, Ghosts and ghouls dare not come near.

Bhoot pisach Nikat nahin aavaiMahavir jab naam sunavai

 

25. Ceaseless repetition of heroic Hanuman's NameDestroys disease, and removes all afflictions.

Nase rog harai sab peeraJapat nirantar Hanuman beera

 

26. Hanuman releases from difficulties anyone who remembers him in thoughts, words, and deeds.

Sankat se Hanuman chudavaiMan Karma Bachan dyan jo lavai

 

27. All power belongs to Lord Rama, king of ascetics, but you are intent on doing his work.

Sub par Ram tapasvee rajaTin ke kaj sakal Tum saja

 

28. Whatever other desires are there, Your devotee gains a blissful life.

Aur manorath jo koi lavaiSohi amit jeevan phal pavai

 

29. Your fame spans the four cosmic ages, O Highest Perfected One, Enlightener of the world!

Charon yug partap tumharaHai parsidh jagat ujiyara

 

30. You protect true ascetics and the righteous, Destroyer of demons, and Lord Rama's dear one.

Sadhu Sant ke tum RakhwareAsur nikandan Ram dulhare

 

31. You can bestow the eight powers and the nine treasures, Mother Sita gave this power as her boon.

Ashta sidhi nav nidhi ke dhataUs bar deen Janki mata

 

32. You are always nearby, when Rama's deeds are being told, And you will remain Rama's servant always.

Ram rasayan tumhare pasaSada raho Raghupati ke dasa

 

33. Those who sing your praises find Lord Rama, And forget countless lifetimes of sorrow.

Tumhare bhajan Ram ko pavaiJanma janma ke dukh bisravai

 

34. When they die, they go to Lord Rama's city, Where it is said all Rama's devotees are born.

Anth kaal Raghuvir pur jayeeJahan janma Hari-Bakht Kahayee

 

35. Pay no attention to any of the other deities. Serving Hanuman brings about all happiness.

Aur Devata Chit na dharehiHanumanth se yi sarve sukh karehi

 

36. Ceaselessly remembering heroic Hanuman cuts short all difficulties, and destroys all afflictions.

Sankat kate mite sab peeraJo sumirai Hanumat Balbeera

 

37. Hail, Hail, Hanuman, master of the senses! Have pity on me, you are my spiritual master (guru).

Jai Jai Jai Hanuman GosayinKripa Karahu Gurudev ki nyayin

 

38. Whoever recites this hymn 100 timesIs released from bondage, and gains great happiness.

Jo sat bar path kar koyiChutehi bandhi maha sukh hoyi

 

39. Whoever recites these 40 verses to HanumanGains perfection, Shiva is the witness to this.

Jo yah padhe Hanuman ChalisaHoye siddhi sakhi Gaureesa

 

40. Tulsidas is ever God's faithful servant, O Lord, dwell in my heart. (Closing Invocation:)

Tulasidas sada hari cheraKeejai Hrudaye mein dera

 

Son of the Wind(Lord Vayu), Remover of Difficulties, whose form is auspicious, Dwell in my heart, King of the Gods, along with Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita.

Doha Pavantanay sankat haran, Mangal murti roop. Ram Lakhan Sita sahit, Hrudaya basahu sur bhoop.

======================================

[Guest guest]

Respected Sreenadh ji,

I thank you once again for your nice work. Hanuman chalisa is recited by learned and uneducated masses in thousands in north India daily with faith and patience to get rid of their difficulties in life.

Regards--- On Tue, 11/11/08, Sreenadh <sreesog wrote:

Sreenadh <sreesog The Hanuman Chalisa Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2008, 12:10 PM

 

 

 

Dear All, Many argue that Hanuman Chalisa is the most read poem/text in India, than any other texts. The popularity of this poem among common flock exceeds the popularity of grand texts like Geeta, Bible, Ramayana or anything else. Therefore we should have a better idea about this 40 verse text named "The Hanuman Chalisa" in a better way. I used to wonder - "What is it that makes this poem this much popular?"; "What is that present in this poem that attracts this much people?"; "Why especially the common flock than the scholars get attracted to this poem?" and so on..! Let us share this wonder. I got the poem and its translation from the following URL: http://www.startell er.com/india- in-2002.html Love and regards,Sreenadh============ =========

========= =======

The Hanuman Chalisa

By Dr. R.Thiagarajan

The Hanuman Chalisa is a devotional hymn to the Hindu god Hanuman, and is so called because it has 40 verses (In Hindi, "Chalisa" means "forty") It is attributed to the authorship of poet-saint Tulsidas(1532- 1623), the author of the Ramcharitmanasa . The Hanuman Chalisa is one of the most popular texts for recitation, because it is believed to confer many benefits on those who recite it. The benefits guaranteed in the text include health, general protection, and spiritual attainments. Hanuman is one of the most popular Hindu deities, hailed for his courage, loyalty, humility, strength, fame, protective powers, knowledge, art of speech, easy accessibility and devotion. Lord Hanuman is always portrayed as a staunch devotee of Rama, and he stands as a model for a true devotee. The Chalisa is forty verses of prayer to Hanuman, with two invocatory verses and a concluding verse.Verses

 

 

 

 

Opening Invocation

 

 

Purifying my mind's mirror with the pollen dust of my guru's lotus feet, I will narrate Lord Rama's blemishless fame, which fulfills the four aspirations of life (viz. Dharma, Artha, kama and moksha).

Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj Nija man mukur sudhar Varnao Raghuvar Vimal yasu Jo dayaku phal char

 

Knowing I have no intelligence and little understanding I meditate on the Son of the Wind (Lord Vayu). Give me strength, intelligence, and wisdom, Take away my faults and shortcomings.

Buddhi Hin Tanu Janike Sumirau Pavan Kumar Bal buddhi Vidya dehu mohi Harahu Klesa Vikar

 

1. Victory to Lord Hanuman, the ocean of knowledge and virtues, Hail! Lord of Monkeys, famous through the three worlds.

Jai Hanuman gyan gun sagarJai Kapis tihun lok ujagar

 

2. Lord Rama's messenger, possessing immeasurable strength, Anjana's son, named the Son of the Wind.

Ram doot atulit bal dhamaAnjani-putra Pavan sut nama

 

3. A great warrior, heroic, tough like Diamond. Warding off the wicked, keeping company with the good.

Mahavir Bikram BajrangiKumati nivar sumati Ke sangi

 

4. Golden-faced, resplendent in fine clothing, Earrings in his ears, and curly hair.

Kanchan varan viraj subesaKanan Kundal Kunchit Kesa

 

5. Hands resplendent with mace and bannerOn your shoulder a sacred thread of munja grass.

Hath Bajra Aur Dhuvaja VirajeKandhe moonj janehu sajai

 

6. Shiva's son, and Kesari's delight, the whole world knows your brilliant power.

Sankar suvan kesari NandanTej pratap maha jag vandan

 

7. Wise, virtuous, exceedingly clever, Ever intent on doing Lord Rama's work,

Vidyavan guni ati chaturRam kaj karibe ko aatur

 

8. Delighted in hearing tales of Rama's deeds and dear to Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita.

Prabu charitra sunibe ko rasiyaRam Lakhan Sita man Basiya

 

9. In your subtle form, you revealed yourself to Sita, In your enormous form, you burned Lanka,

Sukshma roop dhari Siyahim dikhavaBikat roop dhari lanka jarava

 

10. In your horrific form, you slaughtered the demons, And completed Rama's work.

Bhima roop dhari asura samhareRamachandra ke kaj sanvare

 

11. You brought the life-giving herb to revive Lakshmana, and Lord Rama hugged you tightly with delight.

Laye Sanjivan Lakhan JiyayeShri Raghubir Harshi ur laye

 

12. Lord Rama praised you exceedingly, saying "you are as dear to me as my brother Bharata!"

Raghupati Kinhi bahut badaiTum mam priya Bharat-hi sam bhai

 

13. Embracing cheek to cheek, Lord Rama proclaimed, "The thousand-headed serpent will sing your praise",

Sahas badan tumharo jash gaaveUs kahi Shripati kanth lagaave

 

14. "Sanaka, Brahma, and all the other sages, Narada, Sarasvati, and the Serpent King will glorify you".

Sanakadik Brahmadi MuneesaNarad Sarad sahit Aheesa

 

15. "Yama, Kubera, and all the divine guardians will also praise you" Which poet has enough skill to do this justice?

Yam Kuber Digpal Jahan teKabi kovid kahi sake kahan te

 

16. You helped the monkey prince Sugriva, Introduced him to Lord Rama, and gave him a kingdom.

Tum upkar Sugreeva hin keenhaRam milaye rajpad deenha

 

17. Vibhishana paid great attention to your mantra, He became Lord of Lanka, the whole world knows this.

Tumharo mantra Vibheeshan manaLankeshwar Bhaye Sub jag jana

 

18. Although the Sun is at a thousand light-years distance, You leaped at it in play, mistaking it for a sweet fruit.

Yug sahasra jojan par BhanuLeelyo tahi madhur phal janu

 

19. Holding Rama's ring in your mouth, You crossed the ocean to Lanka, this is no surprise.

Prabhu mudrika meli mukh maheeJaladhi lantti gaye achraj nahee

 

20. Whatever is difficult to do in this world, Becomes easy through your grace

Durgam kaj jagat ke je tesugam anugraha tumhre tete

 

21. You are the gatekeeper at Lord Rama's divine abode, None can enter without your permission.

Ram dware tum rakhvareHoat na agnya binu paisare

 

22. Your sheltering care brings all happiness, With your protection, whom should one fear?

Sub sukh lahai tumhari sarnaTum rachchak kahu ko dar na

 

23. You alone can carry your splendid valourThe three worlds tremble at your battle-cry.

Aapan tej samharo aapaiTeenhon lok hank te kanpai

 

24. When your name is uttered, Great Hero, Ghosts and ghouls dare not come near.

Bhoot pisach Nikat nahin aavaiMahavir jab naam sunavai

 

25. Ceaseless repetition of heroic Hanuman's NameDestroys disease, and removes all afflictions.

Nase rog harai sab peeraJapat nirantar Hanuman beera

 

26. Hanuman releases from difficulties anyone who remembers him in thoughts, words, and deeds.

Sankat se Hanuman chudavaiMan Karma Bachan dyan jo lavai

 

27. All power belongs to Lord Rama, king of ascetics, but you are intent on doing his work.

Sub par Ram tapasvee rajaTin ke kaj sakal Tum saja

 

28. Whatever other desires are there, Your devotee gains a blissful life.

Aur manorath jo koi lavaiSohi amit jeevan phal pavai

 

29. Your fame spans the four cosmic ages, O Highest Perfected One, Enlightener of the world!

Charon yug partap tumharaHai parsidh jagat ujiyara

 

30. You protect true ascetics and the righteous, Destroyer of demons, and Lord Rama's dear one.

Sadhu Sant ke tum RakhwareAsur nikandan Ram dulhare

 

31. You can bestow the eight powers and the nine treasures, Mother Sita gave this power as her boon.

Ashta sidhi nav nidhi ke dhataUs bar deen Janki mata

 

32. You are always nearby, when Rama's deeds are being told, And you will remain Rama's servant always.

Ram rasayan tumhare pasaSada raho Raghupati ke dasa

 

33. Those who sing your praises find Lord Rama, And forget countless lifetimes of sorrow.

Tumhare bhajan Ram ko pavaiJanma janma ke dukh bisravai

 

34. When they die, they go to Lord Rama's city, Where it is said all Rama's devotees are born.

Anth kaal Raghuvir pur jayeeJahan janma Hari-Bakht Kahayee

 

35. Pay no attention to any of the other deities. Serving Hanuman brings about all happiness.

Aur Devata Chit na dharehiHanumanth se yi sarve sukh karehi

 

36. Ceaselessly remembering heroic Hanuman cuts short all difficulties, and destroys all afflictions.

Sankat kate mite sab peeraJo sumirai Hanumat Balbeera

 

37. Hail, Hail, Hanuman, master of the senses! Have pity on me, you are my spiritual master (guru).

Jai Jai Jai Hanuman GosayinKripa Karahu Gurudev ki nyayin

 

38. Whoever recites this hymn 100 timesIs released from bondage, and gains great happiness.

Jo sat bar path kar koyiChutehi bandhi maha sukh hoyi

 

39. Whoever recites these 40 verses to HanumanGains perfection, Shiva is the witness to this.

Jo yah padhe Hanuman ChalisaHoye siddhi sakhi Gaureesa

 

40. Tulsidas is ever God's faithful servant, O Lord, dwell in my heart. (Closing Invocation:)

Tulasidas sada hari cheraKeejai Hrudaye mein dera

 

Son of the Wind(Lord Vayu), Remover of Difficulties, whose form is auspicious, Dwell in my heart, King of the Gods, along with Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita.

Doha Pavantanay sankat haran, Mangal murti roop. Ram Lakhan Sita sahit, Hrudaya basahu sur bhoop.

============ ========= ========= ========