Significance of Hanuman Chalisa

1. Introduction

Hanuman Chalisa is a poetic composition of the great saint Goswami Tulsidas. Tulsidas
is considered to be an incarnation of Saint Valmiki. It is believed that Tulsidas
composed Hanuman Chalisa in a state of Samadhi in a kumbh mela in Haridwar. Chalisa
means forty and this famous composition has 40 verses in praise of Hanuman, hence
the name ‘Hanuman Chalisa’.

Saint Tulsidas says that whoever chants Hanuman Chalisa will attract the infinite grace
of Lord Hanuman. Lord Hanuman is a s great devotee of Lord Sri Ram. He is known as
a ‘Chiranjeevi’ which means immortal and also omni present. He is also called as ‘Anjani
Putra’ as his mother’s name was Anjani.

2. Hidden Divine Secrets of Hanuman Chalisa

8 murtis or deities, 12 jyotirlingas, 5 mukhs or faces and 15 eyes = 40

There is a special reason for chanting Hanuman Chalisa. The 40 verses should be
chanted for 40 days to have one`s prayers answered and to gain immense merit.

The divine Chalisa is very powerful, if one recites the Chalisa with total faith and
devotion then one earns the merit of having the darshan of the 8 murtis, 12 jyotirlingas,
5 mukhs, and 15 eyes.

3. Astrological Importance

Astrologically, it has been found to be highly effective in controlling the malefic effects
of Saturn transit or Saturn`s major or minor periods. Those under the negative
influence of the planet will find great relief and benefit if they chant the Chalisa for 8
times on a Saturday.

Those with mangal dosha or are mangliks should recite this Chalisa for beneficial
results. Positive qualities of Mars like strength, courage, indomitable spirit and energy
are imbibed through chanting the Chalisa.

Those with afflictions of Planets Saturn and Mars should recite the Chalisa for positive
outcomes.
 4. Why is Hanuman Chalisa so powerful?

It is said that whenever you recite the hymn – Sriram jayaram jaya jaya ram, Lord
Hanuman will be quick to come to the aid of the person chanting it.

The devotion of Lord Hanuman to Lord Ram and Seeta Maiyya is of course legendary.
Children dote on the intrepid Hanuman who attempted to swallow the Sun thinking it
was a fruit. Many people wear Hanuman taweez (a kind of metal object) to ward off
evil.

Why do we pray to Hanumanji ? We pray to him for giving us physical and mental
strength, to ward off the negative/evil influences from our lives, to obliterate our
timidity/cowardice and to sharpen our intellect.

When we pray to Lord Hanuman with a pure heart and an unshakeable faith, he is
sure to come to our rescue. Hanumanji is known to have stormed the Ashok van in
Lanka (where Seeta Maiyya was held captive by Ravan). The Ashok van was a place
with such a high security that even air could not enter. That is why – we say that
Hanumanji is the one who can make the “asathya” (impossible) into “sathya” (that
which is possible).

The devotion of Lord Hanuman to Sri Ram is unparalleled. After Lord Ram succeeded
in the battle against Ravan, on return to Ayodhya, the Lord bestowed gifts to
everyone to celebrate the victory. However, he offered himself as a gift to Hanumanji.
Lord Rama told Hanuman, "Whatever you have done for me is simply immeasurable. I
will be forever indebted to you. I bless that you gain immortality and be a
"chiranjeev". People who bow before me will also have to bow before you, Hanuman.
Wherever the glory of Rama is being spoken about, in all those places, the glory of
Hanuman will also be spoken about.

It is often believed that Lord Hanuman can convert the “asathya” (impossible) to
“sathya”(possible).That is very aptly conveyed in the following shloka :

Sarva kalyana thadharam Sarvabath Ganamarudham

According to legend, Tulsi Das went to meet the then Emperor Aurangzeb in Delhi
after having had a vision of God Sri Rama in Gokula, the birth place of God Sri
Krishna. The Emperor challenged Tulsi Das to show Sri Rama to him. When Tulsi Das
replied that it is not possible without true devotion to Rama, he was imprisoned by
Aurangzeb. In the prison, Tulsi Das is supposed to have written the beautiful verses of
the Hanuman Chalisa.

When he completed the Hanuman Chalisa in prison, it is said that an army of monkeys
menaced the city of Delhi. The king unsuccessfully tried to control the monkeys with
his forces. Finally, the Emperor is supposed to have realized that the monkey menace
was a manifestation of the wrath of Lord Hanuman, the Monkey God. He released
Tulsi Das and urged him to intervene in this grave matter and it is said that the
monkeys stopped their mischiefs immediately after Tulsi Das's release.

Tulsi Das says in the Chalisa that whoever chants it full devotion to Hanuman, will
have Hanuman's grace. Hindus around the world believe that chanting the Hanuman
Chalisa invokes Hanuman's divine intervention in grave problems, including those
concerning evil spirits and this belief is based on the claim made in the Chalisa itself.

Remember how Hanumanji helped Lord Rama to overcome all obstacles and win over
Ravana ? In a likewise manner, it is believed that Lord Hanuman comes to the rescue
of those who pray to him sincerely with like-minded devotion.

5. Importance of “chendoor” tilak?

All devotees of Hanuman will be offered the "chendoor" (orange coloured vermilion) in
every Hanuman temple.Once Sita Maiyya was placing a "chendoor" Tilak on her
forehead. When Hanuman asked her the reason, she informed him that she was using
the chendoor so that her husband Sri Ram would be blessed with good health and have
a long life. So enamoured was Hanuman after hearing this that he smeared his entired
body with "chendoor" so that Lord Ram would be blessed with immortality. Such was
his devotion. Till today, in all the Hanuman temples across the country, once the idol is
bathed and abhishekams are over, the priests smear the idol with a mixture of
"chendoor powder" and oil. Devotees place the chendoor on their forehead to be
blessed with Lord Hanuman’s grace.

Hanuman’s tail is very strong and extremely powerful. Hence, placing a Tilak on the tail
(with a mixture of sandalwood paste and vermilion) (chandan + kumkum) is supposed
to bring immense benefits to those who do it with faith. Hanumanji is fond of butter
and betel leaves. There is a lore behind this.

When Lord Hanuman assured Sita Maiyya that Lord Sri ram would free her from the
bondage of the evil Ravan, Sita Maiyya was so pleased that she plucked a betel leaf
from the tree, put it on Hanuman’s forehead and blessed him with immortality.All those
who seek success in life and wish to be free from fear pray to Hanumanji and appease
him with a betel leaf garland.
Butter generally gives coolness to the body.The legend has it that after fighting the
demons of Lanka in the war, Hanumanji’s body needed some cooling. So, his body is
smeared with butter even today. As butter melts, Hanumanji is also pleased. We can
also interpret that by offering butter to Lord Hanuman, all our problems will slip away
just like anything that is put on butter slips.
 6. Hanuman Chalisa – with English translation

Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj After cleansing the mirror of my mind with the pollen
Nij mane mukure sudhar dust of holy Guru's Lotus feet. I Profess the pure,
Varnao Raghuvar Vimal Jasu untainted glory of Shri Raghuvar which bestows the
four-
Jo dayaku phal char fold fruits of life.(Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha).
Budhi Hin Tanu Janike Fully aware of the deficiency of my intelligence, I
Sumirau Pavan Kumar concentrate my attention on Pavan Kumar and humbly
Bal budhi Vidya dehu mohe ask for strength, intelligence and true knowledge to
Harahu Kalesa Vikar relieve me of all blemishes, causing pain.
Jai Hanuman gyan gun sagar Victory to thee, O'Hanuman! Ocean of Wisdom-All
Jai Kapis tihun lok ujagar hail to you O'Kapisa! (fountain-head of power,wisdom
and Shiva-Shakti) You illuminate all the three worlds
(Entire cosmos) with your glory.
Ram doot atulit bal dhama You are the divine messenger of Shri Ram. The
Anjani-putra Pavan sut nama repository of immeasurable strength, though known
only as Son of Pavan (Wind), born of Anjani.
Mahavir Vikram Bajrangi With Limbs as sturdy as Vajra (The mace of God Indra)
Kumati nivar sumati Ke sangi you are valiant and brave. On you attends good
Sense
and Wisdom. You dispel the darkness of evil thoughts.
Kanchan varan viraj subesa Your physique is beautiful golden coloured and your
dress
Kanan Kundal Kunchit Kesa is pretty. You wear ear rings and have long curly hair.
Hath Vajra Aur Dhuvaje Viraje You carry in your hand a lightening bolt along with a
victory
Kandhe moonj janehu sajai (kesari) flag and wear the sacred thread on your
shoulder.
Sankar suvan kesri Nandan As a descendant of Lord Sankar, you are a comfort and
pride
Tej pratap maha jag vandan of Shri Kesari. With the lustre of your Vast Sway, you
are
propitiated all over the universe.
Vidyavan guni ati chatur You are the repository of learning, virtuous and fully
accom-
Ram kaj karibe ko aatur plished, always keen to carry out the behest's of Shri Ram.
Prabu charitra sunibe ko rasiya You are an ardent listener, always so keen to listen
to the
Ram Lakhan Sita man Basiya narration of Shri Ram's Life Stories. Your heart is filled
with
what Shri Ram stood for. You therefore always dwell in the
hearts of Shri Ram, Lakshman and Sita.
Sukshma roop dhari Siyahi dikhava You appeared before Sita in a Diminutive form
and spoke to
Vikat roop dhari lanka jarava her in humility. You assumed an awesome form and
struck
terror by setting Lanka on fire.
Bhima roop dhari asur sanghare With over-whelming might you destroyed the
Asuras
Ramachandra ke kaj sanvare (demons) and performed all tasks assigned to you by
Shri Ram
with great skill.
Laye Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyaye You brought Sanjivan (A herb that revives life) and
restored
Shri Raghuvir Harashi ur laye Lakshman back to life, Shri Raghuvir (Shri Ram)
cheerfully
embraced you with his heart full of joy.
Raghupati Kinhi bahut badai Shri Raghupati (Shri Ram) lustily extolled your
excellence and
Tum mam priye Bharat-hi sam bhai said: "You are as dear to me as my own
brother Bharat."
Sahas badan tumharo yash gaave Thousands of living beings are chanting hymns
of your glories;
Us kahi Shripati kanth lagaave saying thus, Shri Ram warmly hugged him (Shri
Hanuman).
Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa When prophets like Sanka, even the Sage like Lord
Brahma,
Narad Sarad sahit Aheesa the great hermit Narad himself, Goddess Saraswati and
Ahisha
(one of immeasurable dimensions).
Yam Kuber Digpal Jahan te Even Yamraj (God of Death) Kuber (God of Wealth) and
the
Kavi kovid kahi sake kahan te Digpals (deputies guarding the four corners of the
Universe)
have been vying with one another in offering homage to your
glories. How then, can a mere poet give adequate expression
of your super excellence.
Tum upkar Sugreevahin keenha You rendered a great service to Sugriv. You united
him with
Ram milaye rajpad deenha Shri Ram and he installed him on the Royal Throne. By
heeding
Tumharo mantra Vibheeshan mana your advice, Vibhishan became Lord of Lanka.
This is known
Lankeshwar Bhaye Sub jag jana all over the Universe.
Yug sahastra jojan par Bhanu On your own you dashed upon the Sun, which is at a
fabulous
Leelyo tahi madhur phal janu distance of thousands of miles, thinking it to be a
sweet
luscious fruit.
Prabhu mudrika meli mukh mahee Carrying the Lord's Signet Ring in your mouth,
there is Jaladhi langhi gaye achraj nahee hardly any wonder that you easily leapt
across the ocean.
Durgaam kaj jagat ke jete The burden of all difficult tasks of the world become light
Sugam anugraha tumhre tete with your kind grace.
Ram dware tum rakhvare, You are the sentry at the door of Shri Ram's Divine
Abode.
Hoat na agya binu paisare No one can enter it without your permission,
Sub sukh lahai tumhari sarna All comforts of the world lie at your feet. The
devotees enjoy all
Tum rakshak kahu ko dar na divine pleasures and feel fearless under your benign
Protection.
Aapan tej samharo aapai You alone are befitted to carry your own splendid valour.
All the
Teenhon lok hank te kanpai three worlds (entire universe) tremor at your
thunderous call.
Bhoot pisach Nikat nahin aavai All the ghosts, demons and evil forces keep away,
with the
Mahavir jab naam sunavai sheer mention of your great name, O'Mahaveer!!
Nase rog harai sab peera All diseases, pain and suffering disappear on reciting
regularly
Japat nirantar Hanumant beera Shri Hanuman's holy name.
Sankat se Hanuman chudavai Those who remember Shri Hanuman in thought,
words and deeds
Man Karam Vachan dyan jo lavai with Sincerity and Faith, are rescued from all
crises in life.
Sub par Ram tapasvee raja All who hail, worship and have faith in Shri Ram as the
Supreme
Tin ke kaj sakal Tum saja Lord and the king of penance. You make all their difficult
tasks
very easy.
Aur manorath jo koi lavai Whosoever comes to you for fulfillment of any desire with
faith
Sohi amit jeevan phal pavai and sincerity, Will he alone secure the imperishable fruit
of
human life.
Charon Yug partap tumhara All through the four ages your magnificent glory is
acclaimed far
Hai persidh jagat ujiyara and wide. Your fame is Radiantly acclaimed all over the
Cosmos.
Sadhu Sant ke tum Rakhware You are Saviour and the guardian angel of Saints and
Sages and
Asur nikandan Ram dulhare destroy all Demons. You are the angelic darling of Shri
Ram.
Ashta sidhi nav nidhi ke dhata You can grant to any one, any yogic power of Eight
Siddhis
Us var deen Janki mata (power to become light and heavy at will) and Nine Nidhis
(Riches,comfort,power,prestige,fame,sweet relationship etc.)
This boon has been conferred upon you by Mother Janki. Ram rasayan tumhare
pasa You possess the power of devotion to Shri Ram. In all rebirths
Sada raho Raghupati ke dasa you will always remain Shri Raghupati's most
dedicated disciple.
Tumhare bhajan Ram ko pavai Through hymns sung in devotion to you, one can
find Shri Ram
Janam janam ke dukh bisravai and become free from sufferings of several births.
Anth kaal Raghuvir pur jayee If at the time of death one enters the Divine Abode of
Shri Ram,
Jahan janam Hari-Bakht Kahayee thereafter in all future births he is born as the
Lord's devotee.
Aur Devta Chit na dharehi One need not entertain any other deity for Propitiation, as
Hanumanth se hi sarve sukh karehi devotion of Shri Hanuman alone can give all
happiness.
Sankat kate mite sab peera One is freed from all the sufferings and ill fated
contingencies of
Jo sumirai Hanumat Balbeera rebirths in the world. One who adores and
remembers Shri Hanuman.
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosahin Hail, Hail, Hail, Shri Hanuman, Lord of senses. Let your
victory
Kripa Karahu Gurudev ki nyahin over the evil be firm and final. Bless me in the
capacity as my
supreme guru (teacher).
Jo sat bar path kare kohi One who recites Chalisa one hundred times, becomes free
from the
Chutehi bandhi maha sukh hohi bondage of life and death and enjoys the highest
bliss at last.
Jo yah padhe Hanuman Chalisa All those who recite Hanuman Chalisa (The forty
Chaupais)
Hoye siddhi sakhi Gaureesa regularly are sure to be benedicted. Such is the
evidence of no less a
witness as Bhagwan Sankar.
Tulsidas sada hari chera Tulsidas as a bonded slave of the Divine Master, stays
perpetually at
Keejai Das Hrdaye mein dera his feet, he prays "Oh Lord! You enshrine within my
heart & soul."
Pavantnai sankat haran, Oh! conqueror of the Wind, Destroyer of all miseries, you
are a
Mangal murti roop. symbol of Auspiciousness.
Ram Lakhan Sita sahit, Along with Shri Ram, Lakshman and Sita, reside in my heart.
Hrdaye basahu sur bhoop. Oh! King of Gods.