Origin and Importance of Hanuman Chalisa in Hinduism

India, a land of diverse cultures and beliefs, boasts a rich heritage of gods and goddesses revered across the nation. Among these deities, Hanuman ji stands out with unparalleled reverence and glory. As a devoted servant of Lord Ram, Hanuman ji’s virtues and magnificence find expression in the revered scripture known as Hanuman Chalisa. The recitation of Hanuman Chalisa carries manifold benefits, offering solace, protection, and spiritual upliftment to its devotees. In this article, we delve into the essence of Hanuman Chalisa, exploring its significance, benefits, precautions, and the proper method of recitation.

What is Hanuman Chalisa?

Hanuman Chalisa, a poetic composition of forty stanzas, reverently pays homage to Hanuman ji in forty verses known as Chaupais. Crafted in simple yet profound language, Hanuman Chalisa extols the virtues and exploits of Hanuman ji, invoking divine blessings and protection through its recitation.

Origin and Composition

Authored by the revered saint Goswami Tulsidas ji in the 16th century, Hanuman Chalisa emerged as a profound expression of devotion and faith. Composed in the Awadhi language, Tulsidas ji penned this sacred hymn in Delhi, following the monumental success of his magnum opus, Ramcharitmanas. Legend has it that Mughal Emperor Akbar, hearing of Tulsidas ji’s fame, sought to meet him, but upon Tulsidas ji’s humble assertion that Lord Shri Ram only reveals himself to his devout followers, Akbar unjustly imprisoned him. During this ordeal, Tulsidas ji sought solace in Hanuman ji, composing the initial verses of Hanuman Chalisa. Legend has it that monkeys later disrupted Akbar’s stronghold, leading to Tulsidas ji’s release. He completed Hanuman Chalisa in the serene confines of an ancient Hanuman temple in Connaught Place, Delhi.

11 Benefits of Hanuman Chalisa

  1. Protection from Negative Forces: Hanuman Chalisa is revered for its ability to dispel malevolent energies and shield devotees from negative influences.
  2. Removal of Obstacles: Reciting Hanuman Chalisa aids in overcoming hurdles and challenges, fostering success in personal, professional, and spiritual endeavors.
  3. Promotion of Physical Health: The chanting of Hanuman Chalisa is believed to bestow vitality and vigor, promoting physical well-being and robustness.
  4. Enhanced Courage and Strength: As the epitome of valor and fortitude, Hanuman inspires devotees to cultivate courage and resilience through regular recitation of Hanuman Chalisa.
  5. Mental Peace and Stability: Hanuman Chalisa serves as a soothing balm for the mind, alleviating stress, and instilling inner peace and tranquility.
  6. Fulfillment of Wishes: Devotees fervently seek Hanuman ji’s blessings for the realization of their desires, with Hanuman Chalisa regarded as a potent medium for wish fulfillment.
  7. Improved Concentration and Focus: The devout recitation of Hanuman Chalisa enhances concentration and focus, empowering individuals to excel in their pursuits.
  8. Spiritual Growth: Beyond its devotional aspect, Hanuman Chalisa imparts profound spiritual teachings, fostering inner growth, and enlightenment.
  9. Protection During Travel: Hanuman, the guardian deity of travelers, offers safeguard during journeys, with the recitation of Hanuman Chalisa serving as a protective shield.
  10. Positive Aura and Vibes: The recitation of Hanuman Chalisa generates positive vibrations, enveloping devotees in an aura of positivity and grace.
  11. Divine Assistance and Blessings: Above all, Hanuman Chalisa is a conduit for divine grace, drawing devotees closer to Hanuman ji and soliciting his benevolent blessings in times of need.

Precautions and Correct Way of Reading

While Hanuman Chalisa offers profound benefits, it is essential to approach its recitation with reverence, sincerity, and purity of heart. Devotees are encouraged to maintain cleanliness, recite with focus and devotion, and adhere to traditional practices and rituals associated with its chanting.

In conclusion, Hanuman Chalisa stands as a beacon of hope, strength, and divine grace, guiding devotees through life’s trials and tribulations. As we embrace its teachings and immerse ourselves in its sacred verses, may we find solace, inspiration, and spiritual fulfillment in the eternal devotion of Hanuman ji.

orange garland on a hindu god statue
Photo by Ravi Roshan on Pexels.com

Original text of Shri Hanuman Chalisa

दोहा:

श्री गुरु चरण सरोज रज, निज मनु मुकुरु सुधारि।

बरणहुं रघुबर बिमल जसु, जो दायकु फल चारि॥

बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौं पवन-कुमार।

बल बुधि विद्या देहु मोहि, हरहु कलेस विकार॥

चौपाई

जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुन सागर।

जय कपीस तिहुं लोक उजागर॥

रामदूत अतुलित बलधामा।

अंजनि-पुत्र पवनसुत नामा॥

महाबीर बिक्रम बजरंगी।

कुमति निवार सुमति के संगी॥

कंचन बरण बिराज सुबेसा।

कानन कुंडल कुंचित केसा॥

हाथ बज्र औ ध्वजा बिराजै।

कांधे मूंज जनेऊ साजै॥

शंकर सुवन केसरी नंदन।

तेज प्रताप महा जग वंदन॥

बिद्यावान 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 जी के काज संवारे॥

लाय संजीवन लखन जियाये।

श्री रघुवीर हरषि उर लाये॥

रघुपति कीन्ही बहुत बड़ाई।

तुम मम प्रिय भरतहिं सम भाई॥

सहस बदन तुम्हरो जस गावैं।

अस कहि श्रीपति कण्ठ लगावैं॥

सनकादिक ब्रह्मादि मुनीसा।

नारद सारद सहित अहीसा॥

यम कुबेर दिगपाल जहां ते।

कबि कोबिद कहि सके कहां ते॥

तुम उपकार सुग्रीवहिं कीन्हा।

राम मिलाय राज पद दीन्हा॥

तुम्हरो मंत्र विभीषण माना।

लंकेश्वर भए सब जग जाना॥

युग सहस्र योजन पर भानू।

लील्यो ताहि मधुर फल जानू॥

प्रभु मुद्रिका मेलि मुख माहीं।

जलधि लांघि गये अचरज नाहीं॥

दुर्गम काज जगत के जेते।

सुगम अनुग्रह तुम्हरे तेते॥

राम दुआरे तुम रखवारे।

होत न आज्ञा बिनु पैसारे॥

सब सुख लहैं तुम्हारी शरना।

तुम रच्छक काहू को डर ना॥

आपन तेज सम्हारो आपै।

तीनों लोक हांक तें कांपै॥

भूत पिसाच निकट नहिं आवै।

महावीर जब नाम सुनावै॥

नासै रोग हरै सब पीरा।

जपत निरंतर हनुमत बीरा॥

संकट तें हनुमान छुड़ावै।

मन क्रम वचन 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॥

अष्ट सिद्धि नव निधि के दाता।

अस बर दीन्ह जानकी माता॥

राम रसायन तुम्हरे पासा।

सदा रहौ रघुपति के दासा॥

तुम्हरे भजन राम को पावै।

जनम जनम के दुख बिसरावै॥

अंतकाल रघुबरपुर जाई।

जहां जन्म हरिभक्त कहाई॥

और देवता चित्त न धरई।

हनुमत सेई सर्ब सुख करई॥

संकट कटै मिटै सब पीरा।

जो सुमिरै हनुमत बलबीरा॥

जय जय जय हनुमान गोसाईं।

कृपा करहु गुरुदेव की नाईं॥

यह शत बार पाठ कर जोई।

छूटहिं बंदि महा सुख होई॥

जो यह पढ़ै हनुमान चालीसा।

होय सिद्धि साखी गौरीसा॥

तुलसीदास सदा हरि चेरा।

कीजै नाथ हृदय महं डेरा॥

दोहा

पवन तनय संकट हरण, मंगल मूरति रूप।

राम लखन सीता सहित, हृदय बसहु सुर भूप॥