Hanuman Chalisa
Encyclopedia
Hanuman Chalisa is a devotional song based on Lord Hanuman as the model devotee. It is a poem written by Tulsidas
Tulsidas
Tulsidas , was a Hindu poet-saint, reformer and philosopher renowned for his devotion for the god Rama...

 in the Awadhi language, and is his best known Hindu
Hindu
Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...

 text apart from the Ramcharitmanas. The word "chālisā" is derived from "chālis" in Hindi
Hindi
Standard Hindi, or more precisely Modern Standard Hindi, also known as Manak Hindi , High Hindi, Nagari Hindi, and Literary Hindi, is a standardized and sanskritized register of the Hindustani language derived from the Khariboli dialect of Delhi...

, which means 40, as the Hanuman Chalisa has 40 verses.

Hanuman (also known as Anjaneya and Maruti) is a Hindu deity and an ardent devotee of Lord Rama
Rama
Rama or full name Ramachandra is considered to be the seventh avatar of Vishnu in Hinduism, and a king of Ayodhya in ancient Indian...

, a central character in the Sanskrit epic Ramayana
Ramayana
The Ramayana is an ancient Sanskrit epic. It is ascribed to the Hindu sage Valmiki and forms an important part of the Hindu canon , considered to be itihāsa. The Ramayana is one of the two great epics of India and Nepal, the other being the Mahabharata...

.

Origin

Tulsi Das went to meet the then Emperor Akbar in Delhi
Delhi
Delhi , officially National Capital Territory of Delhi , is the largest metropolis by area and the second-largest by population in India, next to Mumbai. It is the eighth largest metropolis in the world by population with 16,753,265 inhabitants in the Territory at the 2011 Census...

 after having had a darshan
Darshan
or Darshan is a Sanskrit term meaning "sight" , vision, apparition, or glimpse. It is most commonly used for "visions of the divine" in Hindu worship, e.g. of a deity , or a very holy person or artifact...

 or vision of God Sri Rama in Gokul
Gokul
-In Vedic Scripture:-Geography:Gokul is located at . It has an average elevation of 163 metres .-Demographics: India census, Gokul had a population of 4041. Males constitute 55% of the population and females 45%. Gokul has an average literacy rate of 60%, higher than the national average of...

, the birth place of God Sri Krishna. The Emperor challenged Tulsi Das to show Sri Rama to him. When Tulsi Das replied that it was not possible without true devotion to Rama, he was imprisoned. In the prison, Tulsi Das wrote the beautiful verses of the Hanuman Chalisa on Sri Hanuman.

When he completed the Hanuman Chalisa in prison, an army of monkeys menaced the city of Delhi. The Emperor unsuccessfully tried to control the monkeys with his forces. Finally, the Emperor realised that the monkey menace was a manifestation of the wrath of Hanuman
Hanuman
Hanuman , is a Hindu deity, who is an ardent devotee of Rama, a central character in the Indian epic Ramayana and one of the dearest devotees of lord Rama. A general among the vanaras, an ape-like race of forest-dwellers, Hanuman is an incarnation of the divine and a disciple of Lord Rama in the...

, the Monkey God. He released Tulsi Das and the monkeys stopped their mischiefs immediately after Tulsi's release.

Tulsi Das says in the Chalisa that whoever chants it with full devotion to Hanuman, will have Hanuman's grace. Amongst the Hindus of Northern India, it is a very popular belief 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.

Respectable Shri Hanuman Chalisa:

Doha

Shree Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Man Mukar Sudhari; Barnau Raghuvar Bimal Jasu, Jo Dayaku Phal Chari

With the dust of Guru's Lotus feet I clean the mirror of my mind and then narrate the sacred glory of Shree Ram Chandra, the Supreme among the Raghu dynasty and the giver of the four-fold fruits of life
(Dharama (righteousness), Arth (resources), Kaam (desires) and Moksha (liberation)

Budhi heen Tanu Janike,Sumirow Pavan Kumar; Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesh Bikaar

Fully aware of deficiencies in my intelligence, I humbly request you, O Hanuman, the son of Wind kindly bestow on me strength, wisdom and knowledge to enable me to remove all my miseries and blemishes

Chopai

Jai Hanuman Gyan Guna Sagar, Jai Kapis Tihun Lok Ujgaar

Hail Hanuman, Ocean of knowledge and wisdom, You illuminate all three worlds with your glories

Ramdoot Atulit Bal Dhamaa, Anjani Putra Pavansut Naamaa

You are the divine messenger of Ram and possessor of immeasurable strength, son of Anjani and the wind

Mahabeer Bikram Bajrangi, Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangi

With sturdy limbs you are valiant, you are the dispeller of evil thoughts and companion of wisdom.

Kanchan Baran Biraaj Subesaa, Kanan kundal Kunchit Kesa

Your golden coloured physique is adored with beautiful garments, wearing ear-rings and with long curly hair.

Hath Bajra Aur Dhvaja Birjai, Kandhe Moonj Janeu Saage

The mace of Indra in one hand and the victory flag in the other are look like ornaments with the sacred thread made of Moonj (holy grass) across your shoulder.

Shankar Suvna Kesari Nandan, Tej Pratap Maha Jag Vandan

You are the descendant of Shiva and beloved son of Kesari,You brighten the entire world with your might

Vidyavaan Guni Ati Chatur, Ram Kaj Karibe Ko Atur

You are full of knowledge and wisdom and very clever, always very keen to do the work of Shree Ram,

Prabhu Charitra Sunibe Ko Rasiya,Ram Lakhan Sita Man Basyia

You are always keen to hear stories of your beloved Lord Ram. In your heart always dwell Ram, Lakshman and Sita

Sukshma Roop Dhari Siyahi Dikhwana, Bikat Roop Dhari Lank Jarawa

In a diminutive form you successfully located Sita, showed your awesome image while setting Lanka on fire

Bhim Roop Dhari Asur Sanhare, Ramchandra Ke Kaaj Savare.

Like your incarnation as Bhim (in Mahabharata) you destroyed demons in Lanka and performed all duties of Shree Ram with velour.

Laye Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyaye, Shri Raghubir Harashi Urlaye.

You brought the Sanjivani (herb that revives life) which revived Lakshman; Shree Ram gave you a loving embrace as his heart was full of joy.

Raghupati Kinhi Bahut Badaai, Tum Mama Priya Bharat Sam Bahi.

Lord Ram lustily extolling your virtues and said ‘you are as dear to me as my brother Bharat’

Sahastra Badan Tumharo Jas Gaave, Asa Kahi Shripati Kanth Laagave.

Repeatedly chanting your fame saying thus Lord again lovingly embraced you

Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa, Narad Sarad Sahit Aheesa

Prophets like Sanak and sages, saints. Lord Brahma, the great hermits Narad himself, Goddess Saraswati along with Sheshnag the cosmic serpent (are all singing your glories)

Jam Kuber Digpal Jahan Te, Kabi Kabid Kahin Sake Kahan Te

Even gods like Yamraj (God of Death), Kuber (God of Wealth) and Digpals (deputies guarding the four corners of the Universe) are singing your praise, so how can then poets and writers express your glories.

Tum Upkar Sugrivahi Keenha, Ram Miali Rajpad Deenha

You did a great favour to Sugriva by arranging his meeting with Shree Ram who helped him to regain his kingdom

Tumharo Mantro Bibhishan Maana, Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag Jaana

By heeding your advice Vibhishan became the Lord of Lanka which is known all over the universe.

Juug Sahastra Jojan Par Bhaanu, Leelyo Taahi Madhur Phal Jaanu

The Sun shining brightly thousands miles away still you (reached it easily) gulped it thinking it was nectar like fruit.

Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukha Maaheen, Jaladhi Langhi Gaye Acharaj Naheen

While carrying the Lord's ring in your mouth,You do not cease to amaze when you easily leaped across ocean

Durgam Kaaj Jagat Ke Jeete, Sugam Anugrah Tumhre Te Te

(You have set an example) Selfless service in helping others in their difficult tasks, are bound to ensure that your own tasks will be completed by the grace of the Lord.

Ram Duware Tum Rakhavare, Hot Na Aagya Bin Paisare

You are the sentinel at the door of Ram's divine abode; no one may enter without your permission.

Sab Sukh Lahen Tumhari Sarna, Tum Rakshak Kaahu Ko Darnaa

By your grace one can enjoy all happiness and under your protection no one need have any fear.

Aapan Tej Samharo Aapei, Tenau Lok Hank Se Kanpei

Only you can control your brightness, your roar sends thunders in all the three worlds

Bhoot Pisaach Nikat Nahi Avei, Mahabir Jab Naam Sunavei

Ghosts and evil spirits keep away from your devotees who recite your name

Nasei Rog Hare Sab Peera, Japat Niranter Hanumant Beera

Diseases and sufferings start to disappear on reciting regularly your glories Hanuman

Sankat Se Hanuman Chhudavei, Man Kram Bachan Dhyan Jo Lavei

Devotees who regularly sincerely meditate your name in thought, word and deed are protected during crisis in their lives.

Sub Par Ram Tapasvee Raaja, Tinke Kaaj Sakal Tum Saaja

All who worship Shree Ram as the Supreme Lord, you also help them improve their lives or successfully complete tasks

Aur Manorath Jo Koi Lave, Soi Amit Jivan Phal Pave

All devotees who bring sincere wishes you bestow your blessings to bring them to fruition

Charo Juung Partap Tumhara, Hai Parsiddha Jagat Ujiyara

Your magnificent glory is acclaimed through the four ages and your fame is radiantly noted all over the cosmos.

Sadho Sant Ke Tum Rakhvare, Asur Nikandan Ram Dulare

You are the guardian angel of saints and sages,Seraphic darling of Shree Ram you help in destroying all the demons

Ashta Siddhi Nau Nidhi Ke Data, Asa Bar Din Janki Mata

You have the powers to grant eight siddhis (relating to spiritual enhancement such as greatness, divinity, etc) and nine nidhis (relating to resources and good relationships) a boon conferred onto you by Mother Janki (Sita)

Ram Rasayan Tumhare Pasa, Sadaa Raho Raghupati Ke Dasa

You hold the essence of true devotion to Shree Ram, although you always remain his loyal servant.

Tumhare Bhajan Ramko Pavei, Janam Janam Ke Dukh Bisravei

Offering devotional hymns in your name attains Lord Ram and liberated from suffering the pains of several birth cycles

Anta Kaal Raghubar Pur Jai, Jahan Janma Hari Bhakta Kahai

At time of death if one who recites the name of Shree Ram, you help them to remain a devotee in the new births on earth.
Eventually help them to the divine abode of Shree Ram

Aur Devata Chitt Na Dharai, Hanumant Sei Sarva Sukh Karai

You need not hold any other gods in mind, Hanumanji alone is capable to give all happiness.

Sankat Kate Mitey Sab Peera, Jo Sumirei Hanumant Balbeera

Liberate us from all sufferings and pains by meditating in your name O powerful Hanumanji

Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai, Kripa Karahu Gurudev Ki Naiee

Hail-Hail-Hail-Lord Hanumanji! I beseech you the honour to bless me in the capacity of being my supreme Guru (spiritual teacher).

Jo Sat Baar Paath Kar Koi, Chhutahi Bandi Maha Sukh Hoi.

One who recites this Hanuman Chalisa one hundred times will become free from the bondage of life and death and enjoys the highest bliss at last.

Jo Yah Padhe Hanuman Chalisa, Hoy Siddhi Sakhi Gaurisa

All those who recite Hanuman Chalisa regularly are sure to be beneficed, as witnessed by Shiva

Tulsidas Sada Hari Chera, Keeje Nath Hriday Mah Dera

Tulsidas always the servant of Lord prays O my Lord reside always in my heart.
Doha

Pavan Tanay Sankat Haran, Mangal Murti Roop; Raam Lakhan Siya Sahit, Hirdya Basao Sur Bhoop

Son of the wind, dispeller of all calamities,The very embodiment of all blessings together with Rama, Lakshman and Sita
Always dwell in my heart.

Popular Culture

A song from a Bollywood movie London Dreams, starring Salman Khan
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 and Ajay Devgan
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, and Life Ho To Aisi starring Shahid Kapoor
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, Amrita Rao
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, Sanjay Dutt
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 and Arshad Warsi
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. In the movie 1920
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(directed by Vikram Bhatt
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), Hanuman Chalisa is frequently used in different scenes. These movies have a part/or the entirety of the Hanuman Chalisa.

The script of Hanuman Chalisa is used in many Indian movies. It's said that chanting Hanuman Chalisa defeats all evils and gives us strength and peace.

External links

The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.
 
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